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Episode Summary: In this first episode of Forever Home for our kids with disabilities, we explore various options for creating a forever home for children with disabilities. I speak with two moms who have taken different approaches to ensure their children have a secure and supportive living environment. We hear from Cheryll  Wagner about apartment living with support; Dr. Lisa Campbell on choosing a residential facility for her daughter; and I share the solutions my husband and I created for our two children.

Key Takeaways:

1.  Cheryll Wagner’s Story – Apartment Living with Support: (skip back to episode 41 for full episode) 

- Cheryll has two sons with disabilities who live in an apartment with support services.

- She highlights the importance of fostering independence while ensuring they have the assistance they need.

- This option works well for individuals who can manage some aspects of daily life but still require structured support.

2.   Dr. Lisa Campbell’s Journey – Choosing a Residential Facility: (skip back to episode 42 for full episode) 

- Dr. Campbell shares her emotional journey of placing her daughter Jasmine in a residential facility.

- She discusses the cultural and personal challenges she faced in making this decision.

- Despite the difficulty, she found that this choice allowed both her and her daughter to grow and thrive.

- Over time, Jasmine moved between different facilities that best suited her needs, ultimately thriving in an environment where she could make choices and live on her terms.

3.  My Personal Experience – Two Unique Housing Solutions:

- My husband and I made the decision to transition our oldest daughter, Melody-Anne, into a supported living environment within our own home.

- We moved out and had two other young women with disabilities join her, while an agency provided 24-hour care.

- This choice allowed Melody-Anne to remain in a familiar setting while gaining independence and developing essential social skills.

- For our youngest child, we created a separate legal basement suite with the goal of fostering gradual independence.

- While they are not yet ready to move in, we remain hopeful that, with time and support, they will gain the necessary skills to transition successfully.

Final Thoughts: This episode highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to housing for children with disabilities. Each family must consider their unique circumstances, cultural expectations, and what will best support their child’s growth and well-being.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents, caregivers, or family members who could benefit from these insights. And, if you're ready to start planning your child's forever home but aren't sure where to begin, I invite you to connect with me—I’d love to brainstorm with you!

Stay Connected:

·  Sign up for my monthly newsletter for insights and guidance on planning a forever home for your child. Email me at hello.hellocoachingwithvalerieanne.com.

·  Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice.

Until next time - Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey!

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I sit down with K. Crystal Griffith to discuss the importance of giving our children the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop independence—especially when raising kids with disabilities. We dive into the fears many parents face, the importance of allowing our kids to fail as a stepping stone to success, and how to navigate the delicate balance of supporting them without overstepping. Crystal shares her personal experiences, valuable resources, and words of encouragement for parents walking this journey.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Hope: As parents, we need hope, and so do our children. Believing in their abilities and potential is crucial for their growth.
• Letting Them Learn: It’s natural to want to protect our kids from failure, but allowing them to stumble helps them build resilience and confidence.
• The Gift of Failure: Inspired by the book The Gift of Failure, we discuss why failure isn’t something to fear but a necessary part of the learning process.
• Encouraging Independence: Finding the balance between guidance and letting them make their own choices is key to fostering self-advocacy.
• Parental Growth: Our children often absorb more than we realize—even when they push back against our coaching or advice.
• Finding Joy in the Journey: Parenting a child with disabilities comes with unique challenges, but it also brings moments of joy and deep connection that many parents don’t experience.

Guest Information:
Crystal Griffith is a passionate advocate for parents raising children with disabilities. She provides community, support, and resources through her work with Medical Mom Warriors. 

Connect with Crystal: https://linktr.ee/kcrystalgriffith.com

Resources Mentioned:

• The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
• Crystal’s membership community for parents seeking advocacy and support

Final Words of Encouragement:
Crystal reminds us to hold onto hope, embrace the unexpected moments, and find joy even in difficult situations.

Free Gift from Crystal - A printable Acrostic is available that corresponds to her Chapter Seasonal Purpose in the Women of Purpose Book.

https://linktr.ee/kcrystalgriffith.com

Live with Intention and Embrace the Journey!

