Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support - Episode 150 | Grandparents Guide to Supporting Their Kids + Grandkids during Illness

Episode 150 | Grandparents Guide to Supporting Their Kids + Grandkids during Illness

01/04/23 • 14 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support

On today's episode, Katie shares with our listeners how Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids during an illness or diagnosis. During the holidays with lots of family time, this topic came to mind. Grandparents are an integral part of the family, whether they live near or far. This episode gives practical ways Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids.

[1:58] Hard conversations during the holidays

[2:17] How can Grandparents give support

[4:05] When your child is hurting. your heart is in a million pieces

[4:45] When is it ok to ask questions

[5:25] "Can you let me know when a good time is?"

[6:32] I love you, I'm here, I want to be useful

[7:00] Let them know that you are there without expecting a response

[7:58] Write down your questions

[8:30] How can Grandparents advocate?

[9:26] Sitting down with your child and ask their wants and needs

[10:00] Helping with everyday tasks

[11:07] Resources for Grandparents

[11:32] Online resources to help navigate

[12:38] The role of Grandparents is so important

Download our free grandparents guide here. 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.

[1:58] Hard conversations during the holidays

[2:17] How can Grandparents give support

[4:05] When your child is hurting. your heart is in a million pieces

[4:45] When is it ok to ask questions

[5:25] "Can you let me know when a good time is?"

[6:32] I love you, I'm here, I want to be useful

[7:00] Let them know that you are there without expecting a response

[7:58] Write down your questions

[8:30] How can Grandparents advocate?

[9:26] Sitting down with your child and ask their wants and needs

[10:00] Helping with everyday tasks

[11:07] Resources for Grandparents

[11:32] Online resources to help navigate

[12:38] The role of Grandparents is so important

Download our free grandparents guide here. 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.

Previous Episode

Episode 149 | Last of the Year

On this week's episode, Katie wraps up the year with, Lyndsey (CLOC admin + podcast editor) sharing about what the common themes across the episodes were in 2022. This year was a memorable one as there were so many parents who so candidly shared their story on the podcast and clinicians who shared their expertise to inspire our listeners. 2022, you were SO good to us! 2023 we look forward to all the amazing stories and insight this next season will bring!

[00:45] Lyndsey Introduces herself

[3:34] Listening to stories while in the hospital

[4:09] Diversity of topics in 2022

[4:32] Paola's Story {Episode 131}

[5:30] Laura's Story {Episode 123 + Episode 124}

[6:02] Dear NICU Mama's Story {Episode 145}

[6:28] Feeding pump interruption

[8:00] Acceptance of being an advocate and expert

[8:25]Find your people

[9:09] It's ok to use google

[11:20] We are grateful for you

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.

Next Episode

Episode 151 | Gavin + Cindy’s Story - A son with Osteosarcoma

Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan's diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the Hospital his son was being treated at the very same day as a diagnosis. They openly share the ups and downs of their journey and how Ryan's legacy lives on today.

[3:16] Introducing their family

[5;34] A bike accident lead to the shocking diagnosis

[6:26] Going into remission

[7:00] Gavin begins a new job as a CFO the same day they got the Osteosarcoma diagnosis

[8:30] Diagnosis day

[9:30] Bedside Manner of Pediatrician

[10:26] Balance between hospital and home

[13:32] Being open with Ryan during his treatment

[15:38] Ryan learned how to golf during his treatment period

[18:03] Cindy shares about how she made a pillowcase for Ryan to make each stay more comfortable

[19:50] Finding out Ryan was terminal

[21:30] Case of Smiles being formed after a Martha Stewart Contest entry

[23:00] Coping with the new reality and loss

[25:20] Using Ryan's experience to help cope with a cancer diagnosis

[28:40] Finding your advocate voice

[30:00] The joy in Ryan's pranks

[32:32] Learning the ropes quickly

[33:05] Evolution of care

[35:15] Smiling and laugh through the hard times

[39:02] Just Sibs Program

Connect with Gavin and Cindy

Instagram

Website

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.