Nov 13 2024 41 mins
Episode Summary:
Valerie is joined by Kari A. Baker, a dedicated advocate for families raising neurodivergent children. Kari is former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences and is the host of The KIND Families Podcast. Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find God’s purpose and promise in KIND-ness. Her first print book Finding KIND, released on October 22nd 2024.
Key Points Covered:
Navigating Career Options for Neurodivergent Teens:
Kari shares how she and her family explored career paths for her child with ADHD and autism, ultimately focusing on a potential future as an ultrasound tech. She emphasizes how the right environment can empower neurodivergent individuals and foster independence.
The Writing Journey and Motivation Behind the Book:
Kari discusses what inspired her to write her book, recounting her early struggles in finding relatable stories when her son was diagnosed. The journey transformed over time, shifting focus from hardship to embracing and celebrating her child’s strengths and achievements. Kari highlights how her faith and growth as a mother shaped the book’s uplifting message.
Shifting from Pain to Purpose:
Reflecting on the impact of being Brady’s mom, Kari describes how she evolved from focusing on challenges to finding purpose in their shared journey. Her book encourages families to see their children’s potential and recognize that every child is born with unique gifts meant to impact others positively.
Building and Finding Community:
Kari and Valerie underscore the importance of finding community as a parent raising a child with special needs. Sharing experiences with others who understand can be a source of comfort, strength, and connection. Kari offers practical suggestions for seeking out support groups and emphasizes that no parent has to go through this journey alone.
Memorable Quotes:
- “What I thought was holding me back was leading me to a new purpose.” – Kari A. Baker
- “Your child was made exactly the way he or she is supposed to be made, and you were made to be their mom or dad.” – Kari A. Baker
- “Embrace the journey, because this is a marathon, not a sprint.” – Coach Valerie
Link to Kari’s website to pick up your preview of the book
https://kindfamilies.com/#8371f6f9-af3f-4d01-8a04-72b28b4bbe66
Connect with Kari
IG - @kariabaker & @kindfamilies,
FB & LinkedIn: @kariabaker
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)
Here's a community for special needs moms to share, uplift and learn from each other...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsmomscircleofstrength
Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/