What happens when your child shares something that shifts the future you thought you understood?

In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie sits down with Kelly Kemp — certified child life specialist of more than 30 years and mom of three — to talk about navigating trust, grief, advocacy, and love after her child was diagnosed with gender dysphoria and came out as transgender.

Kelly shares:

• The phone call that changed everything

• Navigating substance use and mental health concerns

• Grieving privately while choosing love publicly

• Rebuilding trust with her child

• Supporting siblings during a major transition

• Setting boundaries with extended family

• Finding affirming medical and mental health care

• Holding faith and parenting together during uncertainty

This conversation is not about politics. It is about parenting inside a medical diagnosis. It is about trust. It is about grief that doesn't mean rejection. And it is about the steady, protective love that children need — especially when the world feels loud.

Whether your child is navigating a medical diagnosis, identity development, or a season you didn't anticipate, this episode will remind you:

Grief and love can coexist.

Trust is foundational.

And your child still needs you.

Resources & Crisis Support:

• The Trevor Project: Providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people.

• Call: 1-866-488-7386

• Text: START to 678-678

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For mental health crises in the US.

• Free Mom Hugs

• WPath (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)

• The Trans Family Alliance

• Please note: Some organizations have private social media groups. For more information on those, you are welcome to private message Kelly Kemp.

Connect & Support from Child Life On Call:

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

• Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily

• Follow us on Instagram for updates and opportunities to connect with other parents

• Download SupportSpot: receive Child Life tools at your fingertips.

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

Medical information provided is not a substitute for professional advice—please consult your care team.