For the parents of special needs kids with Jessica Hurlbut

Did you know that Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network? There are 29 podcasts for Christian parents within our network. Our guest today, Jessica Hurlbut, is the co-host of the popular Full Spectrum Parents podcast, a faith-based podcast for parents who are raising kids with autism.I learned so much from Jessica today and I know you will too. Whether you are raising a child with autism, down syndrome, learning disability or any other special needs diagnosis - you will be so encouraged by her story.  Greg and Jessica Hurlbut are parents of five children: two autistic, two adopted, and one future president. Their heartfelt desire is to serve special needs families each week with a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope. My favorite part is at the end when she encourages parents with a new diagnosis. As I think about what my sister has walked through with her son - I know she would echo what Jessica is sharing. She shares that all kids are a gift and that the pain and shock of the new diagnosis doesn’t last forever. In this episode, we chat about:How autism killed her perfectionismPublic perception of families with special needs (how to judge less)What all children want - no matter how their brain worksEncouragement for parents with a new diagnosisEnjoy!Courtney Chapters:(03:01) Life in Upstate New York(05:58) Family Dynamics and Motherhood Journey(09:03) Navigating Autism and Special Needs(11:59) Faith and Challenges in Parenting(14:59) The Role of Humor and Perspective in Parenting(18:14) The Journey of Seeking Solutions for Autism(20:11) A Shift in Perspective: From Fixing to Loving(22:34) Embracing Humility and the Gift of Children(24:46) Navigating Public Perception and Judgment(25:27) The Impact of Media on Parental Healing(28:15) Fostering Empathy in Children(30:18) The Importance of Compassion and Understanding(34:27) Words of Encouragement for New Parents(36:15) Finding Strength in God During Difficult TimesConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:The Unbreakable Boy movieConnect with JessicaFull Spectrum Parents PodcastUnlimited Motherhood - Jessica’s bookPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy