Raising a Child With Prader-Willi Syndrome | Jessica Patay

Raising a Child With Prader-Willi Syndrome | Jessica Patay

In Part Two of my conversation with Jessica Patay, founder and CEO of We Are Brave Together, we explore the realities of raising a child with Prader-Willi syndrome and the lifelong responsibilities that can come with caregiving. Jessica shares the story of her son Ryan’s diagnosis, the challenges surrounding food security, anxiety, independence, adult programming, and the constant planning required to keep him safe. She also speaks candidly about the grief many caregiving mothers carry, the fear of what will happen when they are gone, and the emotional weight that often remains hidden from the outside world. This episode also highlights the importance of community, storytelling, and support for caregiving mothers. Jessica introduces her newest book, Suddenly Brave Together, and explains how We Are Brave Together is creating connection circles, respite retreats, scholarships, and resources designed to protect the mental health of women caring for children with disabilities. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about love, uncertainty, belonging, and the village every caregiving family deserves. RESOURCES & SUPPORT:  Your Wish Is Your Command (Free) [https://freeyourwish.kevintrudeau.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Your Wish Is Your Command (Physical Copy) [https://getyourwishbook.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Shared Humanity Substack [https://substack.com/@drrobertgillespie] Shared Humanity Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR4QC7TK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] The Gentle Year FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4406492376301593] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com/] Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com/] I'm a fan and would love to support the work you're doing. [https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard] Private Success Club [https://links.fans/yourwishisyourcommandglobal] Metafriction by Luke Roberts [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S86TFF?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] #affiliate EPISODE-SPECIFIC RESOURCES: We Are Brave Together [https://www.wearebravetogether.org/who-we-are] Becoming Brave Together (Book) [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Brave-Together-Extraordinary-Caregiving-ebook/dp/B0D123VCRS?ref_=ast_author_mpb] Suddenly Brave Together (Book) [https://www.amazon.com/Suddenly-Brave-Together-We-Are/dp/B0GW2WKS7Q/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=yzwlQ&content-id=amzn1.sym.f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_p=f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_r=146-6219265-1561826&pd_rd_wg=fKUGJ&pd_rd_r=b4f66d31-56af-48f7-9711-b4fab08076c1] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/fan_mail/new] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com] Sponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive. Your Wish Is Your Command [https://www.yourwishoffer.com/md25f?aff=31b60c6fa70ce94c5292b3eaf1a9c87cea1f1bf8cb64977a2d46f15a691ed43b] A resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response. Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com] Acting with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/support]

What Caregiving Moms Need Their Friends to Understand | Jessica Patay

In Part 1 of this conversation, Knikki Hernandez sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, to talk about the emotional reality of caregiving, the importance of female friendship, and the kind of support that helps women feel seen instead of dismissed. Jessica shares how community helped her move from “Why me?” to “What now?” and why connection can be life-changing for mothers raising children with disabilities or complex needs. Together, they explore vulnerability, emotional safety, isolation, the pressure to say “I’m fine,” and why phrases like “at least” can shut down the very conversations women need most. This episode is an honest look at friendship as a lifeline, the courage it takes to open up, and the importance of protecting the emotional energy of caregivers while still allowing room for deep, meaningful connection. RESOURCES & SUPPORT:  Your Wish Is Your Command (Free) [https://freeyourwish.kevintrudeau.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Your Wish Is Your Command (Physical Copy) [https://getyourwishbook.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Shared Humanity Substack [https://substack.com/@drrobertgillespie] Shared Humanity Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR4QC7TK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] The Gentle Year FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4406492376301593] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com/] Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com/] I'm a fan and would love to support the work you're doing. [https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard] Private Success Club [https://links.fans/yourwishisyourcommandglobal] #affiliate Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/support]

Can You Afford to Homeschool? The Honest Conversation | Katelyn Deville (Finale)

Is homeschooling only realistic for families with financial flexibility? And how do homeschooled children develop friendships, independence, maturity, and the social skills they need for adulthood? In Part 3 of this conversation, homeschool coach and former public school educator Katelyn Deville joins Knikki Hernandez to discuss the practical and social realities of homeschooling. They explore how working parents and families with limited resources may be able to build a homeschool plan around their individual needs, schedules, and communities. Katelyn also addresses one of the most common concerns about homeschooling: socialization. She explains how children can develop meaningful social skills through co-ops, extracurricular activities, church communities, theater, sports, everyday errands, and intentional interactions with people of different ages. The conversation also examines whether homeschooled children mature differently, how parental modeling influences emotional development, and why children still need boundaries, responsibility, conflict, and opportunities to do difficult things. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Whether homeschooling is possible for families with tight finances • How working parents can approach homeschooling • Where homeschool families can find community and social opportunities • How technology can help families connect without replacing in-person relationships • Whether homeschooled children tend to mature faster • The role parents play in shaping a child’s social environment • How to prepare homeschooled children for independence and the “real world” • Why child-led learning still requires structure, responsibility, and boundaries • What families can learn even if homeschooling does not ultimately work for them Katelyn also shares how families can begin exploring whether homeschooling is the right fit and explains why parents do not have to make every decision perfectly. They simply need to move forward with good intentions, remain willing to learn, and make changes when necessary. Learn more about Katelyn Deville and her homeschool resources at TheHomebaseMethod.com. RESOURCES & SUPPORT:  Your Wish Is Your Command (Free) [https://freeyourwish.kevintrudeau.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Your Wish Is Your Command (Physical Copy) [https://getyourwishbook.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Shared Humanity Substack [https://substack.com/@drrobertgillespie] Shared Humanity Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR4QC7TK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] The Gentle Year FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4406492376301593] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com/] Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com/] I'm a fan and would love to support the work you're doing. [https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard] Private Success Club [https://links.fans/yourwishisyourcommandglobal] #affiliate Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/fan_mail/new] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com] Sponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive. Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com] Acting with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance. Your Wish Is Your Command [https://www.yourwishoffer.com/md25f?aff=31b60c6fa70ce94c5292b3eaf1a9c87cea1f1bf8cb64977a2d46f15a691ed43b] A resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/support]

