Advanced Parenting : Advice For Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, And Mental Health Challenges by Kelly Fradin

Advanced Parenting: Advice for Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health Challenges is a highly valuable resource for parents and caregivers. Co-authored by Emily Oster, a renowned complex-care pediatrician, and Dr. Kelly Fradin, a New York Times bestselling author, this guidebook offers practical advice on how to manage the health of children facing various challenges, such as ADHD, asthma, food allergies, feeding issues, learning disabilities, anxiety and depression, and developmental delays.

With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, this book assists parents in handling the emotional stress that comes with raising a child who may not fit societal norms. It provides tools and guidance to navigate uncertainties and effectively manage caregiving responsibilities. From recognizing when a child requires assistance to assembling a treatment team and devising a comprehensive plan, Advanced Parenting aims to optimize outcomes for the entire family and simplify day-to-day life.

In addition to addressing the impact of a child’s struggles on the family dynamic, the book offers insights to help parents avoid common mistakes and equips them with the necessary support and knowledge to fulfill both their parental and caregiving roles.

Navigating Parenting Challenges: Tips and Support for Parents of Children with Diagnoses and Differences

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for joining us tonight. I’m thrilled to be speaking this evening with Dr. Kelly Frieden, a pediatrician, mom of two, and a passionate advocate for children’s health and wellness. Dr. Frieden is the author of a new book titled “Advanced Parenting: Advice for Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health Challenges,” which provides practical advice and research-backed information for families and children facing various challenges.

I’m Aaron O’Connor, a developmental psychologist and the director of The Early Childhood Program at New York University. Together, Dr. Frieden and I aim to provide evidence-based information to parents through online resources and discussions.

We discussed the impetus behind Dr. Frieden’s book and her own experiences growing up with a childhood illness. She noticed the impact her diagnosis had on her entire family and wanted to provide a framework for parents to cope with new information and manage the stress that comes with their child’s diagnosis. Dr. Frieden emphasized the importance of understanding that there is no one “right” way to communicate with your child about such topics and that it is often a cumulative accumulation of various touchpoints and conversations that help children process and understand their challenges.

We also explored the barriers parents may face in seeking mental health support for their children and the misconceptions surrounding therapy. Dr. Frieden highlighted the effectiveness of talk therapy for children and the importance of addressing concerns or symptoms early. She encouraged parents to seek evaluations and professional help, reminding them that exploring options does not necessarily mean committing to treatment or labeling their child.

Another important topic we touched upon was the role of schools in a child’s care. Dr. Frieden, having experience working as a pediatrician in the school system, discussed the importance of effective communication between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. She emphasized the need for parents to share information about their child’s challenges with the school, as it allows for better support and understanding within the educational environment. Dr. Frieden also encouraged parents to trust the expertise of educators and work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for their child.

We also spoke about the significance of social networks for parents facing similar challenges. Dr. Frieden acknowledged that parenting a child with a health condition or developmental difference can be isolating, but finding a social network and support community can greatly enhance emotional well-being and provide invaluable advice and resources. She suggested joining online groups or reaching out to local organizations to find like-minded individuals and build supportive relationships.

Lastly, we discussed the importance of finding reliable information and avoiding self-diagnosis. Dr. Frieden advised parents to use their research time purposefully and seek professional guidance rather than trying to become experts themselves. She emphasized the value of finding trusted healthcare professionals who can provide accurate information and help navigate the complexities of parenting a child with special needs.

Dr. Frieden can be found on Instagram and Facebook (@adviceigivemyfriends) and her book, “Advanced Parenting,” is available in bookstores and online. For those interested in Cooper and our resources, we can be found on Instagram (@your_cooper) and at beta.cooper.com.

Thank you all for joining us, and we hope this discussion has provided valuable insights into parenting and supporting children facing various challenges.