<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Congenital Heart Defects Families Assocation]]></title><description><![CDATA[chdf]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:30:29 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.chdfamilies.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Putting it all together: the 24th HEART BLOG article]]></title><description><![CDATA[Because the trip took us in many directions, this article is meant to organize the resources spread out over two years of articles.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/putting-it-all-together-the-24th-heart-blog-article</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187ee7e68b9c10016cb4a1a</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:03:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_4836eac4c84a453bb0bd2369264b123a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Heart Parents Class 301: reflecting on your own story]]></title><description><![CDATA[Now is a good time to reflect on your own experience given all that you have learned from these articles.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/heart-parents-class-301-reflecting-on-your-own-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">61885405780c820016b330c2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:04:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_1de29013639547908e854084c8a156c3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mixing fears with play on Halloween: how we do the same with scary feelings for children with CHD]]></title><description><![CDATA[Halloween is a fun time for many children and families.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/mixing-play-with-fear-on-halloween-how-we-do-the-same-with-scary-feelings-for-children-with-chd</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187f3ff4668fa00165dd65a</guid><category><![CDATA[play]]></category><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:17:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_05934427237d42128e47c78e2824de72~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using medical ID on iPhone: critical information at a glance for yourself and emergency responders]]></title><description><![CDATA[The digital form of a "medic alert bracelet" has now become the phone.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/using-medical-id-on-iphone-critical-information-at-a-glance-for-yourself-and-emergency-responders</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187ef5993d76100164185ae</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:46:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_9ddc296f43914f46b3573feea6c75624~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Not forgetting the sibling experience: feelings in siblings impacted by CHD]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Siblings, whether younger or older, have their own experience of having a brother or sister with CHD....]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/not-forgetting-the-sibling-experience-anxiety-in-the-sibling-of-a-child-with-chd</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187f1849b9b1b001623bd63</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:50:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_764a902cb9104738ac13dece7a98277a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A dying child: helping a child approaching death]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Children are not supposed to die, but unfortunately children do die. It can be one of the most painful...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/a-dying-child-helping-a-child-approaching-death</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187f13c8127aa001692453f</guid><pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:50:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_856bfc7bac8a4aed9407fa1d989b90bd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Some thoughts on saying "special" and "heart warrior" in the CHD community: real and false identity]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. What does it mean to regard someone or something as "special"? This article is concerned with the...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/some-thoughts-on-the-use-of-the-word-special-in-the-chd-community-real-and-false-identity</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187f1b054fba600174cc7fa</guid><pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:50:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_660747c81c394b6996631dd6b4bfcc75~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing where to find care: CHD specialists both domestic and abroad]]></title><description><![CDATA[This article highlights where to find information specific to CHD care both domestically and internationally.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/knowing-where-to-find-care-chd-specialists-both-domestic-and-abroad</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187c15545c267001653b8f4</guid><pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2021 13:11:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_67da2bee1c004f1d9a02739449ab5866~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What sucks for a child with CHD: being open to grief and acknowledging losses]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. For many parents, it is easier to celebrate the wins and achievements than to acknowledge and face...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/what-sucks-for-a-child-with-chd-being-open-to-grief-and-acknowledging-losses</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6187d9971f7b360016869891</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:50:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_8ddfe300a2c842308fc79c55ec06171a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your child's cardiology records: a system for order, containment and peace of mind]]></title><description><![CDATA[Having a system to organize all this information sets the stage for more efficient navigation of your child's medical history, less stress..]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/your-child-s-cardiology-records-a-system-for-order-containment-and-peace-of-mind</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6105cef7b5902a0016a16454</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2021 19:08:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_a8207197c15d4492ac39f6aca2fdc10b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_491,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Everyday things that illustrate heart function: making heart function interactive at home]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Not everyone has a model of a heart laying around. And, even if you have one, it might not be the best...