aVERY BRIGHT LIFE

We're reposting an old episode this week. Mama's got a sore throat and sounds like a toad, so Avery is helping out with the intro. Please enjoy this happy little episode from 2021. *** Hey! It's Sponge Lisa Tight Pants here. We spongey empath types tend to soak up the vibe around us so when the world is hurting, we hurt too. So, in an effort to avoid dwelling on the dark and heavy feel...

Kelley wrote the book we've all needed! It's going to become a go-to handbook for so many parents. I wish there had been something like it when we were starting out on our disability parenting journey. I felt pretty alone and lost back then (and still feel that way from time to time, even now). This book is going to spare so many parents from that feeling. I hope you'll have a listen t...

Phone conversations and video calls, especially for folks with communication disorders and developmental disabilities, can feel awkward and frustrating. We have some strategies that have really helped us over here, so we’re sharing them here. Plus, Avery pops in to share a bit about herself while demonstrating how to use "magic words." FYI... She recorded this segment completely independ...

What is my problem? Why do your word choices affect me? And why does it bug me? I think I know and it doesn’t exactly paint me in the best light. But, I’m going to tell it like it is because maybe you feel the same way as I do. Or maybe you've seen me go off about certain terms and you think, “What a total Karen McJudgey Pants.” I don’t blame you. But maybe if you hear why I react like this, i...

Have you ever felt, not fake exactly, but maybe a little extra? I've felt like this about epilepsy over the years. But I'm not an imposter, especially after what happened last week. This episode isn't particularly "sweary" but I still put an explicit rating on it because I talk about seizures, which can be upsetting for younger listeners (and 53 year old moms). **** This podc...

Create your own Seizure Action Plan (SAP) or Medical Action Plan using our free customizable template. In this episode we also talk about our list of go-to "Carrot Shows", which are movies and tv shows that are somewhat nutritious for kids' brains, and a fairly entertaining break from their fave "Sugar Shows." We end the episode talking about why Lisa isn't a total Grin...

*Trigger Warning for childhood trauma I think everyone has traumatic events in their past that play a part in shaping who they are as adults and even how they parent. There were two specific tragedies that happened when I was young. Once you hear what they are, you might better understand why I am the way I am... spoiler alert—over-protective to the max. In this mish-mash episode I talk about that...

⁠ Do I know what I'm doing? Not really. But am I trying to figure it out? Of course! Raising a child with developmental disabilities is a life full of love, but it isn't always easy. Especially when information and resources and supports are all over the place and the red tape is thick. In this shortie episode I share how none of us really know what we're doing. And THIS is why I'm...

We've all heard of PTSD, but have you heard of CTSD or C-PTSD? The " C " has historically stood for " C omplex." Some parents have added " C hronic" to the definition. Whether it's lingering trauma to varying degrees or persistent worry about the future, many caregivers live with an unhealthy level of anxiety. And though the stress is often warranted, it needs...

Most men are lovely. But sadly, a handful of them are dangerous. We've happened upon a few of those ones recently so I've had to explain to my daughter HOW and WHY she always needs to be cautious. I hate this for her. For all girls. But this is what we do as parents (especially as mamas of daughters with disabilities). We teach them as best we can to keep them as safe as possible. Even if...

We're baaaaaack and starting this season off with a topic that's been on my mind for a while... inclusion. Seems like a positive topic, right? WRONG. I mean, the idea of inclusion is on the right track, but actual inclusion? It's a bit of an illusion sometimes. But it doesn't have to be that way... **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assi...

"Disability Parent Advocate Life" can feel exhausting. But then sh*t like this happens and it's all so worth it. In this episode we share the thing... the pretty incredible thing that happened as a result of this little podcast. PLUS... heads up, we've gone fishing. Not literally because we don't fish. But we've taken off for the summer to rest, relax, work (Avery has a j...

