What if technology wasn’t something to fear, but something that could finally meet our kids where they are? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Abby Brody, educator, innovator, and founder of the N=1 movement. Abby shares her powerful story of surviving back-to-back cancer diagnoses in her husband and young son, and how that experience reshaped everything from how she views education, to how she uses tech to advocate for personalized learning and healthcare. As ...
Jun 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 274
As many of you know, this time of year is always layered for me. Mother’s Day brings both sweet memories and aching absences. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my own motherhood journey. I’ve lived through the joy of raising two incredible daughters, and I’ve lived through the unimaginable grief of losing one of them. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned along the way—things I wish I’d known when I was in the thick of it. To those of you parenting children with disa...
May 15, 2025•14 min•Ep. 273
When it comes to protecting a loved one with disabilities, few decisions are as overwhelming as choosing the right trustee. But in a world of nonprofit pooled trusts, legal jargon, and alarming headlines about financial misconduct, how do you separate peace of mind from potential pitfalls? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down everything you need to know about Pooled Special Needs Trusts, from how they work to when they make sense. I share hard-earned wisdom as both a lawyer and ...
May 08, 2025•32 min•Ep. 272
Caring for a child with disabilities isn’t just a full-time job, it’s a deeply personal, emotional, and often isolating journey. What if the support parents need wasn’t just about filling a shift, but about building a relationship? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Susan Asay, founder of Apex Social Exchange Foundation, to talk about what it really means to find care you can trust. Susan shares her own story of juggling a demanding career, raising young kids, ...
May 01, 2025•49 min•Ep. 271
Workshops that equip educators to support children with disabilities and engage parents are essential in bridging knowledge gaps for better care. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Jenny Nechvatal, an Early Childhood Teacher, Author, and devoted parent, who shares her journey raising three children, including twin boys diagnosed with level three autism. Their conversation explores the importance of accepting children's abilities and highlights the diverse support ...
Feb 13, 2025•32 min•Ep. 270
Parenting can be a whirlwind of chaos and imperfections, but sometimes, it's in those messy moments that growth and learning truly happens. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with children's author, Cynthia Di Filippo Elomaa. Cynthia embraces imperfection and chaos in parenting, emphasizing that seeking support and tailored assistance is essential while recognizing that each child learns at their own unique pace. Her inclusive educational book series, "Nikki's Very Mes...
Feb 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 269
Embracing culture is more than just a statement; it's a way of life. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sat down with Christa Preston, founder of Embrace Kulture, to share her journey of fostering inclusion for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities in Uganda and East Africa. Inspired by her brother, Nick, and local Ugandan child, Olivia, Christa grew the organization into a fully Ugandan-led movement that has reached over a million people, influenced national...
Jan 30, 2025•53 min•Ep. 268
Being a fiduciary is like being a financial superhero with great power and great responsibility. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the critical role of fiduciary responsibilities and how to navigate them effectively. Acting as a fiduciary goes beyond managing finances; it requires transparency, organized documentation, and a deep understanding of beneficiaries' needs to make informed decisions. Fiduciaries wield the power to make decisions that significantly impact others' li...
Jan 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 267
Supporting the special needs community is crucial for creating an inclusive and welcoming world for individuals with disabilities. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about the importance of intentional planning to support the special needs community and ease the anxiety that often weighs on individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. I share my experiences and how thoughtful accommodations can make all the difference as a parent. Passion is important, but real change comes f...
Jan 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 266
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal and financial circumstances, regularly updating your estate plan cannot be overstated. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about why it’s so important to keep your estate plan up to date. Life happens—families change, finances shift, and you might buy a new property or start a business in another state. That’s why I recommend reviewing your plan every year and doing a deeper dive every three years, or whenever a big life event happens. From ...
Jan 09, 2025•24 min•Ep. 265
Individuals with disabilities often encounter significant hurdles in accessing quality healthcare due to limited accessibility options and a scarcity of available services. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I address the challenges individuals with disabilities face in accessing quality healthcare, including limited services and barriers like Medicaid restrictions. I advocate for policy changes to enhance resources and emphasize the importance of building community to share experiences an...
Jan 02, 2025•22 min•Ep. 264
The process of planning for the future of disabled children is often overwhelming. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I share how planning for the future of disabled children is a daunting yet essential task for their well-being and security. I talk about setting big goals for their future, including where they will live and work, who will support them, and the importance of creating a letter of intent to document their needs, routines, and preferences. I also highlight choosing trusted gu...
Dec 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 263
The healthcare system is a battleground where profits often triumph over patient needs. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I take a closer look at our profit-driven healthcare system after the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Financial goals often outweigh patient care, with rising denials for essential treatments and CEO compensation tied to profits—creating a troubling conflict of interest. As a mom who fought tirelessly for my daughter’s Medicaid support, I know fir...
Dec 19, 2024•17 min•Ep. 262
As the calendar year draws to a close, end-of-year planning becomes essential for individuals seeking to secure their personal and financial futures. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I dive into the importance of taking control of your finances with a proactive mindset. Instead of getting stuck on setbacks, I encourage you to focus on celebrating your wins and using them as a foundation to move forward. I share practical tips on keeping your asset lists and important documents, like lett...
Dec 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 261
Filmmaking celebrates human connection and inclusiveness, with on-set moments of support and camaraderie often shining through on screen. Hollywood’s push to include actors with disabilities is opening doors to fresh stories and perspectives, making the industry more inclusive and inspiring. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with filmmaker Jay Silverman about his latest film, Camera . Inspired by his journey as a parent to a child with disabilities, the poignant story...