Thinking About Homeschooling? Start Here (Part 2) | Katelyn Deville

Thinking about homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out state laws, withdrawal procedures, curriculum, record keeping, assessments, transcripts, and whether your child is truly ready for a different educational environment. In this episode of The Gentle Year, Knikki Hernandez continues her conversation with homeschool coach and former public school educator Katelyn Deville about the practical first steps parents should take when considering a move from public school to homeschooling. Katelyn walks parents through why curriculum should not be the first decision, how to begin with legal requirements and family logistics, what to consider when pulling a child out mid-year, and why proper record keeping matters, especially for high school students who may need transcripts for college or scholarships. This conversation also speaks directly to the parent who feels nervous, unqualified, or unsure if they can really teach their own child. Katelyn reminds families that parents have been their child’s first teacher from the beginning, and homeschooling does not have to mean doing everything alone. With the right support, community, tools, and awareness of how your child learns, homeschooling can become a thoughtful and personalized path forward. If you have ever wondered whether your child needs a different educational environment, how to legally start homeschooling, or whether you are capable of guiding your child’s education, this episode will help you slow down, get clear, and take the next right step. Blog: Is My Child Behind? A Teacher's Perspective [https://turningthetidetutoring.com/blog/is-my-child-behind-a-teachers-perspective/jqhj3b] RESOURCES & SUPPORT:  Your Wish Is Your Command (Free) [https://freeyourwish.kevintrudeau.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Your Wish Is Your Command (Physical Copy) [https://getyourwishbook.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Shared Humanity Substack [https://substack.com/@drrobertgillespie] Shared Humanity Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR4QC7TK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] The Gentle Year FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4406492376301593] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com/] Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com/] I'm a fan and would love to support the work you're doing. [https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard] Private Success Club [https://links.fans/yourwishisyourcommandglobal] #affiliate Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/fan_mail/new] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com] Sponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive. Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com] Acting with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance. Your Wish Is Your Command [https://www.yourwishoffer.com/md25f?aff=31b60c6fa70ce94c5292b3eaf1a9c87cea1f1bf8cb64977a2d46f15a691ed43b] A resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/support]

Homeschool Burnout, Routines, and the “Teacher Bestie” Every Mom Needs | Katelyn Deville

Thinking about homeschooling but feeling overwhelmed, underqualified, or unsure where to begin? In this episode of The Gentle Year, Knikki Hernandez sits down with Katelyn DeVille, founder of The Home Based Method, to talk honestly about why families are leaving traditional school settings and how parents can begin homeschooling with more confidence and less fear. Katelyn brings a unique perspective as a former public school teacher, homeschool graduate, and one-to-one homeschool coach. She shares why parents do not need to be trained teachers to create a meaningful education at home, why routine matters before curriculum, and how families can avoid the common mistake of trying to recreate public school inside the house. This conversation is especially helpful for homeschool moms who are navigating burnout, decision fatigue, isolation, curriculum confusion, or the pressure to make homeschooling look perfect. Katelyn explains why every family’s homeschool should look different, how shorter school days can still be effective, and why having support, community, and a “teacher bestie” can make the transition feel lighter. Whether you are considering homeschooling, just getting started, or already deep into the journey, this episode offers practical encouragement for building a homeschool rhythm that actually fits your child, your family, and your real life. RESOURCES & SUPPORT:  Your Wish Is Your Command (Free) [https://freeyourwish.kevintrudeau.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Your Wish Is Your Command (Physical Copy) [https://getyourwishbook.com/?ref=mx9ncm] Shared Humanity Substack [https://substack.com/@drrobertgillespie] Shared Humanity Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR4QC7TK?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] The Gentle Year FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4406492376301593] Turning The Tide Tutoring [https://turningthetidetutoring.com/] Acting With Pippi [https://actingwithpippi.com/] I'm a fan and would love to support the work you're doing. [https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard] Private Success Club [https://links.fans/yourwishisyourcommandglobal] #affiliate Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535237/support]