Five Ways Childhood Cancer Patients Cope with Play
Did you know play can be the key to helping childhood cancer patients feel in control and at ease when a cancer diagnosis turns their world upside-down?
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are child development experts that typically work in a healthcare setting to support kids and families as they deal with the anxiety and stress that comes with hospitalization.
CCLSs Emily Capron and Allie Jones speak to the importance of play in helping a child cope with hospitalization and provide insights on how you can support your child through play.
Emily Capron and Allie Jones are Certified Child Life Specialists at Roswell Park Oishei Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Program in Buffalo, NY.
5 Benefits of Play
1. Play helps children cope and process their emotions.
Therapeutic play sessions in the hospital make emotional expression a lot easier, allowing children to process their thoughts and feelings. Children like Olivianna can find comfort through play, giving the resilience necessary to persevere through challenging procedures and treatments.
2. Play helps kids understand their diagnosis and treatment journey.
Medical play is a type of play that Child Life Specialists use to teach patients about their procedures. Children can understand each step of the procedure and feel prepared for something that previously felt scary and unknown to them.
For example, a Child Life Specialist can use teaching dolls in play sessions to help a child understand what their first dressing change will be like. The child can pretend to be the nurse by using real medical items.
3. Play normalizes the hospital environment.
Play is something that a child does in their everyday life. By bringing play into the hospital setting, the routine, activities, and personal choices a child is used to at home are integrated into the experience. This allows for kids to be kids!
4. Play creates a safe space for kids to interact with peers.
Playroom events such as summer-themed activities or arts and crafts gives patients something to look forward to. Kids can play with peers who are going through similar medical experiences and truly understand what one another is going through, helping them feel less alone and supported emotionally.
5. Play creates an environment for patients to build trust.
Child Life Specialists play with a purpose! For example, when Child Life Specialists make slime or draw a picture with a patient, it creates an environment where the child feels comfortable opening up and talking. The child can feel safe asking questions about upcoming procedures, clearing up misconceptions while building trust.
Advice for Parents - The Importance of Play
1. Incorporate play into your child's routine at the hospital.
Just like when a child plays at home, it is important for them to play while at the hospital too.
Giving your child choices about which activity or toy they want to play with allows them to have control in an environment where they have little control over.
2. If you need help incorporating play into your child’s routine, reach out to your hospital’s healthcare team members.
If you need help adapting play due to limitations your child might be facing in the hospital, reach out to your hospital’s Child Life Specialist or other healthcare team members. They are always happy to help navigate those challenges!
“Giving your child choices in which activity or toy they can play with allows them to have control in an environment they have little control over.”
- Emily Capron and Allie Jones
Play All Day with Starlight Programs
Starlight exists to make the hospital an easier place for kids to be. Our programs are carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of kids, providing a supportive environment that aids their comprehensive care.
Emily and Allie utilize Starlight programs when helping pediatric cancer patients play in the hospital. Their favorite programs are the Starlight Nintendo Switch Handhelds and Starlight Toy Deliveries!
“When a patient is in their room and does not feel well enough to come to the playroom, they can still enjoy playing video games right from the comfort of their room ... Patients always get so excited when they come into the playroom and see new toys for them to play with, it really makes a big difference.” - Emily and Allie
There are 15,000 kids diagnosed with cancer each year. Navigating childhood cancer can be a long journey that is both complex and challenging. Provide necessary tools and resources for parents and their children so that they can navigate this journey with courage and confidence.
Empower seriously ill kids with the benefits of play by donating to Starlight today.
