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Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.
Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength.
This podcast has begun a shift in focus...
Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children.
This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child.
We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month.
Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could give. I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to explore giving that gift to your child.
Keep building your child’s future!
Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk
Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.
Interview with Shirley Harding, peacemaker mom of three. Shirley's oldest son has Asperger's which was not diagnosed till his teens.
SHOW NOTES
Introduction:
- Special guest on "Special Needs Mom's Circle of Strength" podcast.
- Guest introduced as Shirley Harding, the host's sister.
- Shirley shares her role as a peacemaker in her family.
Background and Early Years:
- Shirley talks about her first child, Louie.
- Long labor and birth, two weeks overdue.
- Louie diagnosed with Asperger's at age 15.
- Shirley discusses challenges and the intuitive feeling of something being different.
Family Dynamics:
- Shirley has two more children, Kane and India.
- Challenges and joys of raising multiple children, including a special needs child.
Challenges of Parenting a Special Needs Child:
- Need for effective advocacy.
- Dealing with heartbreak on behalf of the child.
- Learning from others' experiences, including public figures like Chris Packham.
Educational Achievements of Louis:
- Louie's academic accomplishments, including a master's degree and diploma in archiving.
Impact on Family Life:
- Shirley shares how raising Louie affected family dynamics.
- Adapting parenting styles for each child's needs.
Perspective on Life and Parenthood:
- Changing expectations and the reality of parenting.
- Adapting to the challenges and constant changes in parenting.
Biggest Challenges as a Special Needs Parent:
- Advocating for the child.
- Dealing with emotional challenges and heartbreak.
Shaping Perspective on Life and Parenthood:
- Realizing that children have their own thoughts and ideas.
- Accepting and adapting to the child's unique journey and personality.
Strategies for Emotional Wellbeing:
- Taking breaks and spending time with family and friends.
- Reflecting on personal feelings and allowing time for emotions.
Maintaining Emotional Wellbeing:
- Acknowledging the need for personal time.
- Finding activities and moments for oneself.
Words of Encouragement:
- Special needs parents are superhuman and can handle the challenges.
- Trust instincts, follow gut feelings, and seek help.
- Emphasizes the importance of taking personal time and staying positive.
Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk
Learn more about your host here:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/
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/