The Heart of High-Needs Parenting: Advocacy, Resilience, and Self-Care

Jan 12

Parenting is already a challenging journey, but when you find yourself navigating the world of high-needs parenting, the demands can seem overwhelming. Whether your child has neurodivergence, complex medical issues, or other involved needs, the journey can be tough to navigate. As a parent who has been through the ups and downs of high-needs parenting, I want to share some insights, anecdotes, and strategies to help you not only survive but thrive in this unique parenting experience.

Embracing the complexity of high-needs parenting

High-needs parenting is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It encompasses a spectrum of challenges, from complex medical problems to mental health issues, sleep troubles, feeding difficulties, speech delays, and more. It's not always about a specific diagnosis; sometimes, it's about addressing and working with the symptoms that manifest in your child.

I understand the frustration of seeking a diagnosis and facing healthcare providers who may not fully comprehend the daily challenges you witness at home. It's a journey that requires resilience and advocacy for your child. I've been there, wrestling with my own experiences and seeking assistance for my daughters with their unique needs.

Advocating for your child's well-being

As parents of high-needs children, we must become advocates, pushing for the support and resources our children deserve. It's not an easy path, and the journey may be long, but it's crucial to stand up for your child's rights to proper care and therapies. Experiencing this with both of my daughters taught me the importance of persistence when seeking out the right resources, even when it feels like an uphill battle.

Balancing your child's needs and your own

The 24/7 demands of high-needs parenting can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Many of us find ourselves constantly supervising, guiding, and providing care without much respite. It's common for parents to feel isolated and alone, facing judgment or misunderstanding from others who may not grasp the intricacies of high-needs parenting.

It's crucial to acknowledge the toll this can take on your mental and emotional well-being. But it's not all or nothing. It can’t be.

I know we face isolation and struggle. I've lived through it, too. This is where I learned the importance of self-care. Putting ourselves on the back burner, influenced by generational stigmas that suggest we must give all our time and energy to others, only causes more harm.

The importance of self-care for high-needs parents

I've learned firsthand that neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, affecting not only your mental health but also your physical well-being. It's like trying to charge a battery from a dead battery—impossible. We need to break free from the belief that constant giving is the only way to parent effectively.

Taking time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes a day, is not selfish—it's a necessity. You can't pour from an empty cup, and by prioritizing self-care, you are ensuring that you can continue providing the best care for your child.

Empowering yourself and your family

By weaving small moments of joy, self-nurturing, and self-discovery into your routine, you can make a significant impact on your overall well-being. It's about making them more manageable and creating an environment where both you and your child can thrive.

Start small, find activities that bring you joy, and gradually build on those moments. As you invest in your own happiness and well-being, you'll notice positive changes not only in yourself but also in your family dynamics. Your happiness is contagious, and your family will respond to the joy and fulfillment you bring into your life.

As they say, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” right?

Won’t you join me?

Parenting a high-needs child is a unique journey, and you don't have to navigate it alone. I've created a warm and supportive space on my YouTube channel, where we share insights, laughter, and understanding that only fellow high-needs parents can provide.

I invite you to join our growing community by subscribing to my YouTube channel. Let's tackle this journey together in a way that resonates with our shared experiences.

Click here to subscribe and become a valued member of our community. Together, we can turn challenges into triumphs and celebrate the extraordinary journey of high-needs parenting.

Looking forward to connecting with you on YouTube!

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Brandy Hall, MSN, RN

Meet Brandy—nurse practitioner, parent coach, and fellow mom in the trenches of high-needs parenting.

She’s navigated the sleepless nights, the endless appointments, the sensory battles, the frustration of fighting for answers, the therapy waitlists, and the constant worry of Am I doing enough? With one kid, it was a feeding disorder that no one seemed to take seriously. With the other, it was a whirlwind of sleep struggles, sensory quirks, and safety worries—eventually leading to an autism and ADHD diagnosis.

But she didn’t just sit back and accept the “wait and see” approach. She dug in—researching, advocating, and using her medical background to find real solutions. And along the way, she realized something: moms like her don’t just need more advice—they need real support from someone who gets it.

If you’re raising a child with autism or ADHD and feel like you’re constantly running on fumes, you’re in the right place. Brandy’s here to share what works, what doesn’t, and how to make sure you don’t get lost in the chaos. Because no mom should have to figure this out alone.