• Masking is a coping mechanism that can lead to anxiety.
• Churches should create inclusive environments for neurodiverse families.
• Parents need to support their children in being themselves.
• Drama classes can help neurodiverse children develop social skills.
• Creating safe spaces at home is essential for neurodiverse children.
• Teaching children about social norms is important for their development.
• It's crucial to help children understand the purpose of eye contact.
• Being quirky is acceptable, but respect is necessary.
• Parents should encourage honesty in relationships for neurodiverse children.
• Just because something is hard doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

• "Masking can lead to severe anxiety and burnout."
• "Being quirky is okay; they need to be respectful."
• "Just because it's hard doesn't mean we don't do it."

Summary

In this episode of the Mixed Needs Mama podcast, Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses the challenges faced by mixed needs families, particularly focusing on the emotional journey of parenting children with neurodiversity. She introduces a seven-day challenge aimed at reducing family conflicts and emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents. The conversation delves into the complexities of delayed autism, the grieving process for lost expectations, and the strength found in faith and community support.

Takeaways

The Seven Days to Fewer Blowups Challenge is designed to help parents reclaim peace.
Parents often feel overwhelmed and need support to manage their emotions.
Delayed autism can manifest unexpectedly, impacting family dynamics.
Grieving the loss of expectations for a child is a normal process.
It's important to give yourself permission to grieve and seek support.
Faith can provide strength and guidance in parenting challenges.
Community support is vital for parents navigating difficult situations.
Children with neurodiversity can still show their true selves in safe environments.
Every parent faces challenges, regardless of their child's abilities.
God has a purpose for every child, and it's important to trust in that plan.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mixed Needs Mama Podcast
03:24 Understanding Delayed Onset Autism
13:11 The Importance of Grieving and Embracing Change
17:37 Finding Hope and Purpose Through Faith
18:56 Introduction to Parenting Challenges
20:39 Building Peaceful Family Cultures

• Expectations in discipline can be challenging for parents.
• Discipline should be viewed as a form of discipleship.
• It's important to protect your child from harmful criticism.
• Listening to advice can sometimes be beneficial.
• Parents should develop a thick skin against external opinions.
• Understanding neurodiversity is crucial in parenting.
• Discipline is about teaching self-regulation and responsibility.
• Family dynamics can complicate parenting decisions.
• It's okay to walk away from unhelpful conversations.
• Trust your instincts as a parent.

Summary

In this episode of the Mixed Needs Mama podcast, host Terrie Hellard-Brown shares a candid reflection on her recent parenting misstep involving her adult children. Terrie also shares practical tips for navigating conflicts with children. She reflects on the unique challenges of parenting neurodivergent children and the importance of fostering an environment where all family members feel valued and understood. The episode concludes with a reminder that mistakes are part of the parenting journey, and with God's guidance, families can find healing and growth through reconciliation.

Takeaways

"Have you ever blown it with your kids?"
"We need to pray first."
"Never be afraid to apologize to your kids."
"We are discipling our kids through what we model."
"Our children are amazing. They're resilient."
"We want to deal with it and we want to reconcile."
"It's important to preserve our children's dignity."
"Anger really affects our neurodivergent children."
"We need to let God bring peace back to our homes."
"Mistakes are part of the parenting journey."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mixed Needs Parenting
01:02 Navigating Mistakes in Parenting
05:37 Strategies for Conflict Resolution
09:38 The Importance of Apologizing
14:50 Understanding Neurodivergent Children
20:03 Using Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
23:26 Mission of the Mixed Needs Mama Podcast

• Family culture is essential for mixed needs families.
• Expectations must align with reality for peace.
• Communication minimizes stress and chaos.
• Every child should feel a sense of belonging.
• Emotional tone impacts family dynamics significantly.
• Setting family goals fosters unity and purpose.
• Discipline should be tailored to each child's needs.
• Truth-telling creates a safe environment for children.
• Discipleship is integral to family culture.
• Every family is unique, and comparisons can be discouraging.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anchored Parenting
02:24 Understanding Family Culture
04:15 Expectations and Reality in Parenting
05:56 Values, Beliefs, and Family Dynamics
07:21 The Importance of Communication
09:35 Identity and Belonging in Families
10:16 Emotional Tone and Relationships
11:13 Habits, Routines, and Family Goals
12:49 Cultural Roots and Extended Family
14:50 Support, Resilience, and Forgiveness
16:10 Monthly Focus Topics for Family Culture
23:33 Conclusion and Call to Action
30:24 Where are your anchors in parenting a family with mixed needs (Video).mp4

In this episode of the Anchored Parenting podcast, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares her journey as a mixed needs mama, discussing the challenges and joys of parenting children with diverse needs. She emphasizes the importance of creating a family culture that honors God and every member of the family. Terrie reflects on her personal experiences with grief, the need for supportive relationships, and the struggle against perfectionism in parenting. She encourages listeners to find peace and joy in their parenting journey, reminding them that God is always present to provide support and guidance.