In this episode, Ms. Amber and Jessica delve into the raw realities of motherhood, recounting experiences from RV living to homeschooling and raising children with special needs. They candidly explore the challenges of balancing work, parenting, and the influence of social media. The conversation highlights the strength found in vulnerability and emphasizes the unfiltered journey of motherhood.
Meet Jessica Feely, a dynamic professional photographer and devoted mother to four, seamlessly balancing the lens and life. Beyond capturing the world through her camera, Jessica advocates passionately for special needs services, intertwining her expertise in photography with a commitment to raising awareness and support. Outside the studio, she cherishes family moments, explores parenthood joys, and enjoys well-deserved girls' nights out with friends.
Key Highlights:
[00:01 - 12:23] The Challenges of Motherhood
Jessica describes the challenging years of raising children, emphasizing the demanding nature of caring for young kids.
Describes the unique beauty and difficulty of being needed constantly by young children.
The decision to homeschool and facing adversities, including a house fire and pregnancy with twins.
[12:24 - 22:21] Coping with Unexpected Special Needs
Jessica reflects on the unexpected challenges of having children with special needs.
Expresses initial difficulty in accepting the reality of dealing with speech and OT issues.
Describes the emotional journey and the added complexity of having twins with special needs.
Navigating homeschooling, newborn care, and maintaining a semblance of routine.
[22:22 - 30:26] Balancing Work and Motherhood
Jessica discusses the struggles of balancing a professional life with the demands of motherhood.
Emphasizes the effort it takes to maintain composure and function in daily life.
Acknowledges the difficulty of not sharing these challenges on social media to avoid pity.
Encourages guilt-free breaks for mothers for better emotional and mental well-being.
[30:27 - 36:08] Closing Segment
Highlights the importance of early intervention for children with special needs.
Encourages parents to seek help and assessments, emphasizing the positive impact of labels for accessing services.
Discusses the abundance of resources available in California for parents.
Advocates for building a supportive community for mothers facing challenges.
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Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.
Thank you for tuning in!
Tweetable Quotes:
"Everything is material. Everything you can replace, For the most part, you can replace everything. I did lose my wedding rings and, you know, baby albums, wedding quilts, baby quilts, all those things. And, you know, that was the hardest, but for the most part, we were so lucky to have had everyone safe and alive." - Jessica Feely
"I have to be able to be a mom and nobody else can do that for me." - Jessica Feely
"I think that if I can say that God has given us specific trials for specific reasons, not just because he thinks we can handle them or because we're the type of person to handle them because I think also that we are meant to be in other people's lives to help them through similar trials." - Jessica Feely
