Every parent hopes to give birth to a healthy child, but what happens when things don't go according to our hopes or plans?

Are you prepared for the possibly of your child having a medical condition that requires medical interventions and consistent care?

This week, Kate Tuckwell shares the complexities and experiences of parenting her son, who has Treacher-Collins Syndrome. Treacher-Collins Syndrome is a congenital condition that affects the bones and tissues of the face.

In this episode, Kate talks candidly about the moment she knew that their lives would never be the same again. She also shares what those first 18 months were like, how her and her husband have adapted, what family life is like now with 2 children, and her hopes for the future. Kate lastly discusses the realities of fighting for funding, finding support and community online, plus the importance of visibility.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Changing Faces

Jono Lancaster - Instagram

Not All Heroes Wear Capes - book by Jono Lancaster

Wonder - film

Contact Kate:

Twitter

Music:

Grant McLachlan

In 2003, Lori’s son Braden was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This milestone event changed her focus from teaching elementary students to advocating for all children and inclusive education. In this frank conversation Lori talks about what it's like to have raised a son with additional needs.

What you will learn:

• What skills and emotional resources you need as a parent of a child with additional needs
• Ways in which to support your other children to ensure that they feel loved and secure too
• Why toxic positivity alienates rather than includes

Lori shares the joys of parenting Braden, as well as some of their greatest challenges as parents. She also invites us into understanding the external conversations around autism, including reactions from strangers, toxic positivity, and how we can all do better for families navigating additional needs.

Mentioned in this episode:

Temple Grandin

Dr Stephen Shore

SENIA International

Contact Lori:

LinkedIn

Twitter

Music: Grant McLachlan

Being a death care tutor is probably one of the most unusual jobs there is. Every single human being is going to die, but despite this, death and dying are still considered a taboo subject in many societies.

In this episode, we're going to the heart of the subject. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for their work, Angie, a seasoned death care professional, shares their unique experiences and insights about teaching people to care for the dead.

What you will learn:

• What complexities may occur with the practical management of a body
• How death care and funeral have changed in the last 30 years
• Why death care is important to everyone - and it's not what you think.

Angie talks about their work as a tutor and the Ichabod Death Dummies™ they've created to give students a real as possible experience as possible. In this open discussion, Angie talks about the diverse and practical aspects of death care, why they teach this work and why it's important to all us.

Whether you are curious about the intricacies of death care, or just what to know what an is Ichabod Death Dummy™, this episode is for you. Angie's conversation might even challenge your perceptions about death, dying, and the art and science of death care.

With 30 years experience, Angie provides bespoke and ethical practical care workshops and talks about death care. Assisted for nearly a decade, by The Ichabodies Death Dummies™, Angie designed and built the bodies to demonstrate some of the more complex and common health-care issues. They help students and professionals to ask questions and start 'difficult' conversations. Angie teaches across the UK to funeral service professionals, death doulas and soul midwives, hospice volunteers, community support groups and charities, and also private clients who wish to know more about caring a family member at home.

Contact Angie:

LinkedIn