Dec 05, 2024•47 min•Ep. 260
Grief is an unpredictable force that reshapes life, much like crashing waves. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my journey through grief and coping with the profound loss of my daughter, Elizabeth. There is no "right" way to grieve—it’s a deeply personal journey, and being gentle with yourself is important as you work through the pain. During the holidays, grief can feel especially heavy. Finding ways to incorporate your loved one’s presence into your celebrations can brin...
Nov 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 259
Special needs trusts are an essential tool for families who want to ensure the long-term financial security of their loved ones with disabilities. However, I know firsthand how overwhelming and confusing navigating the world of trusts can be. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I break down the essentials of special needs trusts in an accessible way. I share practical tips for choosing the right trustee and explain their responsibilities. Trustee’s are important—not just in managing the tru...
Nov 21, 2024•26 min•Ep. 258
Being a caregiver can be tough and sometimes lonely. For caregiving moms, having a sense of community and connection is essential. Whether it's sharing tips on managing hectic schedules or simply lending an empathetic ear, having a supportive network of fellow moms can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of motherhood. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together. Inspired by her journey as a special needs ...
Nov 14, 2024•38 min•Ep. 257
Parents often carry a heavy weight of shame and self-blame when their children face tough times. It's natural for them to feel responsible, but it's important to remember that not everything is within a parent’s control. By staying present and connecting with themselves, parents can let go of the burden of shame and find a more positive, hopeful way forward. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines sits down with Celia Landman, a mindfulness educator and author of When the Whole Wo...
Nov 07, 2024•36 min•Ep. 256
Understanding the administration of special needs trusts can make a world of difference for people with disabilities, providing them with financial stability and peace of mind. These trusts—like third-party and first-party trusts—come with specific rules that trustees must follow to ensure the beneficiary can keep accessing essential public benefits. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I talk about the importance of building a solid relationship between trustees and beneficiaries. Understan...
Oct 31, 2024•59 min•Ep. 255
For longtime listeners, it’s clear this podcast covers a wide range of topics—from family discussions about kids to conversations on adult disabilities. This conversation focuses on the challenges of balancing health and work while living with a chronic illness. Practices like meditation, journaling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are powerful tools for managing mental health, offering ways to create a more stable and fulfilling life despite these ongoing challenges. In this episode of P...
Oct 24, 2024•41 min•Ep. 254
Parenting is a rewarding journey filled with love, laughter, and joy. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to tantrums in the grocery store, every parent faces obstacles along the way. But what happens when those challenges are compounded by raising a child with disabilities? In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines speaks with Joanne De Simone, a special education advocate, and author of “Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilit...
Oct 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 253
Parenting a child with hearing loss comes with its own unique challenges and families may find themselves grappling with isolation and communication barriers. In these moments, community support and shared knowledge can make a world of difference. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines welcomes Alaine Jacobs, a passionate advocate for the deaf community. Drawing from her personal experience as a parent, Alaine guides and supports others facing similar challenges. With a backgroun...
Oct 10, 2024•41 min•Ep. 252
The journey of caring for a child with disabilities is a tumultuous emotional ride. There are highs celebrating achievements and lows during setbacks. It's important to recognize those feelings and find healthy ways to cope along the way. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines chats with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes and host of the I Don't Know How You Do It podcast. Jessica opens up about her journey parenting a child with M...
Oct 03, 2024•36 min•Ep. 251
Music has a way of connecting people, transcending language barriers, and healing the soul. The discipline and dedication required to master an instrument can translate into valuable life skills that go beyond the music classroom. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines spoke with Annie Ray, the founder of the Crescendo Orchestra program, a music class tailored for students with significant disabilities, and Parent Orchestra, which invites parents to join their children in learnin...
Sep 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 250
Disability is a topic often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, particularly within Kenyan communities, where the burden can become a significant financial strain on families. In Kenya, parents of children with disabilities face not only a lack of acceptance and support but also the heavy weight of stigma, which exacerbates their struggles. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines and Thitu Muiruri, an accomplished filmmaker, sheds light on the pervasive stigma surrounding dis...
Sep 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 249
Parenting is a tough job and when you have a child with special needs, the challenges can be even more complex. From advocating for your child in school to finding the right therapy options, there are so many aspects of parenting a child with special needs that require extra care and attention. Amidst these pressures, marriages can face significant strain. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines, Todd Evans PhD, MA, and Kristin Evans MA, MS, LMSW explore the challenges of raising ...
Sep 12, 2024•44 min•Ep. 248
Transition planning from school to adult life is a crucial aspect of ensuring individuals with additional needs have the support and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. With the introduction of the new transition planning IEP form, understanding its purpose and how it benefits those in the transition process is essential. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette Hines and Graham Caldow dive deep into transition planning for young people with disabilities as they prepare for adu...
Sep 05, 2024•40 min•Ep. 247
Being a caregiver is a demanding role that requires immense strength, patience, and compassion. Caregivers often face challenges that can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. However, being resilient is crucial for caregivers to navigate the ups and downs of their caregiving journey. In this episode, Annette Hines and Michelle Mercier have an in-depth conversation about what it really means to be resilient as a caregiver. Michelle, a business growth consultant, brings a unique pers...
Aug 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 246
Navigating the world of IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 Plans can be overwhelming for parents and educators alike. Both IEPs and 504 plans provide essential educational support but differ in their goals, services, eligibility, and duration. IEPs offer specialized instruction with specific objectives and progress monitoring from pre-K through high school, while 504 plans ensure access and equity and can extend through college. In this episode, Annette Hines and April Rehrig, the ...
Aug 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 245
