213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You Are

213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You Are

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist April 3, 2024 Duration: 8:21

In This Episode:

Katie Taylor goes off the beaten path in this special episode to share a profound moment of inspiration that struck her. This episode is a heartfelt message to child life specialists, students, and parents, emphasizing the importance of showing up as you are, without the burden of imposter syndrome.

Key Highlights:

  • A Different Kind of Episode: Katie shares her spontaneous thoughts that came from a moment of inspiration, promising that the usual stories from the field and parental perspectives will return in future episodes.
  • Message of Empowerment: The core message is about overcoming the misconception of imposter syndrome. It's about recognizing that being in the room is an acknowledgment of one's worth and contributions.
  • Inspirational Source: Katie discusses insights gained from listening to Reshma Saujani, CEO of Girls Who Code, and her philosophy of bravery over perfection, which struck a chord with Katie in relation to the child life profession and parental involvement in healthcare.
  • For Child Life Specialists: A call to recognize the value they bring to healthcare settings, emphasizing that healthcare teams are fortunate to have them participate.
  • For Students: Encouragement to embrace their internships and opportunities without doubting their deservedness or capability.
  • For Parents: An affirmation of the crucial role parents play when involved in their child's care, emphasizing that their presence inherently improves the healthcare experience for their child.

Katie wraps up with a reminder of the importance of showing up authentically in every room you find yourself in, celebrating Child Life Month, and expressing gratitude to her listeners.

Resources and Next Steps:

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:

10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect

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

 


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inside the Children's Hospital
Podcast Episodes
From Pharmacist to Mom: Navigating Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:48
What happens when the healthcare professional becomes the parent sitting on the other side of the diagnosis? In this episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Melissa Apa—a clinical pharmacist, diabetes educator, and mom—to s…
A NICU Dad Story: Life After a 25 Week Premature Birth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:52
"I kept telling her, 'We've got this.' And inside, I had no clue what was coming next." What does it look like to be "the strong one" when your world is falling apart? In this episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Jared M…
Trisomy 13: Challenging the Narrative and Choosing Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:45
What happens when a diagnosis labeled "lethal" doesn't tell the full story? In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Nicole, a mom of five, who shares her daughter Charlotte's journe…
NICU, Trach and Home Care: One Family's Journey to Stability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:41
What does it look like when life changes in an instant—and a family learns to navigate the unimaginable? In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Marah, a mom of four, who shares her…
When a Parent Has Cancer: What Kids Understand Before We Say It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
What happens when your child already senses something life-changing—before anyone has found the words to say it out loud? When serious illness enters a family, children often understand more than we realize. And for care…