In this heartfelt conversation, Amanda Sullivan shares her journey as a mother of a special needs child, discussing the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the importance of writing for healing, and the impact on family dynamics and relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support, acceptance of reality, and the significance of self-care for parents navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Amanda's Journey
09:11The Emotional Journey of Special Needs Parenting
16:15Life with Andrew: A Glimpse into His World
24:01Impact on Siblings: The Family Dynamic
24:48Navigating Family Dynamics During Crisis
32:03The Impact of Special Needs on Marriage
39:55Finding Community and Support
44:41Nurturing Relationships Amidst Challenges Amanda Sullivan has been a wife for 24 years, mom for 21 years and caretaker for 18 years! She says, "Our family has been through a lot as our youngest has significant medical needs. Despite the roller coaster we love, laugh and forgive each other on the daily!"
Amanda's favourite episode on the podcast she runs is called "The Date Night Dilemma", about finding time for a date as a special needs parent. Listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dKowUIFDaBO27aMkzoGqP?si=1J_Ugup2Q-qCVQ_CoF3Lpg
About the podcast host
Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a speaker, coach, and special needs parent, podcaster, author, and strategy lecturer. She runs the Special Needs Parent Podcast because she aims to make special needs parents feel valued, connected, and supported.
Get her Amazon bestselling book, Lighting the Path, at https://books2read.com/lightingthepath
Find Marcia on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarciaNB8/ and on Instagram @specialneedsparentjourney
Join the Special Needs Parent Space (a free community for parents like us) at https://www.facebook.com/share/jG6JEHafR3TWTyqG