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In this episode of Beyond the Stories, host Rita talks with Lacey Holmquist, a Certified Child Life Specialist, about helping children navigate dental visits and medical experiences. 

Paired with the Once upon a feeling episode “Bobby Goes to the Dentist”, this conversation explores why kids fear the dentist, how parents can prepare them, and strategies to build coping skills, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation.

Topics covered include: understanding fear of the unknown, using play and visualization, positive reinforcement after visits, comfort tools like Buzzy, and building lifelong coping skills. This episode is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting children through medical experiences.

Helpful Links:

• Listen to Once Upon a Feeling: https://linktr.ee/gooshi_world
• Gooshi App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gooshi/id6737409774
• Parenting Tips & Updates: https://www.instagram.com/gooshi_world

This episode pairs perfectly with  Once upon a feeling where parents and kiddos can dive explore ways to express and regulate emotions during real-life medical and dental experiences.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Welcome & intro — why listen after the story episode
• [00:01:30] Introduction to Lacey Holmquist, Certified Child Life Specialist
• [00:02:00] What is a Child Life Specialist? Understanding their role in hospitals
• [00:03:00] Lacey’s origin story: How she chose her career in child life
• [00:05:00] Working with children and families in medical settings
• [00:06:00] Example stories from oncology and hospital visits
• [00:07:00] What is Buzzy? Pain and anxiety relief tool
• [00:08:00] Preparing children for dental visits: managing fear
• [00:10:00] Strategies for young children: play, reading, visualization
• [00:12:00] Consistency & exposure: familiarizing children with visits
• [00:14:00] Handling strong reactions during appointments
• [00:15:00] Positive associations post-visit: rewards and reinforcement
• [00:18:00] Coping strategies: weighted blankets, iPads, distraction
• [00:19:00] Childhood experiences shaping adult attitudes
• [00:22:00] Addressing parental anxiety
• [00:24:00] Skills children develop: coping and self-advocacy
• [00:27:00] Practical advice for parents before dental visits
• [00:30:00] Comfort items, advocacy, tips for smoother experiences
• [00:34:00] Wrap-up & final takeaways
  
  

Guest info:
 Lacey Holmquist, Certified Child Life Specialist, Pasadena, CA
Instagram: @laceymarie337

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacey-holmquist-69bb3050/