Primary Objectives of Child Life and Play: Which statement is correct?

• A. to help the child cope with stress and anxiety of the hospital experience; to promote normal growth and development while in health care setting and after returning home
• B. to cure illness and provide medical treatment
• C. to entertain the family and staff only
• D. to reduce hospital length of stay

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how Child Life and Play programs support a child’s emotional well-being and development in the healthcare setting and after discharge. These services use developmentally appropriate preparation for procedures, therapeutic play, coping strategies, and family support to help reduce fear, anxiety, and distress. The goal is to promote normal growth and development despite the hospital experience, not to cure the illness or replace medical treatment. While providing comfort and entertainment for families and staff can occur, the primary focus is the child’s psychosocial health and ongoing development. Reducing the length of stay may happen as a downstream effect, but it is not the primary aim.