The Full Spectrum Parent Podcast is the only faith-based autism parenting podcast on the web. As pastors and special needs parents, each episode we offer parents a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope.
The Full Spectrum Parent: a Faith-based Autism Podcast is an incredible podcast that offers a unique perspective on parenting children with autism. The hosts, Greg and Jess Hurlbut, share their own personal experiences and journey of raising their autistic children, offering encouragement and support to other parents who may be going through similar challenges. Their faith-based approach adds an extra layer of depth and inspiration to their discussions, making this podcast a must-listen for any parent or caregiver of children with special needs.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the level of honesty and vulnerability that Greg and Jess bring to each episode. They don't shy away from discussing difficult topics or sharing their own struggles as parents. This authenticity creates a safe space for listeners to feel understood and validated in their own experiences. The Hurlbuts also provide practical advice and tips for navigating various aspects of parenting an autistic child, from therapies and treatments to education and daily routines. Their insights are incredibly valuable, regardless of whether or not you have a child with special needs.
Another great aspect of this podcast is the faith-based perspective that Greg and Jess incorporate into their discussions. They consistently point listeners back to God's love, grace, and guidance in the midst of the challenges they face as parents. Their unwavering faith serves as a source of hope and encouragement for those who may be feeling overwhelmed or discouraged on their own parenting journey.
In terms of drawbacks, there really aren't many to mention. Some listeners may find it helpful if certain episodes focused more specifically on different topics related to autism or special needs parenting, rather than covering a wide range of subjects in each episode. However, this is only a minor suggestion for improvement, as the overall content provided by the Hurlbuts is still incredibly valuable.
In conclusion, The Full Spectrum Parent: a Faith-based Autism Podcast is a powerful resource for parents and caregivers of children with autism or special needs. Greg and Jess Hurlbut's authenticity, vulnerability, and faith-based perspective make this podcast a must-listen for anyone on the autism parenting journey. Their insights and encouragement will leave listeners feeling understood, inspired, and equipped to face the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Parenting is the hardest job on the planet and if you are blessed to have a partner to tackle this feat with, you want to both be on the same page. In Episode 73, we offer four tips that we have applied in our own parenting journey to ensure we are working as a unified front to raise our kids well. Also, in Honor of Valentine's Day we're giving away $100 gift card to TJMaxx and a $50 gift card to Starbucks to one lucky parent who preorders Jessica's book, Unlimited Motherhood by Feb 14th Pre-Order Here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764242385/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr= (To enter our giveaway, email a screenshot of your order to jesshurlbut@gmail.com) Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Entering a New Season: We are launching a new season on the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast and we thought we'd talk about just that—seasons. As parents, seasons come and go, and each season we encounter blessings and challenges. In Episode 72, we share how God has promised us a season of joy and how often the enemy tries to rob us of that joy. While sharing an update on our life and kids, we encourage listeners that the joy Jesus offers isn't based upon our circumstances but is a gift we can experience even when we face hard things.
Parenting tests us, tries us, and reveals our character. Some seasons are full of joy and excitement, while other seasons are dry and barren. But how do we navigate the seasons when we have nothing left to give as a parent? In Episode 71, Faith Eury Cho shares candidly about her own wilderness season. Rather than allowing bitterness to seep in, Faith pressed into God and found a friendship with the Holy Spirit she had never know before. If you're walking through a dry season, you don't want to miss this conversation. To learn more about Faith's ministry and her book, “Experiencing Friendship with God” visit www.faitheurycho.com Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Marriages that weather the storms of life are a rarity. When we throw in the demands of caring for a child with special needs, most marriages just don't make it. We know as parents we need to invest in our spouse, but how do we do that when so much of our attention is devoted to our children with special needs? In Episode 70, we interviewed Todd and Kristin Evans on how they cultivate a healthy marriage. Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities will release in May 2024 by Baker Books. Connect with Todd and Kristin and learn more about their ministry and free resources at www.DisabilityParenting.com. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Last week my daughter snagged a copy of the Amazon Christmas catalog and began circling almost every toy on every page. I cringed because as a Christian parent, one of the virtues we all want to instill in our kids is gratitude. In Episode 69, boy mom, author and podcaster, Laurie Christine shares practical tips on how she cultivates a heart of gratitude in her kids. Check out Laurie's free printable activities for families called The Gift of Gratitude. To learn more about Laurie, listen to her podcast, or purchase her newest devotional for preteen boys, Rise of the Enemy, visit: https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/ Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. In Episode 68, we discuss our kid's sensory challenges and the tips and tricks along the way we have picked up. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 67, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: How to deal with your teenagers starting to be attracted to people, go on dates, and have crushes? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 66, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: How do you handle anxiety with younger children? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Hope is a tricky word. We desperately want to have hope for our futures, but what do we do when our lives don't go as planned? In Episode 65, we share three lessons God has taught us on our autism journey and how God can breathe hope back into yours. Also, Jessica's book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts is now available for preorder on Amazon. If you preorder a copy, make sure you send us a screenshot, as we are continually hosting giveaways for those who preorder throughout the next few months. Click here to preorder now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764242385/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr= (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764242385/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=) Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Tonight, I found myself hiding in my car in the Walmart parking lot eating one too many sea-salted caramels. We all have moments of overwhelm as moms and sometimes it's good to bare our souls and be honest about it. In Episode 64, I share five confessions as a mom with a child on the spectrum and how God loves to show up in the middle of our fear and vulnerability. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In the Spring of 2014, I had my first panic attack. I was caring for five kids at the time, three of them were still in diapers. But it wasn't just the demand of parenting that brought me to brink of a mental breakdown. It was my backwards thinking when it came to topics like self care and self denial. In Episode 62, we share candidly how we have learned to lay down our lives for our kids while also taking care of ourselves. Also, make sure you enter our $200 Back-to-School Giveaway. We are giving away $200 worth of gift cards to help alleviate the financial strain so many parents are facing during this season. Click here to enter: kkvqe49 Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
The smell of fresh sharpened pencils is in the air… We all know what that means, BACK TO SCHOOL! Back-to-school season is stressful for every family, but special needs parenting takes it up a notch. In Episode 62, we share five back-to-school tips for parents to consider if they have kids on the spectrum. Also, make sure you enter our $200 Back-to-School Giveaway. We are giving away $200 worth of gift cards to help alleviate the financial strain so many parents are facing during this season from awesome stores like Target, Children's Place, TJMaxx, and Amazon as a way to say thank you to all our listeners. Click here to enter: kkvqe49 Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 61, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: How do I teach my soft-hearted child to be tough when people are mean? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Back when my daughter was first diagnosed with autism, I would have never admitted that I struggled with depression. I would just say I didn't want to get to bed out of the morning. But as a parent, that was never an option. In Episode 60, we wrap up our 4-part series titled, “Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith” by sharing candidly about our own struggles with depression and how we have learned to fight back. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 59, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: How do you parent multiple kids when they have such a variety of needs when all you hear from them is “that is not fair!” Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 58, we continue our 4-part series titled: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith. In this episode, we discuss grief with Lisa Appelo, a mom of seven, regarding the unexpected loss of husband. Lisa Appelo inspires women to deepen faith in life's storms and is an ECPA best-selling author of Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart. A former litigating attorney, Lisa is passionate about rich Bible teaching. She writes at LisaAppelo.com, founded a team of writers at hopeingrief.com, and serves on the Executive Team for COMPEL with Proverbs31Ministries. As a single mom of seven, Lisa's days are filled with parenting, ministry, and long walks to justify lots of dark chocolate. Connect with Lisa on Instagram @lisaappelo Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 57, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: “What is your opinion on the rest of the family doing something—like a vacation—that your child on the spectrum is unable to do? Is it wrong to leave them behind?” Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Admitting you struggle with anxiety is hard—especially in Christian circles. Oftentimes, people give cliche answers like “trust God” and “pray more.” But the Bible doesn't tell us to hide our anxiety, rather we are reminded to cast our worries upon Jesus. (1 Peter 5:7) In Episode 56, we continue our 4-part series titled: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith. In this episode, we discuss anxiety candidly with Becky Keife. Becky is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, mom of three loud boys, and the Community and Editorial Manager for (in)courage. To find out more about Becky and her books and Bible studies visit www.beckykeife.com Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 55, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: “How do you inspire your special needs kids to own their faith? My husband and I have two boys with autism, and we want nothing more than for them to know that their true hope is in Jesus.” Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Whether we like to admit it or not, every parent experiences dark seasons. One of our mottos as a family is authenticity; what you see is what you get. So, here on the Full Spectrum Parent, we don't shy away from hard topics. In Episode 54, we launch a 4-part series titled: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith. This week we interviewed Michele Cushatt. As a three-time head-and-neck cancer survivor and foster-adoptive parent, Michele is a (reluctant) expert on trauma, faith, and our deep human need for authentic connection. Michele shares her wisdom on how to weather the storms of life and continue to trust God despite the moments when we feel like we're drowning. Find out more about Michele and purchase her newest book, A Faith That Will Not Fail at www.MicheleCushatt.com. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
