
Authenticity and Vulnerability as your Superpower with Child Life Specialist Katie Taylor
10/04/23 • 44 min
Have you ever felt the weight of anxiety, isolation, or confusion while navigating through your child's healthcare journey? Today's episode takes a raw and insightful look into these challenges as we sit down with Katie Taylor, a seasoned child life specialist with over 13 years of experience under her belt. Together, we delve into the heart of what it truly means to be a parent in the healthcare landscape, tearing down the barriers that often leave us feeling alone and unprepared.
We tackle the not-so-simple art of processing emotions in parenting. With Katie's guidance, we explore the strength in vulnerability, the power in authenticity, and the importance of emotional regulation. We discuss how parents can use their past experiences to positively influence their present situations, offering solace and direction to those of us who find ourselves lost in the adversities of medical experiences. We also underscore the role of health professionals in our journey, shedding light on how they can be our strongest allies in advocating for the best possible care for our loved ones.
But, that's not all! Katie also walks us through her revolutionary creation: Child Life on Call - an app designed to provide families with the resources they need during a medical experience. We also address the vital importance of self-care, or as Katie puts it, 'replenishing our emotional tank', and the transformative power of gratitude. Wrapping up our conversation with a genuine expression of appreciation, we leave the door wide open for future insightful conversations. By the end of this episode, you'll be feeling more enlightened, inspired and ready to confidently approach your family's healthcare journey. Tune in and let's navigate this often uncharted territory together!
Full Show Notes
Connect with Katie:
Website: https://childlifeoncall.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/childlifeoncall/
Give yourself the gift of COZY:
https://cozyearth.com/
Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Join the Community:
Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Learn More HERE
Have you ever felt the weight of anxiety, isolation, or confusion while navigating through your child's healthcare journey? Today's episode takes a raw and insightful look into these challenges as we sit down with Katie Taylor, a seasoned child life specialist with over 13 years of experience under her belt. Together, we delve into the heart of what it truly means to be a parent in the healthcare landscape, tearing down the barriers that often leave us feeling alone and unprepared.
We tackle the not-so-simple art of processing emotions in parenting. With Katie's guidance, we explore the strength in vulnerability, the power in authenticity, and the importance of emotional regulation. We discuss how parents can use their past experiences to positively influence their present situations, offering solace and direction to those of us who find ourselves lost in the adversities of medical experiences. We also underscore the role of health professionals in our journey, shedding light on how they can be our strongest allies in advocating for the best possible care for our loved ones.
But, that's not all! Katie also walks us through her revolutionary creation: Child Life on Call - an app designed to provide families with the resources they need during a medical experience. We also address the vital importance of self-care, or as Katie puts it, 'replenishing our emotional tank', and the transformative power of gratitude. Wrapping up our conversation with a genuine expression of appreciation, we leave the door wide open for future insightful conversations. By the end of this episode, you'll be feeling more enlightened, inspired and ready to confidently approach your family's healthcare journey. Tune in and let's navigate this often uncharted territory together!
Full Show Notes
Connect with Katie:
Website: https://childlifeoncall.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/childlifeoncall/
Give yourself the gift of COZY:
https://cozyearth.com/
Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Join the Community:
Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Learn More HERE
Previous Episode

Impossible Levels of Support & Acceptance That Lead to Life Transformation with Diane ( Part 2)
Hello and welcome to the podcast. I'm back with part 2 of the conversation with Diane (her alias.) Part 1 is back in episode 163. In this episode, we explore her transformation, finding the right support, and the emotional journey towards acceptance - a powerful tool for life-changing transformations.
Discover how acceptance plays a key role in trusting yourself, facing challenges, and paving the way for changes you can't even imagine. This story celebrates the resilience and strength of a special needs mom, inspiring you to believe in your own power to handle anything life throws your way.
Full Show Notes
Give yourself the gift of COZY:
https://cozyearth.com/
Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Join the Community:
Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Learn More HERE
Next Episode

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No one said being a special needs mom was easy, especially when it comes to juggling activities and responsibilities. We've seen how reducing extra activities or joining new communities can create surprising breathing space for our kids. Listen as we tackle the everyday chaos of managing backpacks, tour schedules, and medical care, and share how we've found the systems that work best for each of our families. We also share our trials on creating new habits for our kids, from transitioning in and out of the car to toilet training, and how we've conquered these roadblocks.
Our journey as special needs moms isn't all about our children, it's about us too. In this episode, we delve into overcoming the fear of asking for help, improving communication with our children's teachers, and even taking a break from our children to nurture our marriages. We also explore the concept of marriage meetings and how they can benefit relationships. Join us on this empowering journey, where we support each other to be the best moms we can be. After all, it's through sharing and connecting that we find strength and solutions to our challenges.
Give yourself the gift of COZY:
https://cozyearth.com/
Up to 40% off promo code: SNMPODCAST
Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Join the Community:
Pathway to Peace Coaching Community is currently open for enrollment. Instantly get access to authentic community and weekly coaching! Give yourself the gift of growing alongside moms who deeply understand you and will be with you in your joys and sorrows. --------> Learn More HERE
The Special Needs Mom Podcast - Authenticity and Vulnerability as your Superpower with Child Life Specialist Katie Taylor
Transcript
Hi , I'm Cara , life coach , wife and mom to four incredible and unique children . It wasn't all that long ago that my son received a diagnosis that had my world come crashing down . I lacked the ability to see past the circumstances , which felt impossible , and the dreams I once had for my life and family felt destroyed .
Speaker 1This forwar
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