I don't know how else to display this... but if you wish... look at Local News and then...

Easing Children during Hospital stays

That is exactly what I do as a profession...

I love my job, I can't even begin to express... I just came across this link and I was floored... I am so fortunate to be in this field. It has been in practice for years... although now it is growing fast and the recognition and respect becoming more alive.

Here's the link to our local news...

http://phoenix.cox.net/

I cant watch it for some reason, but it sounds like u've got a wonderful job.

I like talking to kids, they make me laugh

thesexofit said:

I was just surprised to see a mention... I believe you need Windows Media Player, or I just don't know how to post active media, which is true.

~Smile.

The Child Life field is growing at a seemingly quick pace... and within our hospital there are currently 10 in our office. A new Children's tower is in the making, the plans anyways... and we were just told last week that our office space will hold room for 24 Child Life people... which includes Certified teachers, which I am.

It just excites me.

!!!

Freespirit said:

Cool. Its great to see someone loving their job.

I hope UK has jobs like this.

If the video does not work... here is an definition anyways.

~Smile. Darn.

Picture from the Child Life Website.



Child life specialists help reduce the stress and anxiety that many children experience in hospital and healthcare settings. While the use of child life specialists has been mostly limited to hospitals, it is now more common to see them in pediatric physician and dental offices, outpatient clinics, counseling clinics, and any other environment that includes a pediatric population. Although children commonly experience psychosocial upset during and after these experiences, these responses can be modified through intervention in the form of child life services. Child life programs can reduce the stress experienced by children and families and enhance their abilities to cope effectively with and gain from potentially stressful situations. Knowledge and application of foundations in theories of child development, play, stress and coping, and family systems are the basis for child life professional practice.

Child life programs in health care settings promote optimum development of children and their families, to maintain normal living patterns and to minimize psychological trauma. Typically, child life professionals (1) supervise therapeutic and diversional play; (2) prepare children for and assist children during medical tests and procedures through education, rehearsal, and coping skill development; and (3) support families during hospitalization or challenging events. Child life professionals support a philosophy of "family centered care" in health care facilities.


[Edited 8/27/05 16:03pm]

Freespirit said:

Cool.

My mum helps mentally and phsically handicapped kids at a special school she works in.

Its right next to my dog walking field, and the fence is right next to the dirtpath. Anyway, if its lunchtime and Iam taking my dog out, the kids come running to the fence from their playground, everytime to see my dog Otis and the ball or stick I throw for him. They pet him through the fence. It breaks my heart. Seriously, i almost start crying. They say hello etc to me, and their faces just light up when they see otis. Its so cute.