Creatively connecting siblings, virtually

After a traumatic event, three siblings – 7 years old and under – were admitted to Advocate Children’s Hospital. Due to the circumstances of the situation – and while awaiting their COVID-19 test results – the children were placed in separate rooms and family was unable to visit.

The Child Life Specialists assigned to this case, Marlee Speak, Beth Sherwood and Kerry Bauer, were acutely aware of the difficult situation and began to brainstorm how to best support the patients by helping them cope and normalize hospitalization.

Right away, the children began asking to see one another. Because the children couldn’t be together physically just yet, Marlee, Beth and Kerry wanted to do everything they could to connect them in another way. The three worked quickly to get all the necessary permissions from the care team, including social work and nursing, to set up a Zoom call for the children. Their request was approved, and when it came time for the video meeting, each of the three Child Life Specialists took an iPad to one of the rooms to help facilitate.

The sibling taking the separation the toughest was the youngest brother, a toddler. As much as the staff had tried to connect by bringing in toys, playing and soothing the young boy, he was initially very closed off and non-verbal. But, as soon as he saw his siblings on the Zoom call, he absolutely lit up.

“All of a sudden, when he saw his brother and sister, he began to cry tears of relief and his voice came out. He began smiling and talking,” Marlee said. “Seeing his siblings brought him so much comfort and joy. It was an extremely emotional moment for not just the siblings – but staff too.”

The call was just what the kids needed. There was typical sibling banter, questions about how each was feeling and then a spontaneous dance off between the three. The two older siblings were working hard to cheer up their little brother, Marlee said. Through the call, the children were able to express themselves emotionally and better process their experience, together.

After a few days, the children were able to be reunited in-person. All have since been discharged from the hospital.

Kerry, who has been a Child Life Specialist for more than 10 years, said the Zoom call with the three siblings – witnessing their emotional response – was one of the most powerful moments she’s ever witnessed in her career so far.

“We’ve been in the thick of COVID since March, and people will ask, how do you keep showing up?” Beth said. “This is the reason – to be able to connect with people on a human level. This was one of those experiences that will leave an imprint on me forever.”

Marlee said the weight of the situation helped her reflect on herself as a professional and reinvigorated her as a reason to show up and give 100% at her job each day.

“I felt I was falling into a rut with COVID, in both work and life. This experience was a perfect reminder for me at the perfect time,” Marlee said. “This is why I’m doing this work and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Kids are so resilient and can do anything in a safe environment. We’re here to help them develop in a positive way and give them the tools to thrive.”