Raising Special Needs Kids
Raising Special Needs Kids Podcast — the podcast where we share the real, the raw, and the beautiful parts of life with children who see the world in a wonderfully different way. Host Monica Schmelter says RSNK is not just a topic to me – it’s personal. My brother has Down syndrome, and growing up with him shaped my heart, my perspective, and my passion. I’ve seen the joy, the challenges, the laughter, and the tears. And I know, whether you’re a parent, a sibling, or a caregiver, this journey can be both exhausting and incredibly rewarding. Each week, we’ll talk about practical tips, emotional truths, and inspiring stories from families who get it — because they’re living it. My hope is that this space becomes a safe and encouraging corner of the world, where we can celebrate victories, share struggles, and remind each other that we’re not walking this road alone. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s walk this journey together — one story, one laugh, and one tear at a time.
Episodes
In this episode of the Raising Special Needs Kids podcast, Monica speaks with Shelia Allen about her son Micah, who has Down syndrome. They discuss the importance of family support, overcoming societal labels, and the significance of inclusion in education and the workplace. Sheila shares heartwarming stories of Micah's achievements and the love that has driven their family to advocate for him. Shelia emphasizes the power of love, ...
Scott Maulsby shares a candid, heartfelt story of navigating unspoken barriers, from church policies on baptism to the overlooked need for accessible ministry. His journey reveals the overlooked truths about true inclusion, the power of persistence, and how community can transform hardship into hope. Scott's honesty about aggressive behaviors, emotional trauma, and the raw realities of raising a child with severe needs offers inval...
In this episode of the Raising Special Needs Kids podcast, Monica speaks with Lynn Cable about her experiences growing up with her sister Annie, who had significant disabilities. Lynn shares the challenges and triumphs of advocating for Annie within the educational system and the importance of hope for families with special needs. The conversation highlights the evolution of special education, the need for parental advocacy, and th...
In this heartfelt episode, Christa breaks down the realities of navigating trauma, learning to meet silent needs, and helping her son develop self-awareness and a relationship with Jesus—all at age six. She shares the transformative power of understanding silent needs versus special needs, the importance of family therapy, and how small acts of love and faith can lead to extraordinary moments. You’ll discover how to rec...
"You don’t have to do it all alone — even when it feels like everyone’s watching and judging."
In our latest episode, Monica and guest Pam Hackney dive into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with special needs. From NICU heartbreak to life-changing therapies, Pam shares it all.
Remember, there’s a community here to support you, and you’re not alone in this journey. Check out this episode of ...
In this episode of Raising Special Needs Kids, host Monica Schmelter speaks with Andrea Robinson, a mother of two, including a daughter with Down Syndrome. They discuss the journey of parenting a child with special needs, the importance of treating children as individuals beyond their diagnoses, and the value of community support. Andrea shares her experiences with inclusive education, the joys and challenges of parenting, and offe...
When April and Brandon learned their son Bennett had Down syndrome, their world changed in ways they never expected — and wouldn’t trade for anything. Hear their beautiful story of faith, love, and laughter on this week’s Raising Special Needs Kids podcast with host Monica Schmelter. #RaisingSpecialNeedsKids #FaithFamilyHope
What if your biggest surprise became your greatest blessing? Bodie and Michelle D'Andrea's journey with their son who has Down Syndrome reveals how choosing faith over fear can lead to miraculous outcomes. Their son not only defied medical predictions but became an unexpected minister to others. Sometimes God's plans are better than our own expectations. How do you respond when life takes an unexpected turn?
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