Inside the World of Child Life Specialists with Chris Bivins

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, I’m joined by Chris Bivins, Child Life Specialist, to talk about the essential role Child Life professionals play in pediatric healthcare settings. We explore how Child Life Specialists help children and families navigate the challenges of illness, injury, and hospitalizations—ensuring that kids develop emotionally and socially, even amid medical treatments. We also discuss the powerful tools they utilize, how they collaborate with care teams and families, and what resources are available when a Child Life Specialist isn’t on site.

Chris Bivins is a seasoned Child Life Specialist who discovered her passion for working with children and their families in hospitals during her college years. Originally on the path to medical school, Chris was inspired by her work in a hospital playroom to advocate for and support kids’ psychosocial and developmental needs throughout their medical journeys. Her experience spans emergency, ICU, clinics, and community hospitals, guiding families through difficult moments and helping children cope with diagnoses and procedures.

“You want to be truthful. You want to build and maintain their trust… giving them options, giving them some amount of control over the things that they can have control over.” ~Chris Bivins

Today on Beyond the Bleeds:

• Child Life Specialists prioritize children’s developmental and psychosocial needs, ensuring medical care doesn’t overshadow emotional growth.
• Play is central to how Child Life interacts with kids, making medical experiences less intimidating and more understandable.
• Honest, age-appropriate explanations and preparation for procedures can help reduce fear, promote trust, and empower children.
• Child Life Specialists support not just patients, but siblings and caregivers, by advocating for safe spaces and clear communication.
• Collaboration is key: Child Life professionals work closely with nurses, doctors, social workers, therapists, and teachers to tailor support to each family.
• Providing children with choices during medical procedures helps foster their autonomy and comfort.
• While Child Life programs are most commonly found in children’s hospitals, resources and referrals can often be accessed through the Association of Child Life Professionals, and some specialists offer private or telehealth services.
• The field is growing, with Child Life skills and philosophies being used in adult and geriatric care settings as well as traditional pediatric environments.

Guest Contact Information:

Chris BivinsCenter for Suicide AwarenessCertified Child Life SpecialistsResources Mentioned:

• Association of Child Life Professionals• American Academy of Pediatrics Position Paper on Child Life• Edgewood College Child Life Programs• University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point Child Life Certificate

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