I See Glass Children

What Every Parent of a Special Needs Child Needs to Hear

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In this episode, we do something different and very important. This conversation is for parents.

Three adult glass children come together in-studio to read and reflect on a list of do’s and don’ts for parents of children with special needs and disabilities. Their answers and reactions are not theories. These are lived experiences from adults who grew up alongside siblings with serious mental illness, cancer, intellectual disabilities.

This episode is not about blaming parents.

It is not about shaming families.

It is about helping parents understand long term impact of growing up in a high needs household and what can be done differently.

If you are a parent of a child with disabilities, a mom of a special needs child, or a caregiver navigating constant medical, behavioral, or emotional demands, this episode offers honest guidance from the people who lived it.

Many parents have never heard the term: glass children. Glass children are siblings who often appear capable, responsible, and fine while quietly carrying fear, responsibility, and emotional neglect. This episode introduces that concept gently and translates it into practical advice parents can use right now.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of sibling violence, safety concerns, emotional neglect, parentification, trauma, and long term caregiving fears. Please listen with care.

Welcome to the I See Glass Children podcast.

What You’ll Hear
  • Advice for parents of children with disabilities from adult siblings who grew up in high needs homes
  • Why there is no such thing as normal and how unrealistic expectations harm siblings
  • The impact of safety not being prioritized in high needs households
  • Why separating living arrangements can sometimes protect everyone involved
  • How chaos and sibling violence affect a child well into adulthood
  • How family dynamics shape whether siblings choose to have children later in life
  • Why all children need support, not only the child with the most visible needs
  • Why children who look fine are often not fine
  • The role of therapy in childhood vs. time with parents
  • How emotional parentification happens and why it is damaging
  • Why parents need to address THEIR trauma
  • How infantilizing and enabling prevent growth and create resentment
  • Why forcing siblings to always get along causes long term relational harm
  • What adult glass children wish parents understood while there is still time to change course
    • Connect & Engage

    Ready to learn more about supporting all children in high needs families?

    1. Subscribe to the I See Glass Children Podcast on YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | or wherever you get your podcasts.
    2. Share this episode with another parent, caregiver, therapist, teacher, or medical professional
    3. Visit https://iseeglasschildren.com and subscribe to Behind the Glass for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a special PDF with tips for helping glass children.
    4. Spread the Word: Share this episode with your bestie, your therapist, your teachers, your minister, friends. Sharing is caring—and hearing is healing.

      5. REMEMBER:

      If you’re struggling, reach out to a mental-health professional. You do not have to do this alone.

      Thank you for listening to the I See Glass Children podcast.

      I’m Alicia Meneses Maples, and I see you.

      Produced by: Brewing.Media

      Dedicated to: My Daddy. I love you with all my heart forevers.

      Special thanks to: BlueHair

      The post What Every Parent of a Special Needs Child Needs to Hear appeared first on iseeglasschildren.com.

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      I See Glass ChildrenBy Alicia Meneses Maples
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