How to Help Kids Build Confidence and Independence with Jessica Hardy

Episode Summary:How can parents help children feel more confident, capable, and empowered as they grow? In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Jessica Hardy, a child life specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric hospital settings, to explore how parents can support children through medical experiences, everyday decisions, screen time, and the journey toward independence.Jessica shares what inspired her to work with children and families and explains how child life specialists help children understand and cope with medical experiences. She discusses the importance of giving children developmentally appropriate information, offering choices, using coping tools, and advocating for pain management during procedures such as vaccinations and medical visits.The conversation also explores screen time, setting healthy boundaries around technology, and why giving children age-appropriate choices and responsibilities can help build confidence. Jessica shares practical parenting insights from her professional experience and her own journey raising two children, including the importance of staying connected while giving kids the space they need to become independent.What You'll LearnHow child life specialists help children cope with medical experiences and new diagnosesWays parents can prepare children for doctor visits, vaccinations, and proceduresWhy pain management and giving children choices can make medical experiences easierHow parents can build confidence by giving children age-appropriate responsibilitiesThe connection between independence, decision-making, and self-confidenceHow to set healthy boundaries around screen time and technologyWhy staying connected and available helps children develop independenceHow to support children through the natural push and pull of growing up About Jessica HardyJessica Hardy is a child life specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric hospital settings. She holds a bachelor's degree in child development and family and consumer studies and has built her career around helping families navigate new diagnoses, medical procedures, hospitalization, and emotional challenges.As a child life specialist, Jessica helps children understand what is happening to them, prepares them for medical experiences using age-appropriate information, and provides coping tools, distraction, play, and opportunities for children to make choices. Her approach focuses on helping children feel supported, informed, and empowered during experiences that can otherwise feel overwhelming.Jessica also brings a deep understanding of family dynamics and parenting challenges to her work. In this conversation, she shares practical wisdom on helping children develop confidence, responsibility, independence, and the ability to make decisions while maintaining a strong connection with their parents.Connect with Jessica HardyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-hardy-boiseListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/