Inside the Children's Hospital

Latest Episodes:

Episode 189 | Ryan's Story - A son with Costello Syndrome Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

My special guest is Ryan Sheedy

Meet Ryan Sheedy, an incredible father who, much to his own surprise, found himself immersed in the delightful chaos of caring for twin boys. His world drastically transformed ten years ago, when he moved from Pennsylvania to Bentonville, Arkansas. Not only has Ryan navigated the unexpected challenges of parenting twins, but he has also bravely navigated his son's Costello Syndrome diagnosis. Through it all, he's embraced being a stay-at-home dad, constantly learning, adapting and conquering unforeseen hurdles.

We can plan as much as we want to plan, but it's out of our control. We have to go with the flow. - Ryan Sheedy

In this episode, you will be able to:

Delve into the heartening and daunting experiences that fathers encounter in the NICU, shedding light on their tenacity and determination.
Grasp the profound impact support and open communication can make in navigating the NICU's challenging landscape.
Understand better the diverse responsibilities fathers shoulder as caregivers and staunch advocates in their children's healthcare journey.
Comprehend the rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences that encapsulate being a stay-at-home dad and the head caregiver.
Get introduced to 'Mijo', a versatile web app offering an efficient solution to

The importance of communication and support in the NICU cannot be overstated. It anchors not only the medical care of the infant but also the emotional well-being of the parents. Ryan's story emphasizes how a strong support network, open communication with healthcare professionals, and sharing information with family and friends can make a significant difference in this intense journey.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:05 - Introduction, 00:01:08 - Guest Introduction, 00:09:29 - NICU Experience Begins, 00:11:55 - Early Days in the NICU, 00:12:55 - Ongoing Relationship with Care Team, 00:15:12 - The Separation, 00:16:49 - Perspective and Gratitude, 00:21:33 - Breaking the Mold, 00:24:29 - The Challenges of Caregiving, 00:28:35 - My Mejo App, 00:31:47 - The Genesis of Mejo, 00:35:59 - Who Can Use Mejo?, 00:38:34 - Moments of Care, 00:40:38 - Building a Community, 00:43:20 - Lessons Learned

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

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It is the only course you'll ever need to be able to prepare, respond and support your child at any age and stage for immunizations. Evidenced-based tips from a child life specialist who has been supporting kids through painful procedures for 13+ years. This offer will only be available for a limited time. Pre-order your course today here!

Episode 188 | Rhandyl and Deonna's stories from Raising Disabled Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

My special guest is Rhandyl Vinyard, Deonna Wade

Rhandyl Vinyard and Deonna Wade are two phenomenal mothers from Texas, each raising disabled children. Drawn together by shared circumstances, their friendship continues to strengthen others walking a similar path. Rhandyl, a physical therapist assistant, is the mother to Remy, who has required intensive medical care from an early age. Her background in healthcare provides a unique perspective into the challenges of raising a disabled child. Deonna, once a teacher, is mom to Allie who was thrust into an unexpected medical journey after a rare and tragic accident. Both moms bring a wealth of personal experience and heartfelt understanding to the table, connecting communities and gifting invaluable advice to others.

If that's your only thing is being that caretaker role and that's it, it's going to eat you up eventually... life is short and that we're not guaranteed tomorrow. So let's just have fun today and be happy and thankful for what we have. - Deanna Wade

In this episode, you will be able to:

Uncover the remarkable strength that emerges from raising children with special needs.
Explore the unseen challenges and isolations encountered by parents of disabled children.
Discover the pivotal role in forming a solid support system for those raising differently-abled children.
Recognize the necessity of becoming a powerful advocate for your child's unique needs.
Grasp the profound influence of Child Life specialists in the lives of families with disabled kids.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:03:33 - Starting the Podcast, 00:07:49 - Purpose of the Podcast, 00:10:04 - Deanna's Story, 00:13:02 - Randall's Story, 00:16:30 - Remy's Journey, 00:19:48 - Remy's Personality, 00:20:56 - Allie's Journey, 00:23:19 - Coping Mechanisms, 00:28:10 - Finding Joy, 00:32:48 - The Importance of Advocating for Your Child, 00:35:47 - Transitioning into a Different Role, 00:38:47 - Learning to Trust Your Instincts, 00:43:58 - Taking Control of Medical Decisions, 00:49:01 - The Purpose of the Podcast, 00:50:30 - Broad Topics of Discussion, 00:51:49 - The Value of Child Life, 00:52:55 - Discovering the Importance of Child Life, 00:55:22 - Resources and Opportunities

