Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
Welcome to Parenting Impossible, the podcast dedicated to empowering and supporting the disability community. Hosted by Annette Hines, this podcast was born out of a mission to combat the scattered and sometimes inaccurate information that parents and caregivers of disabled adult children often face.In each episode, we delve into the pressing questions and concerns that weigh on the minds of the entire special needs community including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues and more. From navigating the complexities of special needs trusts and planning for the future to addressing the fundamental question of "How will my child be okay when I cannot do this anymore?"—we leave no stone unturned.Attorney Annette Hines is a special needs mom, author of the best-selling book Butterflies and Second Chances, national expert speaker, writer and contributor to publications, and founder of the Special Needs Law Group based In Massachusetts. She shares personal insights and her guests (parents, siblings, and experts and sometimes parents who are experts!) discuss many issues facing the special needs community including raising children with different abilities, transitioning into adulthood, sibling challenges and how to effectively navigate the complex systems in our world. We're not just here to talk; we're here to make a difference.In a society where the disabled and their caregivers are often devalued, Parenting Impossible stands as a beacon of advocacy and support dedicated to giving compassionate advice for all stages of life. Join us as we tackle the challenges, break down barriers, and strive to create a more informed and compassionate world for the disability community. Because when it comes to parenting in the face of impossibility, you're not alone—we're here with you.
Episodes
What if technology wasn’t something to fear, but something that could finally meet our kids where they are?
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Abby Brody, educator, innovator, and founder of the N=1 movement. Abby shares her powerful story of surviving back-to-back cancer diagnoses in her husband and young son, and how that experience reshaped everything from how she view...
As many of you know, this time of year is always layered for me. Mother’s Day brings both sweet memories and aching absences.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my own motherhood journey. I’ve lived through the joy of raising two incredible daughters, and I’ve lived through the unimaginable grief of losing one of them. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned along the way—things I...
When it comes to protecting a loved one with disabilities, few decisions are as overwhelming as choosing the right trustee. But in a world of nonprofit pooled trusts, legal jargon, and alarming headlines about financial misconduct, how do you separate peace of mind from potential pitfalls?
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down everything you need to know about Pooled Special Needs Trusts, f...
Caring for a child with disabilities isn’t just a full-time job, it’s a deeply personal, emotional, and often isolating journey. What if the support parents need wasn’t just about filling a shift, but about building a relationship?
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Susan Asay, founder of Apex Social Exchange Foundation, to talk about what it really means to find care you...
Workshops that equip educators to support children with disabilities and engage parents are essential in bridging knowledge gaps for better care.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Jenny Nechvatal, an Early Childhood Teacher, Author, and devoted parent, who shares her journey raising three children, including twin boys diagnosed with level three autism. Their conversation ex...
Parenting can be a whirlwind of chaos and imperfections, but sometimes, it's in those messy moments that growth and learning truly happens.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with children's author, Cynthia Di Filippo Elomaa. Cynthia embraces imperfection and chaos in parenting, emphasizing that seeking support and tailored assistance is essential while recognizing that each chil...
Embracing culture is more than just a statement; it's a way of life.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sat down with Christa Preston, founder of Embrace Kulture, to share her journey of fostering inclusion for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities in Uganda and East Africa. Inspired by her brother, Nick, and local Ugandan child, Olivia, Christa grew the organization in...
Being a fiduciary is like being a financial superhero with great power and great responsibility.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the critical role of fiduciary responsibilities and how to navigate them effectively. Acting as a fiduciary goes beyond managing finances; it requires transparency, organized documentation, and a deep understanding of beneficiaries' needs to make informed de...
Supporting the special needs community is crucial for creating an inclusive and welcoming world for individuals with disabilities.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about the importance of intentional planning to support the special needs community and ease the anxiety that often weighs on individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. I share my experiences and how thoughtful accommo...
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal and financial circumstances, regularly updating your estate plan cannot be overstated.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about why it’s so important to keep your estate plan up to date. Life happens—families change, finances shift, and you might buy a new property or start a business in another state. That’s why I recommend reviewing your plan every ...
Individuals with disabilities often encounter significant hurdles in accessing quality healthcare due to limited accessibility options and a scarcity of available services.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I address the challenges individuals with disabilities face in accessing quality healthcare, including limited services and barriers like Medicaid restrictions. I advocate for policy changes to e...
The process of planning for the future of disabled children is often overwhelming.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share how planning for the future of disabled children is a daunting yet essential task for their well-being and security. I talk about setting big goals for their future, including where they will live and work, who will support them, and the importance of creating a letter of i...
The healthcare system is a battleground where profits often triumph over patient needs.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I take a closer look at our profit-driven healthcare system after the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Financial goals often outweigh patient care, with rising denials for essential treatments and CEO compensation tied to profits—creating a troubling conflict...
As the calendar year draws to a close, end-of-year planning becomes essential for individuals seeking to secure their personal and financial futures.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I dive into the importance of taking control of your finances with a proactive mindset. Instead of getting stuck on setbacks, I encourage you to focus on celebrating your wins and using them as a foundation to move for...
Filmmaking celebrates human connection and inclusiveness, with on-set moments of support and camaraderie often shining through on screen. Hollywood’s push to include actors with disabilities is opening doors to fresh stories and perspectives, making the industry more inclusive and inspiring.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with filmmaker Jay Silverman about his latest film, Ca...
Grief is an unpredictable force that reshapes life, much like crashing waves.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my journey through grief and coping with the profound loss of my daughter, Elizabeth. There is no "right" way to grieve—it’s a deeply personal journey, and being gentle with yourself is important as you work through the pain. During the holidays, grief can feel especially ...
Special needs trusts are an essential tool for families who want to ensure the long-term financial security of their loved ones with disabilities. However, I know firsthand how overwhelming and confusing navigating the world of trusts can be.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the essentials of special needs trusts in an accessible way. I share practical tips for choosing the right trust...
Being a caregiver can be tough and sometimes lonely. For caregiving moms, having a sense of community and connection is essential. Whether it's sharing tips on managing hectic schedules or simply lending an empathetic ear, having a supportive network of fellow moms can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with J...
Parents often carry a heavy weight of shame and self-blame when their children face tough times. It's natural for them to feel responsible, but it's important to remember that not everything is within a parent’s control. By staying present and connecting with themselves, parents can let go of the burden of shame and find a more positive, hopeful way forward.
In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette...
Understanding the administration of special needs trusts can make a world of difference for people with disabilities, providing them with financial stability and peace of mind. These trusts—like third-party and first-party trusts—come with specific rules that trustees must follow to ensure the beneficiary can keep accessing essential public benefits.
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