I’ve taught many things over the years: preschool. Yoga and fitness classes. Economics for kids and tweens.

But it’s the things that I have learned that have made all the difference in my life: spending a winter in a wheelchair taught me patience. Relearning to walk taught me the value of practice and hard work. The near-complete loss of the use of my hands taught me how much more important I am than just my physical body… and while regaining the use of my hands, I learned the value of teamwork, love, and gratitude.

I know it seems crazy, but I am truly grateful for all the steps on this journey, because they strengthened the amazing bond I have with my husband Ben and our two boys, Max and Jay, and helped me realize anew just how lucky I am for all the incredible people in my life.

Also, without these tough health years, there would be no podcast! Somebody wise once said (in a movie, I think) “you gotta get busy living – or get busy dying.” Well, this podcast is how I Got Busy Living, using my voice and mind and heart to connect with you and, together, to build this community.

Even with my master’s in Early Childhood Education, when I sent my firstborn off to kindergarten, I was terrified. At the time I worried, I hovered, I said “no” to him way too often. When his teachers brought up phrases like “lack of focus” and “psychological evaluation” I panicked, and my fears prevented me from advocating well for Max.

Luckily for him – for our whole family! – I figured out a way to stand up for my boy. We Turned Out Okay is how I help you learn from my mistakes and advocate for your child, for yourself, for whatever tough parenting or life-situation you find yourself in… I hope in listening you get some inspiration to take that next step, for your child or for you, the step that will set you on the path to less worry and more happiness and fun.

We only get one go-around, right? As parents, especially when our kids are young, we need to learn to relax, to let them test their strength, climb trees, hang upside down from the swingset… we need to laugh with them while sharing a spoonful of raw, homemade cookie dough (or even a fart joke)

Thanks for listening, for being an Old-School Parent, and especially thanks for taking part in our community!

Karen