New Book Deals with the Issue of Parenting a Child with Special Needs

I am thrilled to announce that author and super-blogger, Jolene Philo, will soon be a guest on my blog to discuss her newly released book, Different Dream Parenting. Jolene's first child was diagnosed with a life-threatening birth defect only a few hours after birth. He was immediately flown to the University of Nebraska in Omaha for surgery. In her book, she shares her story, as well as those of others who have faced the life-altering whirlwind that takes place in the lives of families who discover their child has a disease or disorder. 

About Different Dream Parenting

If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you are aware of the daily challenges. There are special tasks in caring for your child and other unexpected circumstances that can arise. It is a labor of love with life-long rewards: the smiles, the hugs, and the milestones your child reaches.

Whether you are a caregiving veteran or new to the experience, as I am, Jolene's new book has some welcomed help to offer.

What Issues Are Addressed?

Jolene takes us from diagnosis and coping to preserving the family.  She shares helpful tips for the stressed out parent as well as advice for keeping your other children from feeling neglected. Jolene also addresses the spiritual needs of parents and how to work well needed devotional time into a hectic routine.

I was delighted to find many helpful resources and links for parents of children with various needs. Jolene has done her research and she shares them in Different Dream Parenting so they are readily available. I particularly appreciated the tips for helping deal with stress, as we tend to neglect our own needs while caring for a special-needs child. 

Different Dream Parenting has become my go-to handbook for valuable information. 

How can you be prepared for stays at the hospital? How do you prepare your child for life-changing news? Who can you turn to for help in caring for your child? How do you keep your child occupied during a long hospital stay? Finally, is it possible to keep your spirit nourished when you are too tired to think? Jolene has provided wonderful daily devotionals to keep your spiritual engine running when you don't feel you have the strength to continue.

Jolene does a marvelous job covering topics I hadn't even thought about while I was going through the transition period when my son was first diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. I highly recommend this book to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs. It answers questions you haven't asked yet.

I hope you'll join us at the beginning of December when Jolene will be a guest on my blog to discuss her new book. We will also be giving away copies of Different Dream Parenting to randomly selected commenters. You can purchase a copy now at http://www.dhp.org/Products/UB913.aspx to take advantage of a 10% discount off the retail price. Then, join in the discussion when Jolene stops by for a visit in December, ask questions, or share your story and useful tips.

I know I can't wait to glean from her experience and knowledge on many topics. How about you?