The Building Resilient Kids Podcast

Anne- Marie (Curtis) Hicks – Fundraising Professional and Mum of 3, Parenting Children with Sotos Syndrome and Down Syndrome

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Joy, Diagnosis and the Village: Annie Hicks on Building Resilience in Kids with Disabilities

In this deeply personal episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis speaks with his amazing cousin, Annie Hicks—a dedicated mother of three and a fundraising professional in the education sector—about what it means to raise resilient children, including two living with disabilities: Calvin (Sotos Syndrome and ADHD) and Lily (Down Syndrome).

Annie opens up about the surprises and challenges of receiving a diagnosis, the evolving needs of her children, and how she and her husband Michael have navigated parenthood with intentionality, balance, and love. With candour and warmth, Annie discusses the power of community, the importance of self-care, and the need to be selectively selfish to model resilience for her kids.

From managing emotional regulation through sensory tools, companion animals, and trampoline resets, to redesigning family expectations and slowing down to meet her children where they’re at, Annie offers practical wisdom for parents, carers, and educators alike.

Also in this episode:

  • The concept of wellbeing hubs and navigators in schools
  • Parenting withopen communication and emotional availability
  • The transformative role ofcanine and equine therapy
  • Her superhero alter ego,‘Modulux’, imagined with the help of ChatGPT
  • Insights from the blended family experience with Layla, her stepdaughter
  • The critical role ofpositive self-talk and modelling resilience

    • Annie’s heartfelt stories and honest reflections will resonate with anyone striving to raise strong, self-aware, and joyful kids; regardless of ability.

     

    Resources & Further Reading:
    • Annie Hicks on LinkedIn:com/in/anne-marie-hicks-8b55a284
    • Sotos Syndrome(Medline Plus): https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/sotos-syndrome/
    • Down Syndrome Overview(Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome
    • Carly Findlay – Author and Disability Advocate:https://carlyfindlay.com.au/
      • The Book:Growing Up Disabled in Australia, edited by Carly Findlay
      • Hannah Diviney – Writer, Speaker & Advocate:https://hannahdiviney.com/
      • Guide Dogs WA – Companion Dog Program:https://www.guidedogswa.com.au/
      • Amaroo Equine Therapy (Belinda Muiser):https://www.amarooequine.com.au
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        The Building Resilient Kids PodcastBy Building Resilient Kids