CHILD LIFE WORK in children's palliative care at the Faculty of Pediatrics, Charles University

At the Faculty of Education of Charles University, we presented the topic of play work in children's palliative care and the possibilities of how to support children with serious illnesses through play. The lecture entitled Play work in children's palliative care: How to support seriously ill children through play explained to students why play is important for a sick child even when they are very weak, hospitalized, or at the end of their life.

Play is not just a way to entertain a child. It is their natural language, a way to understand what is happening, a tool for communication, calming down and coping with challenging and traumatic situations. It helps a child feel safe, happy, free and at least a partial sense of control.

During the seminar, we presented specific forms of child life work: medical play and preparation for procedures, distraction during procedures, sensory stimulation and relaxation, support for self-expression, work with siblings, sensitive creation of memories, and education of parents and caregivers.

We offer similar courses and seminars not only to universities throughout the Czech Republic, but also to care teams in hospitals, hospices and comprehensive care centers. We have received very good feedback from the seminars so far - participants mainly appreciate the practical demonstrations, specific tools and a new perspective on supporting a sick child.

If you are interested in a seminar or workshop for your team or school, you can book us. We will be happy to adapt the topic to the environment in which you work and the needs of your students or care team.