Play is an essential part of every child’s life, and it is important to offer this normal activity as much as possible. Allowing time for play has many benefits as it creates a safe place for peer interaction, fun, creativity, healing, coping, mastery, self-expression, achievement and learning- just to name a few! Play is vital to a child’s optimal growth and development. Child Life Specialists provide therapeutic activities each day in the play areas to help children express their feelings and adjust to the hospital. Group activities and times will be posted on calendars found in each play area and patient room. Play areas are located on each floor and in the outpatient clinics. You and your child are invited to use the play areas any time you are at St. Jude.
Please contact the Child Life department at ext. 3020 with any questions.