351: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman

Parenting a child with disabilities brings a host of unexpected dynamics and challenges. No one knows the ins and outs of this journey better than a parent who has fought long and hard for her own children and used that knowledge to help others. Join us to hear more from Kelley! Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive-turned-author and advocate who draws on over a decade of parenting and advocacy experience. With an unmistakable depth of passion for this work, Kelley shares her journey with a focus on what mental health can look like through the different stages of being a parent of a child with disabilities and how she’s working to empower and support other parents. One way she offers support is through her book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports. This book is a fantastic resource for parents to help navigate the systems to find the right support.  Show Highlights: The facts about the number of children born with disabilities The shock most parents feel when their child is diagnosed with a disability Shocking statistics: 66% of dads and 94% of moms of kids with disabilities WILL experience depression and/or anxiety Dealing with weird reactions from others about your disabled child Support, at its most basic, comes down to asking, “What do you need?” Why Kelley refuses to apologize to others for who her disabled son is and how he behaves Grieving what you “thought” life would be like and acknowledging that life with a disabled child is hard Kelley’s book premise in a nutshell: “Caregiving is a job. There is paperwork, planning, and systems you have to figure out. Here’s the information you need.” Kelley’s goal to support and empower other caregivers The importance of connecting with other parents Resources: Connect with Kelley Coleman: Website, Instagram, and book (Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports) Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!