In extreme parenting, mastering flexibility is key! We never know what is around the corner and our kid’s unique needs keep us permanently on our toes. But we are also the ones providing routine for our kids, especially those who struggle with anxiety. So we have to stay nimble, dancing between providing the necessary structure and going with the flow enough to avoid a mental break! 

In today’s story we hear form Amanda Griffith-Atkins who shares about a family vacation she went on with her son, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome. Then host, Jessica Patay interviews Amanda about all things PWS parenting, flexibility and advice for parents expecting too much from their differently abled children

Amanda is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Amanda Atkins Counseling Group in Chicago. Her specialties include couple’s issues, grief and loss (particularly partner, parent, or child loss), chronic or terminal illness, infertility, and postpartum mood disorders. She enjoys treating issues related to parenting, including the complex demands placed on parents of disabled children. Due to her extensive experience in grief work, she’s partnered with large corporations to provide on-site therapy amid workplace crises and tragedy. She’s also worked with nonprofits and corporations, presenting on mental health issues in the workplace. Before founding AACG in 2015, Amanda worked in community mental health, a group practice, and Hospice. Amanda holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University and is trained in EMDR and EFT. She has advanced training in postpartum issues and is certified in perinatal mental health. She is an in-demand speaker and media contributor, featured in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago, Better, Chicago Parent, POPSUGAR and more.  Amanda lives with her husband, 3 sons, beloved dog, and 2 mediocre cats. Her oldest son Asher has Prader-Willi Syndrome. 

Find Amanda on Instagram here and here. 

Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. 

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