Explain like I’m 5: The Child Life difference
At a glance
- The Child Life team at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital translates medical jargon into kid-friendly language
- Child life specialists also offer emotional support, ensuring kids can still be kids
- Mary Bridge Children’s is celebrating 45 years of the Child Life program
At MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, we believe that knowledge is power. But how can children drink from the fountain of knowledge when they hear big medical terms like neutropenia, anesthesia or dehydration? They may be left wondering, “What are they talking about?”
Bottom line: Kids are naturally curious and have vivid imaginations. So we don’t leave them in the dark about what’s happening, nor inundate them with medical jargon. That’s where our Child Life Services team comes in, translating each hospital experience into kid-friendly language that helps children build confidence, find coping skills and feel empowered in their care.
Advocating for kids and families
Fluent in “kid speak,” including all the latest video games, TV shows and pop culture, the Child Life team uses words and tools that make sense to children to support conversations about fears, medical equipment and hospital procedures. They explain what’s going to happen in surgery or during treatment, in an age-appropriate way, while simultaneously holding space in case silliness or laughter strikes.
More than just a comforting presence, child life specialists represent wraparound emotional support that increases understanding and decreases misconceptions about health care. They ensure that kids have room to continue being kids, despite the fear and uncertainty of life-threatening illness, injury and treatments — and that no child faces any part of their medical journey alone.
These feelings of isolation aren’t limited to patients. Siblings often feel left out, when in reality they have a vital role in the healing process. Kristen Bishop, senior child life specialist in the Mary Bridge Children’s Hematology/Oncology Clinic, sees this regularly and works with patients’ siblings to ensure they understand the situation and where they can go for answers or support.
“It’s scary when a brother or sister is sick,” she says. “We recognize that the experience of a sibling truly is unique. We want them to feel included and hope they feel connected to their family, even when they’re apart.”
Encouraging self-expression, personalizing care
Julie Hertzog, child life manager, knows she can count on her team to keep the child’s voice in the conversation and care plan. Each child life specialist partners closely with doctors, nurses, social workers and families to make sure a child’s emotional and developmental needs are met.
Today that might involve decorating a matching cast for stuffed animals. Tomorrow it might mean discussing an alternative medication with a schedule more amenable to summer camp. By personalizing care, Child Life helps children feel seen, understood and in better control of whatever they’re going through.
Celebrating 45 years of Child Life at Mary Bridge
March is Child Life Month, marking 45 years of this donor-supported program. In honor of the difference they make, we passed the mic to our Child Life department to reflect on their advocacy and care.
Kendall Baker 
“In the hospital, every team member is an expert in something. Doctors are experts in medicine; social workers are experts in resources; nurses are experts in bedside care; and parents are experts in their children. As a child life specialist, I have the opportunity to empower parents and caregivers to voice their concerns, be involved in care plans and advocate for what they think is best for their child. The hospital can be a new and unknown place for both patients and parents, and I aim to provide clarity in the ways that parents can still provide the comfort and support to their child that they typically would at home.”
Kristen Bishop 
“Parents and caregivers are essential partners in the work we do. Their insight, knowledge, perspective and previous experiences help us create a collaborative plan of care to best support both the child and family in that moment. Sometimes parents can feel lost or unsure of their role in a procedure. We want to be sure they can be the closest person to their child, providing comfort and care in the midst of distress. The partnership we have can create positive experiences and help empower parents to advocate for their child at future visits or appointments.”
Jennifer Cazares
“On my most challenging days, I find solace in taking a moment to recenter myself. I reflect on the deep honor and privilege it is to be allowed into the lives of patients, witnessing their stories, joy moments and struggles. This perspective brings me compassion and appreciation for the resilience of children. Engaging with children at their level, genuinely listening to how they perceive their world and collaboratively exploring the challenges, fears and thrills they experience is an incredible journey!”
Valerie Chance
“I work in the surgery department at Mary Bridge hospital and help patients and families feel comfortable and prepared before they head to the OR (operating room). One thing I really enjoy is getting to partner with the parents and discovering the one thing that makes their child unique — corny jokes, dinosaurs, you name it! Whatever it might be, it can make a huge difference! The OR nurses love having a subject or topic to discuss with their patient, and the parents appreciate staff taking an interest.”
Lou Ann League 
“As a child life coordinator, I wear many hats, and I have the privilege of getting to know families in a very different way from our child life specialists. Often parents and caregivers and even patients, despite all they are going through, want to give back to Mary Bridge. It’s humbling to hear them express their gratitude as they share their stories, which is a huge tribute to our Mary Bridge staff as a whole! I get to partner with families who keep coming back to donate regularly long after a patient is discharged. I’m also partnering with families to seek their perspectives and learn from them while serving on our Pediatric Family Advisory Council, which has been another rewarding experience during my child life journey.”
Partnering with parents and caregivers
Through her team’s unique encounters with patients, Hertzog can also provide real-time feedback and insights to hospital and clinical leadership on ways to improve the experience for all who walk through Mary Bridge Children’s doors.
Hertzog facilitates the Patient and Family Advisory Council, which meets regularly to ensure family voices are heard in hospital decision-making. If you’re 16 years or older and have an interest in helping us improve the health care experience for patients and families, please email Julie Hertzog for additional information.
At Mary Bridge Children’s, child life is about more than just making the hospital experience easier — it’s about partnering with families to create an environment where children feel safe, understood and empowered. Every day, this team works tirelessly to ensure that kids can still be kids, no matter what challenges they face.
