Interview with Maria Groves who is raising a non-binary child

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Getting to Know Maria

•Maria introduces herself, sharing that she has two unique jobs as an EMT and a professional organizer.
•Maria explains how she views her roles as forms of life-saving and shares how her work as a professional organizer can help reduce stress and improve people's lives.

Raising a Non-binary Child

•Maria opens up about her journey as a mother of a non-binary child who faced body dysmorphia, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression during their teenage years.
•The challenges and support within the LGBTQ+ community are discussed.
•Valerie and Maria discuss the importance of acceptance and understanding of non-binary individuals.

Overcoming Challenges

•Maria details her experiences with creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for her child.
•The positive impact of a service dog on her child's life is highlighted.
•The role of therapy and support in helping her child overcome mental health challenges is discussed.
•Maria's transition from a high-stress job to being a full-time parent to support her child is shared.
•She also talks about finding mindfulness and peace through Buddhism.

Lessons Learned

•The significance of being present in her children's lives and connecting with them on a deep level is emphasized.
•Maria shares her self-care activities, including yoga and her love for watching HGTV.
•A touching story about a heartfelt card from her child is recounted.
•Maria expresses the importance of not trying to make your child into your own image but rather embracing who they truly are.

Connecting with Maria

•Maria shares her Instagram handle (@blessthishouse_ct) where listeners can connect with her and learn more about her professional organizing services.
•She offers to answer questions about service dogs and supporting non-binary children.

Conclusion:

•Valerie thanks Maria for sharing her powerful and inspiring story.
•Well-wishes are extended to Maria and Luca as they prepare for Luca's college journey.

•A message of encouragement is shared with the audience as they navigate their own special needs parenting journey.

Maria Grove is a wife, mom, dog mom, EMT and professional organizer.  She lives in Connecticut with her family.   Her kiddo Luca is a non binary kiddo with severe anxiety, who is helped by a service dog named Apollo.   

Instagram handle @blissthishouse_ct

Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee – Denys Kyshchuk

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/