Child Life On Call: Parents Of Children With An Illness Or Medical Condition Share Their Stories With A Child Life Specialist

  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 fathe

  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. - Deann

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

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 ch

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 remarka

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, s

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

  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 f

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 co

  [ 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

If you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and powerless as you try to address your child's unresolved behavioral issues, only to see them persist and worsen, then you are not alone! Despite your best efforts, the actions you may already be taking, such as discipline strategies, counseling, or seeking help from professionals, may not be producing the desired results. Instead, you may be witnessing strained relationships within your family, academic struggles, social isolation, and a constant sense of stress and worry. Understanding the long-term effects of unresolved behavioral issues on individuals and families is crucial in order to find effective support and interventions for your child. In this episode, you will be able to: Unravel the secrets to overcoming behavioral dilemmas in parenting. Be immersed in the transformative world of neurofeedback therapy. Advocate for alternative healthcare treatments to disrupt the traditional landscape. Dive into how neurofeedback revolutionizes family dyna

Attention, parents! Have you ever come across these myths while seeking ways to support your child's emotional well-being during healthcare experiences? Myth #1: Children are too young to understand and process their emotions. Myth #2: Therapeutic play is just a form of entertainment, not a valuable tool for emotional support. Myth #3: Children will naturally bounce back emotionally after healthcare experiences. Well, today we have an expert guest, Laura Sufka, who will debunk these myths and shed light on the importance of therapeutic play in supporting children's emotional well-being. Get ready to discover the truth and equip yourself with the tools to help your child process their emotions effectively. In this episode, you will be able to: Absorb knowledge about the compelling benefits of therapeutic play in fostering children's emotional health. Differentiate between the often-confused arenas of play therapy and therapeutic play. Delve into Laura Sufka's impressive experience and skills in the

If you're feeling overwhelmed and powerless as you watch your teenager's health concerns worsen, despite your efforts to find solutions, then you are not alone! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover why your innate parental instincts can serve as an invaluable guide for your child's health concerns. Unlock the importance of open and constant communication in discerning your child's wellbeing. Recognize how seeking advice from health professionals can be a game-changer when in doubt. Appreciate the immeasurable power of your intuition in pinpointing potential mental health issues in your child. Realize why keeping a record of your child's behavior or appearance fluctuations can significantly aid medical professionals. In a world where unexpected twists can alter the course of our lives, Hina Talib's journey into adolescent medicine was nothing short of serendipitous. Little did she know that a chance encounter during a medical school rotation would ignite a passion so fierce, so res

Empowering NICU Parents: Kimberly Reyes Shares Her Advocacy Journey If you're feeling helpless and overwhelmed in your NICU journey, despite trying to be involved and advocate for your baby, then you are not alone! It can be frustrating when your requests and concerns are not heard or acted upon by healthcare providers, and you may feel like you have no control over your baby's care. You may be spending countless hours researching and asking questions, but still feel like you're not making progress. It's important to know that your feelings are valid and that there are ways to increase your involvement and advocacy in your baby's care. In this episode, you will be able to: Unravel the art of parental advocacy and participation in a NICU setting. Probe into the emotional and psychological toll of having a child with complex medical needs. Discern the value of empathy in delivering exceptional patient-oriented healthcare. Understand the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the practices of healthcare

Do you want to feel empowered and confident in advocating for your child's healthcare needs? Are you searching for a solution that will help you effectively speak up for your child in healthcare settings? In this episode, I will be sharing the key to unlocking your advocacy potential, enabling you to achieve the outcome you desire - ensuring the best possible care for your child. By exploring the role of child life specialists, together we will explore how child life provides you with the knowledge and tools necessary to become a formidable advocate. Say goodbye to feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, and hello to being a strong and effective voice for your child's healthcare needs. They show you how to understand your child's needs and empower you to advocate for their wellbeing. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why parental advocacy is essential to getting the best possible health outcome for the child Learn how child life specialists use their skills to help parents learn how to

Today's guest on the podcast is Dr. Barbara Hecht, National Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. She shares with us how to support Deaf, Deaf +, and Hard of Hearing students. Dr. Hecht shares about early intervention, brings awareness to CMV (cytomegalovirus), and how telehealth has positively impacted students. Katie and Dr. Hecht have such an important conversation you will not want to miss on today's episode of the podcast! [2:20] Dr. Hecht introduces herself [3:40] Being involved with the IDEA law [5:42] How she became involved with Clarke Schools [10:00] Diagnosing hearing loss in infancy [12:40] Two major causes of hearing loss [13:16] Cytomegaolvirus (CMV) during pregnancy [15:12] Importance of early intervention [17:50] Early Intervention is available in every state [18:39] Pleasantly persistent parent [20:00] Acess to Clarke Schools [21:36] Efficiency of teleservices [24:33] How Clarke Schools support families [26:45] Explaining Deaf + [28:40] I

Going to the emergency room with your child for any reason is never an occasion you plan on. Today, Sam Kraewic and Jessica Baird, Child Life Specialists working in the Emergency Room empower and equip us on how to be the best advocates when it comes to the Emergency Room. From medical play to normalizing the hospital at home there are many ways parents can plan for the unexpcted. Katie, Jessic and Sam have great conversation surrounding Child LIfe in the Emergency Room. [3:30] Introductions [3:46] Meet, Jessica [4:40] Meet, Sam [6:25] Swabs in the emergency room [8:15] Medical play for swabs [10:00] Letting parents know they have a voice [12:00] Comfort items in the waiting room [13:34] Triage can be stressful [14:50] Talking to your child about what you might see [15:19] Don't make promises they can't keep [18:17] Familiarizing home and hospital [20:20] Children feed off our emotions [22:22] Stepping away is ok [23:10] Mental Health in the Emergency Room [25:50] Therapeutic games addressing emotions [27:00]

"What we can do as parents and professionals is look past the behavior." Siblings of children with illnesses or who are hospitalized may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. Learn how child life specialists can help support siblings during this challenging time. Having a child who is hospitalized or dealing with an illness can be challenging for the entire family, including siblings. It's not uncommon for siblings to feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to expect. That's where child life specialists come in. As trained professionals who specialize in helping children and families navigate the complex world of healthcare, child life specialists play an essential role in supporting siblings during this difficult time. This week we are exploring some of the ways in which child life specialists can help support siblings of children who are hospitalized or dealing with an illness. Providing Information and Education Encouraging Family Communication Addressing Emotional Needs Normalizing the Expe

Dr. Maureen Michele brings such a valuable perspective to the podcast with her experience being a pediatrician and mother to a medically complex child. Maureen shares with us how to become an advocate and what inspired her to write a book called, 'Reclaiming your Life.' Her book is meant to guide parents who have a child with a medical diagnosis. Maureen shares a snapshot of her book through a thoughtful conversation with Katie. [4:00] Introductions [6;00] Motherhood and Medical School [7:02] Learning her daughter had neuroblastoma as an infant [8:00] Her daughter shared concerns about frequent urination [8:42] Learning she had type 1 Diabetes [10:00] How it changed her as a physician [12:21] Realizing what was unhealthy [14:50] Losing herself in the process and worry [16:00] Doctors are human too [17:30] Trust but verify [18:16] Collaboration between parents and doctors [19:30] Approaching the situation with a spirit of collaboration [24:16] Reflecting on her daughter's care [25:30] Wanting to be a mom, not

So happy to share this "child life insight" with parents and professionals, but first let's answer the question: What are child life specialists? Child life specialists are trained professionals who provide emotional support and guidance to children and families facing challenging life experiences. They are experts in helping children cope with difficult topics and ensure that children's development is as smooth as possible while going through challenging times. In this episode, we talk about how caregivers navigate difficult conversations: Here's a break down of what we cover: First, take time to explore your own emotions around the information. Talk to your child about the situation in a way they can understand. Validate your child's emotions. Create a safe environment for your child to express their emotions.  Encourage your child to name trusted adults and explore coping strategies. Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positi