Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms
For all those busy moms out there who, like me, take care of kids who have a little something extra, and in the midst of all that extra, want to lead a more organized and present life. I am Angela O’Brien; a certified Enneagram coach and professional organizer. I know what it’s like to have too much overwhelm and too little time when you’re trying to raise a special needs child. Each week, I will bring information and encouragement to help you move through your clutter so that you are less stressed and more present in your parenting. Let's reclaim the space, time, and energy you deserve!
Episodes
97 | Skills For Life Series #7 - I Like Clean Butts and I Cannot Lie: Tips for Better Behinds
Unlock the secrets to fostering independence in your child with special needs by mastering one of the most fundamental skills—effective bathroom hygiene. Join me as we tackle the art and science of teaching our kids to wipe. This isn't just about keeping things clean; it's about empowering our children, boosting their confidence, and promot...
96 | Skills For Life Series #6 - Nail Care for Our Loved Ones: Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Let's dive into this 6th episode in our Skills For Life Series and discover how establishing gentle and consistent nail care routines can empower your loved ones, boost their self-esteem, and provide you with peace of mind for the future. Inspired by real-life conversations and experiences, this episode delves into practical ...
95 | Skills For Life Series #5 - Dressing With Confidence: Practical Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Discover the keys to fostering independence in personal hygiene for children with special needs, and unlock the potential for both you and your child to thrive. I explore practical solutions to overcome the challenges your child might face in dressing themselves, whether due to fine motor skills or physical limitations. As a mom to...
94 | Skills for Life Series #4 - Essential Bathing Skills: Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Unlock the secrets to nurturing independence in your child’s hygiene routine on this week’s episode of Especially Organized Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms. Join me as we navigate the often-challenging path of teaching children with intellectual disabilities to shower or bathe independently. You’ll discover practical strate...
93 | Skills for Life Series #3 - Practical Strategies in Better Oral Hygiene for Our Disabled Kids
Unlock the secrets to empowering your child with intellectual and developmental disabilities by fostering independence in dental care. Join me, Angela, a seasoned advocate and parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, as we uncover practical strategies to integrate essential oral hygiene into your child's daily life. Learn how to tr...
92 | Skills For Life Series #2 - Teaching Our Disabled Kids Face and Hand Washing
Transform the way you approach personal hygiene education for children with special needs by uncovering practical techniques to conquer sensory challenges. In this episode, I share actionable strategies to help your child master face and hand washing, ensuring they embrace independence and showcase their best selves to the world.
I discuss breaking dow...
91 | Skills For Life Series #1 -- Hair Care for Our Disabled Kids and Adults
Empower your child with greater personal hygiene independence, while easing your own caregiving journey. Join me as I share valuable insights and practical strategies drawn from a variety of parent experiences as well as tips from occupational therapist Shannon Anderson. as I tackle the often-overlooked challenges of personal hygiene for children with speci...
90 | Reimagining the Good Life with Kids with Disabilities
When Amy Julia Becker's daughter, Penny, was diagnosed with Down syndrome, the family's vision of the future shifted dramatically. What they discovered was not a life of limitations but a new perspective on fulfillment and connection.
Our conversation explores her framework for how redefining disability can transform it from a perceived burden into a natural part...
89 | Sending Kids with Down Syndrome to College with Ruby's Rainbow
Today, we are talking about an amazing organization that has become near and dear to my heart! My friend, Liz Plachta takes center stage to share her remarkable journey as the co-founder and executive director of Ruby's Rainbow, which raises money and provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing their higher education goals.
When my daugh...
88 | Talking About Death with our Intellectually Disabled Kids
When my daughter with Down syndrome lost a sweet friend at the young age of 12, I found myself facing the daunting task of explaining death in a way she could understand. This journey led me to discover not only the challenges but the deep importance of having these conversations with children, especially those with intellectual disabilities.
Through this episode, I s...
87 | Being Mindful in the Kitchen: Reduce Food Waste and Foster Connection
We are in the kitchen this week, talking with Janet Irizarry, a distinguished voice in the restaurant and hospitality world, as she brings her extensive expertise to the table. Janet shares her innovative approach to reducing food waste through My Mindful Kitchen. Janet's passion for fostering mindful eating habits provides a unique lens through whi...
86 | Fostering Empathy with "To Be Like Me"
I share the microphone today with two leaders in the effort to offer understanding, empathy and compassion toward individuals with disabilities. They represent an organization called, To Be Like Me, providing disability awareness education to shape our future leaders with greater empathy, compassion and understanding.
Hollis Owens and Jaime Bolton share their organization's mission to orche...
85 | Getting Organized When You Have ADHD
Joining me on the pod this week is my new friend, Megs Crawford, a fellow organizer who turned her ADHD diagnosis into a powerful tool for helping others. Megs shares her inspiring transition from the corporate world to a fulfilling career in organizing, bringing her creativity and project management skills to aid those juggling ADHD. We talk about the differences between her brain and mi...
84 | Inclusion vs. Belonging for the Disabled: What's The Difference? My Conversation with Heather Avis of The Lucky Few
Join me for a heartfelt conversation with Heather Avis, a New York Times bestselling author and advocate, where we discuss the essence of creating spaces where children with disabilities are cherished for their individuality rather than forced to conform.
Heather and I share candid reflections on the pressures an...
83 | Do YOU Need A Refill? How To Fill Your Cup With Simple Self Care Solutions
Jenny McGlothern, the visionary behind "Mama Needs a Refill," graces the podcast with her wisdom and warmth, offering a lifeline to special needs parents seeking balance in their hectic lives. Jenny shares how nurturing oneself isn't just beneficial—it's essential for being the rock our children need. As we step into 2025, these conversations promise to...
82 | Organizing Your Photos
I am thrilled to welcome Cathi Nelson, the visionary CEO and founder of the Photo Managers. Her journey from a passionate scrapbooking enthusiast to a pioneering professional photo manager highlights the evolution of photography from film to digital and the growing need for effective strategies to manage our ever-expanding photo libraries. Cathi shares her five-step process to tackle photo organization, ...
81 | Life Hacks I'm Bringing Into 2025
Welcome to Season 5 in 2025!
Let me help you unlock the secrets to managing a bustling household with my top life hacks designed especially for us busy special needs moms! As we kick off season five of Especially Organized, join me, Angela, as we explore creative strategies to usher in a more organized and serene home environment. Excited to step into 2025 with renewed routines, I discuss th...
80 | Preparing For The Holidays With Special Needs Kids (Replay)
Join me this week as we explore how to navigate the holiday season with special needs children. Let's get prepared to create a calming and inviting environment, making sure your kids have a joyful and stress-free holiday, and that you can take care of yourself during this bustling time of the year.
From setting up a guest room to managing sensory overload, this epi...
79 | How To Have Clutter-Free Christmas: A Gift-Giving Guide
Angela here, ready to help transform your holiday season from overwhelming to joyful. Picture this: a Christmas morning without the clutter, where the focus is on the laughter shared and the traditions cherished. As a mom of a special needs child, I've had my share of stressful holidays, but over time I’ve discovered strategies that truly make a difference. Engage with m...
78 | Dear Me: A Letter To The Mom I Once Was Before My Daughter Was Born With Down Syndrome
When I first held my daughter Casey Jane after her Down syndrome diagnosis 21 years ago, life seemed like uncharted territory filled with uncertainties, fear, and grief. Yet, over the years, this journey has become a profound story of love, growth, and the discovery of a resilient community. In this episode, I share a letter I wrote to my p...
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