Pediatric Coping Strategies Series

Welcome to the blog dedicated to pediatric coping strategies!  Coping strategies can best be defined as tools that are used to consciously reduce fear, stress, or anxiety.  Coping strategies can be used in the moment during a stressful point in time or they can be used generally as a way to help us reach a more relaxed state of calm.  

As Child Life Specialists, we know there are many stressors in the medical environment.  For some children, it’s getting a shot or an IV placed.  For others, there can be a fear of anesthesia.  I personally get anxious about COVID tests because the nose area is so sensitive! Certainly, different aspects of the healthcare experience can impact us differently.  And, not every coping coping strategy works for every individual.  In this series,  I will be introducing 6 different coping strategies that can be utilized by children of all ages.  These include distraction tools, guided imagery, breathwork, relaxation practices, comfort positioning, and music therapy. 

As mentioned before, some of these pediatric coping strategies can be used when a child is feeling anxious or stressed; when discussing these, please keep in mind that preparation and education are still essential.  As Child Life Specialists, we want to first address the stressor or event that is going to happen.  Next, we want to ensure that the child understands what is coming and has all their questions answered.  Then, we discuss coping strategies.  Pediatric coping strategies are not a stand alone tool that we try to use to “get patients through things.” They are not as effective if we don’t have honest conversations beforehand. 

Stay tuned for the first blog post that is dedicated to distraction tools!