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 187 | Kayleigh's Story-A Child Life Specialist's son with Tetralogy of Fallot [part 2] Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

Do you want to become a confident advocate for your child's medical needs? Are you searching for a solution to navigate the complex world of medical care for children with conditions? Join us as we welcome Kayleigh Koehler, a Child Life Specialist who has transformed into a medical parent. She will be sharing valuable insights and strategies on how you can achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a knowledgeable and effective advocate for your child's medical journey. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards becoming the empowered advocate your child needs.

Kayleigh Koehler is a remarkable and multifaceted individual who navigates through life wearing various hats. As a wife to her high school sweetheart Mitch and a mother to their charming four-year-old son, Hudson, Kayleigh's world is filled with love and profound resilience. Professionally, she is a dedicated child life specialist working tirelessly in a cardiac ICU. Her firsthand expertise and personal connection to her job started to take a unique and powerful perspective when her unborn son was diagnosed with a heart condition. Kayleigh's courage, wisdom, and gutsy perseverance inscribed an unforgettable chapter in her life story where her professional and personal world astoundingly intertwined.

Because of this experience, I am a better child life specialist. Because I understand the world in a different way that I simply could not understand when I wasn't a mom. - Kayleigh Koehler

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:01:42 - Reflections on Trauma and Mental Health, 00:09:47 - Advocacy and Empathy in Child Life, 00:13:21 - Permission to Coexist with Messiness, 00:13:56 - Conclusion, 00:16:17 - Introducing a New Course for Parents, 00:17:25 - The Importance of Advocacy, 00:21:05 - Speaking Up for Change, 00:24:35 - The Pressure of Being a Parent Advocate, 00:27:08 - Differentiating Between Healthy and Unhealthy Advocacy, 00:30:45 - The Importance of Support and Self-Care, 00:31:38 - Utilizing Social Media for Connection, 00:32:03 - Prioritizing Mental Health, 00:33:08 - Dreams and Future Aspirations, 00:33:28 - Resources and Support

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 186 | Kayleigh's Story - A Child Life Specialists son with Tetralogy of Fallot [part 1] Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the ChildLife On Call podcast, where I, Katie Taylor, sit down with Kayleigh Koehler, a certified child life specialist, to discuss her journey as a medical mom and a child life specialist in a cardiac ICU. Join us as we dive into Kayleigh's personal story, from her gut intuition during pregnancy to her son's diagnosis, and the emotional challenges she faced along the way. We explore the importance of trusting gut intuition, the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as a parent, and the impact of personal experiences on professional practice. Whether you're a child life specialist, nurse, doctor, or any healthcare professional working with pediatric patients, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the emotional journey of becoming a medical mom. Get ready to be inspired and gain a new perspective on supporting families through challenging medical experiences.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Delve into the empathetic journey of a child life specialist turned medical mom and the untold lessons it brings.
Learn the underrated power of trusting gut instincts during pregnancy for improved health decisions.
Acknowledge the challenges and rewards of juggling roles as a child life specialist and a parent to a child with a cardiac defect.
Dissect the fight for children's rights in healthcare and the persistence it requires to make a change.
Unpack the emotional turmoil in parenting and its impact on one's personal identity in exigent situations.

