Hearts Connected LLC

08/29/2026

08/27/2026

You’re practicing sight words. You’re working on writing first names. You’re checking off the kindergarten supply list.

And, sure, those things matter.
But your child might be thinking about something completely different…
- “Where will I sit at lunch?”
- “Will I know who to play with?”
-“What if I don’t know the answer?”
- “Who will help me if I need something?”

Kindergarten readiness isn’t just about what your child knows. It’s also about how they feel.

Helping children prepare emotionally for a big transition builds confidence, independence, and security.

We’re here to help families prepare for the feelings behind the transition — not just the checklist.

Schedule a free session through the link in our bio!

08/25/2026

A Certified Child Life Specialist helps children understand and cope with medical situations through play!

A CCLS may use a doll or stuffed animal to demonstrate new and unfamiliar medical procedures to children. This helps children understand, familiarize, and cope with these experiences. It can help your child feel braver to see a trusted companion experience things first.

If your child is having a difficult time during a medical experience, give this strategy a try!

What would your child's stuffed animal say after medical play with a Certified Child Life Specialist?

08/22/2026

🧸Teddy Bear Clinic is back!

Hearts Connected is excited to partner with Bright Spot Network for quarterly virtual Teddy Bear Clinics to Bright Club & Bright Circle families! 💛

Join a Certified Child Life Specialist for a playful, hands-on medical play experience!🩺
📅 Next clinic: September 12
📝 Registration closes: August 27

Bright Spot Network offers a variety of free programs and resources for families living with cancer, including virtual activity groups, children’s books, art boxes, birthday cards, and more.

👉 Register for the Teddy Bear Clinic and see more Bright Spot Network offerings at the link in our bio!

08/20/2026

Doctor appointments can feel overwhelming for children. When Certified Child Life Specialists aren't present to support, a little preparation from a caregiver can go a long way in helping your child feel more comfortable, confident, and in control.

Some tips to keep in mind:
- Tell them what to expect, because often times the biggest fear is the unknown!
- Use simple, honest language so that you can prepare and manage expectations without adding confusion or overwhelm.
- Offer choices when possible, such as which arm/leg to get a vaccine in, to watch or look away, or if they want a band aid afterwards (and what design!).

Luckily, our services are 100% virtual! If your child needs more preparation before a medical experience or you'd like more info on how to have these conversations, click the link in our bio!

Save this post for your next medical appointment! 🩺

08/18/2026

The road to becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist can be overwhelming, but we are here so you don't need to navigate it alone!

Internships are a huge milestone on that journey and application season is upon us! Whether you need your application reviewed, interview practice, or you don't know where to start on your application, we are here to help!

Students Connected offers 1:1 student support services to prepare you when applying and interviewing for a child life practicum, internship, or clinical position!

Our Academic & Student Support Advisors offer:
- Mentoring Sessions
- Mock Interviews
- Resume and Cover Letter Reviews
- Application Essay Reviews

To learn more about Students Connected and our abundance of resources, click the link in our bio!

Which Student are you?

08/15/2026

Doctors' offices can be scary and stressful for children. An office scavenger hunt is a fun way to take children's focus off their fears and allow them to explore their environment while they wait for the doctor to come in.

These small activities can make a big difference in reducing fear and giving children more control over a space that often makes them feel vulnerable.

Save this post for your child's next doctor's appointment!
Subscribe to our newsletter using the link in our bio to get this as a free printable download!

08/13/2026

Applying for Child Life internships can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone!

Students Connected Services are designed to support Child Life students throughout the internship process. We can support you from application preparation, interview coaching, and everything in between! We are here to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported.

Save this checklist as you go through this process and share it with a Child Life student who needs it!

08/12/2026

The #1 thing many children worry about before the first day of school?
Leaving you. Not the worksheets. Not the homework. Not even getting every answer right.

They’re wondering:
-“Will you come back?”
-“Who will help me if I need you?”
-“What happens after you leave?”

For many children, the hardest part of starting school isn’t the classroom. It’s trusting that they can feel safe without their biggest source of comfort right beside them.

Healthy separation is a skill children learn, and it takes practice, preparation, and support.
You can help by:
✨ verbalizing a plan for what drop-off will look like
✨ practicing goodbye routines
✨ naming their feelings instead of rushing to fix them
✨directly validating any feelings or worries
✨ reminding them of all the people who will help them at school
✨identify one activity to look forward to after pickup

A Child Life Specialist can help you prepare your child emotionally for this transition.

Schedule a free session through the link in our bio!

08/07/2026

Back-to-School physicals are important to start the school year off healthy, but they can bring up big emotions!

This printable helps children:
-know what to expect
-practice coping skills
-celebrate and recognize each step in their checkup!

Save this post for your child’s next checkup! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive a printable version!