With Father's Day right around the corner, we wanted to honor dads with some words of wisdom. Parenting is hard and there is so much pressure on the shoulders of fathers to be everything to their kids: provider, supporter, coach, mentor, and friend. But how do dads juggle all these roles in a God honoring way? In Episode 53, we interview Bryan Ward. Bryan is a husband and father of two grown boys. He is also the creator and host of the Dad Up Podcast. Bryan has built a successful brand around being the best dad we can be for our kids and our family. Each week on Bryan's show, the Dad Up Podcast, he brings on guests to share their experiences, tips and tools they have used as a parent. Learn more about Bryan's podcast and his coaching program for fathers at... Dad Up LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/Daduptribe (https://linktr.ee/Daduptribe)
In Episode 52, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: “How much is too much for extracurricular activities? One parent wants the kid involved in everything and the other just wants what the kid wants most. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Summer is a time to unwind, travel, and make fun-filled memories with our families. But for special needs parents, summers are often filled with meltdowns, high stress, and extreme exhaustion. I'm Episode 51, we offer three tips to make the most of summer as special needs parents. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 50, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: “What is the best response to people who notice a marked difference in your child's behavior and feel comfortable blurting out rude commentary?” Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In honor of Mother's Day, we wanted to celebrate the special needs moms who make daily sacrifices, day-in-and-day-out, behind the scenes as you care for your children. You truly are OUR heroes. We wish we could shower you all with flowers this Mother's Day but that doesn't fit our budget as pastors ;) Instead, we want to offer you 10 Words of Wisdom as you embark on your special needs journey. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 48, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: What do you say to your child when they start questioning God? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
As parents, it's easy to worry about our kid's safety. As special needs parents, safety precautions take on a whole new meaning. In Episode 47, we share our Top Four Safety Recommendations and how we have navigated keeping our five kids out of harm's way. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Adaptive Special Needs Car seats: https://saferide4kids.com/blog/special-needs-car-seat/ Baby Car Mirrors: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-baby-car-mirrors-6362328
In Episode 46, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: Potty training! What was your experience and what worked/didn't work? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
April is Autism Awareness month and for this episode we wanted to do things a little different. Normally, our shows are geared toward special needs families. But this episode is specifically for friends and relatives who aren't directly affected by autism but know and love a family with a child on the spectrum. In Episode 45, we offer seven Do's and Don'ts to consider when interacting and serving a child with autism and their family.
In Episode 44, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: Why don't you talk about ways to heal autism on your podcast? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Parenting a strong-willed child is challenging. The more you push them, the harder the push back. In Episode 43, we share our struggles with our youngest and how we navigate keeping our cool while maintaining our connection with her. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.jessicahurlbut.com
Do you ever compare your life to other people? Worst yet, have you ever compared your kids to other kids? Why is it so easy to fall into the comparison trap? After our daughter was diagnosed with severe autism, we found ourselves locked in its clutches for years. In Episode 42, we talk candidly about our struggles and how we clawed our way out of the comparison trap. We also share what God's Word says about comparison and why it's an attack against ourselves and our family.
In Episode 41, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: What is a good way of making my 9 year old understand the value of items and that it's not okay to keep breaking them repeatedly? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
All parents (especially during Covid and remote learning) have felt like their kids were climbing the walls. But some of our children struggle with attention on a daily basis. In Episode 40, we share our ADHD journey with our two adopted children. We talk about common symptoms to watch out for, our hesitation to try medication, and the ups-and-downs along the way. We also address the nation wide Adderall shortage and how it has affected us as a family.
Every child at one point or another experiences a meltdown. But for children on the spectrum, meltdowns are a common occurrence. In Episode 39, we discuss 6 ways to help prevent a meltdown while sharing some embarrassing stories of our kids worst temper tantrums. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 38, we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: How do I get my daughter to fall asleep more independently? Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 37, we finish our three-part series, “It Takes A Village” by discussing the ins and outs of ABA Therapy. After our daughter Mara was diagnosed, we had to make some tough decisions regarding her education. We had the chance to tour different classroom settings and in this episode we candidly share our first impressions. We also compare and contrast ABA classrooms with special education and explain why we chose ABA therapy for our kids. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In Episode 36 we answer a listener's parenting question. This episode's question: I have a teenage boy who likes to play video games. He says he's not interested in doing other things. How do I get him to engage and do things with me?
In Episode 35, we continue our series “It Takes a Village” by talking about the ins and outs of Supplemental Security Income or (SSI). SSI is a monthly payment given by the government for children and adults who are considered disabled. We talk candidly about the pros and cons of this service and how God has used it to humble us and teach us it's ok to ask for help. If you'd like more information and want to apply for benefits online visit: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ If you have a question for our Pinch of Practicality, click here: https://www.jessicahurlbut.com/full-spectrum-parenting
Episode 34 is the first of our new mini-episodes where we answer a listeners parenting question. This episode's question: How do you handle a picky eater?