My special guest is Kayleigh Koehler

Our guest today, Kayleigh Koehler, paints a picture of resilience and determination in her unique personal and professional journey. From her early days being a carefree high school lover with her husband, Mitch, to becoming a mother to their vibrant son, Hudson - she personifies strength. Alongside the joys and challenges of parenting, Kayleigh also stars as a certified child life specialist working passionately in a cardiac ICU. When they discovered Hudson's heart condition, her professional and personal life merged in an unprecedented way. This transformative experience endowed Kayleigh with a profound understanding of patient care, advocacy, and resilience. Her story is a testament to her unbreakable spirit.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:03:59 - Colliding Worlds, 00:06:20 - Identity Shift, 00:08:55 - Gut Intuition, 00:12:11 - Anatomy Scan, 00:14:57 - The Moment of Knowing, 00:18:08 - Feeling Angry and Resentful, 00:19:36 - Coming to Terms with the Diagnosis, 00:21:42 - Living in the Messiness, 00:28:22 - Giving Permission for Imperfection,

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 185 | J.R.'s Story- A son with a Rare Disease Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

Meet J.R., a parent on a challenging journey. From aggressive behaviors to sensory challenges, she shares her struggles of raising a child with severe special needs. But just when things start to improve, an event occurs which leaves her questioning everything. You will not want to miss this story of resilience and uncertainty.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Gain insights into the journey of raising a child with significant special needs, and learn how to turn these experiences into growth opportunities.
Discover the challenges in obtaining an early diagnosis and the role of perseverance in overcoming these hurdles.
Understand the importance and the process of tailoring therapeutic interventions for your special needs child.
Identify the importance of self-care and support networks for parents and caregivers of special needs children.
Immerse in the raw and real-life narration of completing a book detailing a child's unique experiences.

My special guest is J.R.

Meet J.R., a remarkable woman whose world authentically embodies the complexities and nuances of parenting. An academic powerhouse, J.R. boasts a solid background in molecular biology and human genetics. But it's her real-life experience as a mother to three beautiful sons - one of whom has a severe diagnosis - that truly validates her expertise. Her middle son's journey with intellectual disability, seizures, autism, and behavioral challenges led to his group home placement from the age of twelve. J.R.'s dedication to understanding and improving the lives of children with complex needs manifests in her volunteering with the SynGAP Research Fund. Her candid accounts of becoming a parent, navigating the healthcare system, and learning to balance her family's varied needs radiate a contagious strength and resilience.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 - Welcome to ChildLife on Call, 00:01:11 - Introduction of Jr. and her Family, 00:06:40 - Placing Her Son in a Group Home, 00:10:17 - Transitioning into Motherhood, 00:11:29 - Advocating for Her Son's Needs, 00:15:41 - The balance between love and fear, 00:16:29 - Therapy and transformation, 00:18:03 - Floor Time therapy, 00:22:26 - Wisdom of a child, 00:25:19 - Self-care and challenging cultural expectations, 00:30:48 - The Start of Challenging Behaviors, 00:32:36 - Underestimating Sensory Challenges, 00:34:22 - Reaching a Breaking Point, 00:36:14 - Fear and Relief in Getting Help, 00:45:46 - The struggle to finish the book, 00:46:15 - Joey's aging, 00:46:53 - Timing is everything, 00:47:32 - Gratitude for the community, 00:48:09 - Conclusion and resources

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 184 | Casey's Story - Free Resources to Bring Families Together Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

In the world of healthcare, where hope often intertwines with despair, one woman's accidental encounter sparked a revolution of compassion. Casey Baynes, driven by a single twist of fate, unlocked the power of providing support and joy to critically ill children and their families. The story unravels in unexpected ways, leading us down a path where ordinary logistics transformed into extraordinary healing. Brace yourself for a tale that will leave your heart racing and your soul yearning for more.

My special guest is Casey Baynes

Casey Baynes is an inspiring individual with a heart of gold and an unmatched passion for supporting the families of critically ill children. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that these families are treated with love, compassion, and care through her organization, Casey Cares Foundation. Having started her journey as a volunteer at a children's hospital, Casey's life took an unexpected turn when she witnessed the challenging lives of these children. Today, with her team, she creates memorable moments for these young patients and their loved ones with programs like Cammie's Jammies and fun family movie nights.

