Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms

By Angela O'BrienEducation Self-Improvement

Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms episodes

October 08, 2024 71 | Especially Enneagram Series: Special Needs Parenting as an Enneagram 1
71 | Especially Enneagram Series: Special Needs Parenting as an Enneagram 1
We are continuing on with our Especially Enneagram Series and finishing up the Gut Triad with Enneagram 1 and special needs parent, Kim Scruggs.
Kim opens up about her family's journey with her son Zach, diagnosed with epilepsy at age seven and having undergone significant medical treatments, including a brain surgery. Discover how Kim has managed to balance the needs of Zach alongside his neurodivergent twin brother Seth, all while homeschooling and organizing their lives with practical strategies that will resonate with any parent facing similar challenges.
Kim's identity as an Enneagram One provides a compelling lens through which she navigates these challenges. Her story underscores the transformative power of self-awareness and the Enneagram framework in fostering personal growth and better interpersonal relationships. Tune in for a deeply moving and insightful conversation that not only offers practical advice but also emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one's identity beyond parenting roles and finding solace in shared experiences and supportive communities.
Kim Scruggs graduated from Carson-Newman College with a degree in English/Secondary Education. Over the years, she has been a magazine writer/editor (twice), classroom and homeschool tutorial teacher, Pregnancy Center Client Services Coordinator and later Director, ACT Prep instructor, front desk clerk at an urgent care clinic, private tutor, and an employee at a storage and U-Haul rental facility, many of those simultaneously while also working as the office manager for the local dance school. She retired from dance in June 2023 after 15 years and now works part-time as a church administrator. Kim and her husband Joey have been married for almost 31 years. They have 25-year-old twin sons, Seth and Zachary, and a daughter, Mollie., who is in her second year of college studying elementary education. Zachary lives with Joey and Kim, and filmmaker Seth and his wife Megan welcomed their first child this past summer, ushering in Kim's Grammy Era! Now that she only has one job, Kim is rediscovering her love of reading, especially James Patterson thrillers, all kinds of detective novels, and World War II historical fiction.
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Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

1 hr 1 min
October 03, 2024 BONUS Enneagram 9 Tip of the Week: Especially Enneagram Series
BONUS Enneagram 9 Tip of the Week: Especially Enneagram Series

In addition to my weekly episodes highlighting each of the Enneagram personalities as they relate to special needs parenting, I am offering some BONUS content each week that highlights one suggestion, tip, hack or source of encouragement for each Enneagram type.
Follow along each Thursday for the next few weeks and see how using the lens of the Enneagram might help you reclaim what you need in this season.
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Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

10 min
October 01, 2024 70 | Especially Enneagram Series: Special Needs Parenting as an Enneagram 9
70 | Especially Enneagram Series: Special Needs Parenting as an Enneagram 9
We continue our exploration of the Enneagram personality types as they relate to special needs parenting.
This week I sit down with Heather Fillmore, a fellow Enneagram 9 and parent to not one but several kids with disabilities. She shares about her experience as an Enneagram 9 but also as a coach to other Enneagram 9s. Heather shares how she has found ways to develop greater self-awareness and proactive behavior, shifting from numbing out to embracing her role with grace and compassion. This episode provides valuable lessons on managing internal conflicts and finding joy amidst the struggles.
We also discuss practical strategies for navigating conflict through somatic awareness and improving time management for Enneagram Type 9s. Heather shares techniques like centering and softening to help manage stress and foster deeper connections.
Then stay tuned while I share my own insights for Enneagram 9 special needs parents, with actionable advice on helping us discern our true wants and needs to conquering that calendar clutter we tend to deal with. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, compassion, and practical steps to enhance your parenting journey.
Heather Fillmore is a Certified Life Coach and Somatic Coach who helps Enneagram Type 9s (Gentle Peacemakers) to bravely engage in everything that matters to them. She and her husband, Jeremy have 9 children. Two of them have Down syndrome and came to them from Russia in 2011 and 2012 when they were 4 and 5 years old. Two of their boys (one with mild Cerebral Palsy) joined them from China in 2016. Heather finds that managing her mind through self coaching and her nervous system through centering helps her show up as the mom she wants to be and stay on top of all of the demands of her family and business. They recently moved to Logan, Utah with their 5 youngest children and are excited to grow a small hobby farm. You can follow Heather on Instagram @the_nine_coach and online at www.heatherfillmorecoaching.com
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Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

1 hr 1 min
September 26, 2024 BONUS Enneagram 8 Tip of the Week: Especially Enneagram Series
BONUS Enneagram 8 Tip of the Week: Especially Enneagram Series
In addition to my weekly episodes highlighting each of the Enneagram personalities as they relate to special needs parenting, I am offering some BONUS content each week that highlights one suggestion, tip, hack or source of encouragement for each Enneagram type.
Follow along each Thursday for the next few weeks and see how using the lens of the Enneagram might help you reclaim what you need in this season.
-------
Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

