Coastal Coping LLC

07/12/2026

Let’s be honest, needle sticks are no fun. Whether it’s a vaccine, bloodwork, an IV or any other needle procedure, it’s normal to be nervous! And that’s especially true for kids!

Coastal Coping is here to reduce fear, empower, and support kids (and parents) for needle stick procedures. Check out our 5 Simple Tips for Needle Sticks, and contact us for more information on how to prepare your child and develop a coping plan for their next needle stick procedure (we see you coming a mile away back to school annual visits with vaccines!! 💉 🩹 🧸)

1. Prepare Them Before The Visit: give kids a heads up so they aren’t caught off guard and have time to mentally prepare for what will happen. Older kids and teens can be told a week or more before, younger kids a day or two before the visit.

2. Be Honest About How It Will Feel: Famous last words “it won’t hurt.” This makes us as adults feel better, but destroys trust and makes future needle sticks twice as hard to cope with. Be honest about how it will feel, and how long that sensation will last. And reassure them that you’ll be with them to help and love them thru it.

3. Have A Coping Plan: Make sure to include them in the plan! After explaining what will happen, give age-appropriate choices of things to do during the procedure (stress ball, deep breathing, watch a video, listen to music, play I-spy etc) but make sure they have a say in their plan. All the stress balls in the world won’t help you if they wanted to blow bubbles instead.

4. Explain the Purpose of the Poke: This step is so often overlooked, and especially for little kids can create big misconceptions. Without explanation, it’s common for kids to believe a poke is a punishment for bad behavior (fought with sibling the day before a poke? Didn’t do a chore? Got in trouble at school?)…their little minds often connect the poke to a previous behavior. Instead use age appropriate information to explain why it’s important and the job of the poke. Emphasize it is NOT a punishment.

5. Acknowledge Their Wins: Even little wins like “you held your arm still” or “this was hard, AND you did it!” Make a difference.

07/05/2026

Palliative Care and Hospice are often confused, but they’re totally different! Let’s talk about it!

07/01/2026

Coastal Coping is proud to welcome Anne to our team! Anne will be specializing in providing child life services for palliative care families as well as bereavement doula services. Please reach out if you or someone you know would benefit from these services!

A note from Anne:
Hello! I’m Anne, Coastal Coping’s new Certified Child Life Specialist, and perinatal bereavement doula. I’m joining the CC team to come alongside you in some of your hardest moments and seasons. Whether that be a complex chronic or a terminal diagnosis for you or your child, a life-limiting fetal diagnosis, or a miscarriage, and many more situations, I’m here.

I’m somewhat of a new transplant to Jersey, but honestly, I couldn’t love it more, especially the nature and the people. My family is made up of my dear husband and two gray cats, one very little and one big. I love a cozy, sweet coffee, and almost every Alani flavor. I have a bit of an obsession with wool and love felting and drop spinning. And I eat up fiction and non-fiction books alike.

I’m available to support in multiple Central NJ counties and cities as well to provide virtual support.

Most of all, I’m looking forward to talking with you, holding your stories, and supporting you in the way you need. On instagram, I’ll also periodically share more about my services as a bereavement doula and Certified Child Life Specialist, a dual healthcare worker, who supports families through complex illness, stillbirth extended treatments, or child loss.
Check back often to learn more about what a CCLS and bereavement doula does!

Haven Bereavement Doulas

06/25/2026

Let’s explore the role of a Certified Child Life Specialist during medical tests and procedures!

Take the poll: What procedure would you most want a child life specialist to be available for your child?

06/15/2026

Deep breathing exercises can be incredibly helpful in stressful situations. Whether it’s in medical setting, at school, calming jitters during a first sleepover, or other life event, cookie breaths are a fun way to help slow down, make safe space for anxieties and relax the nervous system!

06/10/2026

Every person deserves be loved, respected and accepted for exactly who they are! Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚧️💕🌈

06/08/2026

570 Followers, 629 Following, 0 Posts

06/08/2026

Let's talk about the role of a Certified Child Life Specialist in grief & bereavement support. Scroll through to learn about various aspects of this type of support such as age-appropriate education, legacy building and more!

If you are interested in learning more about grief & bereavement support services, please contact us for a free 15 minute consultation.

06/07/2026

With Hearts Connected LLC – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

06/06/2026

So proud to share that Coastal Coping is now part of the Hearts Connected LLC affiliate network directory! Please visit https://www.heartsconnected.org/find-a-child-life-specialist to find child life services near you!!

If you, your child, or someone you know is in a mental crisis Call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to the following national resources: