Water Prairie Chronicles

"Don't Perpetuate Limitations"
How to Empower Your Child with a Disability to Achieve Anything.

This interview empowers parents raising children with disabilities. Latisha Anderson, a parent herself, shares practical advice. She emphasizes replacing limitations with showcasing abilities. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as learning experiences. Parents are encouraged to be strong advocates for their children, even questioning professionals when needed. Collaboration is key, but remember, you're your child's fiercest champion. Cultivating an independent mindset is crucial, so encourage your child to believe in themselves and explore their potential. Latisha also mentions overcoming personal challenges, but the focus remains on empowering parents to help their special needs children thrive.

Comment "LINK" for the direct link to the episode.

**He didn't just grieve, he grew. **

Jason, a dad who bravely faced the loss of his son, is on a mission to help others. In our latest interview, he shares his story of resilience, the challenges men face in grief, and the power of community.

Watch now and learn about:
• "Letters to Zachary," a safe space for grieving hearts.
• How to navigate grief as a man.
• Finding strength and purpose after loss.

Watch the full interview!
https://waterprairie.com/listen ( #95)
or
https://youtu.be/7qxQTRiN6qE

Feeling burnt out? You’re not alone.

This week on The Water Prairie Chronicles, we chat with self-compassion coach Robyn about the unique challenges faced by parents of special needs children.

Discover practical self-care strategies to manage stress, find calm amidst the chaos, and prioritize your well-being. ‍💓

In this episode, you’ll learn:
➡️Breathwork exercises to combat anxiety (say goodbye to feeling like you’re constantly holding your breath!)
➡️The importance of building a support network (because you don’t have to go it alone!)
➡️Simple self-care practices that fit into your busy schedule (because yes, it is possible!)

Head over to https://waterprairie.com/listen/ to listen to Episode 95, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and promo codes! [https://waterprairie.com/newsletter]

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child? This episode is here to bring harmony to the chaos!

Join Tonya Wollum as she chats with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and registered Music Together teacher. Samantha has a unique approach that blends the power of music with positive discipline strategies, creating a supportive and effective toolbox for parents.

In this interview, you’ll discover:
How to use music therapy techniques to address common challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children.
Five musical coping skills you can incorporate into your daily routine (no prior musical experience needed!).
How music therapy can complement other therapies your child might be receiving.
Strategies for adapting music therapy to your child’s specific needs and preferences.
Tune in and learn how to unlock your child’s potential and create a more harmonious and joyful parenting experience!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/TURcR7MSZp0

Website: https://waterprairie.com/2024/04/13/music-therapy/




Boise Music Therapy Company

Feeling like your marriage is lost in the shuffle of caring for your child with special needs? You’re not alone! But what if we told you your marriage could THRIVE? ✨


In our latest interview, Kristin & Todd Evans, authors of “How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities,” share their story and practical tips for:
️ Communication hacks
Building a support system
❤️ Finding joy in the journey

They debunk the myth of the high divorce rate and offer a message of hope for a stronger marriage than ever before!

Watch the full interview and discover how to keep your love alive!
https://youtu.be/UwPWwM5FHE0
https://waterprairie.com/2024/04/06/marriage-and-disability/

Feeling like your marriage is lost in the shuffle of caring for your child with special needs? You're not alone! But what if we told you your marriage could THRIVE? ✨

In our latest interview, Kristin & Todd Evans, authors of "How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities," share their story and practical tips for:

Communication hacks
Building a support system
❤️ Finding joy in the journey

They debunk the myth of the high divorce rate and offer a message of hope for a stronger marriage than ever before!

Watch the full interview and discover how to keep your love alive!

https://youtu.be/UwPWwM5FHE0

Posted • .famille 🎙New podcast episode

In our everyday parenting life, it’s easy to focus only on our children’s behaviors and overlook the child behind those behaviors. But, understanding the child who’s hiding under the challenging behaviors is what will make it possible to actually help them be more manageable.

In this podcast episode, I welcome Tonya Wollum from .prairie to discuss the importance of seeing beyond the behavior and provide valuable insights and strategies for supporting children with special needs.