9 min
September 24, 2024 69 | Especially Enneagram Series: Special Needs Parenting as an Enneagram 8
69 | Especially Enneagram Series: Special Needs Parenting as an Enneagram 8
How does your personality shape your approach to parenting, especially when supporting children with special needs? That is the question we will be exploring for this series, which we kick off today with the big energy of the Enneagram 8!
This episode features an enlightening conversation with Stefanie Ferris, a seasoned podcaster and mother of three boys, two of whom have ADHD and sensory processing disorders. Stefanie shares her unique perspective as an Enneagram 8, highlighting how her natural leadership qualities help her manage the chaos of a bustling household while addressing the mental health needs of her children. We dive deep into the complexities of parenting children with ADHD, covering everything from diagnoses to managing anxiety and the importance of a clutter-free home for mental clarity.
Maintaining a clutter-free home and managing family anxiety are also at the forefront of our conversation. We discuss the psychological benefits of minimalism, strategies for teaching kids to respect shared spaces, and the importance of self-care for parents. Stefanie's insights into the dynamic energy of Enneagram 8s in special needs parenting offer a powerful reminder of the importance of balance, empathy, and finding trusted support systems. Tune in for a wealth of valuable tips and heartfelt stories that will resonate with any parent navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs.
Stefanie is an actress, marketer, business owner, and a storyteller. She has been married to Casey Phariss for 21 years and together they have three boys, ages 14, 11, and 9. Her household is full of chaos and Stefanie believes she is just one bin away from solving all her problems and staying organized.
__________
Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

1 hr 13 min
September 17, 2024 68 | Especially Enneagram Series: Introduction to the Enneagram for Special Needs Parents
68 | Especially Enneagram Series: Introduction to the Enneagram for Special Needs Parents
Welcome to an exciting new podcast series, over a year in the making, where I introduce the Enneagram to the special needs parenting community. I am kicking off this journey with an introduction to the Enneagram and how it has personally transformed my life, especially as a parent and organizer.
Discover the concept of intelligence centers—thinking, feeling, and doing—and learn how balancing these aspects can lead to personal growth and improved relationships. This episode sets the stage for a series aimed at providing valuable insights and resources to help you better understand yourself, your parenting style, and even your organization style!
With my amazing guest, Laurie Palau, we explore how understanding the motivations behind our behaviors through the Enneagram can improve communication and relationships. We'll introduce the nine core types and how knowing your type can help in various aspects of life, including organization and parenting. This episode is especially beneficial for parents of children with special needs, offering a framework for better understanding and connection and is the first in a 10 part series where I introduce you to 9 different special needs parents that represents and reflect certain aspects of each personality type.
Laurie Palau is a professional organizer, podcaster and Enneagram junkie, just like me! She started her business Simply B Organized in 2009 and is the author of Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized. You can find her and all that she is up to at https://simplyborganized.com/
__________
Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

1 hr 6 min
September 10, 2024 67 | Embracing the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
67 | Embracing the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
Valerie Arbeau's incredible journey as a special needs mom began with the harrowing birth of her first child, Melody Anne, who defied a dire prognosis to thrive. Her story doesn't stop there—it extends to navigating the complexities of raising a second child with ADHD and high-functioning autism. Valerie's resilience and love shine through as she shares the emotional highs and lows of her parenting path, offering profound insights and lessons learned along the way.
We dive into the heart of parenting without attachment to outcomes, an essential mindset when raising children with unique challenges. But mostly, this episode explores how embracing the journey, focusing on a child's unique strengths, and finding joy in the present moment can transform the parenting experience, especially amidst the pressures faced by new parents.
Valerie is a certified health and life coach dedicated to empowering moms of children with special needs. Valerie has been married to Scott for over 30 years and they have two children, both with special needs. With over 30 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist, Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching practice. Her mission is to help these incredible women live with intention, find strength in their unique circumstances, and navigate the challenges of motherhood. Through her guidance they reclaim their power, inspire others, and celebrate their resilience.
You can connect with Valerie at her website and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Also check out her podcast, Circle of Strength .
__________
Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

41 min
September 03, 2024 66 | Navigating Divorce with Special Needs Children: Expert Insights and Practical Strategies
66 | Navigating Divorce with Special Needs Children: Expert Insights and Practical Strategies

Discover how to navigate one of life's most challenging transitions with expert guidance from Mary Ann Hughes, a certified divorce coach specializing in special needs cases. Mary Ann opens up about her personal experiences raising two sons on the autism spectrum and dealing with her own unexpected divorce. Her journey led her to create Special Family Transitions, a company dedicated to supporting families like hers. Mary Ann shares her unique approach that combines individualized coaching, parent coordination, and mediation to ensure the best possible outcomes for all family members.

