How to Talk to Kids About the Things We Wish They Didn't Have to Face [Palliative Care]

How do families navigate a serious childhood diagnosis while still focusing on hope, quality of life, and the everyday moments that matter most?

In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital Podcast, Katie Taylor sits down with Dr. Korie Leigh, PhD, CCLS, a child life specialist, psychologist, thanatologist, author, educator, and pediatric palliative care advocate. Drawing on more than two decades of supporting children and families, Dr. Leigh shares what pediatric palliative care really is—and why it is so much more than many families believe.

Together, they explore how pediatric palliative care supports children living with serious or complex medical conditions from the time of diagnosis, helping families manage not only medical needs, but also emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being. Dr. Leigh discusses how parents can advocate for palliative care services, even if they are not offered at their local hospital, and explains why caregiver support and respite care are essential parts of caring for the whole family.

The conversation also dives into resilience, grief, and the power of creativity. Dr. Leigh shares how writing can become a meaningful tool for processing difficult experiences, why preparing children for life's hardest moments matters, and how her books were created to help families navigate conversations surrounding illness, hospitalization, and loss with confidence and compassion.

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, caring for a child with a complex medical condition, supporting a family through hospitalization, or you're a healthcare professional looking to better understand pediatric palliative care, this episode offers practical insights, encouragement, and hope.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• What pediatric palliative care really means

• The difference between palliative care and hospice

• Why palliative care should begin at diagnosis

• How parents can advocate for pediatric palliative care

• Finding support when services aren't available locally

• Caregiver burnout and the importance of respite care

• Building resilience during a child's medical journey

• Talking with children about illness, grief, and loss

• Using writing and creativity as tools for healing

• Improving access to pediatric palliative care through advocacy

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Meet Dr. Korie Leigh

02:33 A career in child life and palliative care

05:25 What is pediatric palliative care?

08:00 How parents can advocate for support

10:59 Insurance and access to care

12:05 Why respite care matters

14:18 Supporting families beyond the hospital

15:07 Building resilience through crisis

19:13 Writing through grief and healing

22:26 Creativity as a coping tool

27:29 Books, music, and final reflections

Resources Mentioned

• When Everything Changes: Parenting through Loss and Grief by Dr. Korie Leigh

• Hero's Path Palliative

• Dr. Korie Leigh's Website

• Leigh Moody (music)

• George Mark Children's House

• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for guidance specific to your child and family.