Lots of great information on these slides! The stats show that 1 in 10 Americans have a rare disease. In my family, 3 of 4 have a rare disease, and 1 has 2 rare diseases! Does that mean my family is extra lucky? Sometimes we feel that way, but not as a positive. It is part of the reason I started the podcast. To help other parents connect and learn from those who have had similar experiences.

Leave a comment and let me know if a rare disease has touched you personally, and let's keep supporting each other!

🎙️ Calling all Experts and Passionate Voices in the Special Needs Community! 🌟

Are you a seasoned professional, advocate, or enthusiast with invaluable insights into the world of special needs parenting? Do you have experience growing up with a disability or parenting a child with a disability? The Water Prairie Chronicles podcast wants to hear from YOU!

As we gear up for Season 3, we're on the lookout for dynamic guests to join us for full-length episodes and experts to contribute to our expert panel segments. Whether you're an expert in autism spectrum disorders, down syndrome, financial planning for special needs families, or any other relevant field, we want to showcase your knowledge and experiences to our engaged audience.

💡 What's in it for you?
* Amplify your voice and share your expertise with our community of special needs parents.
* Gain exposure and visibility within the special needs community and beyond.
* Network with fellow professionals and advocates in the field.
* Contribute to meaningful conversations and make a positive impact on families navigating the challenges of raising special needs children.

📝 Interested in being a guest or joining our expert panel? Here's how to get involved:
* Comment GUEST to be considered for a full-length episode.
* Comment EXPERT to join our expert panel and share your insights on specific topics.
* Comment BOTH if you’re interested in both options.
Let's come together to inspire, educate, and empower special needs parents everywhere. Your voice matters, and we can't wait to feature it on the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast!

Spread the word and tag someone who you think would be a perfect fit for our show. Together, let's make Season 3 our most impactful yet! 🌟

It’s Day 2 of the Parenting the Intensity Retreat - Will you be there?

Post RETREAT in the comments for the link!

Which was the most popular episode of Season 2?

This week closes out the 2nd season of the podcast, and I'm excited about what's coming in Season 3! Be sure to listen this week to find out which episodes made it to the top based on the number of views and/or downloads. Looking back over the year, I realized how many awesome people I had the opportunity to meet and share with you! I you missed any, go back and check them out. The number of mentors who have visited the Water Prairie podcast as a guest is growing, and we'll be meeting even more in the coming months.

Thanks for being a part of the Water Prairie family! Let me know how I can serve you better and what topics you'd like to see featured in the future.

Tonya

Equipping Special Needs Parents - January Newsletter -

Equipping Special Needs Parents - January Newsletter Happy New Year! As we step into 2024, we are thrilled to reconnect with you through our monthly newsletter. We have some exciting updates, accomplishments, and upcoming events to share with our wonderful community of special needs parents and community members. Without further ado, let's dive into t...

Passionate about making a difference in your classroom? Join the Bridge for Belonging Summit for Educators! Explore inclusive practices that resonate in rural, urban, and suburban settings. Join educators from across the US and help cultivate a sense of belonging for every student.

STARTS TOMORROW!!!

Register now for your FREE ticket: https://bit.ly/FreeBelongingSummit.

Empower your students with a sense of belonging! Join the Bridge to Belonging K-12 Educator Summit and discover inclusive teaching strategies that transcend rural, urban, and suburban classrooms. Learn how to create environments where every student feels seen and valued. Starts January 29, 2024!

Register for FREE: https://bit.ly/FreeBelongingSummit

🌟 Meet Katie Selby, an educator who defied expectations and found her voice despite language impairment. Her story is proof that every child's journey is unique. 🎧 Tune in to our podcast to discover the path to victory!

Be sure to try and guess which of her "2 Truths and a Lie" statements is the lie on slide 2 and post your guess in the comments. We'll post the answer next week so check back to see if you were right.

There's still time to catch this opportunity for learning through the 2nd Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit! This online event has brought together 22 experts who are sharing their personal journeys and expertise to reveal different ways homeschooling gives you and your neurodivergent child endless possibilities for learning and growth.

It started on January 7th, but you can catch all of the sessions if you purchase the All Access Pass. Check it out by using the Water Prairie affiliate code:
https://learn.mlccoaching.com/af/206827914/1161143

OR

Use the Free option and watch any remaining sessions that are offered this week:
http://www.mlccoaching.com/summit-registration

Be sure to check out Episode 85 to hear more about what Afsaneh has done to create the Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summits and how you can work with her if you're in need of some coaching to find your own direction as a homeschooling parent.

For those who are playing the "2 Truths and a Lie" game with us this year, check out the slide deck to see the answer to Afsaneh's game. It might surprise you!

I’m excited to be one of the experts on the Bridge to Belonging online summit beginning January 29, 2024, and I would like you to personally be a part of this transformation. There will be FREE giveaways on this virtual event that are valuable to support your journey of creating a supportive classroom for all students. Register (https://bit.ly/FreeBelongingSummit) with your complimentary ticket to listen in. This event is open to teachers as well as parents and professionals so pass the word on to anyone you know who might benefit from hearing from the speakers.

The presenters will be talking about Inclusive Scenarios, Sensory Explorations, Mindful Pedagogy…and more!

Register now with your complimentary ticket (https://bit.ly/FreeBelongingSummit.) Don’t forget to bring a friend, and I’ll see you there!

Tonya

Join me in the latest episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast for an inspiring conversation with Afsaneh Moradian, a trailblazing homeschooling coach, educator, and children's author. As we delve into her journey and expertise, discover the transformative power of neurodiverse homeschooling and how Afsaneh is reshaping the landscape of inclusive education for families worldwide.

Be sure to click one of the links below to join the 2nd Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit going on now! It's completely FREE to join, and each speaker has a free resource that you can use even if you aren't a homeschool parent. The whole summit of speakers are of high value, and I'm enjoying learning from them each day!

📣 2nd Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summing Information:

Free Access to daily postings: https://www.mlccoaching.com/summit-registration

$87 Lifetime Access Pass to all postings, all resources offered by speakers, and A Customized Homeschooling Action Plan 1:1 Private Session With Afsaneh Moradian ($300 VALUE): https://learn.mlccoaching.com/af/206827914/1161143
(This is an affiliate link that benefits the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast if you purchase the Access Pass after using this link.)

I have exciting news! I’m a featured speaker at the 2nd Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit hosted by Afsaneh Moradian.

This incredible online experience has brought together me and 21 other experts to inspire YOU when it comes to homeschooling your neurodivergent child and the endless possibilities for both of you to learn and grow!

If you know of a friend or family member who could benefit from this valuable event, be sure to share this event with them.

We have co-created this life changing event to help dedicated homeschooling parents, like YOU, around the world receive support with homeschooling and create opportunities for you and your homeschoolers to thrive.

We’re discussing important insights and sharing actionable strategies on the following topics:

>> Self-Care and dealing with overwhelm
>>Sensory processing and food
>>Making college financially accessible.
>>Creating meaningful learning experiences at home and in the world
>>How to handle your child’s big emotions and irritable behavior
>>Ways to shift your mindset so you can meet your goals
>>Becoming a mompreneur or raising kidpreneurs
>>Ways to support your unique child’s learning and development
>>And so much more!

You’ll get access to success secrets from experts who understand the struggles and challenges involved with homeschooling for neurodivergent families.

Sign up here: www.mlccoaching.com/summit-registration/
Register for the All Access Pass and watch all of the speakers on your own schedule by using my affiliate link: https://learn.mlccoaching.com/af/206827914/1161143

See you there!

Tonya

I had the pleasure of talking with Helen Panos, host of the Smart Parents Successful Students podcast, about how we can use technology to help our neurodiverse students find success. We talked about some of the tools available to parents and students that can help make homework time and tasks less stressful. We also shared a list of apps that are useful in teaching executive functioning skills to students and adults. Check it out on Spotify or Apple podcasts, or go directly to the website at

https://www.dynamislearningacademy.com/inclusive-technology-apps-for-student-success/

Ever wondered how to navigate the holidays with a child with invisible disabilities? 🦃🎄 Jami Kirkbride shares practical tips and heartwarming stories in our latest podcast episode. 🌟 Don't miss out! 🎧

Be sure to try to guess which of Jami’s “facts” are true and which one is a lie. Leave your best guess in the comments, and check back next week to see if you were correct! She has some controversial options to think about!

