Explore every episode of the podcast The Unexpected Parenting Podcast

What happens when parenting takes an unexpected turn—not once, but twice?

In this episode, I sit down with a mom whose two young children are each navigating very different journeys. Her 5-year-old was recently diagnosed with Noonan syndrome, ADHD, and autism. Her 2-year-old was born with heterotaxy and other congenital heart defects and has already faced a complex medical journey.

We talk about the uncertainty that comes with unexpected diagnoses, advocating for your children, navigating medical and developmental challenges, and finding strength and hope along the way.

This is a real and honest conversation about parenting, resilience, and learning to embrace the unexpected.

I'm so glad you're here. ❤️

What is it like to raise a blended family of eight children while navigating very different parenting journeys? In this episode, I sit down with an incredible mom who shares her family's story. Two of her young adult sons have followed very different paths—one has autism, and another has Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and was diagnosed with ophthalmic tumors as a young child, leading to significant medical and physical challenges. We talk about building a blended family, advocating for children with different needs, balancing the demands of a large family, and finding hope through life's unexpected turns.

In this first episode of The Unexpected Parenting Podcast, I sit down with Tanya to talk about her journey raising a son with Down syndrome. Tonya shares the joys and challenges of navigating medical complexities, advocating for her son, and raising four children, much of that time as a single mom.

This conversation is filled with honesty, resilience, hope, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Whether you're a parent of a child with disabilities or simply looking for encouragement, I know you'll be inspired by Tonya's story.

You're not alone on this journey. 💛