podcast, Katie interviews Crystal Polk, a Social Worker and Licensed Therapist speaks about the dual role parents of medically complex children hold as caregiver and parent. Crystal specializes in working with families who have children with special or medical needs. She gives parents practical things they can do today to start on the path of healing. 

[3:30] Crystal introduces herself

[6:00] Identifying the differences between caregiving and parenting

[8:30] Acknowledging the stages of grief

[9:40] Grieving what you once imagined

[11:03] Delegation, being heard and frustration are common themes

[14:08] Healing unprocessed trauma using EMDR

[16:19] Lean into mindfulness

[17:53] Giving your self the the gift of consistency

[21:13] Type of support families receive varies from state to state

[22:24] Parents are demanding positive changes

[25:04] Getting the word out about parent caregiver support

Connect with Crystal

Website

Instagram

Crystal recommends using Psychology Today to search for a qualified therapist. View Crystal and other therapists here.

Crystal is LEND Certified. Read more about the LEND program here. 

Unseen Caregiver Documentary

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.

Further episodes of Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

Further podcasts by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist

Website of Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist