The Emotional Journey of Having and Parenting Specific Needs: Kate and Jess

When we experience issues that impact our physical health, that
can also provoke certain feelings that impact our mental health
too. In today's episode of Hope Pieced Together, we speak with
mother and daughter, Kate Turner and Jess Sohns, about the
emotional journey of dealing with those repercussions, as well as
how to parent through them. When Jess was born with what Kate
calls “specific needs,” it turned Kate’s expectations of what her
parenting journey was going to look like on its head. Tune in as
Kate and Jess share some of the physical and emotional challenges
they encountered as Jess grew up and how they learned to overcome
them. Both women also share some poignant advice about the
importance of allowing your children to make mistakes and
allowing yourself to feel your feelings in order to heal, and
you’ll discover some helpful resources and powerful tools for
raising self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the
real world. Make sure not to miss this candid discussion!





Key Points From This Episode:


An introduction to today’s guests, mother, Kate Turner, and
daughter, Jess Sohns.

Hear about the unexpected turn in Kate’s parenting journey
when she gave birth to Jess.

When Jess first realized that she was different from her
peers.

Some of the challenges Kate encountered in parenting a child
with "specific needs,” including navigating comparative
milestones.

Jess shares some of the challenges she experienced growing
up, including feeling isolated.

The insight Kate gained with hindsight into her unhealthy
methods of coping with shame.

Self-pity versus self-compassion and how Jess learned to cope
with negative emotions.

The parenting decisions that felt more difficult for Kate and
her experience of what she calls learned helplessness.

How the Love and Logic program helped Kate allow her kids to
be independent thinkers.

Find out why Jess believes that certain struggles help young
children build independence.

The importance of allowing your children “the gift of little
mistakes,” as Kate says.

How Kate’s pride prevented her from feeling her feelings and
how she overcame that.

Jess emphasizes the value of allowing yourself to grieve and
feel pain in order to heal.

How Kate and Jess’s mother-daughter relationship was impacted
by their struggles.

The benefits of allowing your children to exercise control
over choice where they can.

Some of the healthy coping mechanisms that Kate learned
through Love and Logic, the 12-step group, and her faith.

What has been helpful for Jess on her journey, including a
story in John Chapter 9.

Ending on a story of hope: Kate uses the analogy of an
oyster, a grain of sand, and a pearl.

Learn more about the Love and Logic program from Kate.






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Kate Turner


Kate Turner on LinkedIn


Kate Turner on Mosaics of Mercy


Jess Sohns on Instagram


Love and Logic