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Helping Kids Cope with Hospitalization

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Being admitted to a hospital or visiting the hospital for a medical procedure can be an intimidating experience for children of all ages. Talking to a child ahead of time about what to expect can help alleviate some of the fear. At many children's hospitals, staff known as "child life specialists" help make the experience more pleasant for young patients.

In this interview with Becky Ceraul, Shannon Joslin, manager of child life services at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children, talks about why it is so important to help children cope with the many feelings they have about being sick and hospitalized. She also discusses the importance of creating a normal homelike environment within the hospital and the importance of play in helping a child heal.

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