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Annie Joy Carter is a certified life coach with a psychology degree. She has worked for many years in the mental health field and is a single momma of 2 children. Her oldest child has Autism and ADHD. She helps moms who have lost themselves so they can come home to who they've always been.
Overview: Valerie and Annie explore what true self-care really means beyond the typical ideas of pampering. Together, they dive into meaningful self-care practices, the emotional journey of parenting children with special needs, and how persistence, playfulness, and honesty foster stronger connections with kids.
Key Takeaways:
- True Self-Care: Self-care redefined as more than just spa days. It's about everyday habits like staying hydrated, maintaining dental health, and keeping up with medical appointments for self that contribute to overall well-being.
- Annie’s Playful Parenting Style: Annie talks about her unique approach to parenting through play and silliness. She sings, plays games, and creates fun moments to foster cooperation and joy with her 10- and 11-year-old kids. She believes this approach can even work with teens!
- Building Lasting Connections: Valerie and Annie discuss the importance of consistency and persistence in building strong relationships with children, especially as they grow into teens. While Annie’s style focuses on humor and fun, Valerie highlights the role of steady presence and commitment.
- Grieving Lost Expectations: This grief is not about rejecting the child but mourning the loss of the life they once imagined. It is important to process these feelings and to fully embrace their child’s unique journey.
- Emotional Honesty and Growth: Raw emotional honesty is crucial for both personal healing and growth. Processing difficult emotions like guilt and anger helps parents heal and become more present.
- The Father's Role in Grief: Annie sheds light on the emotional struggles fathers face, especially when societal expectations discourage them from expressing their grief and emotions openly.
- Self-Care Beyond Pampering: Annie emphasizes that self-care is not just about physical indulgences but involves deeper emotional work, such as letting go of guilt and acknowledging difficult emotions.
- Fun and Lightness as Self-Care: Fun, laughter, and hobbies are integral to self-care. Valerie and Annie agree that incorporating joy through dancing, hobbies, and light-hearted moments helps parents and caregivers recharge.
- The Power of Community: Sharing experiences with other parents of special needs children is vital. You don’t have to do everything alone.
Connect with Annie:
Website: https://anniejoy.com - Go here for the free resource
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniejoy.speaks/
Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.
Connect with me:
Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2
Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk
Editor: Scott Arbeau :)
Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)
https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)
Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/
