Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts - Child Life Services: Helping Your Child Cope

When you and your child come to Floating Hospital, that doesn’t mean that life stops. Our Child Life department provides the services which ensure that all aspects of your child’s life go on as normal, from play to learning.

The Child Life Program, initiated in 1948 as one of the nation’s first hospital activity programs for children, is designated to help patients and their families cope with the stress of illness, injury, disability and hospitalization.

Play is a vital component of children’s lives; at all stages of development, play is a prominent means of communication, learning, rehearsal, relaxation and fun. Children gain a sense of mastery and control through play, leading to an increased ability to cope with stress. Play is a valuable way to help children in the hospital express their feelings and deal with being ill. The Floating Hospital pioneered the concept of integrating play into the daily routine, and it is an important part of the care Child Life provides.

Our Services:

Tutoring
Family visit locations
Therapeutic play
In-room overnight privileges for parents
Open visiting hours for parents and siblings
Support groups for parents and siblings