In our conversation, we explore the critical considerations for parents of special needs children during a divorce. Mary Ann highlights the importance of assessing both current and future resources, such as educational and post-high school programs, and the necessity of a collaborative team approach. Learn why involving divorce coaches, family law attorneys with special needs expertise, estate planning attorneys, special needs financial planners, and mental health professionals is crucial. We also delve into the complexities of planning for guardianship and managing government benefits like SSI to safeguard your child's future without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential services.

Prepare for life after divorce with practical strategies and organizational tips drawn from Mary Ann's expertise. She emphasizes viewing divorce as a fresh start and maintaining a cooperative mindset to achieve the best resolution for everyone involved. Discover the benefits of using specialized apps like Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents for communication and financial tracking, and get Mary Ann's advice on preparing financial information statements and organizing documentation for legal proceedings. This episode is packed with essential advice and encouragement for navigating divorce with special needs children, making it a must-listen for any parent in a similar situation.

Mary Ann Hughes is a Certified Special Needs Divorce Coach based in Houston, TX after having gone through her own divorce in 2021 while raising two sons with autism. You can find her at the following:
Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/
Special Family Transitions Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions
Special Family Transitions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/
Special Family Transitions YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@specialfamilytransitions
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@SpecialFamilyTransitions
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-hughes-special-family-transitions
Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/ySCgrxoigYUpkNUD/?mibextid=K35XfP
The divorce social story video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQtGlyZwCUI
The special needs divorce success strategies course she mentioned: https://bit.ly/DivorceTipsForMoms
Hey Listeners:
If you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.

Happy Organizing!
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36 min
August 27, 2024 65 | Empowering Everyday Advocacy for the Disability Community
65 | Empowering Everyday Advocacy for the Disability Community
If you have ever wanted to step up your efforts in advocating for our loved ones with special needs but had no idea how or where to start, this is the episode for you. Meet Misty Coy Snyder, an extraordinary voice in the disability community and mother to two sons, one of whom has Down syndrome. Together, we explore the question: "How can we transform our everyday lives into powerful platforms for advocacy?"
Empowering parents to become advocates for their children is the heart of our discussion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing personal strengths. Through self-awareness and insights from loved ones, Misty shows us how to take practical steps, such as educating neighbors and addressing questions about disabilities, to make a meaningful impact. We also explore more extensive advocacy efforts like writing for publications or building social media platforms.
For over 20 years, Misty Coy Snyder has been inspiring people by telling stories. Whether she's taking you on a journey through a stage performance, transporting you through her vocal music, or challenging and edifying you with her writing, Misty's storytelling confirms that she is a gifted communicator. Her multifaceted background in the performing arts, and her Bachelor's degree in Acting from California State University, Fullerton has equipped Misty to passionately and effectively teach others to express themselves. With her many years of experience in teaching drama, leading storytelling sessions, and directing both children and adults in musical performances, and audition preparation, Misty is uniquely qualified to coach others in finding their own voices. Three years ago, Misty's life was changed when her son, Jed, was born with Down Syndrome. She began using her voice for advocacy and created an international online community for families who have children with Down syndrome. She became a published author, and most recently, began a podcast for those who have found passion through their pain.

For more of Misty and her platform, check her out here and here.
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Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.
Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:
If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?
I would LOVE to hear from you!!
And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.
And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!
Are we friends? Connect with me:
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49 min
August 26, 2024 26 | Creating Harmony At Home: Insights on KonMari and Feng Shui with Emily Fae
26 | Creating Harmony At Home: Insights on KonMari and Feng Shui with Emily Fae

Ever felt overwhelmed by the clutter in your home and its impact on your mental health? I know how that feels. That's why I've brought Emily Fae, an expert in the KonMari method and Feng Shui, on the podcast to shed light on the matter. Emily, diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, has utilized these principles to bring harmony and balance into her life along with her children who also have ADHD. She believes organizing your space can significantly affect your mental health, particularly if you're neurodiverse, and she's here to share those invaluable insights with you.

Throughout our chat, Emily unravels the KonMari method for listeners who may be new to it, explaining the philosophy of focusing on joy rather than obligation. She shares how to address and appreciate even utilitarian items that may not spark joy but serve a purpose in our lives. We further explore the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui and its power to harmonize our homes by considering new thoughts on ideas about the direction of our things and clutter-free entrances. Emily also emphasizes the importance of the commanding position in bedrooms, giving listeners practical tips to implement in their homes.

How to connect with Emily:
https://www.calmspacecalmmind.com/
IG: calmspace_calmmind
Facebook: Calm Space Calm Mind

Are we friends? Connect with me:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@yourspacereclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Your Space Reclaimed)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing

57 min

About Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms

From the publisher's feed

For all those busy moms out there who, like me, take care of kids who have a little something extra, and in the midst of all that extra, want to lead a more organized and present life. I am Angela…

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