Feeling alone after your child's diagnosis? Discover three powerful lessons that have changed how families find hope, support, and confidence while navigating pediatric healthcare.

In this solo episode, child life specialist Katie Taylor distills eight years of conversations with hundreds of families into three essential takeaways every parent needs when thrust into the pediatric healthcare world. If you're overwhelmed by medical decisions, uncertain about switching providers, or searching for ways to support your child—and yourself—during hospital life, this episode offers tangible steps and comforting wisdom.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- You are not "stuck" with your child's assigned doctor and can (and should) seek a provider who fits your family's needs
- Open communication and advocating for yourself and your child are vital in every medical setting
- Narrating medical experiences with your child helps prepare them, builds trust, and fosters resilience
- Small acts of self-care are crucial to preserving your strength as a caregiver
- Every family's coping strategy is valid; don't compare your self-care to what you see on social media

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction & Podcast Purpose
0:37 - Wide Range of Diagnoses Covered
1:33 - Who This Podcast Is For
2:39 - Lesson 1: You're Not Stuck With Your Doctor
5:02 - Lesson 2: How Narrating Medical Experiences Supports Your Child
6:08 - Real-Life Story: Marley's Experience With Type 1 Diabetes
8:50 - Lesson 3: Redefining Self-Care for Medical Parents
10:25 - Simple Self-Care Strategies
11:41 - What's Coming in 2026
13:12 - Important Disclaimer

RESOURCES:
- Book: "Real Self-Care" by Dr. Pooja Lakshman
- Marlee & Bain's Story on TikTok: @BainT1D
- Effie Parks/Once Upon a Gene Podcast

HOST: Katie Keating is a Certified Child Life Specialist who has spent over 15 years supporting families navigating pediatric medical experiences.

CONNECT:
Instagram: @childlifeoncall

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