Pediatric Recreation Therapy and Child Life Services

Children face many stresses during hospitalization, including separation from family, friends, pets and home, as well as unfamiliar procedures and staff, and a loss of privacy and independence. Recreational Therapy/Child Life therapists help children feel less anxious, more social, less bored and generally more comfortable with their hospital experience. Using familiar, developmentally appropriate toys, games, crafts and special events, children have opportunities to meet other children and learn positive coping skills during their hospital stay.

At Beaumont Children’s Hospital, activities available to patients and their families at no charge include

• Group and individual activities: Fun activities to encourage positive coping skills and to motivate and support children and their families throughout hospitalization
• Special events and parties: Holiday parties and other special events to create special memories
• Relaxation and Reiki: Techniques to cope with medical procedures and help your child experience a deeper sense of relaxation
• Medical procedure coping education: Medical play and support for procedures to help you and your child
• Find-a-Friend: A new plush toy greets each child entering the exam room. Children can engage in medical play or use the toy for comfort during procedures. And it’s theirs to keep.
• Arts and crafts: Craft projects are always ready for children to complete in their rooms. Creative expression activities include journaling, painting and clay modeling, which can assist with expression of feelings and the development of positive coping skills.
• Bravery beads and cheer-up charms:  A keepsake program for children hospitalized with long- and short-term illnesses
• Book cart: Children choose a new book to keep (sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Officials for Kids)
• Animal-assisted therapy: Furry visits from therapy dogs twice monthly
• Storytelling: Enchanting stories told at your child’s bedside weekly
• Massage therapy: Providing comfort for children experiencing extended hospitalizations
• Children’s Garden: State-of-the-art entertainment technology and a whimsical, child-friendly atmosphere for the whole family
• Movies and video games: A huge movie and game library for children of all ages
• Computer access: All pediatric Intensive Care Unit rooms and pediatric isolation rooms have a bedside computer for Internet access.  Mobile computers are also available for use in the playroom or in patient rooms.
• Reach Out and Read: A national program designed to encourage early literacy.  Children visiting the Pediatric Clinic for well-child visits receive a new book at each visit.

Recreational therapists also work with the Diabetes Youth Support Group and Cool Kids Camp, a day camp for children with diabetes.

To learn more, visit About Beaumont Children’s Hospital, Specialties and Services, and Patients and Families