Tag Archive for: Child Life Specialist

A bold-headed young toddler sits cross legged on a bed, surrounded by medical equipment. She is wearing blue trousers and a gown that is undone at the back and drapes forward. A woman crouching at the table holds both the child’s hands in her own, and they look intently at one another while a medical professional standing to the side prepares to begin a procedure.

One Voice: How Calm Coaching Transforms Children’s Medical Care

Children with retinoblastoma face frequent, stressful procedures that shape trust, pain perception, and medical experience long after treatment. Calm, coordinated support can change everything. WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, introduce One Voice – an approach that unifies coaching, empowers parents, and helps teams deliver safer, kinder care – with practical tools families and clinicians can use today.

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A young child sits calmly on a white chair, he is holding a light up distraction toy in his right hand, and his left hand is supported by his mother who is behind him. A medical team member with white gloves on is placing a brannula for intravenous access near the wrist of his left hand.

It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: How to Make Needle Procedures Kinder for Kids

Routine blood tests and immunizations often cause pain and fear. Retinoblastoma screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care involves countless needle procedures. It doesn’t have to hurt! Parents and professionals can bring comfort and calm to any needle procedure. Rb survivor and WE C Hope founder, Abby White; and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore practical, evidence-based ways to reduce needle pain and support healthy coping for babies and children.

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A child life specialist uses a unicorn horn-shaped bubble generator to distract a young girl and her father. She wears a brightly decorated black surgical cap, adorned with a flowery pink unicorn horn tiara, as well as a face mask, glasses, and surgical gloves. The father also wears a face mask and looks attentively at both the child life specialist and his daughter while securely holding the little girl. Dressed in shades of pink and surrounded by iridescent bubbles, she reaches out toward them with curious delight. In the background, a colourful mural features a smiling face, abstract shapes, and natural elements.

Distraction in Action: How to Build Kids’ Confidence and Comfort in Medical Care

Medical care can be overwhelming for children and their family, causing fear and distress. Without support, these experiences can escalate into medical trauma. WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore how simple distraction tools reduce anxiety, increase cooperation, and empower both children and caregivers to be calm, confident participants, even in complex medical care.

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A bald toddler sits on her mother’s lap during a port access procedure. Her back rests against her mother’s chest, and her head is turned up and back towards her mother, who is leaning down in conversation. Both mother and child are white. The nurse accessing the port is seen from behind and has fair hair.

Comfort Positions: How to Help Children Feel Safe and Supported During Medical Procedures

Medical procedures can be stressful for children, often leading to fear, resistance, and lasting anxiety. Comfort Positions offer a simple and powerful way to ease distress, ensuring a safer, more supportive experience for children, caregivers, and medical teams. WE C Hope CEO, Abby White, and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore how comfort positioning transforms medical care, fostering trust, cooperation, and emotional well-being.

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7 children co-create a group board game, supported by an adult. One of the children is adding to the board game with a marker

Child Life for All Ages: Empowering Children with Cancer to Thrive

Retinoblastoma is a challenging journey for children and their families, often deeply affecting emotional and physical well-being long after treatment ends. Tailored support enhances quality of life during cancer care and beyond. Rb survivor and WE C Hope founder, Abby White; and Child Life Specialist, Morgan Livingstone, explore how child life specialists empower children of all ages and their families to cope, heal, and thrive.

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