Play is one of the most powerful tools for a child life specialist. Assessing the situation, the ages of the children, their stress levels. and what developmental stage they are at will be key in when providing the appropriate intervention. When children are playing they experience many things, “Play is an arena in a health care setting in which children can exert power and make choices. Adults may control the space and restrict time, but children have the tools of fantasy and imagination. With these tools, play opens a window through which children can process their experiences, present and past,and grasp new meaning” (Thompson, R. H. (2009). As the children enter different developmental stages, their play changes as well.

Children ages two through seven enter the world of make believe play. “Socio-dramatic play for preschoolers often has themes beginning with the simple imitation of adults and moving through intensification of real-life roles, home relationships, expression of physical and emotional needs and forbidden impulses, and the reversal of roles”  (Thompson, R. H. (2009). Some activities that could benefit the this age group would be, putting out dolls, kitchen set, stuffed animals, and have opportunities for the children to express themselves through socio-dramatic play.

For children who are ages seven through thirteen they enjoy play that is more structured and rule orientated. Some activities and games include, “Complementary role games, such as construction projects, puppet shows, word games, and chants, and competitive role games, such as card, board, and computer games as well as organized physical games,become a major component of the play of school-age children” (Thompson, R. H. (2009).

Using these different types of play to accommodate children who are going through this difficult time will help to reduce stress, and worries. It is important to keep in mind that not all children are going to be at the same developmental stages, and each child is unique and different. As a child life specialist it is important to, “match interactions and activities to the developmental level of the child, emotional state, and the individual needs of the child” (Official Documents of the Child Life Council. (2011). Understanding the developmental play stages in children will help these children while they are waiting for their parents. Play has may benefits but it is extremely useful in the hospital setting to help them cope.

References:

Official Documents of the Child Life Council. (2011). Retrieved July 19, 2016, from file:///C:/Users/courtney/Downloads/CLC Official Docs_Password Protected 2015 _Ch_ldlif3_ (2).pdf

Thompson, R. H. (2009). The Handbook of Child Life : A Guide for Pediatric Psychosocial Care. Springfield, Ill: Charles C Thomas.