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Get Your Joy Back: Banishing Resentment and Reclaiming Confidence in Your Special Needs Family
An invitation and a promise for weary Christian parents of special needs kids from a parent who's been there. “It isn't the long day of monitoring a child's precarious health or being hypervigilant about her mood and mental health challenges that weighs parents down; it's the wishing that things were different. . . . Resentment, not the intense care they must provide their child, is the parents' greatest stressor and source of pain.” —Laurie Wallin Parents of specials needs children are exhausted. They've done all the research, consulted all the experts, joined support groups, gotten counseling, fought for the best life for their children. Often just caring for their children's needs and attempting to maintain a home maxes out parents' mental, emotional, and spiritual reserves. Laurie Wallin knows firsthand the difficulties of this journey. With Get Your Joy Back , she steps forward to make a bold, audacious in the midst of this long-term, intense task, it is still possible to have an abundant life, full of joy. The key to radically changing daily life and restoring joy to the weary is forgiveness. Wallin gives parents a lifeline to find that restoration, pulling them back to shore when they feel like they're drowning. This book is full of practical, biblical insights and strategies to shed the resentments that leave Christian special-needs parents themselves spiritually, emotionally, and socially drained. Wallin meets readers right where they are, sugar coating nothing, but addressing issues with honesty, humor, and--above all--hope.
- GenresChristian Non Fiction
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 4, 2024
This is a solid book that all parents of a child with special needs should consider reading. It is practical, relatable, honest, and full of encouragement from God’s Word.
July 27, 2015
Get Your Joy Back by Laurie Wallin is written to encourage parents of special needs children. Relationships between the parent and seven other individuals or groups are examined because issues within these relationships can cause stress, resulting in loss of joy. Ms. Wallin writes from her heart, giving specific examples from personal experience or from experiences related to her.
Although I do not have special needs children, I have friends who do. I won’t pretend that I understood the immense scope of raising a special needs child or the resulting emotional highs and lows the parents experience regularly. However, I do feel I gained a better understanding of the special needs children I know and the challenges faced by both the children and their families, which was my desire in reading this book. But this book also included many aspects applicable to any relationship, not just those involving individuals with special needs. As Ms. Wallin states, “No matter how old we are, no matter how well our families of origin have gotten along, deep down we long for our families to support us unconditionally ... When they can’t or won’t fill that expectation, at the very least we can feel emotionally abandoned.” (88) I find this to be true in my own life. Ms. Wallin also points out that we need to “…become a balanced historian in the records [we] keep…find a way to see the good stuff.” (108) This is a timely reminder to intentionally remember good things from our lives, not only the bad things that have happened. She also points out “It’s painful to go to a place in which we expect not just to be tolerated but included and accepted, only to find out we’re not.” (123) Again, I believe this can apply to any person, not only special needs individuals. “Many parents, no matter what issues or non-issues our children have, struggle with comparing our messy twenty-four-hour-a-day lives with the polished snapshot versions we see in other families at church or community events.” (24) That issue I have struggled with most of my adult life. These issues, and many others, are addressed in Get Your Joy Back.
Because this book was written for families with special needs children, I can’t really comment on the true benefits of this book to those families. But I believe anyone can benefit from some of the relationship pointers available in these pages. This was not an easy book for me to read, but I did find it helpful for my relationship with my special needs friends and their families.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Although I do not have special needs children, I have friends who do. I won’t pretend that I understood the immense scope of raising a special needs child or the resulting emotional highs and lows the parents experience regularly. However, I do feel I gained a better understanding of the special needs children I know and the challenges faced by both the children and their families, which was my desire in reading this book. But this book also included many aspects applicable to any relationship, not just those involving individuals with special needs. As Ms. Wallin states, “No matter how old we are, no matter how well our families of origin have gotten along, deep down we long for our families to support us unconditionally ... When they can’t or won’t fill that expectation, at the very least we can feel emotionally abandoned.” (88) I find this to be true in my own life. Ms. Wallin also points out that we need to “…become a balanced historian in the records [we] keep…find a way to see the good stuff.” (108) This is a timely reminder to intentionally remember good things from our lives, not only the bad things that have happened. She also points out “It’s painful to go to a place in which we expect not just to be tolerated but included and accepted, only to find out we’re not.” (123) Again, I believe this can apply to any person, not only special needs individuals. “Many parents, no matter what issues or non-issues our children have, struggle with comparing our messy twenty-four-hour-a-day lives with the polished snapshot versions we see in other families at church or community events.” (24) That issue I have struggled with most of my adult life. These issues, and many others, are addressed in Get Your Joy Back.
Because this book was written for families with special needs children, I can’t really comment on the true benefits of this book to those families. But I believe anyone can benefit from some of the relationship pointers available in these pages. This was not an easy book for me to read, but I did find it helpful for my relationship with my special needs friends and their families.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2015
“Banishing resentment and reclaiming confidence in your special needs family” Special needs children can zap all vitality and joy from their parents as they need so much help and care with often no light at the end of the tunnel. Lauren Wallin, the author, knows as she has two special needs children. The author has found that forgiveness of others who have wronged you does a lot for getting your joy back. So she breaks the chapters into talking about the different people you need to forgive and then the following chapter is on how to reclaim joy from that area.
