As Christian parents, we desire for our kids to listen and obey the rules we set out for their safety and good, but what do we do when they refuse? 

Whether you have a child on the spectrum, an obstinate toddler, or just a typical strong-willed kid—we’ve all been there. We find ourselves raising our voices, demanding compliance, and feeling defeated when our kids spiral into a full-fledged meltdown. 

Greg and Jess are getting real about the difference between tantrums (where kids are totally in control) and meltdowns (where they're absolutely not). Trust us, understanding this will be a game-changer for your autism parenting journey and your faith-based approach to discipline.

Here's what we're diving into:

  •  Why your typical parenting tricks aren't working with neurodivergent children (and it's not your fault!)

  •  The one question that changes how you respond to autism meltdowns and challenging behavior

  •  3 simple Christian parenting principles that actually work with kids on the autism spectrum

Our go-to strategies:

  1.  Relationship Over Compliance - Sometimes you gotta choose your battles

  2.  Choice Over Demand - Two options, both ones you're cool with

  3.  Love Over Fear - Because scared kids don't learn, they just survive

Whether you're dealing with a toddler who won't cooperate, a child with autism in a meltdown mode, or a typical teen who wants to push every button you have—this one's for Christian parents seeking God's wisdom in power struggles.

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Raising a child with autism solo? You're not alone! 

Join us for Episode 95 of the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast as host Jessica Hurlbut chats with Katie Blackburn - writer, teacher, and single mom to six kids, including her 10-year-old with severe autism.

Katie gets real about the everyday challenges of autism parenting without a partner, sharing practical tips for managing therapies, school struggles, and finding moments of joy along the way. She also discusses her children’s book, "The Very Best Baseball Game" which offers both comfort and inspiration.

Whether you're flying solo or just need some autism parenting encouragement, this episode delivers our signature mix of HELP, HUMOR, and HOPE that will leave you feeling seen and supported on your special needs journey.

Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. 

For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

To grab the CP Gift Guide visit https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/

To learn more about Katie Blackburn and her newest book, visit www.katiemblackburn.com

#AutismParenting #SingleParenting #SpecialNeedsSupport #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting

The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance and it’s a proposed disorder on the spectrum that involves an extreme resistance to everyday demands.

I had never heard the term before until my friend Karen Dorsey mentioned some struggles with her grandson. As she shared her story, my eyes were opened and I began to understand my youngest daughter’s behaviors in a way I never considered before. 

If you have a child that continually resists demand and you may have chalked it up as defiance, you don’t want to miss this episode. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

I’m not a huge movie buff—but when I catch a film that moves me—especially when it centers around autism, I can’t help but recommend it. There is something about a story that causes you to drop your defenses and sneaks into the backdoor of your heart. 

In Episode 85, we share two autism films that everyone should watch and why, whether you’re parenting a child on the spectrum or not. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

As parents, it’s so easy to sacrifice our own mental health in order to care for the high needs of our kids on the spectrum.

Our guest, Craig Holbrook, coined this life motto: “Boys live. Men sacrifice” as he cared for his 15-year-old daughter with Level 3 Autism. But that very motto drove him to burnout as he attempted to be everything to everyone. 

Listen in as Craig opens up his heart and shares transparently about the seasons of life autism has dragged him through and how he has learned to care for himself while continuing to be the best dad he can be to his two children.

If you find yourself emotionally and physically exhausted as a parent, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

As a special needs parent, when I think of the future it scares me. 

Parents of kids on the spectrum often wonder what will happen to their children and fear what transition into adulthood will look like. 

In Episode 83, we interview Carrie Cariello. Carrie is a mother of five and her son Jack is on the autism spectrum. He recently graduated and is now thriving as an adult. 

Being a few steps ahead of many of us on this autism journey, Carrie shares her wisdom on how to navigate this difficult transition. You won’t want to miss this episode! 

Carrie is the author of 3 books on parenting. Her latest is, “Half My Sky: Autism, Marriage, and the Messiness That is Building a Family.” Learn more at www.carriecariello.com 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

In 2012, our daughter received a diagnosis of “classic” autism. We had no idea what that meant. But a year later, the DSM 5—which is the “rulebook” used for diagnosing mental conditions—was published, creating what we know as the autism spectrum and different levels of need. If your child is diagnosed with autism, they will now be categorized as a Level 1, 2, or 3 based upon the amount of support they will need. 

