Meet Megan, a Certified Child Life Specialist.
“As a CCLS, being able to assess and meet children where they are and work with them through their worries and fears is an invaluable trait. Advocacy, play, preparation, education, and support are a few of the ways we can help promote positive coping skills in children. These learned skills are transferable, whether in or out of the hospital (and to be honest, I think that is a piece of child life that often gets overlooked).
Once a child discovers what they need in their ‘coping toolbox’ they can take that ‘toolbox’ to their doctor’s appointments, dental visits, and even when meeting new friends or trying a new hobby. There are so many uncertainties that may follow a family through their child’s hospital admission, but allowing the opportunity for kids to be kids should always be certain.
enCourage Kids Foundation shows up for these families by allowing kids to be kids. Their Bears programs may seem small to the outside world, but a Certified Child Life Specialist knows this program’s impact. A teddy bear may seem like “just” a soft and cuddly stuffy, but as a CCLS I know that it’s not just a bear; that’s an opportunity for connection. An opportunity to use the teddy bear to teach, prepare, play, and support. An opportunity to teach about their diagnosis or injury. An opportunity to prepare that child for what they can expect. An opportunity to let a child lead the conversation through play. An opportunity to support the child, to help reduce anxiety, and to work through worries. An opportunity to answer lingering questions that the child might still have. It is more than just a teddy bear. It’s the opportunity for mastery and control.”
To support child life specialists like Megan and the hospitalized children they serve, donate today.
https://lnkd.in/e9v4u2UX
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