So, who does the parent of the special needs child need to forgive? The author begins by looking at ourselves and then expanding the circle to those difficult or not-what-you-expected children. She continues to expand it to spouses, extended family, professionals, and so on. She even mentions others who could make life easier for you – but don’t.
The alternating chapters have tips on reclaiming the joy in those areas and even just general tips on how to keep life together; to allow extended family and friends to help and be a part of difficult life, to keep your marriage healthy. I thought one was good for all marriages – to observe your spouse and then pray about what you see (are they tired, stressed, overwhelmed, etc.). Another suggestion was to laugh about what you can. She shares a time when someone suggested that she “make an appointment with a specialist next time her (special needs daughter) constipation occurs and then take her in for an abdominal x-ray.” To which the author’s husband chimed in, “Or you could drop a bowling ball on your foot. Neither of which you’d ever want to do…” Another good tip of note was “Once you ask for help, receive it.” “Fellow church members or friends may not understand how we do things, why we do them, or the value of what we’re doing, but they do love us. Let’s allow them to love us in the ways they do it best.”
Ms. Wallin finishes the book with “Next Steps”, basically where to go from here. I found this book to be refreshingly honest with clear open ways of surviving difficult situations with challenging children. It is an excellent resource for not only the parent but for also those who come into contact with special needs to children to understand the mindset of their parents. I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
So, who does the parent of the special needs child need to forgive? The author begins by looking at ourselves and then expanding the circle to those difficult or not-what-you-expected children. She continues to expand it to spouses, extended family, professionals, and so on. She even mentions others who could make life easier for you – but don’t.
The alternating chapters have tips on reclaiming the joy in those areas and even just general tips on how to keep life together; to allow extended family and friends to help and be a part of difficult life, to keep your marriage healthy. I thought one was good for all marriages – to observe your spouse and then pray about what you see (are they tired, stressed, overwhelmed, etc.). Another suggestion was to laugh about what you can. She shares a time when someone suggested that she “make an appointment with a specialist next time her (special needs daughter) constipation occurs and then take her in for an abdominal x-ray.” To which the author’s husband chimed in, “Or you could drop a bowling ball on your foot. Neither of which you’d ever want to do…” Another good tip of note was “Once you ask for help, receive it.” “Fellow church members or friends may not understand how we do things, why we do them, or the value of what we’re doing, but they do love us. Let’s allow them to love us in the ways they do it best.”
Ms. Wallin finishes the book with “Next Steps”, basically where to go from here. I found this book to be refreshingly honest with clear open ways of surviving difficult situations with challenging children. It is an excellent resource for not only the parent but for also those who come into contact with special needs to children to understand the mindset of their parents. I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
March 6, 2016
Must Read for Special Needs Parents...
Working with special needs children in a classroom, I have often been amazed by the parents of these children. How do they do it? We teach them, help them, love them, and send them home at the end of the day. Often special needs parents are either with their children or at least "on call" 24/7. Laurie Wallin graciously opens up about life in her family with two special needs daughters and two other children, plus a husband who all need attention. How does she "do it all" without cracking, without resentment, without just plain giving up?
Through surveys and citing multiple authors, always tying into Biblical truth, Wallin makes some powerful assertions. We need to forgive in many areas. We need to grieve in a healthy way. We need to exhibit the grace and love to others that we so desire they show to us. And we can't forget gratitude!
Wallin speaks of forgiving continually. We must "forgive" God, since we know He could have made the special needs child different. We need to forgive the child her/himself, who is taking up so much of our time. We need to forgive churches who don't know how to help us, friends who may turn away, even family members, including spouses, who don't always help in the 'right' way.
We need to grieve, even rant at God, but then be honest with Him. Tell Him how you really feel, and then listen for His voice. Instead of accusing Him, ask how these situations can be used for His glory.
Give grace. To your special needs children, "ask God for eyes to see what He intended when He wired them that way." For the well-meaning professionals, who are suggesting something you've tried a dozen times already, give yourself grace. When you as a parent feel abandoned, left out, isolated, give grace to those causing it, because at the heart of it all, we all require grace.
Basically, Wallin seems to say, you can hold on to your bitterness,your anger, your resentment, or you can choose to forgive. You can choose to show grace, and look for areas in which you can show gratitude. It's up to you, and whether you choose to wallow in misery or to forgive and live in freedom.
I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
Working with special needs children in a classroom, I have often been amazed by the parents of these children. How do they do it? We teach them, help them, love them, and send them home at the end of the day. Often special needs parents are either with their children or at least "on call" 24/7. Laurie Wallin graciously opens up about life in her family with two special needs daughters and two other children, plus a husband who all need attention. How does she "do it all" without cracking, without resentment, without just plain giving up?
Through surveys and citing multiple authors, always tying into Biblical truth, Wallin makes some powerful assertions. We need to forgive in many areas. We need to grieve in a healthy way. We need to exhibit the grace and love to others that we so desire they show to us. And we can't forget gratitude!
