Child Life Helps Distract Children In Tough Situations

By: | WSPA-TV
Published: April 16, 2009

At Greenville Hospital System they have people especially trained in ways to distract children and help them cope with tough situations.

Emily Kear with Child Life services says, "We focus on talking to them in a language they can understand about exactly what is happening and focusing on the sensory information. What they are going to see, smell, feel, taste and hear."

Emily Kear says she usually explains the process through toys or dolls. Letting the child know what is going to happen gives them a sense of control.

She says, "It gives you something to focus on and acknowledges that this is a hard experience but I know I can get through it if I have a plan."

She says once they know what will happen they are more easily distracted. Child Life experts use toys that trigger the child's senses from toys that feel interesting to music and lights.
She says that's important for parents when they want their child to have a good experience. Focus on the environment around them, which could be as simple as bringing a blanket and a pillow that have the smells of home.
She adds that while these unpleasant experiences aren't ever going to be fun you can lessen the blow.

She says, "How quickly do they recover? If they are still crying a half hour after the even then they probably aren't coping well at all but if afterwards they are like okay I am done they regroup they go back to playing. That is a positive sign."

That is exactly the experience Erika is having even getting a cat scan without having to be sedated.
The folks at Child Life say you can use these techniques at home to help your children, whether they are headed off to summer camp or just going to the dentist.
Show them what to expect by playing dolls.
Play loud sounds for them like they might hear so they are prepared.
They also say focus on the environment around them. Find something like a blanket or pillow your child can take that smells like home.