Mixed Needs Mama Podcast

Terrie Hellard-Brown

A podcast for Christian mamas of mixed-needs families with children who are neuro typical and neuro divergent. We discuss family culture, faith, and parenting joyfully even in the challenges of life.

  1. 2d ago

    Self-Regulation for Parents: Answering Parents Questions - Mixed Needs Mama Episode 33

    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 for emotional regulation Teaching children to express emotions respectfully Handling meltdowns and shutdowns in neurodivergent children The role of expectations and consequences in discipline Building emotional vocabulary in children Takeaways Breathing deeply and praying can help parents regain control during stressful moments. Model calm behavior to teach children emotional regulation. The CPR method (Check, Pray, Respond) helps manage overwhelm. Clear expectations and consistent consequences are key to discipline. Teaching children to express emotions respectfully fosters emotional intelligence. Sound Bites "Give a soft answer to calm down." "When overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pray." "Check your pulse and assess your emotions." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges with Neurodivergent Children 02:02 Self-Regulation Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents 04:01 The Power of Prayer and Breathing in Calmness 06:48 The Importance of Modeling Calmness in the Classroom and Home 09:05 Introducing the Seven-Day Challenge for Self-Regulation 12:13 Understanding the Brain's Response to Overwhelm 14:53 The Role of Expectations and Clear Discipline 17:06 Dealing with Meltdowns and Shutdowns Effectively 19:09 The CPR Method: Check, Pray, Respond 22:51 Helping Children Express Emotions Respectfully 27:51 Teaching Emotional Vocabulary and Self-Awareness 30:02 Walking Through Grief and Emotional Challenges 32:09 Final Tips and Encouragement for Parents

  2. Jul 24

    Understanding the Holy Spirit's Role in Parenting

    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 Spirit reveals God's deep secrets and guides us. Misusing God's Word as a formula is wrong and blasphemous. We must acknowledge the Holy Spirit as God and part of the Trinity. Embracing the Holy Spirit is essential for true discipleship. Sound Bites "Ignoring the Holy Spirit is like walking blindly." "The Holy Spirit is God's gift and guide." "Controlling God is blasphemy." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and the Holy Spirit 00:29 The Purpose of the Podcast and Recent Topics 01:26 Reading in 1 Corinthians 2 and the Wisdom of God 02:24 God's Hidden Plan Revealed by the Spirit 03:19 The Holy Spirit's Role in Revealing God's Secrets 04:47 Personal Testimony of Healing and Belief in Miracles 05:43 Addressing Misconceptions and Abuses of the Holy Spirit 06:44 The Guidance of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives 07:14 The Trinity: One God in Three Persons 08:12 Understanding the Holy Spirit's Divinity and Work 10:05 The Danger of Ignoring the Holy Spirit 11:03 The Pride and Arrogance of Controlling God 12:01 The Holy Spirit as God's Gift and Guide 13:01 The Abuse of God's Word and Spirit in Some Churches 14:23 The Holy Spirit's Role in Daily Guidance and Victory 15:23 Personal Testimony of Prayer and Understanding God's Word 16:19 Closing Remarks and Season Break

    Understanding the Holy Spirit's Role in Parenting
  3. Jul 17

    Transforming Stress with Gaylyn Williams

    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 anxiety in children The role of grief and unmet expectations in stress Practical steps for stress management and focus on God The importance of self-awareness and honest reflection Takeaways Stress is often caused by what we bring into situations, not just the situations themselves. Recognizing symptoms of stress in ourselves and children can help prevent escalation. Grief and unmet expectations significantly contribute to stress, especially in parenting. Focusing on Jesus and shifting our perspective can bring peace amid chaos. Self-awareness and honesty are crucial for effective stress management. Sound Bites "Fixing our eyes on Jesus means looking away from our problems" "Focusing on Jesus brings joy in difficult times" "Turning our eyes on Jesus makes problems seem smaller" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gaylyn Williams and her ministry 01:02 Gaylyn discusses her book 'All Stressed Up and Everywhere to Go' 02:05 The impact of internal stress and how it influences reactions 03:02 The importance of understanding what stress is and how it affects us 03:45 The role of expectations, attitudes, and sore spots in stress 05:04 Case study: Different perspectives on the same circumstances 05:51 Writing out current stressors to identify internal sources 07:01 Recognizing physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms of stress 08:12 Helping children identify and verbalize their stress 08:55 The significance of focusing on Jesus to transform circumstances 09:45 Turning our eyes on Jesus during times of crisis 11:12 The impact of grief and unmet expectations in stress 12:03 Recognizing stress signs in children and helping them cope 12:56 The spiral of stress and how to stop it early 14:07 Practical tips for helping children with stress and anxiety 15:08 Using symptoms as signposts for intervention 16:10 Resources and workshops offered by Gaylyn Williams 17:03 The importance of focusing on God and His peace 17:52 Practical steps for parents to help children manage stress 18:57 Recognizing stress as friends or foes in our lives 20:01 How to find Gaylyn Williams and access her resources 21:02 The power of focusing on Jesus in difficult times 22:00 Final thoughts and encouragement to prioritize stress management

