The Importance Of Play For Your Child In Hospital

Key points about playing while in hospital

• play is familiar and reassuring for your child
• being able to play while in hospital means your child can continue an aspect of their normal life

How can playing while in hospital help my child?

Play is familiar and reassuring. It's how tamariki make sense of the world around them.

In hospital, it helps tamariki to:

• learn and develop
• feel less anxious
• express their feelings and worries
• understand what is happening
• cope with treatment

It provides an opportunity for your child to make choices so that they can have a sense of some control.

Being able to play while in hospital means that tamariki can continue an aspect of their normal life.

Are there play areas for my child in hospital?

Many hospitals have play specialists who can give you suggestions about how best to prepare your child.

In the ward, your healthcare team will show you the playroom or play area. There will be toys, games, craftwork, books and other activities available. There will probably be a 'medical kit' for your child to play with. Playing with real or pretend medical equipment helps tamariki become confident with things that are usually unfamiliar to them. This can lessen feelings of fear.

What you can do:

• visit the playroom or play area frequently with your child
• enjoy some of the activities together
• help your child choose some items to take to their room if they are not feeling like playing in the playroom

Who are play specialists?

A play specialist is a person whose qualifications may include early childhood education, teaching and extra training so that they can meet the special needs of tamariki in hospital.

What is the play specialist's role?

The hospital play specialist's role is to provide programmes and support for tamariki in hospital. The play specialist may provide activities that encourage creativity, exploration and learning. They may also provide sessions that prepare tamariki for procedures and treatments.

Can the play specialist help me to prepare my child for a treatment?

Yes. The play specialist can go through a list of techniques and they can help you and your child to choose from the list and practise these before the treatment.

Find out about techniques to help your child with cancer treatment

Can the play specialist support my child during a treatment if I can't be present?

Yes. The play specialist knows how to use distraction during a treatment and a range of other techniques.

Find out how to support your child before, during and after cancer treatment

Can the play specialist support me during my child's treatment?

Yes. You can ask the play specialist to stay with you while your child is having the treatment.

What can the play specialist do to help my child after the treatment?

The play specialist can work with your child after the treatment to help them talk about the experience and their feelings.

What should I bring from home?

The hospital ward will have a selection of toys, games, books and other activities which you are welcome to use. It will also be comforting for your child if they can have some of their own things with them. 

It is a good idea to bring your child's favourite toys, books and games into hospital. Mark or name your child's toys, books and games and keep them in the locker beside the bed. Speak to your nurse or play specialist if you would like any help from the play specialist at any time.

Read more about coping with cancer treatment and hospital

Read more about childhood cancer