In Episode 82, I invite my friend and fellow autism mom, Kelly Werwie, to join me as we discuss the different levels on the autism spectrum and the unique parenting challenges each level presents.

Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Vacations are supposed to be a time to unplug, a time to laugh, and a time to enjoy just being with family. 

But as special needs parents, traveling and vacations can be extremely stressful—to the point you need a vacation AFTER your vacation. 

In Episode 81, we talk about our family’s cross-country RV roadtrip, sharing different tips and tricks we’re implementing as we attempt to travel with our kids on the spectrum for 31 days!

Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Life with autism can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride. The ups and down, twists and turns can often make our heads spin and our hearts sick.

In Episode 80, Jessica shares openly about this past week and our struggles with our daughter Mara. Reflecting on a week full of highs and lows, we are reminded how quickly a good day can transition into a bad one. Jessica encourage listeners to remember that life is a paradox: it’s beautiful and terrible all at the same time, but God promises to walk with us through our valleys. 

Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Glass children are the typical kids in a special needs family who often feel invisible because their parents are consumed with caring for their special needs sibling. If both kids were standing side-by-side, the parents often see right through the typical child, as if they are made of glass. 

In Episode 79, we share the struggles we have had attending to the needs of our three typical children when our two kids on the spectrum demand so much of our time and energy. We offer 4 Tips for Parents to Consider When Addressing the Needs of Their Kids. 

Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG (https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG)

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Pregnancy is a an exciting time. Future parents throw the baby shower, study “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, and dream about their tiny soon-to-be-bundle.

But what happens when things don’t go as expected?

Rachelle Keng is an author, a special needs mom, and a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. 

As an OBGYN, she has cared for women through normal pregnancies and she has also cared for mothers when they experience reproductive and parenting grief. 

If your pregnancy or parenting journey has taken an unexpected twist, you don’t want to miss this episode! 

Grab Rachelle’s book, “Woven in the Womb” here: https://a.co/d/4gZQ6rN

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

As parents, we often develop a savior complex. 

We want to protect our kids from harm, provide for their every need, and teach them everything that they need to know.

But no parent—no matter how great—can be everything to everyone. 

In Episode 77, Becky Beresford joins us to share how, as an autism mom, God has moved her from a place of self reliance to God dependence. 

If you’re tired of trying to be all the things to all the people in your life, this episode is for you! Becky Beresford is a Christian author and speaker. She has a master's certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary. Becky encourages women to embrace Christ-centered empowerment through the gospel. She is the author of She Believed HE Could, So She Did. 

Grab her book here: https://www.beckyberesford.com/books

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Happiness is circumstantial. But joy comes from Jesus—it’s not based upon our circumstances. 

Yet one of the hardest hurdles to conquer in our parenting is finding joy when life doesn’t change. 

Episode 94 is part 2 of our 3-Part Series, Finding God in our Pain. 

Christian Author Will Acuff joins the Full Spectrum Parent to share his journey of parenting a child with autism. 

After hitting a wall of emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion, Will shares how the Holy Spirit met him in his pain. Now, he offers hope and direction for others on how to stay rooted in Christ when the storms rage around you. 

Learn more about Will’s newest book: No Elevator to Everest at www.noelevatortoeverest.com

Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

As parents, we want to push our kids to be the best they can be. 

But as special needs parents, it’s hard to determine what the best looks like for our kids. Oftentimes. when our kids lag behind in their milestones and it’s easy to give up hope. 

In Episode 76, we talk candidly about setting realistic expectations for our kids on the spectrum as we define the difference between GIVING UP and GIVING GRACE. 

Click here to order Jessica’s new book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Jessica’s book, Unlimited Motherhood hits shelves March 19th, so we decided to give listeners a peek behind the veil of publishing. 

In Episode 75, Jessica shares how writing was never on her radar and how God lead her to abandon her plans of teaching and start ministering through the written word. Jess also shares the miraculous ways God is moving in the weeks and months before the book releases and how you can be a part. 

If you feel overwhelmed and limited by motherhood but you know God has more for you and your family, then this episode is for you!

Click here to order Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.Christianparenting.org

Hiddenness is not something that is often talked about in parenting, but the truth is, parenting young children or special needs kids can often cause you to feel isolated and alone. 

In Episode 74, in honor of Jessica’s upcoming book, we share about our hidden season. Rather than fighting it, we offer four tips on how you as parents can learn to embrace this season for all it’s worth. 

