Children and teenagers will experience unfamiliar procedures while in the hospital. Learning about procedures and exploring them in a safe environment can actually make them less intimidating. Child Life Specialists provide medical play to help children and teenagers understand these procedures and why they are needed. Child Life Specialists use dolls and real medical equipment to allow the child/ teen familiarize themselves, explore, and gain a sense of control. Many children/ teens can have misconceptions about why they are hospitalized and separated from their families. Children may even feel as though they have done something wrong. This simple “hands on” experience during play can help clear up these misconceptions and relieve anxiety for the child/ teen.