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Episode Highlights:

• New Focus for 2025:
  • Valerie announces the podcast’s transition from sharing stories to offering practical, step-by-step guidance for forever home planning.
  • The mission remains the same: empowering and supporting parents of children with disabilities.
• Why This Change?
  • Many parents feel overwhelmed by the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of planning for their child’s future.
  • Valerie’s expertise and lived experience uniquely position her to offer structured solutions.
  • The podcast aims to provide a supportive space with actionable steps, ensuring families feel less isolated in the process.
• Key Topics in Forever Home Planning:
  • Legal Considerations: Navigating guardianship, Power of Attorney, Henson Trusts (Canada), and Special Needs Trusts (U.S.).
  • Financial Planning: Exploring funding options such as RDSPs, grants, and personal investments.
  • Housing Options: Evaluating independent living, supported housing, and cooperative housing models.
  • Building a Circle of Care: Establishing a network of professionals, family, and community members to support your child.
  • Emotional Readiness: Addressing guilt, anxiety, and uncertainty while embracing self-care and planning a fulfilling life beyond caregiving.
• Real-Life Success Stories:
  • A couple who secured a forever home for their son, allowing them to retire and travel with peace of mind.
  • A newly married couple who found a supported living arrangement that enabled them to strengthen their relationship while ensuring their child’s well-being.
  • Parents who successfully relocated for work, knowing their child was securely cared for in a stable living arrangement.
• What’s Ahead for the Podcast?
  • Step-by-step guidance on developing a forever home plan.
  • Conversations with financial planners, housing specialists, and disability advocates.
  • Personal stories from families at various stages of creating their child’s forever home.
  • Strategies for overcoming logistical and emotional challenges in the transition process.

How to Get Involved:

• Share your thoughts on the podcast’s new direction.
• Submit questions or topics you’d like to hear covered.
• Text Valerie through the podcast host platform to join her monthly newsletter for key insights on forever home planning.

Save the Date!
The next chapter of Special Needs Mom's Circle of Strength launches on March 5th with fresh content and a renewed focus.

Live with Intention – Embrace the Journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Aaron DeVries is a relentless advocate for building stronger communities through inclusion. Aaron's journey into the world of disability and special education began when his daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy at a young age. For over 15 years, he has fearlessly championed his daughter's inclusion in school and community. Aaron has actively served on boards and committees of disability-related organizations. Aaron’s TEDx talks, "The Power of Inclusion” and “Unlocking Inclusion for People With Disabilities,” have been opportunities for him to passionately share his insights and experiences. 

Episode Summary: Coach Valerie sits down with Aaron, The Inclusive Dad, to discuss his journey parenting a child with disabilities and advocating for inclusion. Aaron shares practical tips, encouragement, and the importance of self-care, offering inspiration for parents navigating similar paths.

What You’ll Learn:

• Aaron’s story and mission behind The Inclusive Dad.
• Why inclusion matters and how to promote it.
• Practical advice for advocating for your child.
• The importance of self-care for parents.
• Finding joy in small but meaningful moments.

Episode Highlights:

Aaron’s Journey:

• Aaron’s experiences as a dad led him to create The Inclusive Dad, a platform advocating for acceptance and understanding.
• His focus: promoting inclusion and building a supportive community.

Parenting Wisdom:

• Trust your instincts—you are your child’s best advocate.
• Tips for navigating IEPs and aligning them with your child’s unique goals.
• Celebrate joyful moments that provide strength and hope.

Self-Care Matters:

• Aaron emphasizes taking breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
• Simple micro-breaks, like a walk or listening to music, can make a big difference.
• Valerie and Aaron highlight the need to prioritize self-care daily.

Words of Encouragement:

• Trust yourself and focus on your child’s needs.
• Find strength in joyful moments.
• Take care of yourself to better care for your family.

Connect with Aaron:

• Website: theinclusivedad.com for links to his podcast, social media, and resources.

Closing Thoughts:  Even in tough times, moments of joy and hope are always within reach.

Call to Action: Take five minutes for yourself today. Whether it’s a walk, dancing, or quiet reflection, self-care is essential.

Live with Intention and Embrace the Journey!

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Building Routines for Stability and Success in 2025

Episode Summary:
Welcome to the first episode of 2025! 

Get ready to shape your day with intention and embrace the power of small, consistent habits!

What You’ll Learn:

- Why Routines Matter:

• How routines help us move from a reactive to a proactive mindset.
• The mental health benefits of consistent habits, backed by research from Harvard and insights from the book Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength.

- Crafting a Proactive Morning Routine:
Key elements to include, such as:

• Guarding your first moments of the day.
• Movement, reflection, gratitude, and planning.
• Incorporating breathing exercises, hydration, affirmations, and intention setting.
• Practical examples like the SNAP framework (Stop, Notice, Assess, Pivot) and the importance of documenting daily wins.

- Creating an Evening Routine:

• Tips for winding down, reflecting on the day, and preparing for tomorrow.
• Strategies like habit stacking (from Atomic Habits by James Clear) and reducing mental clutter before bedtime.

- Personal Reflections and Stories:

• How my morning routine helped shift my mood and perspective after a frustrating moment.
• Practical steps I take to balance being a planner while maintaining calm before bed.