If you want to order Unlimited Motherhood, you can preorder here: https://a.co/d/4yxk5AG

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Parenting is the hardest job on the planet and if you are blessed to have a partner to tackle this feat with, you want to both be on the same page. 

In Episode 73, we offer four tips that we have applied in our own parenting journey to ensure we are working as a unified front to raise our kids well.

Also, in Honor of Valentine’s Day we’re giving away $100 gift card to TJMaxx and a $50 gift card to Starbucks to one lucky parent who preorders Jessica’s book, Unlimited Motherhood by Feb 14th 

Pre-Order Here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764242385/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

(To enter our giveaway, email a screenshot of your order to jesshurlbut@gmail.com)

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.   To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Entering a New Season:

We are launching a new season on the Full Spectrum Parent Podcast and we thought we’d talk about just that—seasons. 

As parents, seasons come and go, and each season we encounter blessings and challenges. 

In Episode 72, we share how God has promised us a season of joy and how often the enemy tries to rob us of that joy.

While sharing an update on our life and kids, we encourage listeners that the joy Jesus offers isn’t  based upon our circumstances but is a gift we can experience even when we face hard things. 

Parenting tests us, tries us, and reveals our character. Some seasons are full of joy and excitement, while other seasons are dry and barren. But how do we navigate the seasons when we have nothing left to give as a parent? 

In Episode 71, Faith Eury Cho shares candidly about her own wilderness season. Rather than allowing bitterness to seep in, Faith pressed into God and found a friendship with the Holy Spirit she had never know before. 

If you’re walking through a dry season, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

To learn more about Faith’s ministry and her book, “Experiencing Friendship with God” visit www.faitheurycho.com

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.   To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Marriages that weather the storms of life are a rarity. When we throw in the demands of caring for a child with special needs, most marriages just don’t make it. 

We know as parents we need to invest in our spouse, but how do we do that when so much of our attention is devoted to our children with special needs?

In Episode 70, we interviewed Todd and Kristin Evans on how they cultivate a healthy marriage.   

Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. 

Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities will release in May 2024 by Baker Books.

Connect with Todd and Kristin and learn more about their ministry and free resources at www.DisabilityParenting.com.

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.
 
To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Last week my daughter snagged a copy of the Amazon Christmas catalog and began circling almost every toy on every page. I cringed because as a Christian parent, one of the virtues we all want to instill in our kids is gratitude.

In Episode 69, boy mom, author and podcaster, Laurie Christine shares practical tips on how she cultivates a heart of gratitude in her kids. 

Check out Laurie’s free printable activities for families called The Gift of Gratitude. 

To learn more about Laurie, listen to her podcast, or purchase her newest devotional for preteen boys, Rise of the Enemy, visit:

https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. 

In Episode 68, we discuss our kid’s sensory challenges and the tips and tricks along the way we have picked up.

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 67, we answer a listener's parenting question.

This episode's question: How to deal with your teenagers starting to be attracted to people, go on dates, and have crushes?

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. 

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Parenting is a gift from God and a beautiful journey. But if we’re honest, it’s also incredibly hard and sometimes heartbreaking. 

In Episode 93 of the Full Spectrum Parent, we chat with Jenn Soehnlin about embracing the special needs life God has given us.

Join us as we sit down with Jenn as she unpacks how to pray Scripture over your children and how this one act has become a game changer for her. You don’t want to miss this episode! 

Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

In Episode 66, we answer a listener's parenting question.

This episode's question: How do you handle anxiety with younger children?

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.
To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hope is a tricky word. We desperately want to have hope for our futures, but what do we do when our lives don’t go as planned? 

In Episode 65, we share three lessons God has taught us on our autism journey and how God can breathe hope back into yours.

Also, Jessica’s book, Unlimited Motherhood: Overcome 12 Limits that Overwhelm and Conflict our Hearts is now available for preorder on Amazon. 

If you preorder a copy, make sure you send us a screenshot, as we are continually hosting giveaways for those who preorder throughout the next few months. 

Click here to preorder now:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764242385/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr= (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764242385/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=)

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Tonight, I found myself hiding in my car in the Walmart parking lot eating one too many sea-salted caramels. 

We all have moments of overwhelm as moms and sometimes it’s good to bare our souls and be honest about it.