  4. Jun 24

    Sign Language as a Tool and a Ministry

    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 ministry and communication Children's books that teach about deafness, autism, and disabilities The story of James Castle and artistic determination Biographies of William Hoy and Helen Keller Teaching sign language to children and cultural etiquette Ministry opportunities for reaching autistic and deaf communities Character lessons about perseverance and compassion Sound Bites "Understanding my sister helps me love her more." "Art is a powerful way to communicate beyond words." "Everyone is uniquely made by God." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sign Language and Its Significance 01:09 Personal Connection to Sign Language and Ministry 02:01 Book: I Have a Sister, My Sister Is Deaf 04:23 Book: Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Alan Say 10:28 Biographies of William Hoy and Helen Keller 12:58 Learning Sign Language: Resources and Tips 17:02 Ministry Opportunities and Resources for Disabilities 20:32 Encouragement for Inclusive Ministry and Final Thoughts Resources I Have a Sister, My Sister Is Deaf by Jean Whitehouse Peterson: https://amzn.to/4eCAMmz  Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say: https://amzn.to/4w8EGuL The William Hoy Story by Nancy Churnin: https://amzn.to/3T1edkj The Story of Helen Keller: A Biography Book for New Readers by Christine Platt: https://amzn.to/4uSVkxq The Story of My Life by Helen Keller: https://amzn.to/4gJRwLg Who Was Helen Keller? by Gary Thompson: https://amzn.to/4oS2kcE Time to Sign: Sign Language for Kids by Catherine Clay: https://amzn.to/3SJIBzA American Sign Language for Kids: 101 Easy Signs by Rochelle Barlow: https://amzn.to/4eC9sq5 Unbroken Faith by Diane Kim: https://amzn.to/3R38l9E Leading a Special Needs Ministry by Amy Finton Lee: https://amzn.to/4wteP0T God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person by Joni and Friends and Trish Mahoney: https://amzn.to/4eFAV93 An additional book not mentioned in the podcast: My First Sign Language Book for Nonverbal Kids: ASL for Toddlers, Nonverbal Children, Autism and Early Communicators: https://amzn.to/4oMQ0KA

  5. Jun 18

    Picture Books to Help Us Feel Seen, Heard, and Understood

    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 listening skills Biblical insights on listening and understanding Tools like the Five Point Scale for emotional regulation The role of family culture in emotional safety Takeaways Listening is a vital skill that shows respect and fosters understanding. Books like 'Lacey Walker Nonstop Talker' and 'My Mouth is a Volcano' can teach children about listening and self-control. God listens to us, and teaching children that they are heard by God is powerful. Creating a family environment where children feel safe to express themselves is essential. Using tools like the Five Point Scale helps children articulate their feelings. Sound Bites "Children need to understand the importance of hearing and listening." "Words just explode out of my mouth. My mouth is a volcano." "God bends down to listen, just like we do with our children." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mixed Needs Families 01:09 The Importance of Being Heard 03:13 Books That Spark Conversations 09:45 Understanding Listening Through Stories 15:12 Tools for Emotional Understanding 17:30 Creating a Safe Family Culture 23:10 The Gift of Being Heard

  6. Jun 12

    Picture Books for Mixed-Needs Kids

    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 neurodivergent kids Practical strategies for understanding and supporting children The importance of discipleship in everyday family life Takeaways Books can be a powerful tool to help children understand themselves and their emotions. Incorporating faith into discussions about neurodivergence and sensory issues can be empowering. Parents should look for resources that validate children's experiences and promote understanding. Storytelling and illustrations are effective in teaching children about emotional health. Open conversations about sensory issues and emotions foster better family support. Sound Bites "Discussing books that bless your kids." "These books show how her mind works." "God made us complex and marvelous." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Everyday Discipleship 02:42 Books for Children with Special Needs 04:32 Exploring 'Gina Kaminsky Saves the Wolf' 11:21 Understanding Anxiety through 'What Does Simon Say?' 12:21 Promoting Understanding with 'Scritchy Scratchy Socks' 17:07 Encouraging Conversations through Literature Resources Gina Kaminsky Saves the Wolf Gina Kaminsky Rescues - The Giant Scritchy Scratchy Socks Terrie Hellard-Brown - Website

About

A podcast for Christian mamas of mixed-needs families with children who are neuro typical and neuro divergent. We discuss family culture, faith, and parenting joyfully even in the challenges of life.