Libsyn Directory

248: A Guidebook for Thriving Marriages & Sustainable Disability Parenting | Dr. Todd & Kristin Evans, Authors, Speakers, & Disability Parents

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Release Date: 09/12/2024

262: Patient vs. Profit: The Shooting That Exposed a Broken Healthcare System

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

The healthcare system is a battleground where profits often triumph over patient needs. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I take a closer look at our profit-driven healthcare system after the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Financial goals often outweigh patient care, with rising denials for essential treatments and CEO compensation tied to profits—creating a troubling conflict of interest. As a mom who fought tirelessly for my daughter’s Medicaid support, I know firsthand how broken this system is for families just trying to get the care they need. It...

261: Ending the Year Strong: Securing a Well-Managed Financial Future

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

As the calendar year draws to a close, end-of-year planning becomes essential for individuals seeking to secure their personal and financial futures. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I dive into the importance of taking control of your finances with a proactive mindset. Instead of getting stuck on setbacks, I encourage you to focus on celebrating your wins and using them as a foundation to move forward. I share practical tips on keeping your asset lists and important documents, like letters of intent, up to date—not just to avoid legal issues but to simplify life for you and your...

260: The Impact of Authentic Representation of Disabilities in Hollywood | Jay Silverman, Filmmaker, Director, & Producer

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Filmmaking celebrates human connection and inclusiveness, with on-set moments of support and camaraderie often shining through on screen. Hollywood’s push to include actors with disabilities is opening doors to fresh stories and perspectives, making the industry more inclusive and inspiring. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with filmmaker Jay Silverman about his latest film, . Inspired by his journey as a parent to a child with disabilities, the poignant story follows a young mute child in a fishing village. Through its use of the camera as a metaphor for...

259: Healing After Heartbreak: A Guide to Coping with Grief During the Holidays

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Grief is an unpredictable force that reshapes life, much like crashing waves. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my journey through grief and coping with the profound loss of my daughter, Elizabeth. There is no "right" way to grieve—it’s a deeply personal journey, and being gentle with yourself is important as you work through the pain. During the holidays, grief can feel especially heavy. Finding ways to incorporate your loved one’s presence into your celebrations can bring a sense of connection and help you find moments of joy and peace amidst the sorrow. By...

258: A Guide to Trustee Selection & Protectors

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Special needs trusts are an essential tool for families who want to ensure the long-term financial security of their loved ones with disabilities. However, I know firsthand how overwhelming and confusing navigating the world of trusts can be. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the essentials of special needs trusts in an accessible way. I share practical tips for choosing the right trustee and explain their responsibilities. Trustee’s are important—not just in managing the trust, but in making sure the beneficiary continues to receive the care and services they need. My...

257: Why Caregiving Moms Deserve Community & Care | Jessica Patay, Author, Founder, & Executive Director at We Are Brave Together

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Being a caregiver can be tough and sometimes lonely. For caregiving moms, having a sense of community and connection is essential. Whether it's sharing tips on managing hectic schedules or simply lending an empathetic ear, having a supportive network of fellow moms can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together. Inspired by her journey as a special needs mom, Jessica established the nonprofit in 2017 to create a safe, judgment-free space where...

256: How to Support Children in Times of Crisis | Celia Landman, Author, Nonviolent Communication Trainer, Mindfulness Educator & Counselor

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Parents often carry a heavy weight of shame and self-blame when their children face tough times. It's natural for them to feel responsible, but it's important to remember that not everything is within a parent’s control. By staying present and connecting with themselves, parents can let go of the burden of shame and find a more positive, hopeful way forward. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Celia Landman, a mindfulness educator and author of When the Whole World Tips: Parenting through Crisis with Mindfulness and Balance. They share an honest and...

255: All About Trustees: Navigating the Ins & Outs of Special Needs Trust Administration

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Understanding the administration of special needs trusts can make a world of difference for people with disabilities, providing them with financial stability and peace of mind. These trusts—like third-party and first-party trusts—come with specific rules that trustees must follow to ensure the beneficiary can keep accessing essential public benefits. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about the importance of building a solid relationship between trustees and beneficiaries. Understanding the basics of trust administration is valuable for everyone—not just those currently...

254: Prioritizing Mental Well-being in the Modern Era | Lauren Perna, Writer, Speaker, & Advocate

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

For longtime listeners, it’s clear this podcast covers a wide range of topics—from family discussions about kids to conversations on adult disabilities. This conversation focuses on the challenges of balancing health and work while living with a chronic illness. Practices like meditation, journaling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are powerful tools for managing mental health, offering ways to create a more stable and fulfilling life despite these ongoing challenges. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines talks with Lauren Perna, leader of the Boston chapter of the...

253: Finding Balance: The Dance of Advocacy & Parenting | Joanne De Simone, Author & Advocate

Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Parenting is a rewarding journey filled with love, laughter, and joy. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to tantrums in the grocery store, every parent faces obstacles along the way. But what happens when those challenges are compounded by raising a child with disabilities? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Joanne De Simone, a special education advocate, and author of “Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance”, about the challenges of raising a child with disabilities...

More Episodes

Parenting is a tough job and when you have a child with special needs, the challenges can be even more complex. From advocating for your child in school to finding the right therapy options, there are so many aspects of parenting a child with special needs that require extra care and attention. Amidst these pressures, marriages can face significant strain.

In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines, Todd Evans PhD, MA, and Kristin Evans MA, MS, LMSW explore the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Todd and Kristin, authors of “How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities,” share insights on balancing their dreams, their child's needs, and their marriage. They highlight the importance of parents prioritizing mental health and self-care to better support their children. Clear communication, emotional connection, and time management remain essential for effective care. Parents of children with special needs are encouraged to take time for themselves—self-care is crucial for caring for others.

In this episode, you will hear:

Why effective communication is important for parents of children with special needs
How parents of children with special needs can prioritize their own well-being
Healthy ways to recognize the address challenges in caregiving marriages
Why it is crucial to have a supportive partner during challenging times
How parents can effectively advocate for their child with special needs in school and medical settings

Resources from this Episode:

Website: https://disabilityparenting.com/

Read: How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities

Facebook: Kristin.Evans.5895

Twitter: @AuthorKristinEv

Instagram: @disabilityparenting

LinkedIn: @Kristin-Evans

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

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