Children learn and express themselves through play. That is why medical play is SO important for children to better understand the medical environment and their own bodies. Here are three reasons that Katie and her team of child life specialists at @childlifeoncall love to utilize medical play:

1. Familiarize: medical play gives children a chance to become comfortable and familiar with medical equipment and situations
2. Identify Coping Skills: medical play allows children to use a more preferred communication tool to identify fears or misconceptions and to develop coping skills
3. Build Confidence: medical play is proven to decrease anxiety and increase compliance throughout their hospital stay. As children navigate their play, they are becoming more confident around medical equipment and procedures