How Play Helps Children

Children use play as a way to express their fears and work out energy and anxiety.
Play offers a normal path to continued development and growth for all children.
Playing with familiar things helps relieve stress and normalize the hospital environment.
Children are also able to make choices and gain a sense of control. Many choices are taken away from a child in the hospital.
Play gives the child an opportunity to experience achievement and helps boost their self-esteem.
Constructive play provides a healthy outlet, relieves boredom and provides reassurance for parents.

Information

For more information about the Child Life Program at Shands Children's Hospital at UF, call 352.265.0111 ext. 46470.

child life program