Writing Child Life

I recently started an Instagram page, @writingchildlife, that aims to bridge the gap between literature and child life. This is a topic that I feel strongly about— there is SO much power in reading a book that you feel represented in. As I’ve traveled through my child life journey, I’ve noticed a huge gap in medical and mental health representation in children’s literature. There are so many children’s books on every topic under the sun, and there’s a fair amount of representation within young adult novels. But what about the kids in between? Those 8-12 year olds, whose books are mostly on friendship, adventure, and fantasy. Where is their representation? Where are those books and characters that make them feel seen, safe, and less alone? On this Instagram page, I’ll be reviewing those middle-grade novels that deal with tough topics in hopes of helping professionals and parents expand their children’s literature libraries. As child life skills and services are expanding beyond the hospital, many of the books featured on my page may not relate to hospital diagnoses or medical procedures, but tackle topics like mental health, grief, divorce, and other major life changes.

 

In addition to book reviews, I’ll be posting about and discussing other child life and literature-related topics as well. As I have experience designing and implementing writing exercises, I'll be sharing some developmentally-appropriate therapeutic writing activities for professionals to lead with kids. I also hope to share some of my own experiences writing for child life-related topics, as I have a few projects in the works!