Kohl's Child Life Program - Relaxation During Procedures

 

Teaching patients how to manage their pain during procedures is an important role of Child Life specialists. Using distraction tools, such as kaleidoscopes, bubbles or music, Child Life specialists help children relax and take their mind off their discomfort.

Child Life specialists work closely with patients and their families on relaxation techniques to support children and help them manage their own pain.

Here are some toys and techniques that we use to help distract and comfort children during procedures:

Infants (0-12 months)

• Music.
• Rattles.
• Pacifiers.
• Bubbles.
• Mobiles.
• Musical toys.
• Touch.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

• Bubbles
• Music.
• Singing.
• Magic wands.
• Pinwheels.
• Musical/light-up toys.
• Board books/storybooks.

Preschoolers (3-6 years)

• I-Spy Books.
• Party blowers.
• Bubbles.
• Kaleidoscopes.
• Magic wands.
• Viewmaster.
• Music.
• Pop-up books.
• Squeeze toys.
• Singing.
• Pinwheels.
• Movies.

School Age (7-11 years)

• Electronic games.
• Music.
• Jokes/riddles.
• Squeeze toys.
• Movies.
• Deep breathing.
• Imagery.
• Spelling/counting.

Adolescents (12-18 years)

• Music.
• Guided imagery.
• Movies.
• Squeeze toys.
• Electronic games.

Kohl's Child Life Program
Preparing children for procedures
Therapeutic play
Support for the whole family
Pre-admission tours
Exploring the Child Life profession
Special group and entertainment visits