Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms

54 | Sensible Solutions For Better Sleep: Getting Rid of That Chairdrobe!

Ever found yourself waging war against the ever-growing mound of clothing known as the chairdrobe? I am betting you know what I am talking about. And you are not alone. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of maintaining a clutter-free bedroom, ensuring that our sanctuaries of sleep remain just that—sanctuaries. I discuss research that identifies how untidiness can negatively jolt our brain into overdrive, sabotaging our sleep. And then, I dive into actionable advice, from designating spots for those not-quite-dirty clothes to reshaping nighttime routines that sidestep the disorganization trap. It's an enlightening discussion for anyone seeking to reclaim their peace and slumber from the clutches of chaos.

For more information, check out my suggestions in this article at Homes and Gardens...

https://www.homesandgardens.com/solved/how-to-avoid-a-chairdrobe

_________

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?

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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!

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53 | Balancing the Tightrope Between Technology and our Teens

How do you strike a balance between your child's digital world and the need for healthy development, especially when your child has special needs?

For me, it took an act of defiance and a really awful night to know that it was time to intervene. Excessive screen time was taking its toll, leading to bouts of irritability and a noticeable drop in her energy levels. As a mom to a wonderful 20-year-old with Down syndrome, this was easier said than done. It took an act of defiance for me to realize that I had to step and take a bit more control of the situation. But I realize how hard it is for parents, especially those with special needs, to intervene and constantly monitor their kids' technology time.

I talk about what we did to get through a 3 week technology detox for our daughter, why we did it in the first place, and how it changed her technology habits for the better.

If you are interested in the visual cue we used to help her determine her technology approved daily hours, dm me on Instagram or leave me an email at [email protected] and I will send you what we did.

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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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Screen Time, Technology, Parenting, Digital Age, Special Needs, Down Syndrome, Behavioral Issues, Technology Detox, Alternative Activities, Weight Gain, Sleep Disturbances, Attention Issues, Social Problems, Structured Plan, Positive Changes, Parental Strategies, Managing Children's Technology Use, Personal Insights, Recharging, Grace, Responsibilities, Reclaiming

52 | Disability Representation In The Arts: A Conversation with Author Gina Andrew

We all know that the power of storytelling can be one of helping to develop empathy and compassion for people and situations they might otherwise not be aware of.

Today I welcome Gina Andrew, a writer and mother to two boys with autism and intellectual disabilities, to share her journey and her new book "Maybe She Will." I explore Gina's motivation to write a story that portrays a family affected by disabilities, highlighting the lack of representation in fiction for more severely disabled individuals. We touch on the humorous and heartwarming elements of the book, despite it tackling serious issues, and how it resonates with parents within the disability community. Gina also introduces us to her main character, Josephine "Jo," a single mom navigating the complexities of raising a teenage daughter and an autistic son, which many listeners may find relatable. Through Gina's insights, we offer visibility to the experiences of special needs families in the realm of fiction.

A writer of women’s fiction and romance, Gina Andrew is fueled by hot tea and good music. She lives outside Houston, Texas, with her husband and two sons, both of whom are autistic and intellectually disabled and provide her with challenges, joy, and laughter each and every day.

When she’s not penning fiction, Gina is a freelance writer for BookBub who also enjoys yoga, cooking, thrift shopping, genealogy, all things Halloween, and that popcorn smell at the movie theater.

You can find out more at https://ggandrew.com/.

Parenting, Disabilities, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Special Needs, IEP Meetings, Advocacy, Fiction, Representation, Empathy, Empowerment, Self-Care, Organization, Creativity, Success, Visibility, Isolation, Media, Literature

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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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51 | Time Management as Part of a Self Care Routine for Special Needs Moms: Let's Get Real with Cristin Condin

Together, Cristin and I unpack the the unique challenges of raising children with disabilities. Cristin, with her own journey as a mother to a child with Down syndrome, understands the struggles and triumphs of managing time and maintaining personal identity beyond the role of caregiver. Her insights provide a beacon of hope for those feeling overwhelmed by the mental load and the guilt of seeking personal time.

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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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50 | Strengthening Your Marriage in the Midst of Special Needs Parenting

Imagine walking a path that constantly tests your resilience, one where you must balance the joys of parenthood with the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. This is the journey that Eric and Christen Freund from Hope on the Hard Road have embarked on, and in our heart-to-heart conversation, they graciously open up about the beauty and the struggles they encounter. As founders of an organization that offers a lifeline to families like theirs, the Freunds reveal how their personal story spurred them to build a community where parents can find solidarity and strength.

Parenthood can feel like a dance, one that demands grace and understanding, especially when it involves caring for a child with autism or developmental delays. Eric, Christen, and I share our intimate reflections on how to nurture a marriage under such circumstances. We get real about the sacrifices necessary, the importance of leveraging each other's strengths, and the vital role of communication. Find out how other couples have rekindled their connection through creativity and commitment, learning to see the beauty that lies within the complexities of their shared journey.

