In this episode, host Mary Susan McConnell speaks about developing a coloring book that celebrates the magic of all children and the joy of inclusion. You can download your free version of "The Dream Team Coloring Book" by going to one of two places: IG: @marysusanmcconnell under the link in profile or at www.marysusanmcconnell.com/dreamteamcoloringbook

In this episode, host Mary Susan speaks with friend Jessica Stevens about her life as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit. They discuss everything from tips for parents, handling the holidays in the hospital, to the behind the scenes of a nurse's world...

After encouraging followers of the Mama Bear Podcast to submit their business for a holiday feature, Mary Susan made the difficult choice of narrowing it down to four small businesses. Each of these businesses are owned and run by fellow Mama Bears, two of which have been guests on the show. Follow the links and codes below for discounts and ways of purchasing. On a Whim Creations: www.creationsonawhim.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnaWhimKeepsakes Instagram: @on_a_whim_ DISOUNT CODE: mamabear15 for 15% off your first order! Wildhearts and Honey www.wildheartsandhoney.com/shop Instagram: @wildheartsandhoney DISCOUNT CODE: AussieMamaBear The Healing Breath Studio https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/tracie-loux/shop Instagram: @tracieloux or @healingbreathstudio Facebook: Tracie Mickey Loux Or visit www.thehealingbreath.org for writing, self-care coaching, as well as affirmation T-Shirt Designs The Little Dapper Collection www.thelittledappercollection.com Instagram: @thelittledappercollection Facebook: The Little Dapper Collection Founder's Brand Amour Genesis is on Instagram : @amourgenesis DISCOUNT CODE: MAMABEAR (all caps) for 30% off order total

In this episode, Mary Susan speaks with Chrissy Khachane about her life as the mother to a child with multiple life-threatening food allergies. Chrissy is an educational consultant and parenting coach who has spent the last twenty years advocating for children who qualify for special services. For the last six years, she has been advocating for her son who has experienced 12 anaphylactic reactions- the first at 10 months of age and the most recent at 6 years old. Chrissy and Mary Susan speak about what daily life looks like for her family, including how they handle holidays, school, travel, and more. Additionally, Mary Susan and Chrissy speak about "checking your anxieties at the door" and learning to rock a life you didn't expect. *Asthma and allergies are considered disabilities under the American with Disabilities Act due to the significant ways they can affect one's life in the areas of breathing, eating, school, work and more. You can connect with Chrissy at www.simplychrissk.com or on instagram at @SimplyChrissyK. Or if you would like to learn more about Chrissy and her family's journey in the world of food allergies you can look up #AdriansStory on instagram.

In this episode, host Mary Susan McConnell speaks with guest, Stephanie Hanrahan, about the year everything in her life shifted. One morning Stephanie heard an unexpected thud, and quickly discovered her healthy 31 year old husband on the floor. They soon learned he had a serious heart condition that would require constant significant medical intervention. In the months and years that followed, both of her young children were diagnosed with autism. Stephanie speaks about what life has been like since, and how the power of authenticity has changed her life. Stephanie is bold and transparent and can be found at www.tinklesherpants.com or on FB at Tinkles Her Pants or on Instagram at tinklesherpants.

In this episode Mary Susan joins Elizabeth Aquino & Jason Lehmbeck for a joint show of two podcasts: The "Mama Bear Podcast" & Elizabeth and Jason's show "Who Lives Like This?" Listen in as they discuss their own journeys through parenthood as life-long caregivers and parents to individuals with profound special needs. Topics include caregiver burnout and making plans for the future...

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, spearheaded by Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org), host Mary Susan McConnell speaks on an article published by the Mayo Clinic on caregiver stress and strategies for success. Article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784

In this episode Mary Susan covers common stressors for families raising kids with special needs during the holiday season: grief, gifts, travel, sensory challenges, breaks in routine, family acceptance, and more. Additionally, she shares 10 things she will be doing during the last 2 months of the year to try to have a STRESS FREE but cozy and intentional season- and she invites you to do the same. Mary Susan can be found on instagram: @marysusanmcconnell

In today's episode host Mary Susan McConnell speaks with attorney (and fellow special needs mama) Laura Croft about estate planning for families of children with special needs. They discuss many topics including short-term vs long-term guardianship, special needs trusts, building an exceptional future for an adult child as parents age, life insurance, the Kids Protection Plan and more. Despite the heavy nature of this topic, Mary Susan and Laura keep the conversation positive and realistic. "Impassioned by the pursuit to provide families with the greatest level of protection for the people whom they love most, Laura transitioned into a boutique personal family practice, focusing on family protection and wealth planning; special needs legal planning and trust administration. Laura will educate and guide you through estate planning, family wealth and protection planning and planning for your child with special needs to make sure the assets that you leave your child do not disqualify your child from critical government benefits." (www.timelessestateplanning.com) Find Laura's website here: www.timelessestateplanning.com Find Laura on IG Here: @laura_d_croft

In this episode, Mary Susan McConnell speaks with Genesis A. Emery about her life as a single special needs mama and entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges of facing an unknown medical journey with your child, the common fear of "what if something happens to me", the many victories Genesis and her son Noah have had in the last year, how her company The Little Dapper Collection gives back to the special needs community, and how she works to inspire other moms to balance motherhood with entrepreneurship. Genesis has been featured on Fox, NBC, and WCL. She has also spoken twice at Mommycon. Genesis can be found on IG at @amourgenesis and @thelittledappercollection and you can subscribe to her websites at www.amourgenesis.com and www.thelittledappercollection.com .