Child Life Services
We recognize a child’s need for a comforting and soothing environment. That’s why we provide programs that address the unique needs of children. Our certified Child Life Specialists help patients and their families adjust to the hospital setting. Whether it’s explaining medical procedures to a child or providing siblings with art supplies so they can decorate the hospital room, our Child Life team helps keep life as ordinary as possible.

We understand that playing can be an important part of healing. So Child Life Services also coordinates our playrooms and teen rooms to provide a break from the hospital routine. These rooms are fun-only zones and safe havens from medical procedures and the stress of being sick. Playrooms stocked with games and toys offer planned activities and free playtime. Teen rooms offer pool tables, foosball, computers, music and video games to give older kids a place to relax.

Because research indicates that children who are prepared for medical treatment are better able to handle the experience, Child Life Specialists psychologically prepare children for cardiac surgery, heart catheterizations or other procedures. Techniques include age-appropriate explanations, preadmission tours of the hospital and cardiac intensive care unit, and opportunities for hands-on learning with medical equipment, using special teaching dolls. Medical play enables Child Life Specialists to clear up a child’s misconceptions about surgery or a procedure.

Medical City Children’s Hospital strongly believes in family-centered care—and Child Life Specialists are a major part of our effort. For example, they provide support for siblings who can be affected by a child’s illness or hospital stay.

For more information—including tips that you can use to help prepare your child for a trip to the hospital—please visit the more detailed Child Life Services page.

Family Support Group
Families who have a child diagnosed with a heart defect can benefit from the understanding of people in the same situation. That’s why parents of our former patients run a congenital heart support group called Amazing Little Hearts. This passionate group of families meets monthly to share experiences, encouragement, advice and support. They also research and share information online. Their mission is to provide families affected by congenital heart disease the same loving care and compassionate support that they receive from Medical City Children’s Hospital.

Please visit www.amazinglittlehearts.com to read about the support Amazing Little Hearts gives to families of children with congenital heart defects.

Please contact Amy Tankersly, Pediatric Social Worker, at 972-566-4987 or Amy Dodge, Child Life Specialist, at 972-566-4735 for more information. You may also contact your child’s cardiologist about joining the support group.