If you have a child with developmental disabilities, you might want to check out cheerleading. This sport is active, accessible, inclusive, empowering, highly social, and a lot of fun. In this episode we talk about our experience with cheer and Avery hops on to explain what she loves about this sport. This episode was prerecorded and will air on the day Avery's team competes at the World Cheer Competition in Florida. Go Team Canada!! *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠av ..read more

I'm feeling a little "meh" lately. Not happy, not sad. Just flat. Maybe you can relate? *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear fro ..read more

I don't love talking about the dark stuff. But I feel like the more we know, the better prepared we are to protect our vulnerable kids. *Content Warning—not for younger or sensitive listeners. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmai ..read more

We're reposting an old episode this week. Mama's got a sore throat and sounds like a toad, so Avery is helping out with the intro. Please enjoy this happy little episode from 2021. *** Hey! It's Sponge Lisa Tight Pants here. We spongey empath types tend to soak up the vibe around us so when the world is hurting, we hurt too. So, in an effort to avoid dwelling on the dark and heavy feelings, we're trying to highlight some of the bright, fluffy, happy, cute things that are all around us.  Based on the popular and positive TikTok trend where people are listing the little inconsequential thin ..read more

Kelley wrote the book we've all needed! It's going to become a go-to handbook for so many parents. I wish there had been something like it when we were starting out on our disability parenting journey. I felt pretty alone and lost back then (and still feel that way from time to time, even now). This book is going to spare so many parents from that feeling. I hope you'll have a listen to this longer than usual episode. We talk about the book, get to know more about Kelley (spoiler alert: she's awesome), and connect over our mutual love of tacos and to-do lists. Visit Kelley here: kelleycoleman ..read more

Phone conversations and video calls, especially for folks with communication disorders and developmental disabilities, can feel awkward and frustrating. We have some strategies that have really helped us over here, so we’re sharing them here. Plus, Avery pops in to share a bit about herself while demonstrating how to use "magic words." FYI... She recorded this segment completely independently! Get your FREE and fully editable Chat Chart here **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for th ..read more

Create your own Seizure Action Plan (SAP) or Medical Action Plan using our free customizable template. In this episode we also talk about our list of go-to "Carrot Shows", which are movies and tv shows that are somewhat nutritious for kids' brains, and a fairly entertaining break from their fave "Sugar Shows." We end the episode talking about why Lisa isn't a total Grinch, even though she's not giving gifts this year. Well, with the exception of THESE gifts. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the ..read more

*Trigger Warning for childhood trauma I think everyone has traumatic events in their past that play a part in shaping who they are as adults and even how they parent. There were two specific tragedies that happened when I was young. Once you hear what they are, you might better understand why I am the way I am... spoiler alert—over-protective to the max. In this mish-mash episode I talk about that and also about some of the ways I question my parenting. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the trans ..read more

⁠Do I do know what I'm doing? Not really. But am I trying to figure it out? Yep. Raising a child with developmental disabilities is a life full of love, but is it easy? Not particularly. Especially when information and resources and supports are all over the place and the red tape is plentiful. In this shortie episode I share how none of us really know what we're doing. And THIS is why I'm on a mission to share the good stuff when I find it. Mentioned in the episode: @MomentsOfJoyPodcast Instagram reel ? **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance ..read more

We've all heard of PTSD, but have you heard of CTSD or C-PTSD? The "C" has historically stood for "Complex." Some parents have added "Chronic" to the definition. Whether it's lingering trauma to varying degrees or persistent worry about the future, many caregivers live with an unhealthy level of anxiety. And though the stress is often warranted, it needs to be managed. Let's chat about it. Links Mentioned In This Episode: @Open_Future_Learning's Instagram Post Erica's Instagram post about the FREE GreenShield Cares Women’s Mental Health Program Where and How To Sign Up For This FREE Therapy ..read more