DISCOVER The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department
“Playdate at Sinai” Wake up in the morning Gotta get ready to go I’m feeling a little nervous But I know that I’m a pro
Lauren’s Lyrics Lauren, 13, visits the hematology/oncology outpatient clinic every few months for infusions. During Lauren’s last clinic visit, she shared that she was anxious, but remembered that “so many friends” were waiting for her at clinic. Her mom compared her clinic visits to a “playdate,” since she gets to see so many people she has grown to know. Lauren works with Ali Spikestein, child life specialist, facility dog, Professor, and Bethany Pincus, music therapist. During a recent music therapy session, Lauren requested to sing some of her favorite songs with Bethany to help release some negative energy and anxiety. Lauren sang, “Mean” by Taylor Swift, and shared that she loves the lyrics because it makes the songs so relatable. Bethany then prompted Lauren to write a song, as Lauren was vocal about her experiences at clinic that could be relatable to other patients visiting the clinic.
February 2023
Grab my bag from the closet Pack the things that make me feel good Knowing that I can do this So come on now let’s go I’m on my way to my playdate But there’s so much unknown I’m looking out the window With the music in my ears Not wanting to do this But I have to face my fears I’m going on a play date Gonna sing some songs I’m going on a playdate Gonna see the facility dog I’m going on a play date Gonna do some arts and crafts I’m going on a playdate The teacher will help me with math Walking through the door Everyone’s so friendly So many familiar faces My playdate’s about to begin Lauren and Bethany performed their song for clinic staff.
Lauren was a bit nervous at first, as she had never written a song before; however, she was encouraged by her mom to write about her “playdate at Mount Sinai.” Lauren started the song with expressing some anxiety as she prepares in the morning to drive to clinic, but goes on to easily list all of the activities that make her experience in clinic feel like a “playdate.” This includes working with child life, music and art therapy, the teachers, playing with Professor and seeing familiar faces each time. She named her song “Playdate at Sinai,” in hopes that other patients and families could see their experience at clinic like a “playdate” so it would not feel as scary. Lauren’s song truly captured how our child life and creative arts therapy team can help patients and their families feel brave at the hospital.
I get to pet Professor And he melts my heart I get to belt some Taylor Swift And feel like a pop star I’m going on a playdate Gonna sing some songs I’m going on a play date Gonna see the facility dog I’m going on a playdate Gonna do some arts and crafts I’m going on a play date The teacher will help me with math.
LB 2019
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