- Practical Tips for Success:

• Start small and focus on one or two new habits at a time.
• Stay flexible and adjust routines as life evolves.
• Seek accountability by sharing your routine goals with someone you trust.

Key Takeaways:

• Routines are the rails that keep your train on track, ensuring you move toward your goals with stability and focus.
• Start your day proactively and end it with intentional reflection to set yourself up for success.
• Flexibility is essential - routines should serve you, not stress you out!
• Celebrate small wins and focus on one new habit to implement this week.

Your Challenge for the Week:
Choose one new routine element to try this week. Pick one and give it a go!

Live with Intention. Embrace the Journey.

Let’s Connect: Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2
I’d love to hear about your routines! 

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Here's a community for special needs moms to share, uplift and learn from each other...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsmomscircleofstrength

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Hey there,
Quick announcement to say we are now publishing two episodes a month.

See you January 8th 2025!

Best wishes for 2025 and may you experience good health, more love, peace and joy! 

Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Join me, Coach Valerie, in this special Christmas episode of Special Needs Mom’s Circle of Strengthas I share insights on how reflection helps families celebrate both the small victories and significant milestones, fosters resilience, and strengthens emotional bonds. I’ll also share my family’s unique Christmas traditions, how we will incorporate reflection into our celebrations, and simple ways you can make reflection part of your holiday season as you pause, appreciate the journey, and create meaningful traditions.

Reflection isn’t just about looking back—it’s about finding balance, cultivating gratitude, and setting intentions for the future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How reflecting on small and big moments creates balance and perspective.
• Why celebrating progress—no matter how small—builds resilience and pride.
• Ways reflection strengthens family bonds and fosters emotional connection.
• Practical ideas for incorporating reflection into your family’s holiday traditions.
• How to use reflection to set intentions for a hopeful and purposeful new year.

Ideas to Try with Your Family:

• Holiday Journals: Create a journal to document favorite memories through writing or drawing.
• Memory Jars: Write down memorable moments throughout the year and revisit them together.
• Group Conversations: Share reflections or special memories during a meal or bedtime.
• Photo Reflections: Review photos from the year and reminisce about the moments they capture.
• Creative Keepsakes: Turn favorite photos into scrapbooks or slideshows to treasure as a family.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflection helps families acknowledge growth, celebrate accomplishments, and build gratitude.
• Sharing reflections fosters deeper connections and creates meaningful traditions.
• Small moments of joy, kindness, and connection are just as important as major milestones.
• Looking back helps families find hope, strength, and purpose as they move forward.

Closing Message:

As we wrap up this year and look ahead to 2025, remember that reflection is a gift. It’s not about perfection but about recognizing the love, effort, and dedication that shape your family’s journey.

Take time to celebrate the little wins, cherish the memories, and carry these moments with you into the new year. Thank you for joining me today. Wishing you a peaceful, reflective holiday season and a New Year filled with growth, hope, and love.

And as always, Live with Intention – Embrace the Journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

Here's a community for special needs moms to share, uplift and learn from each other...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsmomscircleofstrength

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

The holiday season can bring excitement, chaos, and unique challenges—especially for families of children with disabilities. In today’s episode, I share encouragement and practical strategies to help you create a meaningful, imperfectly perfect holiday season. From using visual schedules and social stories to reducing sensory overload and handling those well-meaning (but unsolicited) comments, this episode is packed with tips to help you navigate the holidays with grace and joy.

You’ll also hear real-life examples from our community and empowering responses for those tricky moments with friends or family. Whether it’s simplifying traditions, focusing on connection, or celebrating small wins, this episode reminds you: You are enough. Your family’s version of the holidays is beautiful and worthy, just as it is.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to use visual schedules and social stories to create predictability and reduce anxiety.
• Ways to adapt holiday traditions to avoid sensory overload and foster inclusion.
• Benefits of embracing imperfection and prioritizing connection over perfection.
• Real-life tips from moms like Rhonda Moss, Melissa Shatney-Foran, Lisa Tschudi, and Rebecca Finch-Vitsmun.
• Empowering responses to handle common (and sometimes judgmental) holiday comments.
• A glimpse into Mary Ann Hughes’ “25 Days of Holiday Tips”.
• How to prepare family and friends for your child’s needs and set boundaries with confidence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Mary Ann Hughes’ 25 Days of Holiday Tips -
  https://bit.ly/SFTholidaytipvideos 
• PDF of empowering strategies for handling holiday comments—message me with the word “advice” to get your copy!

