This week's episode, I am re-sharing a prior episode with guest Shawn Hudson where we had an amazing conversation about fatherhood and navigating parenting as a special needs dad. Shawn tragically passed away a few days ago and wanted to re-air this episode in his memory. Shawn was an amazing person and like family to me, my condolences go out to his family and his children as he impacted so many lives with his kindness and positivity.

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

In this episode, I introduce a new series to the show: Dating Stories Series where I share a recent dating story where a kind gesture that went wrong. I talk about how this experience hasn't made me stop being caring towards others and how to continue being open when dating with intention.

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

On this episode, I am answering some questions on an email sent in by a listener and give my suggestions on some of the questions asked.

***DISCLAIMER**** The suggestions and opinions expressed in this episode are my own and should not be taken as medical advice as I am not a physician. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

Season 2 on the podcast, I have an amazing conversation with my guest Shawn Hudson who is a single dad of 2, son 20 and daughter 16, working 2 jobs with one in management at UPS and a Licensed Massage Therapist. Son is on the autism spectrum and an official diagnosis of Monsomal Chromosomal Deletion 1p36. We talk about the importance of fathers being present with their children and navigating all the challenges with parenthood and coparenting.

If you would like to connect with Shawn, follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Huddie2335

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

This week's episode, I give you an updates on re-branding of the podcast, some guests episodes coming and what topics will be discussed in future episodes.

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email us: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

This week's episode, I talk about financial planning and why it's important when it comes to the care of your special needs child. I talk about ABLE Accounts and how you can invest in them for your child.

Topics discussed in this episode:

For more information on ABLE Accounts, click the link below:

https://www.ablenow.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccCMHRL-6rTMzkotqSVEdA5vUB5EVKkV0NhyZrzq06wSbZUBQGeCWDRoCjbUQAvD_BwE

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

This week's episode, I dive into the guilt we experience when caring for our special needs children, what it feels like and how to overcome it.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-As special needs moms and parents, we feel guilt when we feel that we aren't doing enough for our children.

- The guilt of why I didn't find more help, invest in that therapy that might have helped my child, I should have pushed harder to get them to reach that goal.

- It's ok to have these feelings and thoughts, have some grace to process them, journal them to find out why you feel this way.

- How to overcome the guilt: it's OK to feel this way, feel these feelings. Journal why you feel this way, write out what situations you can control and the ones you can't.

-Lean into your support tribe or community who can help.

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

Finding and building your tribe and community is the focus of this week's episode. I talk about the challenges that as special needs parents we face when we look to seek support and a community that gets it. I dive deep into how to look for support, and how to create your tribe.

Topics that I cover in this episode:

- How special needs parents and moms feel alone and how others may not get it.

- The importance of finding that community and tribe that gets you and will support you.

- Where to start looking for support.

- Some of my favorite IG creators that I follow that are there to support you and embrace you within the community and open arms.

Facebook is a great resource to find support groups for special needs parents.

Some of the Instagram creators I follow:

1. Moments of Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/momentsofjoypodcast/

2. Special Needs Supermoms: https://www.instagram.com/specialneedssupermoms/

3. Caffeinated_Caregivers: https://www.instagram.com/caffeinated_caregivers/

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode? Names will be kept confidential.

Email us: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

Desperation is something that as special needs parents we feel time to time as the demands, challenges and advocating for services and care, that you lose yourself in the process. This episode, I talk about about when desperation starts to get the best of you, how to get back on track and focus on the important things for your child and yourself.

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Email me: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1

This week's episode is all about arming yourself with knowledge and finding educational resources to help your special needs child, finding resources such as respite care, grants to ease the financial burden and investing in parent training centers where you can learn strategies to help your child.

Parent Training and Information Centers: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/

Information on Medical Waivers:

https://www.kidswaivers.org/

Would you like to share your story to be featured on a future podcast episode?

Names will be kept confidential.

Send me an email: [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on the podcast?

Click the link to fill out the form to be a guest:

https://airtable.com/appLycq3KFZ4d5lVA/shr46SOH2jHCK0XP1