Episode 198: Embracing the Journey of Parenting a Disabled Child - Kelley Coleman
Parenting a child with disabilities is a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and deep love. In this episode of Entering Motherhood, the host converses with Kelley Coleman, a mother, advocate, and author of "Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child." Kelly shares her journey of raising two sons, one with multiple disabilities, emphasizing the importance of intuition, supportive healthcare providers, and community. She discusses the emotional toll of caregiving, the necessity of establishing effective systems, and the transition from her creative career to full-time caregiving. Kelley highlights self-care, finding community support, and offers advice for new parents facing a diagnosis and friends supporting families with disabled children.
From the beginning, Kelley’s experience as a caregiver required constant availability and adaptation. She discusses the realities of balancing daily medical and support needs while also acknowledging the emotional toll it takes. Finding ways to maintain her own identity outside of caregiving has been an ongoing process, but she has learned that embracing structure and support can make all the difference. She treats caregiving like a job, organizing her responsibilities through time-blocking and prioritization, which helps create a sense of control and prevents overwhelm. While the demands never truly lessen, building sustainable systems has allowed her to approach each day with greater confidence.
Before becoming a full-time caregiver, Kelley worked in a creative industry, developing ideas for talking animal movies. The shift from that career to caregiving was not a choice but a necessity dictated by her son's needs. While stepping away from her profession was difficult, she found new ways to fulfill her creative passions through writing and advocacy. She shares how embracing this change has been key to avoiding resentment or guilt, reminding herself that fulfillment doesn’t have to come from one specific path—it can evolve alongside life’s circumstances. Her ability to find joy and purpose in new ways is a testament to the adaptability that parenting a disabled child often requires.
Self-care, she emphasizes, is not about grand gestures but about finding small ways to recharge. While traditional self-care might conjure images of spa days or weekend getaways, for parents of children with disabilities, it can be as simple as getting enough sleep, taking a moment to breathe, or engaging in creative projects that bring joy. For Kelley, making Halloween costumes for her children or writing allows her to reconnect with herself outside of motherhood. Redefining what self-care looks like has helped her create a sense of balance, even in the midst of overwhelming responsibilities.
One of the greatest challenges for parents of children with disabilities is the feeling of isolation. Kelley discusses how difficult it was to find others who understood her experiences, and she encourages parents to seek out community—whether through local support groups, online spaces, or advocacy organizations. While not every group will be the right fit, she stresses the importance of continuing to look until the right connections are made. Finding a support system of people who truly understand can provide both emotional comfort and practical guidance for navigating healthcare, education, and daily life.
For those who don’t have a disabled child but want to support friends or loved ones who do, Kelley offers simple but meaningful advice: be present and listen. Parents of disabled children don’t necessarily need grand gestures; they need understanding and validation. Offering specific help—like watching their other children, running an errand, or just checking in—can make a significant impact. Rather than assuming what they need, simply asking, “How can I support you?” can go a long way in making them feel seen and supported.
When discussing advice for parents facing a new diagnosis, Kelley acknowledges that the emotions can be overwhelming. Fear, sadness, and uncertainty are all natural reactions, and she reassures parents that it’s okay to feel them fully. She encourages parents to seek out accurate information and surround themselves with a network of support that includes people who will offer real help rather than judgment. Navigating this path is not easy, but having the right resources and people in place can make it more manageable.
As the conversation wraps up, Kelley shares where listeners can find her book and connect with her online. Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child is available through major retailers, and her website provides additional resources for families seeking support. Her journey is a powerful reminder that while parenting a child with disabilities presents unique challenges, it also offers moments of deep connection, resilience, and growth. By building support systems, embracing new definitions of fulfillment, and seeking out community, parents can navigate this journey with strength and hope.
Connect with Kelley Coleman:
Website: www.kelleycoleman.com
Instagram: @hellokelleycoleman
Facebook: Kelley Coleman
Relevant Links:
>> Join the O.W.N Your Birth CBE Course
>> Comprehensive Birth Vision Planner
>> Birthworker Doula Training Program
Don't miss out on our comprehensive Birth Preparation Workbook covering topics from mindset, movement, and what to expect.
Hypnobabies is a great tool to use hypnosis when preparing for childbirth. Use the code MOTHERHOOD20 to receive 20% off today!
Truly fuel your body with FOND Bone Broth a verified regenerative by land to market company dedicated to serving you rich and handcrafted items. Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 10% off.
Looking to become a doula yourself and get into birthwork? Check out the Online Doula Training Program to get started on your path today.
Become certified through Postpartum University and help clients learn more about how to nourish their bodies in the postpartum period.
Want a baby carrier you can snuggle your baby tight in? Check out LoveHeld for their handwoven ring sling carrier you'll be sure to love.
In need of nursing tops and postpartum items? Kindred Bravely is the place to shop for all of your attire needs and more.
