Has your child been burned? Whether it was hot water, ramen noodles, a stove, fireworks, or another accident, this episode guides parents through what to do next.

In this episode, Katie sits down with Christella Almonacy, Certified Child Life Specialist at Wellstar's Burn Program, to discuss what families can expect after a child experiences a burn injury. Together, they explore the physical and emotional recovery process, how Child Life Specialists help children cope with painful procedures, and why giving kids choices can make all the difference.

Christella also shares common causes of pediatric burns, practical prevention tips, and resources that help children and siblings navigate life after a burn injury.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or pediatric healthcare professional, this episode offers reassurance, education, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• Burn injuries happen more often than families realize—and accidents can happen to anyone.

• Parents often experience intense guilt after a child's burn injury, but they aren't alone.

• Child Life Specialists prepare children for procedures, reduce fear, and build coping skills.

• Giving children choices helps them regain a sense of control during medical care.

• Burn recovery includes emotional healing, not just physical healing.

• Siblings may also need support after witnessing a traumatic injury.

• Burn prevention starts with awareness of everyday household risks.

Timestamps

2:59 Christella's path to Child Life

3:30 Supporting families after a burn injury

5:58 What children experience after a serious burn

7:28 Preparing kids for procedures and surgery

9:15 Giving children choices during treatment

12:30 What to expect in a burn clinic

17:10 Meet the burn care team

18:50 Burn prevention tips every family should know

22:08 The burn recovery journey

25:50 Returning to school after a burn

27:15 Supporting siblings through trauma

29:20 A powerful patient story

Resources Mentioned

• Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

• Sarah Steps by the Phoenix Society for Young Children

Connect with Us

• Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital

• Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily

• Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources

Keywords

Pediatric burns, burn prevention, child life specialist, burn recovery, pediatric burn care, burn clinic, childhood injuries, coping with hospitalization, emotional recovery after burns, parenting after a burn injury.

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