It’s shocking when you witness hateful people revealing themselves. And it’s gross to know that many of them are parents because… hate is learned. Kids aren’t born like that. They LEARN to hate and to discriminate by listening to and watching their parents. In this episode we tackle the topic of how intellectually and developmentally disabled people often view dating, gender labels, and "ONE...

For disabled teens and adults, having a cell phone goes beyond just convenience or entertainment—it can be a lifeline to independence, safety and #accessibility. Shame on Canadian cell carriers for making cell/data plans inaccessible for so many families. There are ways to remove this financial barrier to what should be a fundamental right. Let's talk about it. **** This podcast was recorded i...

We don't mean to be "Momsters." Our intentions are good, but overstepping and taking over isn't doing anyone any favours. Do you recognize yourself here? Acknowledging that we "occasionally" do this, is the first step in maybe letting go of the reins a little. Mentioned in this episode: I've Had It Podcast (so good, so relatable and so hilarious!) **** This podcast...

This idea for this episode came from a new comment left on an old post I wrote a decade ago. It was a story about a mom and daughter out doing their thing in the world and feeling stung by the judgement of others. Reading it years later, from a new perspective, I can see how our behaviour could be perceived as entitled or at least annoying. Comments about that I can handle. But the comment left by...

In the words of the Bare Naked Ladies, haven't you always wanted a monkey? Be careful what you wish for though because monkeys are difficult. Especially the thirsty ones. Know what I mean? No? Have a listen to this episode and see if you might also have a thirsty caged monkey (or ten) in your basement. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance f...

It's our 2 year podiversary! So today we're sharing some behind the scenes insights into this podcast and podcasting in general. At the 24 minute mark Lisa attempts to explain how anyone can create their own podcast easily and for free. Thank you for listening today and for the past two years! We're excited to embark on year three! Giddy-up. Let's do this thing! As mentioned in thi...

Kermit claims it's not easy being green. I challenge him to try being purple for a minute. "Purple People" live with epilepsy—they either have the neurological disorder themselves, or they love somebody who does. This is our second epilepsy focussed episode, which includes a ten question quiz to test your epilepsy knowledge. Our hope is that by sharing what we're learning, we can...

This episode is about FEAR. But don’t be afraid, there's hope. And answers. And possible solutions. Fear is a normal part of life, especially for parents and disability parents in particular. I hope by sharing some of MY fears, you’ll feel seen and less alone. Because navigating this disability family life can be scary. Let’s do this together!  **** 🕶 On the blog... Stair Scare 🕶 Ruth Soukup:...

Covid finally got us, but Avery did great. Phew. Who knew I'd be the one to struggle? Hi. It's me. I'm the problem, it's me. This episode is a story time about our Covid experience with a (gross) peak into where we think it got us. *Trigger warning for those with a strong gag reflex. Avery and I also demonstrate the emergency skill everyone should teach their kids. It's not pleasant to talk about,...

Avery joins me for the first eight minutes of this episode. For someone with a profound speech disorder, chatting for eight solid minutes in no small feat. She answers three important questions and then makes an exciting announcement. I'm so proud of this kiddo. Wait, she's no longer a kid. She's a teen heading toward 18 and young adulthood and everything that involves. And it's why we talk about...

This episode is a little vulnerable so... be gentle with me. It starts with my advice on the two best places for families to find support and community for whatever they're going through. And it ends with an apology—or more accurately, an admission of guilt and an explanation for my behaviour.  **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the t...

This episode is a few stories, strung together, from personal experience as a party mama. Some are happy. Some are sad. Some just make me mad. For parents of kids with disabilities, party invitations (or lack of) can be problematic.  I’m sharing because you might relate. Also, hearing about our experiences (though... I didn't handle some of these situations well) might help you better prepare...

Here are a few NEW (to us) or updated words related to disability we're trying to use in place of the outdated phrases used in the past. I'm not perfect and I still make mistakes. But, I thought while I'm learning and evolving (language wise anyway) I'd share in case these are new to you too.  Rated E xplicit because of a tiny f-bomb near the end... in the outtakes.  **** Avery's Joke: "...