If we all pull together and help and support one another, we can make it. - Casey Baynes

In this episode, you will be able to:

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:03:06 - Impact of a Child's Wish, 00:09:14 - Support for Bereaved Families, 00:10:47 - Family Time in the Hospital, 00:12:31 - Essential Supplies and Support, 00:14:09 - Casey Cares: Supporting Families of Critically Ill Children, 00:15:19 - Creating Lasting Memories for Families, 00:16:31 - Supporting Siblings of Critically Ill Children, 00:17:37 - Getting Involved with Casey Cares, 00:19:21 - Easy Application Process and Ways to Support,

Connect with Casey Cares Follow Casey Cares on Instagram

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 183 | An EMS professional tells us how to prepare your child for an ambulance ride Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever heard these myths about preparing children for ambulance rides and hospital transfers? Myth 1: Children don't need any special preparation for medical transportation. Myth 2: It's best to keep children in the dark about what to expect during the ride. Myth 3: Distractions like toys or electronics can prevent children from feeling anxious. In this episode, our guest Josh Itano will debunk these myths and share the truth about how to prepare children for a smooth and anxiety-free medical transportation experience.

Join host Katie Taylor as she interviews ambulance paramedic Josh Itano, who shares valuable insights on how to prepare children for ambulance rides and hospital transfers. Learn how to ease your child's anxiety and create a comforting environment, but be prepared for a shocking moment that will leave you questioning what happens next. Find out more on the Child Life On Call podcast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Navigate the intricate relationship between Child Life and EMS for effective emergency service delivery.
Realize the value of establishing strong family communication mechanisms during emergency medical situations.
Unearth helpful strategies to make ambulance rides and hospital transfers less daunting for children.
Unwrap the significance of preparation books and visual aids in children's adaptation to medical scenarios.
Investigate how creating a comforting environment affects pediatric patients' overall experience.

My special guest is Josh Itano.

Meet Josh Itano, an empathetic first-responder whose commitment to his profession is evident in the extra steps he takes to provide comfort during stressful times. After spending over three and half years working as an EMT Basic, Josh's experiences span from serving suburban Chicago neighborhoods to aiding in wilderness settings. He's been an EMTB Field Training officer and chaplain, and he voluntarily serves the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department. Josh brings to light the critical aspect of communication during high-stress situations and shares his experiences dealing with a range of patients, including those dealing with psychological distress.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:01:15 - Why Josh Reached Out, 00:05:37 - Communicating with Kids, 00:09:20 - Validating and Listening, 00:11:53 - Being Honest and Detailed, 00:14:37 - What Happens During an Ambulance Call, 00:15:57 - Inbound Report and Hospital Arrival, 00:17:56 - Sensory Issues and Sirens, 00:19:16 - Involving Parents and Normalizing the Experience, 00:24:31 - Parents Taking Care of Themselves

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 182 | Virtual Child Life Services in the Hospital with Sarah Lanham Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

In a world turned upside down by the pandemic, one Child Life Specialist found herself on a journey she never could have anticipated. But little did she know, a twist of fate was about to lead her down an unexpected path. This story is the catalyst for a groundbreaking virtual Child Life Specialist program. Stay tuned to discover how her resilience and determination transformed the healthcare experience for children and their families, forever changing the landscape of pediatric care.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore the unique workings of the virtual child life specialist program at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Dive deep into the methodology behind pre-surgical tours and outpatient surgery center tours to deliver premium care.
Realize how fundamentally decreasing anxiety levels pre-medical procedures can contribute to empowering families.
Dive into the groundswell of positive feedback flooding in from staff and families regarding virtual visits.
Realize the compelling need for specialists to craft personalized messages for optimal patient interaction.

