Children need more than medicine to get well.

Hospitals can be scary places for children - that is why we have one department whose sole purpose is to help children overcome their fears and provide comfort and security. It's called the Child Life department.

Our entire focus is children. We know that healing requires much more than medicine. It requires treating the whole child in order to encourage recovery. Certified Child Life specialists focus on the psychosocial needs of children, collaborating with parents and other members of the healthcare team to ease a child's fear and anxiety, encourage understanding and cooperation, advocate for family-centered care, promote normalization, consider the needs of patient and family members, support families confronting grief, and provide education and resources.

Specialists use play, art and music to help children deal with their questions and emotions. Through play, Child Life Specialists prepare children for surgery, offer distraction and medical play in times of anxiety, offer families bereavement support, and educate staff and family members on positioning children for comfort.

Watching bingo and trivia games on Le Bonheur's own Channel 8 is just one way a child can pass the time while healing. Special events are held frequently in the lobby, and games, toys and books can be found in the playrooms. A newly renovated teen room is also available for patients and their siblings over 13 years old. Each week, Child Life posts calendars in patient rooms describing activities in which patients and siblings can participate. Listed below are other services provided by the Child Life department at Le Bonheur Children's.

Child Life has also established an internship program for students pursuing a career as a Child Life specialist. Find out more.