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What if the most powerful lever for your child’s growth isn’t another appointment, but how you care for yourself? We sit down with neuropsychologist Dr. Dawn Ilardi to connect the dots between CHD, early brain development, medical trauma, and the everyday choices that help families thrive. From prenatal influences on cognition and behavior to the protective force of stable routines and responsive parenting, we translate research into practical moves you can make this week.

We explore why CHD outcomes are shaped long before surgery and how heterogeneity makes each child unique, yet still able to benefit from adapted tools used in the general population. Dr. Ilardi explains how family factors—predictable structure, warm communication, and realistic challenges—can buffer stress and build resilience. We also address the quiet weight of medical trauma for parents and teens, outlining small, affordable supports like gratitude journaling, micro‑breaks, and CHD‑savvy counseling, alongside the healing power of honest community.

You’ll also hear about a new resource: Parenting Kids with CHD, an on‑demand library of short videos and monthly live Q&A designed to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. Topics range from ADHD meds and evaluation paths to tackling anxiety, early language delays, and transition to adult care. As Anna announces a writing hiatus, we highlight where to find archives and why the broader HUG network continues to amplify CHD stories and support.

Subscribe for more conversations that blend empathy and evidence. If this episode helped you feel seen—or gave you one concrete tool to try—share it with a friend, leave a review, and tell us the next question you want answered.

Dr. Ilardi’s other episodes:

Season 1: What is Normal Child Development in Children with Complex CHD? https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/852321

Season 19: Unlocking Neurodevelopmental Breakthroughs: Impact of CHDs and Parental Influence https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/15872291

Season 20: When Hearts and Minds Unite: Navigating Neurodevelopment in CHD https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/16895529

Dr. Ilardi’s blog: https://pedneurocenter.com/author/dilardi/

Join the waitlist for the Parenting Kids with CHD: https://pedneurocenter.com/parenting-kids-with-chd/

The news article I mentioned at the top of the episode (Neurodevelopment in Congenital Heart Disease: A Review of Antenatal Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-025-04360-y

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