Celebrating Child Life Month

Did you know March is Child Life Month in Canada? And we may be biased, but we think we have one of the best Child Life Specialists here at Luna! 😉

Child Life Specialists are experts in child development who aim to minimize stress for children and families during potentially challenging or traumatic experiences. They promote coping and optimal development through the use of therapeutic play, self expression activities, and age-appropriate preparation and education. By understanding the unique needs of children, Child Life Specialists act as an advocate and a voice for children within the care team and in the community.

Some fun facts about Child Life:

• The Child Life profession has been around since the 1920s

• In 1982, the Child Life council was formed and it now represents more than 600 organizations world-wide

• There are Child Life Specialists all over the world—including Canada, United States, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong

We sat down with Georgina Cooper, Luna’s Child Life Specialist, to learn more about the profession and her story!

How did you know Child Life was the career path for you?

“I knew this was the career path for me when I first started volunteering at the Alberta Children’s Hospital on the Oncology unit, where I helped run the Bingo program for the kids there. That is where I met my first Child Life Specialist, who I volunteered under. I saw what an amazing difference they made for those kids in the hospital and from that moment on I knew I wanted to become a Child Life Specialist.”

What’s your education and work experience in Child Life?

“I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University, then a degree in Pediatrics and Psychosocial Care from the University of Santa Barbara. I completed my Child Life practicum at Sydney’s Children’s Hospital in Australia. I then did my Internship and Fellowship at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. I currently work casually at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, as well as here at Luna.”

How do you support the children, youth and families who visit our Centre?

“I prepare children and families for their visit at Luna by using age-appropriate information, so they know what to expect and help alleviate any fears or misconceptions. I also engage children in positive play opportunities that promote optimal development, self expression, and a sense of familiarity and control. Lastly, I offer distraction and relaxation techniques, as well as rehearse coping strategies that help reduce anxiety.”

Why do you love working here at Luna?

“I love working collaboratively with the Luna’s staff and partners to help create the best experience for children, youth and their families. I also love the Child Space and the environment that it creates for them.”

Why do you love being a Child Life Specialist?

“There are so many reasons! I love helping make a tough situation easier for kids and their families. I also love empowering kids so that they are proud of themselves. I love teaching them that you can still be scared and brave at the same time—that being brave means doing something hard but doing it anyway. And I love being able to play as part of my job!”

What has been your most gratifying experience as a Child Life Specialist?

“When a child is proud of themselves after doing something that was really hard for them! Whether it be after their forensic interview, getting a needle, or whatever it may be. When they are proud of themselves for being brave and doing something that was hard, it makes me so happy. Also, when a child does not want to leave Luna! Then it means they had a good experience here.”

What advice would you give to interested students?

“If this is your passion, go for it! The world needs more people in the Child Life field. It truly is the best job in the world, knowing you’re making a difference in the lives of children and youth every day!”

Lastly, what are some interesting things about you that you’d like to share?

“I live on a farm with cows and bulls. I also have two dogs—one is a chocolate lab named Peanut and the other is a yellow lab named Butters. So when I call their names, I say “Peanut Butters,” which always makes me laugh.”

Thank you, Georgina, for all that you do here at Luna and the children and youth you support every day. We are lucky to have you!