In Episode 64, I share five confessions as a mom with a child on the spectrum and how God loves to show up in the middle of our fear and vulnerability. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In the Spring of 2014, I had my first panic attack. I was caring for five kids at the time, three of them were still in diapers. But it wasn’t just the demand of parenting that brought me to the brink of a mental breakdown. It was my backward thinking when it came to topics like self-care and self-denial. 

In Episode 63, we share candidly how we have learned to lay down our lives for our kids while also taking care of ourselves. 

Also, make sure you enter our $200 Back-to-School Giveaway. We are giving away $200 worth of gift cards to help alleviate the financial strain so many parents are facing during this season. 

Click here to enter: kkvqe49

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

The smell of fresh sharpened pencils is in the air…

We all know what that means, BACK TO SCHOOL!

Back-to-school season is stressful for every family, but special needs parenting takes it up a notch.

In Episode 62, we share five back-to-school tips for parents to consider if they have kids on the spectrum.

Also, make sure you enter our $200 Back-to-School Giveaway. We are giving away $200 worth of gift cards to help alleviate the financial strain so many parents are facing during this season from awesome stores like Target, Children’s Place, TJMaxx, and Amazon as a way to say thank you to all our listeners. 

Click here to enter: kkvqe49

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 61, we answer a listener's parenting question.

This episode's question: How do I teach my soft-hearted child to be tough when people are mean?

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Back when my daughter was first diagnosed with autism, I would have never admitted that I struggled with depression. I would just say I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning. But as a parent, that was never an option. 

In Episode 60, we wrap up our 4-part series titled, “Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith” by candidly sharing our struggles with depression and how we have learned to fight back. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 59, we answer a listener’s parenting question.  

This episode’s question:  
How do you parent multiple kids when they have such a variety of needs when all you hear from them is “that is not fair!”

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 58, we continue our 4-part series titled: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith.

In this episode, we discuss grief with Lisa Appelo, a mom of seven, regarding the unexpected loss of husband.

Lisa Appelo inspires women to deepen faith in life’s storms and is an ECPA best-selling author of Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart. 

A former litigating attorney, Lisa is passionate about rich Bible teaching. She writes at LisaAppelo.com, founded a team of writers at hopeingrief.com, and serves on the Executive Team for COMPEL with Proverbs31Ministries.

As a single mom of seven, Lisa’s days are filled with parenting, ministry, and long walks to justify lots of dark chocolate. 

Connect with Lisa on Instagram 
@lisaappelo

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 57, we answer a listener’s parenting question.  

This episode’s question:  

“What is your opinion on the rest of the family doing something—like a vacation—that your child on the spectrum is unable to do? Is it wrong to leave them behind?”

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this powerful episode of Full Spectrum Parent, we explore the extraordinary journey of Austin LeRette, a remarkable young man living with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and autism. 

Join us as we sit down with Scott LeRette, Austin's father and author of "The Unbreakable Boy," to discuss their family's inspiring story of faith, resilience, and unconditional love.

Episode Highlights:

  •  Scott LeRette shares his family's emotional journey raising a child with multiple diagnoses

  •  Behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming Lionsgate film adaptation

  •  How Austin's joyful perspective on life has transformed their family and community

  •  Practical wisdom for parents navigating similar challenges

  •  The role of faith in facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles

Connect With Us

Full Spectrum Parent is proud to be part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more practical and spiritual guidance on your parenting journey, visit www.christianparenting.org

Keywords

Special needs parenting, osteogenesis imperfecta, brittle bone disease, autism, faith and family, Christian parenting, special needs movie, inspirational stories, parenting podcast, disability advocacy, rare disease awareness, family support, religious faith, parent testimonial, medical challenges

Episode Tags

#UnbreakableBoy #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #ParentingPodcast #OsteogenesisImperfecta #AutismAwareness #FaithAndFamily #ParentingJourney #RareDisease #Inspiration

Admitting you struggle with anxiety is hard—especially in Christian circles. 

Oftentimes, people give cliche answers like “trust God” and “pray more.” 

But the Bible doesn’t tell us to hide our anxiety, rather we are reminded to cast our worries upon Jesus. (1 Peter 5:7)

In Episode 56, we continue our  4-part series titled: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith.

In this episode, we discuss anxiety candidly with Becky Keife.

Becky is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, mom of three loud boys, and the Community and Editorial Manager for (in)courage. 

To find out more about Becky and her books and Bible studies visit www.beckykeife.com

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 55, we answer a listener’s parenting question.  

