This episode originally aired in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. This topic is so important and rightfully so, it is our 2nd most downloaded episode of all time. When it comes to COVID-19, how we inform our children is incredibly important. If you’re wondering how we can talk to our kids about COVID-19 when we as adults still don’t know exactly what’s happening, you’re not alone. This episode covers suggestions for age-appropriate language to use as well as general considerations to keep in mind as you talk to your children about COVID-19. Children are looking to adults for honest, easy-to-digest information. Give a listen to learn how to break it down into a way that they can understand. [3:20] Katie explains that children and adolescents crave a strong compassionate leader who establishes boundaries [6:00] It's important to remind children that a lot of the information they hear may not be factual [8:53] Katie explains to empower your children by validating what they are already doing [9:19] She shares how hand-washing is an easy practical way fuel empowerment when discussing COVID-19 [10:10] t is ok to admit that there are unknowns about COVID-19 and acknowledging that we don’t know the answers and that is ok [11:06] Katie shares the importance of setting a good example.You want to model behavior that your children will follow [12:00] Offer to have a check in with your child if they are feeling worried [12:22] Katie’s key to success is to be a strong and compassionate leader and exhibit the behavior you want your child to have. Be a buffer! 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. Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.
On this episode of the podcast, you will hear an amazing story of resilience and hope.This episode originally aired back in August of 2020. This is the most shared of all of our podcast episodes; you will quickly learn why after listening to this inspiring story. Meet Maura Senneff, mom to sweet Ryan. Ryan is a thriving 8-year-old boy who has Down syndrome. The amazing advocate by his side, his momma Maura, describes that “zooming out” and looking at things from a wide lens helped them turn Ryan’s health around.She talks about small changes and the "no limits" attitude their family lives by. [1:39] Maura shares about her family and introduces us to Ryan and his journey with Down syndrome [2:40] Maura explains how resilient Ryan is despite his struggles with chronic illness for his first six years of life [3:27] Never giving up was key to their success at navigating Ryan’s diagnosis of Down syndrome [4:00] Maura shares how Ryan’s diagnosis with Down syndrome was not going define...
Episode 127 | Courtney’s Story - A daughter born at 25 weeks [MOST DOWNLOADED] At just 25 weeks pregnant, Courtney was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and was hospitalized. Just 5 days later and after a terrifying emergent c-section, she would meet her daughter, McKenzie. In this episode, Courtney talks about her entire experience from her own hospitalization and her daughter's 5-month stay in the NICU and eventually going home. She talks about the balance of being a single, working mom and the struggles that come along with having a child with medical needs. Courtney will leave you feeling inspired and in utter awe of how she loves and supports her daughter. [2:47] Courtney is informed she has high blood pressure and is admitted to Labor and Delivery [4:24] Courtney is transported to a larger hospital that has a higher-level NICU [6:35] Courtney asks tough questions about her condition and her daughter [9:12] Courtney is informed she will need to have a c-section [11:12] Courtney is ...
Episode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice On this week's episode, Shani Thornton, CCLS, from Child Life Mommy shares how to support children in hospice. Shani wears many different hats in the Child Life world including supporting children in the hospice setting .Shani shares how to connect with children during this difficult time and ways to explain things that are honest and easy to understand. To help children feel more connected during this challenging time she shares some of the meaningful exercises and activities she does to help children cope. Connect with Shani: Instagram Website Click on this link to view the books Shani talked about in today's episode! [6:50] Shani talks about working with a local hospice agency to provide support [8:44] Interventions in the hospice setting [10:07] Importance of following the child’s lead. [11:05] How children digest information [13:35] Explaining differences in medication, for illness versus comfort [15:22] Explaining to children the c...
This week’s episode is a throwback from Katie’s June 2021 interview with Child Life Wild Life host, Jessica Lewin, who was also recently a guest on Child Life On Call. In this episode, you will learn about how Katie’s experiences as a child life specialist and a new mother influenced each other in the most positive ways. From sharing her ‘why’ about podcasting, to preparing her own children for medical procedures and balancing her career and motherhood, you will get to know the heart of our host, Katie Taylor. [5:20] Intro about Katie and her family [9:30] Going back to work after having her baby [11:10] How motherhood transformed her career [12:00] Podcast inspiration [14:32] Supporting parents in the NICU [18:08] Challenges while working pregnant in the field [19:50] Best part of being a mom and child life specialist [21:02] Dental appointment preparation [22:30] Torticollis diagnosis [24:36] Importance of relationship building with parents [28:05] Postpartum anxiety struggle...