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/everyday-things-that-illustrate-heart-function-making-heart-function-interactive-at-home</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6105c6e3006c4c0015747df9</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><category><![CDATA[play]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2021 22:24:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_10e3492a6dc44905952d38db3bfe830b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thinking of the heart as a house: creative concepts for children to understand their "heart house"]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Using everyday common things or concepts to help illustrate heart function might be just the kind of...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/thinking-of-the-heart-as-a-house-creative-concepts-for-children-to-understand-their-heart-house</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6105be5a848e5e0015b5473d</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2021 21:38:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_4ca2249f22384f6a9b3c75abe6729155~mv2.gif/v1/fit/w_286,h_336,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Animated videos for children with CHD: easing anxiety and building child-appropriate understanding]]></title><description><![CDATA[Austin E. Wilmot, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Children with CHD are faced with a particular challenge--the challenge to understand the meanings of...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/animated-videos-for-children-with-chd-easing-anxiety-and-building-child-appropriate-understanding</link><guid isPermaLink="false">61059d21ee16cb00158febef</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2021 20:31:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_f4180cfa127a4c4e8009b2571a1a9f2c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 911 emergency in the psyche of a 12-year-old boy: Understanding OCD in children with CHD]]></title><description><![CDATA[For a child with CHD, unaddressed heart worries can manifest into obsessive compulsive mental and physical activity.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/the-911-emergency-in-the-psyche-of-a-12-year-old-boy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6029d6ff00fae00017dbc132</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2021 02:18:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_b4638fef2e8b405a85c7af6508f780b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hidden meanings of actions and reactions of children in therapy: the psychotherapy series]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this brief article, I wish to outline 20 common ways that children act and react within the relationship with a child therapist. ]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/hidden-meanings-of-actions-and-reactions-of-children-in-therapy-the-psychotherapy-series</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60298ad68314ec00171b26b3</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2021 20:48:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_a3554c0d7c40452796d31837fa4d47ba~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Questions to ask (yourself) when looking for a therapist for your child: the psychotherapy series]]></title><description><![CDATA[This article provides a therapist-side view of how the therapy situation can stir emotions for all involved...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/questions-to-ask-yourself-when-looking-for-a-therapist-for-your-child-the-psychotherapy-series</link><guid isPermaLink="false">602897a72abbbc001740ba07</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2021 03:26:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_276a60b43d3548a58e9e3b9c13bd83c5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_676,h_676,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The traumatized child with CHD: understanding the traumatized child’s broadcast and how we respond]]></title><description><![CDATA[Virtually every child with CHD has experienced trauma.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/the-traumatized-child-with-chd-understanding-the-traumatized-child-s-broadcast-and-how-we-respond</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f2a381536c9240017d76ff1</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2020 04:44:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_2f1d067daafe4e1591b5fa147b0a5261~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[COVID-19 &#38; children: how drawings can be helpful in accessing a child’s inner life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Children have an active fantasy life that plays a pivotal role in their emotion regulation.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/covid-19-young-children-how-drawings-can-be-helpful-in-accessing-a-child-s-inner-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5edf8a11ff87a40017c8b831</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:14:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_f46f8f899e534363a4012a9d69861733~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The emotional meaning behind physical symptoms]]></title><description><![CDATA[Physical symptoms are frequently thought of only as physical problems, when it is, often, an issue of emotional and psychological origin.]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/the-emotional-meaning-behind-physical-symptoms</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5eddbc3cfe805900173ae277</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:24:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_5bbf86f78d3643a2b289e3cbb0ba7f33~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The dangers of forgetting the “Heart Worrier” inside your “Heart Warrior”]]></title><description><![CDATA[What is meant by “heart warrior”? Is there something deeper to understand about its invocation or that of its apparent long-lost sibling...]]></description><link>https://www.chdfamilies.org/post/the-dangers-of-forgetting-the-heart-worrier-inside-your-heart-warrior</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e49608079c6ab00174b30cc</guid><category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 16 Feb 2020 15:40:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/62fc23_64ceeebfa6b145caa6348d879e5b6f2f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>awilmot</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>