My special guest is Sarah Lanham

Meet Sarah Lanham, a dedicated and passionate Certified Child Life Specialist revolutionizing the field with her innovative virtual services. She hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, working at the renowned Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Since stepping into the world of virtual patient care, Sarah has effectively transformed traditional face-to-face services, demonstrating the direct impact virtual child life services can have on kids and their families. Her work not only helps to demystify hospital visits for children but also significantly reduces their apprehension and fear. Her successful adaptation to a virtual setting underscores her skill in navigating the modern needs of child healthcare.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:02:07 - Transition into Virtual ChildLife Services, 00:06:30 - Daily Responsibilities, 00:09:09 - Challenges and Solutions, 00:12:19 - Impact and Feedback, 00:14:21 - Constant Communication and Handoffs, 00:14:57 - Need for More Child Life Specialists, 00:15:47 - Success of Email Communication, 00:16:51 - Technology's Impact on Appointment Reminders, 00:17:39 - Appreciation for the Guest's Work,

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:
- Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
- Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
- Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure
The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 181 | Jan' s Story- A daughter with PVOD and a Lung Transplant Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

A mother fights against time and navigates the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter's lung transplant, as she strives to fulfill her promise while facing the heart-wrenching challenges of the organ transplant process in a race for survival.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Uncover the intricate realities of pediatric lung transplants and management of exceptional medical conditions.
Relate to the heart-rending emotional challenges families wrestle with during the organ transplant procedure.
Comprehend the physical restrictions imposed on children by pulmonary hypertension and PVOD.
Appreciate the critical role of sturdy support networks and trusty medical personnel in the face of daunting health dilemmas.
Spark dialogue about the pressing imperatives of greater recognition and resources needed by families dealing with severe health situations.

My special guest is Jan Stepps

Life sometimes throws curveballs that test our strength and resilience. As a parent who has navigated the complex journey of her child's lung transplant, Jan Stepps is a beacon of hope and strength for all families facing similar situations. Armed with personal experience and the lessons learned from her daughter's PVOD diagnosis and subsequent transplant, Jan generously shares her insights on the emotional highs and lows of this life-changing journey. Once an accomplished train dispatcher, she adeptly uses her situational management skills, providing clarity amidst the chaos that such overwhelming situations create.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:04:33 - Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis, 00:07:40 - Pulmonary Hypertension and Transplant, 00:10:57 - Emotional Response and Coping, 00:13:55 - Supportive Network, 00:15:39 - Dealing with Difficult Conversations, 00:16:20 - Telling an Eleven-Year-Old, 00:18:40 - Understanding PVOD, 00:20:15 - Overwhelmed by Transplant Process, 00:26:30 - Finding Support in a Transplant Community, 00:32:28 - "The Importance of Keeping Promises", 00:33:45 - "The Transformation After the Lung Transplant", 00:35:09 - "Handling Follow-up Visits and Appointments", 00:36:24 - "Personal Growth and Perspective Shift", 00:38:47 - "Humor and Healing",

Connect with Jan

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Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

[Child Life 101] How to Prepare Babies, Kids and Teens for Procedures Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

[ Child Life 101] How to Prepare Children for Medical Procedures

Does this sound familiar? You try to prepare children for medical procedures, but no matter what you do, they still end up feeling stressed and anxious. You've been told to simply explain the procedure to them, but it's not working. The pain of seeing children scared and overwhelmed during medical experiences is heart-wrenching, and you're desperate to find a better way to help them feel informed and equipped.

Watch This Episode On YouTube

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover savvy ways to prepare children for complex medical procedures letting families breathe easy.
Unearth potent strategies to mitigate infants' hospital-induced stress and provide aid.
Learn game-changing techniques that turn medical acclimatization into child's play for toddlers.
Master the art of using imagination and language as tranquilizing tools for preschoolers.
Understand how to empower school-age children with the ability of choice during medical preparation.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:00:59 - The Role of ChildLife Specialists, 00:03:48 - Preparing Infants for Procedures, 00:07:50 - Preparing Toddlers and Preschoolers, 00:13:56 - Preparing School-Age Children, 00:16:27 - Importance of Peer Support for Teens, 00:17:15 - Maintaining Privacy and Independence for Teens, 00:17:52 - Recap of Stressors and Considerations for Different Age Groups, 00:18:30 - Conclusion and Invitation to Continue Child Life 101 Series, 00:19:00 - Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks,

We want to make sure that they have accurate information. One of the things we can do with these preschoolers who use their beautiful imagination is really use that to our advantage when we are preparing them for something. - Katie Taylor

Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.

Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe

Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids:

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Meet the host:

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

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