In this episode, we will hear from Laura about navigating hospital life and finding the balance between caring for her family and taking care of herself. She focuses on the importance of self care and how it has made her be the best version of herself. Laura shares how life after the hospital doesn’t have this glamorous feeling but is another marathon in itself. In this episode, she speaks on the positive takeaways from this journey. This episode is full of nuggets of wisdom that you will not want to miss! If you are in the middle of a long hospital stay, this episode will speak to your heart. [3:54] Leaving Trey for the night [5:56]- Daily Routines [7:40]- making time special with the big kids [12:07]-Touching interaction with CT Tech [17:47]- How our children heal us and we re-strengthen bonds [18:50]- Dividing and Conquering responsibilities [19:57]- Trey’s homecoming [22:00]- Feeling of being alone [24:49] Trey’s strong emotional intelligence [28:29] Laura shares how motherho...
Friends, you are not going to want to miss this episode! On today’s episode of the podcast,we hear about Laura’s Birth story and the beginning of her son Trey’s journey with congenital Leukemia. Laura shares the raw emotion and grief when she and her husband learn of Trey’s diagnosis. She goes intimately into detail about her first time seeing her newborn son, how it broke her to her core and how she began to pick up the pieces. Laura shares how her friends rallied behind her during this extremely challenging time and how we can support others going through a crisis. There is a part 2 to Laura’s story, sharing all about life during and after an extended stay in the hospital. [4:10] How they chose Trey’s name [5:20] Unexpected diagnosis [9:25] Emergency C-Section [10:48] Pep Talk with Mom [15:59] Neonatologist gives them difficult news [19:40] Laura describes that ‘tsunami’ feeling of their world crashing down around them [22:24] Meeting the transport nurse who helped transpo...
On today’s episode of the podcast, we will hear from Ryan Judd, Music Therapist and creator of Cool Koala. In this episode, Ryan places an emphasis on helping our children develop gratitude, compassion and learning how to cope with our worries. He shares how music helps children feel relaxed and how having the practice of guided meditation can carry into creating healthy habits for children as they move through the different stages of life and into adulthood. Ryan shares vital information on how to teach these practices to children in the hospital and in our everyday routines at home. [3:30]-Ryan shares how he started working with kids [4:20] Discovering Music Therapy as a profession [5:56] Ryan shares about his family [6:36]Ryan’s music on the App [7:24] Ryan shares about Cool Koala and when to do meditation [9:00 ]Alexa Skill integration and Cool Koala Collab [10:05] How music calms the nervous system [11:05] Letting go of worries [12:18] Sleep is the foundation of health [15:00...
This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers! On today’s episode, Annie Jones, CCLS is our guest host! We will hear from Sarah about her daughter Adalee having an ischemic stroke with no pre-existing conditions. With strokes, the recovery process is different for every individual and doctors initially thought she may not have a full recovery. Sarah shares how her faith got her through this period of time, her daughter's remarkable recovery and self care tips for parents who have children with medical needs. This episode is packed full of wisdom on how to listen to our intuition when we navigate difficult situations as parents. Sarah will also share the inspiration behind her devotional book, The Perfect Storm. Listen to: Events Leading up to Adalee’s Stroke [4:03] How Sarah followed her mothers intuition [9:00] Diagnosis at a hospital away from home [11:24] Processing an open ended diagnosis [17:42] How Adalee’s siblings were impacted during her hospital stay [22:20] Adalee running i...
This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers Abbie Pabon and Emily Enstad share their motherhood journeys through the pandemic, how it shaped their careers and how they created a company that gives hands on tools to help children regulate and express their emotions. In this episode, you will learn more about: +Learn how to empower children with tools and strategies they can access in moments of dysregulation. +How to be self-compassionate as a parent +Learn about current barriers for parents, and how connection, coregulation, and creativity are pillars to supporting social emotional learning with kids. Have you heard? The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022. Sign up to stay informed here. Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child’s unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life’s challenges. ...