4 Ways the Power of Play Spurs Hospitalized Kids' Healing and Growth
Did you know play is a powerful tool for a child’s growth, especially when hospitalized?
Starlight’s Viktoria de Jong, CCLS, shares, “Play has high therapeutic value for sick kids, supporting their recovery and emotional and physical well-being, according to a research study from Mater Sociomed Public Health Journal.”
We spoke with Viktoria to learn more about the benefits of play, what play looks like for hospitalized kids, and how Starlight programs help hospitalized kids through play.
1. Play Supports Cognitive Development
Children can improve their creative thinking skills in the hospital through imaginative play and non-traditional use of toys. For example, a Child Life Specialist may use a Starlight Toy Delivery such as a doll or a stuffed animal to role-play an upcoming medical procedure with a child. Medical play incorporating toys helps kids understand and feel more comfortable with upcoming treatments or procedures.
Play creates a positive and engaging environment for kids in the hospital. Through the power of play, kids find a sense of happiness that makes the hospital an easier place to be.
Meet Jacob
Meet Jacob, who strategized his way to victory on the Starlight Gaming Station, showcasing the positive effect of playing video games in refining creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
2. Play Supports Emotional Development
Play acts as a stress-relief sanctuary for hospitalized kids. When kids can explore the hospital taking a joyride in the Starlight Hero Wagon, they can find peace that eases stress, creates a positive environment and supports their mental health. Play helps kids express emotions and process feelings with the support of Child Life Specialists.
Meet Olivianna
Resilience shines through Olivianna’s story. For Olivianna, Starlight Radio Flyer Hero Wagons brought her great comfort when she was having a difficult time during MRI scans. Hildie, Olivianna’s mom, says the wagon is one of their favorite things to do at the hospital, and they try to get as much “hallway airtime” as possible.
These rides within the Starlight Hero Wagon gave Olivianna the strength and determination she needed to confront her later MRIs. Olivianna’s resilience, largely because of the comfort from her wagon rides, has made her less and less anxious around her MRIs. Remarkably, Olivianna has undergone more than 30 MRI scans!
3. Play Supports Social Development
Playtime is where social skills and conflict resolution are best learned. Whether with Starlight Toy Deliveries or while playing on a Starlight Gaming Station, kids learn essential life skills like negotiating, sharing, and teamwork. Interacting with others becomes second nature, fostering connection and communication!
Meet Jade
During Jade’s four month hospital stay, she got to play on the Starlight Gaming Station with Marty, the Gaming Tech Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital. They got to play with and against each other in video games, including Jade’s favorite, Brawlhalla! Playing on the Gaming Station helped Jade connect with others during long, drawn-out days in the hospital.
4. Play Supports Physical Development
In the world of play, health and fitness form a dynamic duo. Physical activity is key for developing coordination, balance, and muscle strength. Typical forms of play, such as running, jumping, or climbing improve kids’ gross motors skills, or the movements made with large muscles. But for children with mobility challenges or are going through medical treatment, hands-on, fine motor activities play a crucial role in maintaining and improving their ability to perform basic activities of daily living.
Play strengthens and helps with children’s physical therapy. When kids play with Starlight Toy Deliveries, it supports both their emotional well-being and physical development.
The Starlight Gaming Station can play a crucial role in hospitalized kids’ physical development. When kids play video games, they can develop their hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and grip strength. Such interactive play also promotes movement, coordination and rehabilitation.
Meet Patrick
After Patrick’s tethered spine surgery, he had to lay flat on his hospital bed for over 48 hours as he recovered. Playing games on the Starlight Gaming Station gave Patrick a way to engage in low-impact exercise, promoting his physical well-being.
Play isn't just a pastime—it's a crucial part of a child's journey, treatment, and recovery in the hospital. Starlight programs not only help children cope but also ensure that kids can continue to play and grow during their hospital stay.
At Starlight Children’s Foundation, we recognize how important play is for pediatric patients. That’s why our programs provide children in hospitals with toys that support both emotional well-being and physical development. Through Starlight Toy Deliveries, Gaming Stations, Hero Wagons and more, we are offer opportunities for growth, healing, and happiness!
Viktoria de Jong
Child Life Specialist & Mission Delivery CoordinatorViktoria de Jong, a Child Life Specialist, supports pediatric patients and families in managing pain and emotional well-being. As Mission Delivery Coordinator at Starlight Children’s Foundation, she ensures the successful execution of programs that bring joy and comfort to hospitalized children.
