The Intentional Parents Podcast

Marriage In Sickness and In Health, Parenting Neurodiverse Children Alongside Neurotypical Children + Handling Parenting Differences (Q+R)

Feb 5, 2025

The discussion delves into the deep commitment of marriage, especially through health challenges. Insights on avoiding bitterness while supporting a sick spouse reveal a need for honesty and shared faith. Parenting neurodiverse alongside neurotypical children poses unique trials, but grace and compassion are key. The speakers share personal experiences that emphasize community support and effective communication. Strategies for aligning parenting styles shine light on navigating family dynamics amidst difficulties, ultimately fostering connection and love.

53:22

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Quick takeaways

Living out the marriage vow 'in sickness and in health' requires profound loyalty, shared suffering, and reliance on God for support.

Parenting both neurodiverse and neurotypical children involves acknowledging different needs, trusting in community support, and embracing acceptance amid challenges.

Deep dives

Navigating Sickness in Marriage

Marriage vows, particularly 'in sickness and in health,' take on profound meaning when encountered with real-life challenges. Many couples find that while the words are easy to recite, living through periods of sickness can reveal deeper layers of commitment and love. The discussion emphasizes the need for both partners to navigate these challenges together, fostering an environment of support rather than bitterness. By viewing each other's struggles as a shared journey, the couple can deepen their connection and empathy during difficult times.

Intro

2min

Navigating Marital Vows

3min

Navigating Communication and Support in Relationships with Hearing Loss

2min

Navigating the Covenant of Care

17min

Navigating Family Dynamics: Parenting Neurodiverse and Neurotypical Children

18min

Navigating Family Challenges During Health Crises

2min

Navigating Parenting and Neurodiversity

10min

This week on the podcast, all four of us (Brook, Elizabeth, Phil and Diane) sat down to respond to some questions centered on avoiding bitterness in your marriage while dealing with sickness and the unique challenges of parenting neurodiverse children alongside neurotypical children.

We discussed the reality of living out the marriage vow, “in sickness and in health,” and how it requires a deep loyalty to one another, a shared sense of suffering and oneness, and a desperate dependence on God. We addressed how to avoid bitterness towards your spouse suffering from sickness, which demands honesty about the situation, acceptance that this is your reality, and understanding that faith is not a “fix-it” system.

We also responded to two related questions about parenting children with neurodiversity — 1) How do you parent both neurodiverse and neurotypical children in a way that is God-honoring and full of compassion, grace and truth towards each individual child and their needs? And 2) How do you work through disagreements and differences with your spouse in how you parent neurodiverse children? Drawing from our own experiences happening in real time, we talked about our unrelenting reliance on God, our larger family system, our community, and each other — as well as many other helpful strategies, such as getting on the same page AND staying on the same page.

This episode is packed with scripture references, personal examples, and lots of light and hope — even amidst some heavy, complex questions.

Poem by Jane Kenyon: Otherwise

“The cross means the acceptance of limitation on desire.” — Dallas Willard

Scripture Mentioned:

Hebrews 12:15, Matthew 5:3, Genesis 2:24, Lamentations 3:1, Romans 12:15, Romans 8:22, and Philippians 2

Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUT

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