Oct 7, 2021
Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson are joined today by Kim Coe for the second part of an insightful conversation about life as a mother of five, including two beautiful girls with Down Syndrome. One little girl from Kim’s last pregnancy, and another little girl who was adopted. Kim shares how raising them has presented different challenges, healing she didn’t expect, beautiful experiences, and also the unmeasurable joys of celebrating their achievements, growth, and progress.
Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!
Key Takeaways:
[1:20] Kim shares about her adopted daughter now that she is four years old.
[5:12] Kim talks about the financial aspect of being an adoptive parent.
[9:05] What do adoption fees cover?
[10:31] Kim shares how she feels in regards to the academic gap that her daughters sometimes experience.
[14:14] Kim talks about her fears as a mother.
[16:05] What level of knowledge do her children with Down Syndrome have that are different from their siblings?
[16:23] Teaching her daughters about Down Syndrome.
[19:30] Diane shares her experience with her daughter Myah.
[25:01] Diane addresses the limitations of the educational system.
[28:11] What has been the hardest thing for Kim as her daughters get older at a community level?
[31:11] What are the perceived losses for Kim?
[35:07] What would Kim like listeners to know about having a child with Down Syndrome?
[38:23] It is ok to be awkward, ask questions, and get closer to parents with children with disabilities.
[42:25] How does Kim take care of herself?
[45:04] What was a surprise in the process of adoption?
[47:24] Can you really love an adoptive child like your own?
[48:22] Kim talks about the right terms to use when talking about children with disabilities.
[53:17] People want to be asked what is appropriate to them.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit Examine Your Hedman
Email Kim at kim1coe@yahoo.com
This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional