In their last introductory episode, Erica and Alyssa share how their own experiences as disabled children shaped the way they navigate caregiving now. They touch on the examples that their own parents set as caregivers, the emotional weight caregivers carry for their kids, and the many ways we turned out to be better advocates for our kids than we ever were for ourselves.
Plus, we each share our BIG SNAP. You know, that moment when you fully embrace the intense advocate you need to be to get your kid the proper, timely medical care or access they deserve.
When we say that disability has informed every aspect of our lives, we really do mean it, from the way we advocate, to the way we parent and caregive now, to the way we appreciate our own parents and caregivers. If you're the parent and caregiver to a medically complex or disabled child, this episode is for you! We're so glad you're here!

In this episode:

[00:48 ] Erica's uncaffeinated beverage of the day
[03:18 ] Erica's Caffeinated Confessional and a TLC throwback
[08:37 ] How Alyssa's mom set an amazing caregiver example for her growing up
[13:03 ] An ode to Erica's mom and stepdad who helped her navigate her medical complexities
[16:36 ] The medical baggage we both brought along with us into caregiving
[24:25 ] Alyssa's big "snap" when she fully embraced advocacy for her daughter
[28:51 ] How advocating for our kids has made us better advocates for ourselves too
[33:21 ] The emotional weight we carry as caregivers and the ways our parents vented their frustrations
[42:51 ] The lack of community Erica and Alyssa experienced in childhood and the determination to give their children something better

Links:
For the transcript, our blog, and more, visit our website: https://www.caffeinatedcaregivers.com/podcast/ep3
Follow us on Instagram for research, validation, and a lot of memes @caffeinated_caregivers.

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Thanks friends! Talk soon!