What does it mean to parent when the world isn't built for you? Jessica Slice, author of Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World, joins Dr. Meg Meeker to share her powerful story of raising a child with a disability. Jessica discusses the myths around "perfect parenting," the societal barriers disabled parents face, and how true connection matters far more than physical perfection.
In this episode, we discuss:
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Jessica’s journey to disability – and motherhood – and how she reclaimed her narrative.
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The unique challenges and joys of parenting with a disability.
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The critical role of community support and adaptive problem-solving.
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How unrealistic societal standards impact all parents, not just disabled ones.
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The importance of teaching children about disability with honesty and compassion.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction: The unique challenges of parenting 00:21 – Meet Jessica Slice: Advocate, author, and mother 01:34 – Jessica's personal journey into disability and motherhood 03:12 – Parenting with a disability: Challenges and strengths 04:31 – Adopting and raising a newborn as a disabled parent 08:34 – How community and creative problem-solving make parenting possible 16:08 – Facing (and fighting) accessibility barriers in everyday life 24:04 – Why community support matters more than perfection 26:25 – Teaching kids empathy and understanding about disability 28:51 – Final reflections and words of encouragement
Our Guest:
Jessica Slice is a disabled author, speaker, and essayist whose upcoming memoir Unfit Parent has been shortlisted for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize. She’s the co-author of several books, including Dateable and We Belong (with the late Judy Heumann), and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Glamour, and more. A sought-after podcast guest, Jessica holds degrees from Davidson College and Columbia University and lives in Toronto with her family.
Resources & Links: Learn more about Jessica Slice’s book Unfit Parent → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-Slice/author/B0D96Q4KB5
Work with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com/
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Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker