Child Life Mommy

Child Life Mommy Shani Thornton is a Certified Child Life Specialist supporting families coping with life's challenge

04/01/2026

While the sink is running in the background 💧

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03/30/2026

Cancer brings so much grief, fear, and uncertainty into a family’s world.
But even in the hardest moments… there are always helpers.

So grateful for the for stepping in to support one of the families I’m serving. This kind of love and generosity matters more than words can say.

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03/29/2026

2 minutes of child life can change everything.

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Holding space through it all.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
03/27/2026

Holding space through it all.

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03/27/2026

In the middle of chaos, we bring calm 💛

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I wore my  shirt for the first time today and before heading to my sessions, I had a dental appointment.While sitting in...
03/25/2026

I wore my shirt for the first time today and before heading to my sessions, I had a dental appointment.

While sitting in the waiting room, a couple noticed my shirt and asked what “child life circle” meant. That one question turned into a 15 minute conversation about child life. What we do, who we support, how to become a CCLS, and why this work matters.

I recently recorded a podcast with Annie and Katie Taylor where we talked about child life in the community. Annie asked what our elevator speech was, and I realized something… my elevator is no longer an elevator.

It is the grocery store.
The soccer field.
A waiting room at the dentist.

Moments like this matter because they create awareness. They open doors. They help people understand the impact child life has on children and families.

And every conversation is a chance to advocate for this work that means so much to me 💙

Happy Child Life Month!

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03/24/2026

Sometimes life delivers news that shatters everything you thought you knew.
In child life, we create space to name the hard, feel the emotions, and begin rebuilding piece by piece.
Because even in the brokenness, there is still room for hope, healing, and growth.

Inspired by the beautiful work of 💛

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03/24/2026

We had a plan.
They had other ideas.
Time to PIVOT.

Welcome to child life 😂

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03/22/2026

So much love and gratitude for this space 🤍

Honored to partner with to support their Thriving Together Gathering, creating a space where young grievers can connect, share, and feel less alone in their loss.

While parents and caregivers participated in their own therapeutic experience, the children came together, bonding over shared experiences, expressing their feelings, and supporting one another in ways only they truly understand.

These moments matter.
Connection matters.
Their grief matters. 🤍

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You see toys.We see coping.You see play.We see processing, preparation, and healing.Certified Child Life Specialists are...
03/18/2026

You see toys.
We see coping.

You see play.
We see processing, preparation, and healing.

Certified Child Life Specialists are trained professionals. This work is intentional, evidence-based, and rooted in child development and emotional support.

Just like I wouldn’t step in to place an IV, our role also deserves to be understood, respected, and utilized to its full potential.

When teams collaborate and honor each other’s expertise, children and families receive better care. Period.

Let’s continue to advocate for the full scope of Child Life, because families deserve it. ❤️

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03/17/2026

Not burnt out yet 😂

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Don’t blink. 🥺❤️Junior prom for G and his friends. How are we here already?❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
03/16/2026

Don’t blink. 🥺❤️
Junior prom for G and his friends. How are we here already?

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Sacramento, CA

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