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Upcoming Events
The Teddy Bear Clinic will be on Saturday, 3/17/12 from 10am-noon
The Diabetes Education Program for School Nurses will be on Saturday, 3/31/12
A Day in the (Child) Life
It’s 2pm on a Monday and the playroom is busy. Two kids are at a table drawing pictures, a few are at the play cash register, another is sprawled on the floor building a train track. Micaela Francis, CCLS, one of Joslin’s two Child Life Specialists, holds out green “dollar bills” and some old credit cards. “I’m going shopping,” she says. “Who wants some money so they can come shopping with me?” Several kids run up and take the dollar bills out of her hand. A girl looks shocked: “But they took all your money!” “That’s okay,” responds Micaela, “I have these credit cards, and each one has a million dollars on it.” That gets the attention of the whole room. She picks up a doll baby and a box of diabetes supplies. “I have to buy some things for my baby. What diabetes supplies should I buy to take care of her? “A finger pricker!” one child shouts to Jen Griffin, MS, CCLS, the other Child Life Specialist.
Describe a typical session with a patient.
Micaela Francis: We try to engage patients and siblings in activities that incorporate diabetes education first so we can gain a sense of how they are coping with this complicated illness. We can use the precious time while they are in the playroom to correct any misconceptions, fears, or worries they may have about diabetes through medical, therapeutic, and expressive play.
Jen Griffin: Play allows children to take control over a situation where they don’t have a lot of control.
Can you give an example of how you correct misconceptions?
MF: Sometimes a child will try to put a syringe in a doll’s head. We’ll ask things like, “Do you get your medicine in your head like that or does mom and dad put your medicine in your belly or bum?” What does it feel like?”
JG: We let the kids take the lead, allowing them to play through their understanding. How do you use conversation to educate?
MF: We try to keep it casual. We’ll ask “How’s school? What sports do you play?”
JG: Then we may direct the child to talk about their peers. “What do your friends ask about your diabetes? Do you bring a friend with you to the nurse’s office?”
MF: We want the children to see the playroom as a safe and nonthreatening environment so we do not pressure them- that opens the door for the kids to tell us about their thoughts and feelings.
What made you decide to become a Child Life Specialist?
JG: When I was in high school, a friend of mine was diagnosed with leukemia. I had a hard time figuring out how to interact with him when he was in the hospital. I started bringing games with me to visit him. I studied Psychology in college, and when I went to an info session on what to do with a Psychology major, I learned about child life.
MF: In high school, I volunteered at a summer camp for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. It was there that I learned about the child life profession. I always knew I wanted to work with children, and I loved the medical field. When I found that I could combine my two passions, I knew Child Life was my calling. Everyday I continue to love what I do.
Are there any techniques you’d like to share with families to try at home?
MF: If the child is nervous about pump site changes, have everything ready beforehand and provide the child with some distraction while changing the site– like a stuffed animal, sing a song, or practice saying the ABC’s. Offer the child options and provide the child with some control.
JG: For example, let the child count to five before the insertion, or let the child clean the site area.
MF: Don’t misrepresent diabetes visits or treatment tasks to the child. If he/she asks if he/she’s going to get a blood draw at the appointment, rather than say “no,” mention the doctor or nurse will decide what is needed. And remind the child there are many ways to get help and support at the visit.
JG: Also, we’re always happy to talk to older kids and teens about their worries or concerns. Is there anything in particular that the Joslin playroom needs? MF & JG: Markers, coffee filters, construction paper, glitter, colored pencils, fun Band-Aids™, foam projects/shapes, games (Sorry™, Candyland™, etc.), decks of cards, yarn/ribbon, Amazon gift carts, and of course donations of money to the playroom are always appreciated!
One by one, kids enter the playroom and immediately choose an activity, helping themselves to markers, toy cars, or the play doctor equipment. One little boy plays by himself for awhile, but as soon as the cash register is free, he runs over and sits in front of it, next to Micaela. “What do you want to buy?” he asks. When his parents come to take him home, he gives Micaela a big hug and blows her kisses as he and his family walk away. “He used to never want to come here,” Micaela says. “Now he runs straight to the playroom every time.” For more information on the services that Joslin’s Child Life Specialists can provide, feel free to call the clinic and ask for Jen or Micaela, or visit them in the playroom. -Georgia Feuer, BA
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