Episode 007 – Air Date July 15, 2021
Title: Purposeful Parenting
In this episode of Emily Tells All, Emily dives deep into the collage of things that make parenting both rewarding and challenging.
Nemours Children’s Hospital – Lisa Spector, MD, FAAP
Ronald McDonald House, President and CEO – Lou Ann DeVoogd,
Orange County Bar Association, President-Elect – Karen Persis
Purposeful Parenting and the Art of Family
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of adulthood. Not only does it require a deep understanding of the child you are nurturing, but it also triggers a deep path of discovery and learning about yourself.
According to a 2019 study, about 83% of parents believe they can learn how to be a good parent. And while that can certainly be true, there is an art to building a strong family. Without a firm foundation, the road to parenthood may get abandoned.
We took the opportunity to talk with individuals who have first-hand experience in the matter of parenting and family. Lisa Spector is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Karen Persis is the President Elect with the Orange County Bar Association, and Lou Ann DeVoogd is the President and CEO at Ronald McDonald House.
Preparing for Parenthood with Lisa
Many parents wrap themselves up in the joy and excitement of a new arrival. But they don’t always prepare themselves. So, when the baby finally arrives, they’re left with so many questions about what to do and how to act. Every baby is different as well, from their cry to how their body reacts to the world around them.
We encourage you to seek out parenting groups and programs that can provide valuable support and teach behavioral strategy as well. It can be challenging for a parent to know what to do when their child is diagnosed with ADHD or autism. So, Nemours is working on acquiring funding to start group parent trainings for children with ADHD or autism. Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is the evidence-based treatment taught by Nemours, and parents can use ABA at home to infuse function and relief into their child’s life.
As a parent, it’s important to be the guide your child needs and really figure out what works the best for their overall wellbeing. Lisa emphasizes having a balanced diet, limiting sugars or dyes, developing internal skills like organization, and keeping them active both for physical health and social play.
Planning for a Family with Karen
For partners who cannot conceive a child on their own, there are always other options.
“Third party reproductive technologies, such as surrogacy, embryo donation, egg donation, and also through adoption, whether that might be a private newborn placement or- you know- there’s lots of other types of adoption like relative adoption, stepparent adoption, second parent adoption,” elaborates Karen.
Family history is an extremely critical component when choosing donors if you go that route. It’s important for the parents to know what potential medical issues their child will face. The child deserves to know as well.
Adoption also comes with its requirements and processes. And it’s different depending on if you go through the state with DCF or a private placement.
The Orange County Bar Association has a wealth of resources available for parents who are going through hard times. Their sister organization, the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar, provides pro bono legal services to many parents experiencing family law disputes, housing issues, immigration problems, or consumer issues. And they also can provide emergency relief in cases of an eviction or domestic violence issue.
Citizen’s dispute is another free service for Orange County residents through the Orange County Bar Association. The point of utilizing this service is to avoid going through a lawsuit and to resolve the dispute outside the courtroom. If needed, you can get set up with free mediation services from a Florida certified mediator.
Helping Families with Lou Ann
The Ronald McDonald House strives to be a home away from home for families with children who are receiving treatment in the Children’s hospital. When your child is sick and the future seems uncertain, you need comfort, care, and rest. That’s what the Ronald McDonald house provides 365 days a year.
Aside from the comfortable rooms, the Ronald McDonald house dedicates space for play and function. Each house has dedicated areas for kid’s entertainment, a kitchen, full laundry, outdoor space, and gathering rooms for support.
Hospital partners and charities are what keep the foundation running. So, it’s incredible to know that your donations are put to good use. There are 84 bedrooms throughout three Orlando locations that are available to families in need. You can find a Ronald McDonald house next to the hospital campuses of Nemours, AdventHealth, and Arnold Palmer.
