T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

Care Protect, Grow: Empowering Your Family Through Special Needs Financial Planning

As parents of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities, we spend SO much time planning-doctor's appointments, therapies, IEP meetings, school transitions, activities and all the little things that come with raising our amazing kiddos.

But what about planning for 10, 20 or 30 years from now? That part can feel a little more overwhelming. 

In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary chats with Mary McDirmid, on of the authors of Care, Protect, Grow: Empower Your Family Through Special Needs Financial Planning.  Mary talks about why financial planning looks different for families raising a child with a disability and, most importantly, how we can take those first steps without feeling completely overwhelmed.  

As parents, one of our biggest worries is "what is going to happen to my child when I'm no longer here?"  We may never be able to completely erase that worry-but having a thoughtful plan in place can help us feel a whole lot more prepared.  

And if you haven't started yet, don't panic.  You don't have to have everything figured out today.

Find Mary's book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Care-Protect-Grow-Financial-Planning/dp/1394334664

https://www.wiley.com/en-us/shop/general-finance-investments/care-protect-grow-empower-your-family-through-special-needs-financial-planning-p-9781394334667

Book a consult with Mary here: 

 https://calendly.com/marymcdirmid/all-needs-planning-introduction-clone-1

Thinking of travelling with your child with Down syndrome but feeling a little overwhelmed? You're not alone!

In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is sharing everything she has learned from travelling internationally as a family.  As Mary prepares for her third European adventure-this time to beautiful Italy, she looks back on what worked, what didn't and the lessons she has learned from her trips to Paris and Prague.

From navigating airports and surviving long-haul flights to packing essentials, sightseeing and embracing the unexpected, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement for families considering their own adventures.

Mary also shares a few recent family updates, including her second annual T21Mom Mingler for moms raising kids with the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, and her annual Ups and Downs BBQ.

If you've ever wondered whether travelling with your Rockin' kiddo is possible, this episode is your reminder that it absolutely is!  It may not always be perfect, but the memories you'll make together are worth every challenge.

What happens when a viral story about Down syndrome reaches millions of people-but leaves out the voices of those who actually live it every day?

In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is joined by fellow rockin' mom and advocate Misty Snyder for an important conversation about a recent viral YouTube video that has sparked strong emotions throughout the Down syndrome community.

Together, they discuss why this story resonated so deeply with parents, self-advocates and families; the impact of fear-based messaging and misinformation; and how language shapes public perception of people with Down syndrome.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that people with Down syndrome are not diagnoses, statistics, or assumptions.  They are individuals with dreams, personalities, relationships, challenges and extraordinary contributions to makes. 

Whether you're a parent, family member, educator, advocate, or someone who simply wants to better understand the Down syndrome community, this conversation offers perspective, compassion and hope.

MistyCoySnyder.com

After a little post-Christmas hiatus (and recovering from hosting 26 people...send help :), Mary is back with a life update, and wow, there's a lot to share!

In this episode, Mary catches you up on what's been happening in her world, from holiday memories and reunions with dear friends, to big transitions at school and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating challenging behaviours, and of course, World Down Syndrome Day!

Last year was, quite honestly, one of the hardest that Mary has ever had.  Between intense behaviours, constant dysregulation, and just trying to keep it all together, it pushed Mary to her limits.  But something shifted and she wants to share that with you, because if you're in a season of hard right now, you need to hear this.

The holidays can be magical-and complicated-especially when you're parenting a child with Down syndrome.  In this heartfelt and lightly funny episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is joined once again by fan-favourite guest Ron (and his Dollar Store bells!) for the annual Christmas show.

This episode explores what Christmas with a child with Down syndrome and the dual diagnosis of autism, really looks like-from changing traditions and Advent cookie calendars to headless gingerbread men and quiet Christmas mornings.  Mary shares an honest look at special needs parenting during the holidays, including the joy, the grief that can quietly creep in, and how both can exist at the same time.

You'll hear conversations about:

Navigating holidays while raising a child with disabilities 

Finding joy when traditions change

Quiet Christmas mornings and realistic gift-giving

Community, connection, and supporting other special needs moms

This episode is for anyone looking for an honest Down syndrome parenting podcast, a reminder that they're not alone, and encouragement that it's okay when your holiday season looks a little different.

So grab a cookie (or three) pour yourself something festive, and join Mary & Ron for a Christmas conversation that will make you laugh, reflect and find meaning an a beautifully imperfect Christmas.