Emotions and mom guilt with Dr. Yameika Head

Author: Valerie Arbeau
Published: Thu 20 Jun 2024
Episode Link: None

Episode Title: Emotions and mom guilt with Dr. Yameika Head

Episode Number: 38

Episode Summary: This week’s special guest, Dr. Yameika Head shares her special needs journey with her deaf daughter, mom guilt and the den of despair. From embracing vulnerability to balancing professional and personal roles, Dr. Head shares her personal experiences and professional insights to provide valuable support and encouragement to parents navigating similar paths.

Key Topics Discussed:

Understanding and Expressing Emotions:
- The importance of showing emotions in front of children to help them understand and process their own feelings.
- Cultural challenges in expressing vulnerability
Navigating Diagnoses:
- Personal stories of dealing with ADHD and high-functioning autism diagnoses.
- Handling feelings of guilt and uncertainty as a parent.
Balancing Professional and Personal Roles:
- Strategies for healthcare providers and professionals to switch off work roles and fully engage in parenting.
- The significance of being present and intentional with family.
Seeking and Offering Support:
- The importance of community and shared experiences in providing strength and guidance.
- Dr. Head’s journey into parent coaching and her mission to support other parents.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation:
- Embracing the ongoing learning process in parenting children with disabilities.
- Finding joy in the journey and recognizing the progress made.
Words of Encouragement:
- Empowering messages for parents to trust their abilities and embrace the journey.
- The importance of seeking support and knowing that they are not alone.

Guest Bio: Dr. Yameika Head is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in Child Abuse Pediatrics and a renowned professor of clinical pediatrics. With over 15 years of experience in pediatric care that encompasses trauma, she is known for her dedication in providing compassionate and personalized care for her patients and families. She is recognized for her expertise in child abuse, early childhood care, adolescent medicine, obesity care, parenting and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Due to her experience in having a deaf child, she has also offered parenting coaching as a mission to help her families with children with an “unexpected diagnosis” outside of the clinical space.

Connect with Dr. Yameika Head: