Even though Melanie’s son was born with brain damage, she wanted so badly to believe he’d be fine.

But when he was diagnosed with a permanent disability, everything changed. Melanie talks about the unexpected joys and the day-to-day experience of parenting a child with special needs.

Joan Bratel from Cerebral Palsy Alliance gives advice on coming to terms with a diagnosis like this and the support available.

For more information on cerebral palsy, visit cerebralpalsy.org.au and for disability support groups visit Better Health Channel.

Even though Melanie&rsquo;s son was born with brain damage, she wanted so badly to believe he&rsquo;d be fine.
But when he was diagnosed with a permanent disability, everything changed. Melanie talks about the unexpected joys and the day-to-day experience of parenting a child with special needs.
Joan Bratel from Cerebral Palsy Alliance gives advice on coming to terms with a diagnosis like this and the support available.
For more information on cerebral palsy, visit <a href="https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au/">cerebralpalsy.org.au</a> and for disability support groups visit <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/disability-groups-and-networks">Better Health Channel</a>.

THE PODCAST PARENTS NEED

Being a parent can be the greatest and the hardest thing you’ll ever do. In Navigating Parenthood, brought to you by HCF, parents and experts share their stories – the joys and stress, the advice and the insight.

In the first 3 seasons of our podcast series, we explore the most challenging periods of any parent’s life: from taking those first baby steps in season 1, Baby Steps, to staying in step with our teens in season 2, Talking to Teens, to the juggles and struggles of raising healthy happy kids in season 3, Imperfect Parents.

In season 4, Growing Great Tweens, our host Dylan Lewis chats to parents about those years between 8 and 12, when our kids are navigating the journey from childhood to teenage-hood, providing tips on how to talk to and connect with our tweens along the way.

With special guests like Pia Miranda, Susie Maroney, Robbie Buck, Meshel Laurie, Sean Szeps, Andy Saunders, and David McCormack (who you might know as the voice of Bluey’s Dad), we explore topics like identity, resilience, technology and the online universe, friendships, and more.

Listen to the episodes below.

 

This podcast contains general health information and shouldn't be relied on as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, speak to your doctor. HCF doesn't endorse any statements or opinions made during the podcast. If the podcast makes you feel depressed or anxious and you need to talk to someone straight away, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

THE PODCAST PARENTS NEED
Being a parent can be the greatest and the hardest thing you&rsquo;ll ever do. In Navigating Parenthood, brought to you by HCF, parents and experts share their stories &ndash; the joys and stress, the advice and the insight.
In the first 3 seasons of our podcast series, we explore the most challenging periods of any parent&rsquo;s life: from taking those first baby steps in season 1, Baby Steps, to staying in step with our teens in season 2, Talking to Teens, to the juggles and struggles of raising healthy happy kids in season 3, Imperfect Parents.
In season 4, Growing Great Tweens, our host Dylan Lewis chats to parents about those years between 8 and 12, when our kids are navigating the journey from childhood to teenage-hood, providing tips on how to talk to and connect with our tweens along the way.
With special guests like Pia Miranda, Susie Maroney, Robbie Buck, Meshel Laurie, Sean Szeps, Andy Saunders, and David McCormack (who you might know as the voice of Bluey&rsquo;s Dad), we explore topics like identity, resilience, technology and the online universe, friendships, and more.
Listen to the episodes below.
&nbsp;
This podcast contains general health information and shouldn't be relied on as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, speak to your doctor. HCF doesn't endorse any statements or opinions made during the podcast. If the podcast makes you feel depressed or anxious and you need to talk to someone straight away, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Becoming a parent can be the greatest and the hardest thing you’ll experience. In the Navigating Parenthood podcast, brought to you by HCF, parents share their stories, the joys and challenges, in conversation with our host Gretchen Miller and an expert.   Join them on the ride.   What are the unexpected challenges that parents face? What impact can parenthood have on your identity, relationships and mental health?   We ask parents and health experts for their advice to help you navigate difficult situations.

Navigating Parenthood

THE PODCAST PARENTS NEED

Being a parent can be the greatest and the hardest thing you’ll ever do. In Navigating Parenthood, brought to you by HCF, parents and experts share their stories – the joys and stress, the advice and the insight.

In the first 3 seasons of our podcast series, we explore the most challenging periods of any parent’s life: from taking those first baby steps in season 1, Baby Steps, to staying in step with our teens in season 2, Talking to Teens, to the juggles and struggles of raising healthy happy kids in season 3, Imperfect Parents.

In season 4, Growing Great Tweens, our host Dylan Lewis chats to parents about those years between 8 and 12, when our kids are navigating the journey from childhood to teenage-hood, providing tips on how to talk to and connect with our tweens along the way.

With special guests like Pia Miranda, Susie Maroney, Robbie Buck, Meshel Laurie, Sean Szeps, Andy Saunders, and David McCormack (who you might know as the voice of Bluey’s Dad), we explore topics like identity, resilience, technology and the online universe, friendships, and more. Listen to the episodes below.

This podcast contains general health information and shouldn't be relied on as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, speak to your doctor. HCF doesn't endorse any statements or opinions made during the podcast. If the podcast makes you feel depressed or anxious and you need to talk to someone straight away, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

THE PODCAST PARENTS NEED
Being a parent can be the greatest and the hardest thing you’ll ever do. In Navigating Parenthood, brought to you by HCF, parents and experts share their stories – the joys and stress, the advice and the insight.
In the first 3 seasons of our podcast series, we explore the most challenging periods of any parent’s life: from taking those first baby steps in season 1, Baby Steps, to staying in step with our teens in season 2, Talking to Teens, to the juggles and struggles of raising healthy happy kids in season 3, Imperfect Parents.
In season 4, Growing Great Tweens, our host Dylan Lewis chats to parents about those years between 8 and 12, when our kids are navigating the journey from childhood to teenage-hood, providing tips on how to talk to and connect with our tweens along the way.
With special guests like Pia Miranda, Susie Maroney, Robbie Buck, Meshel Laurie, Sean Szeps, Andy Saunders, and David McCormack (who you might know as the voice of Bluey’s Dad), we explore topics like identity, resilience, technology and the online universe, friendships, and more. Listen to the episodes below.
This podcast contains general health information and shouldn't be relied on as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, speak to your doctor. HCF doesn't endorse any statements or opinions made during the podcast. If the podcast makes you feel depressed or anxious and you need to talk to someone straight away, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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