Mixed Needs Mama Podcast

Discreet fidget rings for anxious kids, teens, and adults: favorite store-bought picks, plus easy wire-and-bead rings you can make together at home. Show notes In the third episode of our crafting series, Terrie shares one of her adult children's favorite calming tools: fidget rings. Rings are less obvious than a fidget toy, so they work well for teens and adults who want something quiet to calm t...

Does your child get car sick or nauseated on trips? In this episode of Mixed Needs Mama, Terrie walks you through making a simple acupressure bracelet with your kids, one they design themselves with beads they pick out. It gives them a tool to use when nausea hits and something to focus on besides how they feel. In this episode: Choosing the right elastic cord (thick vs. thin, and why you stretch...

Fidget toys are wonderful, but buying lots of them gets expensive fast. In this episode, Terrie shows you how to make zipper bracelets. They're colorful, inexpensive fidgets your kids can wear all day and zip and unzip whenever they need to. They're quiet until they're in use, they don't draw attention, and they're simple enough for older kids to make on their own. In this episode: Why fidgets and...

The Discipline Conversation I Wish I'd Had with My Kids In a mixed-needs home, fair discipline doesn't always mean the same discipline. Terrie disciplined her children privately to protect their dignity, and she tailored consequences to each child. A favorite device taken away for five minutes reached her neurodivergent kids in a way timeout never did. For her social-butterfly daughter, staying ho...

Hygiene is one of the hardest things to teach when you're parenting kids on the spectrum. You teach it, they do it, and the next day it's like it never happened. In this episode of Mixed Needs Mama, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares what has actually worked in her mixed-needs family, from potty training through the teen years and into adulthood: • Why routines beat checklists for many neurodivergent kid...

Summary In this episode, Annie shares her personal experience with parentification, exploring how taking on adult responsibilities as a child affected her development and relationships. Her insights offer valuable guidance for families navigating similar dynamics.   Key Topics Parentification and its effects on children Personal stories of childhood caregiving Balancing responsibility and childhoo...

Summary This episode offers guidance for parents navigating the uncertain period before a child's diagnosis, emphasizing prayer, observation, and trusting God's wisdom to support their children's needs. Key Topics Waiting for a diagnosis and what to do during this time The importance of prayer and trusting God's wisdom Observing and understanding your child's cues and stress signals Recognizing si...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses navigating diagnosis paralysis in families with special needs children, emphasizing early intervention, emotional resilience, and trusting God's plan. Key Topics Diagnosis paralysis and its impact on families Importance of early intervention for neurodivergent children The grieving process and acceptance in diagnosis Building a support team a...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses how understanding and accommodating sensory issues in children with neurodivergence can significantly improve their well-being and family harmony. She shares practical tips, personal stories, and resources to help parents support their children's sensory needs.   Key Topics Sensory issues in children with autism and ADHD Practical accommodati...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown explores practical strategies to help children develop critical thinking skills, especially in the context of parenting children with mixed needs. She emphasizes modeling thought processes, leveraging special interests, and using a consistent framework to foster reasoning and discernment.   Key Topics The importance of modeling thought processes for ch...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown explores the importance of critical thinking in children, especially neurodivergent kids, and how parents can support their development. She shares personal insights, practical strategies, and faith-based encouragement to help children grow in this vital skill. Key Topics What critical thinking is and how children demonstrate it The importance of under...

Summary Terrie Hellard-Brown shares practical strategies for self-regulation and emotional management for parents of neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of modeling calmness and using specific tools like CPR cards to handle overwhelm.   Key Topics Self-regulation techniques for parents The importance of modeling calmness Using prayer and breathing to manage emotions The CPR method...

Key Topics The Holy Spirit's guidance and role in believers' lives The importance of understanding the Trinity as one God in three persons The dangers of misusing or abusing spiritual gifts The significance of prayer and asking for understanding of God's Word The need for humility and reverence in spiritual matters Takeaways Ignoring the Holy Spirit leads to walking blindly in life. The Holy Spiri...

Summary In this episode, Gaylyn Williams shares practical insights on managing stress, especially for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children. She discusses the internal sources of stress, how to recognize signs in children, and the importance of focusing on God to transform circumstances.   Key Topics Internal sources of stress and how they impact us Recognizing signs of stress and anxi...

Summary In this episode, Lori Wildenberg shares insights on grandparenting, passing faith, navigating family boundaries, and handling challenging relationships with adult children and in-laws. Discover practical advice rooted in scripture to strengthen family bonds and influence the next generation positively. Key Topics The importance of grandparents in passing faith and morals Scriptural command...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown explores the importance of sign language, sharing inspiring books and stories about deafness, autism, and other challenges. She discusses how these stories can foster empathy, creativity, and ministry opportunities within families and communities. This first aired on Books that Spark podcast on 10/26/2020. Key Topics Sign language and its role in minis...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses the importance of listening and being heard within family dynamics, especially in mixed needs families. She shares insightful book recommendations and biblical principles to foster respectful communication and emotional understanding. Key Topics The importance of listening and being heard in families Book recommendations for teaching listenin...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares four insightful books that help parents and children understand and navigate neurodivergence, sensory issues, and emotional health, emphasizing faith-based perspectives and practical strategies.   Key Topics Neurodivergence and sensory issues in children Using children's books to teach emotional regulation Faith-based approaches to parenting neu...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares practical tips for making family road trips enjoyable and stress-free, especially for families with neurodivergent members. She discusses her innovative road trip regulation kit, strategies for managing sensory needs, and creating memorable travel experiences. Key Topics Road trip planning and preparation Creating a portable regulation station f...

Summary Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses the fears of the future for parents of children with special needs, emphasizing prayer, wisdom, and trusting God's plan. She shares personal stories, biblical insights, and practical advice for guiding neurodivergent and neurotypical children. Key Topics Fear of the future for parents of children with special needs The importance of prayer and seeking God's w...

Summary Join us as Lori Wildenberg shares insights on parenting, building lasting family connections, and navigating faith and discipline with grace. Discover practical strategies for raising responsible, confident children and maintaining a lifelong relationship with them. Key Topics Parenting and discipleship Building family connections Faith and responsibility in children Sound Bites "God is wi...

Summary: Terrie and Elisha Lee discuss the counseling ministry, the power of Biblical truth, and recognizing when we need to seek professional help. 00:18 Elisha's Counseling Practice and Podcast 01:43 Navigating Mixed Needs Families 02:33 Integrating Psychology and Faith 06:04 Recognizing When to Seek Help 07:49 The Importance of Early Intervention 10:37 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts https...

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses the importance of tag team parenting, emphasizing teamwork, respect, honesty, and biblical principles to build a strong, loving family culture. She shares practical strategies for managing stress, meeting family needs, and fostering a supportive partnership in parenting.   Key Topics Tag team parenting as a stress relief strategy Building a f...

Summary This episode focuses on maintaining and strengthening marriage amidst the challenges of parenting high needs children. Host Terrie Hellard-Brown shares practical advice, spiritual insights, and personal experiences to help couples stay connected and resilient. Key Topics The impact of parenting high needs children on marriage Practical strategies to prevent emotional drift The importance o...