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How to Navigate the Comparison Trap When You Have a Child with Medical Complexities
Manage episode 377533599 series 3423931
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Join hosts, Ashlyn & Emily, in an earnest conversation about the comparison trap that we all fall in and out of on a regular basis and learn why this is not something to feel shame about or make ourselves "wrong" for doing. Before diving into the episode topic, (fast forward to minute 26:50 if you wish to go straight to the comparison conversation), they spend time sharing updates on their family lives, everything from major life realizations, the power of mantras, starting homeschooling, and preparing for a full week of doctor appointments with numerous specialists. In addition, you will hear some exciting news for Charlotte's Hope Foundation:
- The first foundation newsletter will be shared out in the next couple weeks, providing an overview of the wins and progress the foundation has made and overview of next steps. Email contact@CharlottesHopeFoundation.org with your name, email, and address if you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter or subscribe to the podcast on our website to be added to our email list.
- Mark your calendar for the inaugural Celebration of Hope event, to be held on May 4th, 2024 in Wooster, OH. More details to come over the coming months!
- Since the release of episode 21: Charlotte Has a Diagnosis, numerous families have reached out to connect with the foundation and Emily over their shared diagnosis of Hardikar Syndrome for their child.
The Comparison Trap
Emily & Ashlyn have made a point to address the comparison trap from the beginning of their friendship and have learned a lot from facing the sting of the thoughts and feelings that accompany comparing your child's medical journey to another's, be it someone with only healthy children, someone with a less complex diagnosis, or even someone whose child has it "far worse" than your child.
The reality is that comparison is inevitable, it's part of how we process our life experiences and it's completely natural. However, as a parent or caregiver of a child with medical needs, comparison can easily turn into a downhill slide straight to shame, anger, resentment and/or self-deprecation. Through out this conversation, Ashlyn & Emily repeatedly come back to the fact that it's not the thought or feeling that you experience that matters most, but what you do with those thoughts and feelings that truly determine how comparison will affect you.
In this episode, you will hear multiple examples of comparison that both moms have experienced and how they have learned to handle those moments over time. Learning to acknowledge the thoughts
Emily & Ashlyn have made a point to address the comparison trap from the beginning of their friendship and have learned a lot from facing the sting of the thoughts and feelings that accompany comparing your child's medical journey to another's, be it someone with only healthy children, someone with a less complex diagnosis, or even someone whose child has it "far worse" than your child.
The reality is that comparison is inevitable, it's part of how we process our life experiences and it's completely natural. However, as a parent or caregiver of a child with medical needs, comparison can easily turn into a downhill slide straight to shame, anger, resentment and/or self-deprecation. Through out this conversation, Ashlyn & Emily repeatedly come back to the fact that it's not the thought or feeling that you experience that matters most, but what you do with those thoughts and feelings that truly determine how comparison will affect you.
In this episode, you will hear multiple examples of comparison that both moms have experienced and how they have learned to handle those moments over time. Learning to acknowledge the thoughts
We kindly ask that you share this podcast with other families who might benefit from our insights and support. Additionally, please consider leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Our goal is to reach as many families as possible who are navigating this challenging journey, so they can find our support circle and access the assistance they rightfully deserve. No one should walk this journey alone.
To get more personal support, connect with us directly at: CharlottesHopeFoundation.org
Email: Contact@CharlottesHopeFoundation.org
Facebook: Charlotte's Hope Foundation
Instagram: CharlottesHopeFoundationInc
Get your copy of She is Charlotte: A Mother’s Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey with Her Child with Medical Complexities by Emily K Whiting on Amazon
Chapters
1. How to Navigate the Comparison Trap When You Have a Child with Medical Complexities (00:00:00)
2. Guilt and Comparison in Parenting Illness (00:00:13)
3. Launching Foundation, Promoting Self-Care With Toddler (00:06:21)
4. Managing Stress and Embracing Homeschooling (00:10:22)
5. Appointments, Children, and Charlotte's Hope (00:18:19)
6. Navigating Comparison and Guilt in Situations (00:25:11)
7. Parental Perspectives on Different Experiences (00:34:09)
8. Comparison and Guilt in Parenting (00:40:58)
9. Navigating Diagnosis Challenges and Expectations (00:50:05)
10. Navigating the Challenges of Parenting (00:56:23)
11. Supporting and Connecting With Listeners (01:01:22)
64 episodes
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