This episode’s question:  

“How do you inspire your special needs kids to own their faith?
My husband and I have two boys with autism, and we want nothing more than for them to know that their true hope is in Jesus.”

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Whether we like to admit it or not, every parent experiences dark seasons. 

One of our mottos as a family is authenticity; what you see is what you get. So, here on the Full Spectrum Parent, we don’t shy away from hard topics. 

In Episode 54, we launch a 4-part series titled: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Keeping the Faith. 

This week we interviewed Michele Cushatt. As a three-time head-and-neck cancer survivor and foster-adoptive parent, Michele is a (reluctant) expert on trauma, faith, and our deep human need for authentic connection. Michele shares her wisdom on how to weather the storms of life and continue to trust God despite the moments when we feel like we’re drowning. 

Find out more about Michele and purchase her newest book, A Faith That Will Not Fail at www.MicheleCushatt.com. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

With Father’s Day right around the corner, we wanted to honor dads with some words of wisdom. 

Parenting is hard and there is so much pressure on the shoulders of fathers to be everything to their kids: provider, supporter, coach, mentor, and friend. But how do dads juggle all these roles in a God honoring way? 

In Episode 53, we interview Bryan Ward.

Bryan is a husband and father of two grown boys. He is also the creator and host of the Dad Up Podcast.

Bryan has built a successful brand around being the best dad we can be for our kids and our family.

Each week on Bryan’s show, the Dad Up Podcast, he brings on guests to share their experiences, tips and tools they have used as a parent.

Learn more about Bryan’s podcast and his coaching program for fathers at...

Dad Up LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/Daduptribe (https://linktr.ee/Daduptribe)

In Episode 52, we answer a listener’s parenting question.  

This episode’s question:  
“How much is too much for extracurricular activities? One parent wants the kid involved in everything and the other just wants what the kid wants most.

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Summer is a time to unwind, travel, and make fun-filled memories with our families. But for special needs parents, summers are often filled with meltdowns, high stress, and extreme exhaustion. 

I’m Episode 51, we offer three tips to make the most of summer as special needs parents. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 50, we answer a listener’s parenting question. 
This episode’s question:  

“What is the best response to people who notice a marked difference in your child’s behavior and feel comfortable blurting out rude commentary?”

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the special needs moms who make daily sacrifices, day-in-and-day-out, behind the scenes as you care for your children.

You truly are OUR heroes. 

We wish we could shower you all with flowers this Mother’s Day but that doesn’t fit our budget as pastors ;) Instead, we want to offer you 10 Words of Wisdom as you embark on your special needs journey. 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In Episode 48, we answer a listener’s parenting question. 

This episode’s question: 
What do you say to your child when they start questioning God? 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

As parents, it’s easy to worry about our kid’s safety.

As special needs parents, safety precautions take on a whole new meaning. 

In Episode 47, we share our Top Four Safety Recommendations and how we have navigated keeping our five kids out of harm’s way. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Adaptive Special Needs Car seats: https://saferide4kids.com/blog/special-needs-car-seat/ 

Baby Car Mirrors: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-baby-car-mirrors-6362328

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But when it comes to special needs parenting, often friends and family struggle knowing how to help. 

In Episode 91, Dr. Kelly Cagle joins us as she shares the unique lessons she has learned as an aunt to her 17-year-old non-verbal nephew Isaac. 

Rather than offering parenting advice or sympathy, Kelly shares some of the special ways she has connected to and supported her sister and her family on their special needs journey. You don’t want to miss this heartwarming episode. 

To learn more about Dr. Kelly Cagle and her coaching for ADHD families or schedule a free consultation, go to www.drkellycagle.com

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.christianparenting.org

In Episode 46, we answer a listener’s parenting question. 

This episode’s question: 

Potty training! What was your experience and what worked/didn’t work?

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

April is Autism Awareness month and for this episode we wanted to do things a little different. 

Normally, our shows are geared toward special needs families. But this episode is specifically for friends and relatives who aren’t directly affected by autism but know and love a family with a child on the spectrum. 

In Episode 45, we offer seven Do’s and Don’ts to consider when interacting and serving a child with autism and their family.

In Episode 44, we answer a listener’s parenting question.
This episode’s question: 

Why don’t you talk about ways to heal autism on your podcast?

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Parenting a strong-willed child is challenging. The more you push them, the harder the push back.

In Episode 43, we share our struggles with our youngest and how we navigate keeping our cool while maintaining our connection with her. 

Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.jessicahurlbut.com