Empowering Children with Disabilities and Differences

Meg Zucker was born with one finger on each hand, shortened forearms, and one toe on each foot as a result of a genetic condition called ectrodacyly. When she became pregnant, she learned that she had passed along this condition to her son. She would eventually pass this on to her second son as well. And, she subsequently adopted a daughter, who had her own differences. Through her own experiences growing up "different" and her experiences as a mother, she learned how to best support children with disabilities and differences.   The author of Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities, Meg Zucker joins Marti & Erin of Mom Enough® to discuss how we can empower our children and raise them to know they are enough, just as they are. She discusses what parents need to first learn for themselves before they can be successful with their kids. And, she shares the importance of finding the balance between self-sufficiency and being willing to accept help. Highlighting the gifts of "being different," Meg shares an inspiring message of hope that you won't want to miss!   HOW CAN WE SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENCES? What can parents do to find self-acceptance for themselves? What steps can we take to empower our children with disabilities and differences? When it comes to bullying, why isn't kindness enough for kids with differences?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND DIFFERENCES? ❉ PARENTS’ ROLE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT. Language development in infants and young children is a critical foundation of literacy, school achievement, positive social relations and regulating emotions. Language is the key to thought. This is true for all children, including those who are bilingual and those who are deaf and hard of hearing and learning sign language. Dr. Susan Outlaw offers empowering guidance and practical tips for how to support your child’s optimal language development.   ❉ UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD OR TEEN WITH ADHD. An ADHD coach and mom of two complex kids with ADHD and other challenges, Dr. Russell first wants you to know that ADHD is not a behavior problem, but a neurodevelopmental disorder. Your kids are not just intentionally being “lazy” or “sloppy.” Also, all kids with ADHD are not alike. Dr. Russell shares evidence-based practices that can help your child learn to live better with ADHD.   ❉ ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT ADHD. Dr. Norrine Russell is the co-author with Heidi Condrey of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD. Dr. Russell joins Marti & Erin of Mom Enough to discuss the important questions parents would want to ask if their child has ADHD. She outlines what questions are essential before, during and after a child is identified as having ADHD.   ❉ BREAKING THE CYCLE OF BULLYING IN KIDS WITH ADHD & LEARNING DIFFERENCES. David Flink, a 2021 CNN Hero and the Chief Empowerment Office of Eye to Eye, joins Marti and Erin of Mom Enough for this important conversation on the link between ADHD, learning differences, and bullying. Having been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at a young age, David shares personal insights about growing up with these diagnoses. Tune in to hear his story, learn about Eye to Eye, and gain a better understanding of how to support children with ADHD and learning differences.