Key Takeaways:

• Let go of perfection. The magic lies in the small, imperfect moments of connection and joy.
• Simplify and adapt. Prioritize what works best for your family and leave behind what doesn’t.
• Advocate with confidence. Respond with grace and empowerment when navigating tricky holiday conversations.
• Focus on connection. Sometimes the simplest traditions—like reading a book or watching a movie together—make the biggest impact.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow mom who could use a little extra support this holiday season. Let’s spread love, hope, grace, and connection.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Give yourself permission to let go, embrace the joy in the chaos, and create moments that truly matter for your family. You’ve got this!

Wishing you a peaceful, love-filled holiday season. 

Live with intention and embrace the journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Special guest Jorunn Liland joins us to share her expertise on how strengthening your vagus nerve can transform how you navigate stress, create calm, and find balance in your day-to-day life.

Jorunn is an occupational therapist who specializes in stress management and polyvagal theory, with a focus on complex PTSD survivors. Jorunn runs a yoga group designed to help people regulate their nervous systems, particularly those dealing with trauma.

Jorunn has a son who is profoundly deaf and lives with her family and their two dogs in Norway.

You can hear more about Jorunn in episode number 30. 

Through micro-mindful moments, self-expression, and simple daily practices, June guides us on how to bring peace into our homes and our lives. You’ll learn about the science behind the vagus nerve, why it’s crucial for our mental and physical health, and how easy, actionable steps can make a big difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why the vagus nerve is your body’s “calming superhighway” and how it impacts everything from digestion to stress response.
- The power of simple practices like the 4-4-4 breathing exercise to reset your nervous system in just 60 seconds.
- How "kitchen sink mindfulness" can turn everyday chores into moments of calm and grounding.
- The importance of self-expression for emotional well-being and how to make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
- A gentle 5-minute guided body scan meditation to leave you feeling recharged and at peace.

Key Takeaways:
- Micro-Mindful Practices: Regulating your nervous system doesn’t require hours of meditation. Find moments throughout your day to breathe, hum, or practice mindfulness.
- The Ripple Effect: When you calm yourself, you’re setting a powerful example for your children and those around you.
- Make Self-Expression a Habit: From journaling to dance, even five minutes of creativity can help you process emotions and reconnect with joy.

Try This Today:

1. Practice the 4-4-4 breathing exercise: 
2. Transform a routine task into a mindful moment. .
3. Dedicate five minutes to self-expression. 

Free Resource: Strengthening Your Nervous System Handout - https://stan.store/Jorunn

Connect with Jorunn:

https://www.tiktok.com/@jo.mindful.mentor

https://www.instagram.com/jorunnliland/

Thank You for Listening!
Don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow mom who might benefit from these tools. And if you enjoyed this conversation, leave us a review—it helps us reach more moms like you!

Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us a text

Description:
The holidays can be a season of joy, but for parents of children with disabilities, they can also bring unique challenges. In this episode, we explore how to navigate the holiday season with peace, intention, and resilience. Through actionable tips and heartfelt insights, you’ll discover how to focus on what truly matters while minimizing stress.

We’ll also dive into the PEACE framework—a simple, five-step guide to cultivating a more peaceful and fulfilling journey, even when life feels overwhelming.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Practical strategies for simplifying the holidays with meaningful traditions.
• Tips for integrating peaceful practices into your daily routine, like journaling, mindfulness, and gratitude.
• How to identify and address common disruptors of peace, such as unpredictable schedules, emotional overwhelm, and financial stress.
• The power of the PEACE framework:
  • P: Presence – How to embrace the moment and connect with your child and yourself.
  • E: Empathy – Fostering compassion for yourself and others.
  • A: Adaptability – Cultivating flexibility to manage challenges gracefully.
  • C: Calmness – Creating a serene environment and practicing mindfulness.
  • E: Empowerment – Equipping yourself with knowledge, support networks, and self-care strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Simplify the season by focusing on what’s meaningful to you and your family.
• Incorporate small daily habits, like gratitude journaling and mindful walks, to create moments of calm.
• Recognize the disruptors of peace and learn strategies to restore balance.
• Use the PEACE acronym as a guiding reminder to navigate challenges with grace.

Quotable Moments:

• “Peace is not an absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” ~ Ronald Reagan
• “Being fully present with my child is one thing, but being present with myself is a journey I’m still learning.” ~ Valerie Arbeau

Resources Mentioned:

• [Episode 54: Emotional Waves – Do You Experience Them?]
• Tips for financial planning, including working with a special needs-experienced financial advisor.
• Online forums and local support groups for connecting with fellow parents.

Final Thoughts:
This holiday season, take a moment to reflect on how you can embrace PEACE in your life. Whether it’s by being present, setting boundaries, or cultivating support networks, remember—you’re not alone in this journey.

Share this episode with a fellow parent who could use more peace in their life. Let’s spread the gift of peace this holiday season!

Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/