Parenting Perspectives: Parenting with a Disability
with Rich Vincent, Jason Smoot, and Dr. Lindsay Malloy
When living with a disability, life (and parenting) can look different. And, when living in a society that doesn’t always offer the support or accommodations you may need, we know these differences can become challenges. Whether you live with mental illness, physical disability, chronic illness, or other disabilities, this episode is for you.
This episode is the second in a two-part series examining the intersection between parenting and disability. Dr. Amanda Zelechoski and our producer, Carmen Vincent, talk with Rich, a dad reflecting on his experience with depression, and Jason, a father who uses a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury. You’ll also hear from Dr. Lindsay Malloy, who shares her experience parenting with a chronic illness.
Included in this episode on parenting with a disability:
How parents have talked about their disabilities with their children
Navigating the learning curve of becoming disabled while a parent
The importance of finding community with other parents with disabilities
The role of hope in living with a disability or chronic illness
Bite-Sized Excerpts from This Episode
Choosing Hope While Experiencing Depression
How Patience and Persistence Can Help a Partner Who’s Struggling with Depression
Our Children Love Us For Who We Are
Your Child May See Your Chronic Illness or Disability Differently Than You Think
Living with a Chronic Illness
Hope Can Be Complex With a Chronic Illness
Meet Our Guests
Rich Vincent
Rich Vincent is a UCC pastor in Wisconsin and the father of three adult children, one of whom happens to be our Digital Media Manager, Carmen Vincent. Rich opens up about his experience with depression as a parent and community leader, he reveals what (or who) pushed him to finally seek help, and he talks about his active decision to choose hope every day.
Jason Smoot
Jason is a psychology student and the father of a 15-year-old son. He also happens to have a spinal cord injury from an accident eleven years ago which led him to be a wheelchair user. At the time of his injury, Jason was just beginning to navigate fatherhood. He shares these sentiments: With great support and love from my family and friends, I have been able to grow stronger from this accident. A disability does not define who you are. We are all blessed in our own individual ways. I'll end with a quote that my uncle put on my wall in the hospital and is in my room still to this day. Even on the most difficult days, I try to remember this. "When faced with the consequence of a past choice, see the gift of a lesson rather than a curse of a fall."