🎥Watch: https://youtu.be/pXcsqMIhWSs

📖Read/🎧Listen: https://waterprairie.com/2023/11/10/misunderstood-invisible-disabilities/

Parenting With Personality

.sofia.sanchez and told us about their experience with filming movie in an interview earlier this year, and Sofia shared this photo from the movie’s World Premiere this past weekend.

See her original post to read about the symbolism in her dress. It’s an incredible design created for the event and another way Sofia was able to advocate for Down syndrome awareness. Sofia, you’re making a difference!!! ❤️🦋❤️

🎓 Unlock the full potential of your child's education! Join us in our latest podcast episode with Heather Wright, a Master IEP Coach, as we dive into the art of crafting a powerful Parent Input Statement. 📝✨
Discover how to turn concerns into solutions. Your child's education deserves the best, and you have the power to make it happen! 🌟

🎥Watch: https://youtu.be/oKo3IdlAtsg
📖Read: https://waterprairie.com/2023/11/04/iep-parent-input-statement/
🎧Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/82-mastering-the-iep-parent-input-statement/id1606642962?i=1000633698277

Navigating a prenatal diagnosis? 🤝 Let's walk this path together!
Join the Water Prairie Chronicles for Episode 81 in a thought-provoking conversation about supporting parents expecting a child with a disability. 💼 Valuable insights for professionals and families alike.

Our guest, Dr. Stephanie Dueger, agreed to play the game of “2 Truths and a Lie” with us. See if you can guess her lie in the second slide, and post your best guess in the comments. We’ll post the correct answer next week on this site!

Tune in and find out how you can support your family and friends who may be parenting in unique circumstances.
📖Read/🎧Listen: https://waterprairie.com/2023/10/22/special-needs-baby/
🎥Watch: https://youtu.be/MxlZWsSbrws

Discover the world of parenting emotionally intense kids with Anouk. A conversation filled with love, hope, and resilience.
*Bonus points if you find the magic wardrobe change during the interview!

Thanks for watching/listening and supporting the podcast!!!
🎥Watch: https://youtu.be/8GO8A7aeGAY
📖Read: https://waterprairie.com/2023/10/16/emotionally-intense-kids/
🎧Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/80-parenting-emotionally-intense-kids/id1606642962?i=1000631513228

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️
In this eye-opening episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, we dive deep into the world of IEPs and 504 plans with special education experts Helen Panos () and Heather Wright (). Discover the key differences between IEPs and 504 Plans, learn how to empower your child's self-advocacy skills, and hear about valuable resources. Tune in now for a crash course on securing your child's educational success.

📖Read: https://waterprairie.com/2023/10/08/ieps-vs-504-plans/

🎥Watch: https://youtu.be/yWY-McTFV8M

🎧Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/79-ieps-vs-504-plans-understanding-the-differences/id1606642962?i=1000630573587

Let's take a moment today to recognize those around us who are living life with cerebral palsy. Take a moment to educate yourself about what it is and how it affects those who have it. Which of the facts listed surprised you the most? The one that stands out most for me is the 3rd one on the list. I have known people with cerebral palsy throughout my life, but I never realized they might be living with chronic pain. This truly surprised me, and I want to be sensitive to the possibility the next time I meet someone who has cerebral palsy.

I think most of us know cerebral palsy can cause mobility issues, and I was surprised that the number of people who cannot walk was only 1 in 3. The statistic of 1 in 5 not being able to talk makes me wonder how many of those have access to electronic tools to help with communication.

I'd like to feature some guests who can tell us more about cerebral palsy. If you or someone you know has a personal experience with cerebral palsy, please DM me so we can set up a time when you can teach me and the Water Prairie family more about cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Foundation