What the heck is a Child Life Specialist?

That is probably what most of you were thinking while reading my first post, right? I am very surprised at how many people do not know what these professionals do, because it really is so very important. You see, a Child Life Specialist (CCLS) works in a pediatric health care setting, usually a Children's Hospital. They attend to the child's psychosocial care while the rest of the team is most concerned with their physical care. Yes, the physical care is important, but the biggest factor in who will survive or thrive during an illness or recovery from injury is the emotional state of the patient and members of the support system. The hospital is a scary place for anyone, but especially for children. They might wonder why their parents brought them to this big place with lots of unfamiliar noises and people poking and prodding them, or they might think they did something wrong and this is their punishment. Bottom line: They need someone who knows both the medical side of it all and how to explain it all in a way that children can understand to be a liaison between the rest of the medical team and the family. The CCLS will also provide any emotional support the family (parents, siblings and friends) might need. The Child Life Council has a great website with TONS of information on this profession, so go check it out-- www.childlife.org. It still surprises me when I tell someone I am hoping to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, and they get this blank look that just screams "I have no earthly idea what you are talking about, so I'm just going to nod my head and smile until you tell me." I hope this blog series helps repair that situation and provide more information to anyone interested.