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 3: The Financial Trap

Ever held onto an expensive coat you never wear, just because it cost a pretty penny? We've all felt the sting of buyer's remorse, but what if there was a way to reclaim your space and your sanity from the clutches of clutter?

Join me as we wrap up my three-part journey on mastering the mayhem of clutter. This final chapter shines a light on the financial pitfalls we all encounter with our possessions. We've all been there, holding onto items due to their initial cost, leading to a whirlwind of frustration or guilt when they collect dust unused. I share eye-opening statistics like the $38 billion Americans fork out annually on storage units and the startling fact that 80% of the items we buy are never used. I reflect on personal anecdotes and unpack the psychological quirks of the endowment effect and loss aversion. I want to help you recalibrate the worth of your clutter, asking pivotal questions like whether you would repurchase an item or the invisible costs of keeping it.

This conversation is about more than just the price tag—it's about considering the value of our time, space, and the effort that goes into maintaining our belongings. By preemptively contemplating the necessity of a purchase, we begin the decluttering process in the aisles of the store, saving ourselves from the dreaded sunk cost fallacy. Embrace this mindset shift with me, and let's make more intentional choices that not only conquer clutter but also amplify our well-being.

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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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48 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 2: The Practical Trap

Have you ever felt the walls of your home closing in, not because the space is shrinking, but because the stuff keeps growing? This latest episode is the second in a 3 part series that tackles the beast of clutter from a practical perspective, offering guidance and psychological insights to help you streamline your space.

We delve into the mental blocks that keep us from discarding items we don't need, like the all-too-familiar "I might need this someday" thought pattern. By understanding the endowment effect and loss aversion, we empower ourselves to make rational decisions about what stays and what goes. And for those special needs parents out there, I provide tailored advice to make your living environment as stress-free and functional as possible.

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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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47 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 1: The Emotional Trap

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!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠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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Decluttering, Emotional Aspects, Mental Health, Family Dynamics, Organizing, Letting Go, Child's Development, Guilt, Nostalgia, Sentimentality, Possessions, Value, Liberation, Unused Toys, Memorabilia, Learning, Play Environment

46 | 21 Things About Disability Parenting I Wish I Knew 21 Years Ago (when I was pregnant with my daughter with Down Syndrome)

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st of this week (and the 1 year anniversary of this podcast!) I'm peeling back the curtain on a 21-year voyage filled with insights that have both challenged and changed me, from navigating public perceptions to fostering a fierce bond within my family. Here are 21 things I wish I had known 21 years ago as I was getting ready to deliver a baby with Down Syndrome and my life would forever be changed, in a good way!

I hope you will tune in to this intimate episode -- I want to reassure parents navigating similar paths and extend a Happy World Down Syndrome Day to our wider community. I also hope that anyone with a newly diagnosed child can embrace the message of love and dedication that transcends the fears of planning for the future, and the transformative experience of having your heart opened by a child with Down syndrome. Let's celebrate the unique strengths, emotional intuition, and unfiltered honesty these special individuals bring into our lives, enriching us beyond measure.

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!!

⁠⁠⁠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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Down Syndrome, Parenting, World Down Syndrome Day, Community, Challenges, Joys, Public Perception, Advocating, Emotional Rollercoaster, Resilience, Unconditional Love, Milestones, Emotional Intuition, Honesty, Savoring, Small Victories, Future Planning, Individuality, Celebrate, Support

45 | Everything No One Told You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman

When we learn that our child has been diagnosed with a disability, most parents say they wish there was a handbook, a guide, anything that they could refer to help them navigate the complexities of raising a disabled child. That handbook hasn't really existed, until now.

Kelley Coleman is here to help us shine a light on the raw realities that come with such a journey, in her new book, Everything No One Told You About Raising a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Services, Systems and Supports. We unravel the intricacies of finding balance amidst the chaos, establishing vital routines not just for our kids but also for our sanity as caregivers, and the unexpected transition from a career to the full-time role of parenting a child with unique needs. The weight of a diagnosis can carry an emotional uproar, steeped in feelings of guilt and confusion. This episode delves into the critical role of medical professionals in delivering these life-altering messages and the advocacy for a supportive approach. We talk about the survival toolkit for those of us in the trenches of caregiving—the therapeutic release of laughter, the liberation that organization brings, and the essential practice of self-care that allows us to reclaim moments of joy and productivity. Kelley and I also reflect on the Enneagram’s influence on our advocacy styles and the way it shapes our parenting philosophies. Get ready to explore self-care strategies that move beyond bubble baths and into the realm of tackling to-do lists, and rediscover the importance of carving out time for fun and relaxation. Join the conversation and find a community that understands the multifaceted life of parenting a child with disabilities.

How to reach Kelley:

https://www.kelleycoleman.com/

Keywords:

Disability, Parenting, Caregiving, Medical Professionals, Diagnosis, Balance, Routines, Self-Care, Enneagram, Advocacy, Well-being, Emotions, Challenges, Systems, Support, Services, Healthcare, Organization, Fun, Productivity

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!!

⁠⁠⁠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 just 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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