In Episode 33, we dive into a three-part series called “It Takes A Village” where we discuss the supports we use as a family for our children on the spectrum. In Part One of this series we discuss Self-Direction Services: What is it? Why we utilize it. And why you need to apply for these services in your state. Also, we shared with our listeners a big announcement: We will now be offering weekly episodes. On the off weeks, we will be offering a mini-episode called “A Pinch of Practicality” where we will address a question submitted by a listener. To ask a question for our “Pinch of Practicality” episode, simply click the link below and scroll down to the bottom of the page. https://www.jessicahurlbut.com/full-spectrum-parenting
In Episode 32, Christmas Questions and Challenges, we tackle the most common questions we receive during the holidays: Does Jesus believe in Santa? Should Christian families celebrate Santa? How do we keep Jesus at the center of Christmas? How do we navigate Christmas as special needs parents and more!
In Episode 31, we continue our 3-part series on prayer as we pick my good friend Erica Renaud's brain on ways we can engage in prayer WITH our kids. Erica Renaud is a powerful speaker, passionate writer and founder of two ongoing prayer initiatives. She speaks at various events and conferences throughout the Northeast. Erica and her husband are active in their congregation leading a regular prayer and worship gathering. Her book "Pray With Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer" will be released on April 4, 2023. You can learn more about praying with our kids and Erica on Instagram @erica.renaud
In Episode 30, we continue our 3-part series on prayer as we discuss with Natalie Runion from Raised to Stay how to pray for our typical kids—especially those who want nothing to do with the church. Natalie Runion is a pastor's kid turned pastor, and her husband Tony and their two daughters live in Colorado Spring where she is on staff as the Pastor of Women at New Life Church. In 2019 after watching many of her peers walk away from the church and their faith, Natalie began Raised to Stay, a ministry for those who have wandered, wondered and wrestled with the Church and the challenges of full-time ministry. Natalie is a sought after speaker in the local and global Church and is releasing her first book published with David C Cook in Summer 2023! You can learn more about Raised to Stay on Instagram at @raisedtostay.
We all know prayer is important and if we're honest, we often feel guilty for not praying enough. In Episode 29, we launch a 3-part series on praying for our kids. This week, we tackle the challenge of praying for our special needs kiddos. Why we do it, how we do it, and the big question: DOES GOD WANT TO HEAL AUTISM?
Whether you're a special needs parent worrying about sensory overloads and meltdowns or a typical parent praying your kids don't eat so much candy they puke, we are all hoping to survive Halloween. But what if instead of hoping for survival, we actually planned ahead and enjoyed this time with our kids? In Episode 28, we share our tips and tricks for navigating trick-o-treating and even dive into why we as pastors feel to participate in Halloween.
Screen Time. The word itself seems to conjure up guilt. Maybe you haven't been the best at monitoring your kid's electronics. Or maybe you struggle with regulating how many hours you're staring at your own phone. At one time or another, we have all been ashamed at how many hours we've wasted staring at a screen. In Episode 27, we share some staggering statistics in regards to technology, while offering The 4 Non-Negotiable's we set as a family in regards to electronics. Proloquo2Go App: https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go iCreate App: http://igetitapps.com/app/i-create-social-skills-stories/
In Episode 26, we are celebrating our one-year anniversary as the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast by giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky listener who leaves a review on Apple Podcast. We also finish our three-part series, "The Lessons Our Kids Teach Us", sharing candidly how God has killed the perfectionist in each of us and used autism to give us a glimpse of his love for every individual.
In Episode 25, we continue our 3-part series called “The Lessons Our Kids Teach Us” and this week we had the privilege of interviewing Jennifer Forsthoff. Jen is an author, speaker and advocate from Fenton, Michigan. Jen and her husband are pastors and have 3 children. Their oldest, Charlie, was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 at birth. As Jen experiences the beauty and challenges of raising Charlie, she speaks out to share her story and strengthen others. Jen's books, “Chosen for Charlie” and “Champion for Charlie”, bring a message of hope to parents who are raising a child with special needs. To learn more about Jen's ministry and to read the first chapter of “Champion for Charlie” visit: jenforsthoff.com/connectwithjen
In Episode 24, we introduce a 3-part series called “The Lessons Our Kids Teach Us” and we had the honor of interviewing Heather Avis. Heather Avis is a New York Times best-selling author, podcaster and Down syndrome advocate, working to create a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. Learn more about her latest ministry and her latest child's book, “Everyone Belongs” at https://www.heatheravis.com/everyonebelongs
Grief is a part of life we can't avoid. The only thing worse than walking through a season of loss, is seeing our kids walk through one. In Episode 23, we talk candidly about grief, loss, and how to help our kids navigate life during the dark times.
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