Wallin speaks of forgiving continually. We must "forgive" God, since we know He could have made the special needs child different. We need to forgive the child her/himself, who is taking up so much of our time. We need to forgive churches who don't know how to help us, friends who may turn away, even family members, including spouses, who don't always help in the 'right' way.
We need to grieve, even rant at God, but then be honest with Him. Tell Him how you really feel, and then listen for His voice. Instead of accusing Him, ask how these situations can be used for His glory.
Give grace. To your special needs children, "ask God for eyes to see what He intended when He wired them that way." For the well-meaning professionals, who are suggesting something you've tried a dozen times already, give yourself grace. When you as a parent feel abandoned, left out, isolated, give grace to those causing it, because at the heart of it all, we all require grace.
Basically, Wallin seems to say, you can hold on to your bitterness,your anger, your resentment, or you can choose to forgive. You can choose to show grace, and look for areas in which you can show gratitude. It's up to you, and whether you choose to wallow in misery or to forgive and live in freedom.
I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2015
About the Book:
An invitation and a promise for weary Christian parents of special needs kids from a parent who's been there.
"It isn't the long day of monitoring a child's precarious health or being hypervigilant about her mood and mental health challenges that weighs parents down; it's the wishing that things were different. . . . Resentment, not the intense care they must provide their child, is the parents' greatest stressor and source of pain." --Laurie Wallin
Parents of specials needs children are exhausted. They've done all the research, consulted all the experts, joined support groups, gotten counseling, fought for the best life for their children. Often just caring for their children's needs and attempting to maintain a home maxes out parents' mental, emotional, and spiritual reserves.
About the Author:
Laurie Wallin strives every day to live out her message for families: that no matter the challenge, in Jesus they can have joy and confidence. She is mom to four girls, two of them with mental and developmental special needs. She has been a certified life coach for over a decade, and is a regular speaker at women’s events and retreats, a popular blogger, and the author of Why Your Weirdness Is Wonderful.
My Review:
Get Your Joy Back, takes the problems that face many special needs parents and throws them at the feet of God and dares the devil to take charge. Special needs parenting takes a toll on these parents that frankly many other parents may not face daily, if at all. Most of the time parents of special needs parents become weary because they are soul care givers that never receive a much deserved break. These parents along with many others in similar situations have to be reminded to look to God for their strength and that is what the author Laurie Wallin instructs them to do and she not only instructs them but also shows them how to get their joy back.
I believe the author has tackled a common problem among special needs parents that needs to be addressed. She tackles it and explains how to get a hold of it!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
An invitation and a promise for weary Christian parents of special needs kids from a parent who's been there.
"It isn't the long day of monitoring a child's precarious health or being hypervigilant about her mood and mental health challenges that weighs parents down; it's the wishing that things were different. . . . Resentment, not the intense care they must provide their child, is the parents' greatest stressor and source of pain." --Laurie Wallin
Parents of specials needs children are exhausted. They've done all the research, consulted all the experts, joined support groups, gotten counseling, fought for the best life for their children. Often just caring for their children's needs and attempting to maintain a home maxes out parents' mental, emotional, and spiritual reserves.
About the Author:
Laurie Wallin strives every day to live out her message for families: that no matter the challenge, in Jesus they can have joy and confidence. She is mom to four girls, two of them with mental and developmental special needs. She has been a certified life coach for over a decade, and is a regular speaker at women’s events and retreats, a popular blogger, and the author of Why Your Weirdness Is Wonderful.
My Review:
Get Your Joy Back, takes the problems that face many special needs parents and throws them at the feet of God and dares the devil to take charge. Special needs parenting takes a toll on these parents that frankly many other parents may not face daily, if at all. Most of the time parents of special needs parents become weary because they are soul care givers that never receive a much deserved break. These parents along with many others in similar situations have to be reminded to look to God for their strength and that is what the author Laurie Wallin instructs them to do and she not only instructs them but also shows them how to get their joy back.
I believe the author has tackled a common problem among special needs parents that needs to be addressed. She tackles it and explains how to get a hold of it!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
February 9, 2015
I could not put this book down! It is so well written and Laurie draws you into her story, and the stories of others. She has so many great ideas and the book helped me to see that there is joy in the life that we lead.
This book is written for the parent who has special needs children. Laurie shares how you're always having to be aware and it's hard to find those times of rest and joy. She explains how isolated you can feel because your situation is not the "normal" that others expect. Endless doctor appointments, finding the right doctors and therapists, and dealing with extended family members who may or may not understand, all add to the pressure a special needs parent feels.
I am not the parent of a special needs child, but I found so much helpful information in this book! I know that if I found it helpful, the special needs family is going to gain so much from it! I could relate to the stress that Laurie feels because of my own health issues and how they have changed my life. None of what Laurie goes through is of her own making and neither are my health issues but we have to cope and learn to live in the moment and find joy where we can.
The chapter that really resonated with me was about the church and how we can expect them to be there for us when others aren't. After all, we are all Christ followers, full of love for one another, and they will be there for us through these day to day tough times. Unfortunately, as I have found out and so has Laurie and many of her friends, the church is sometimes one of the hurtful places that adds to our stress. It helped me so much to read this chapter as I have had many of the same hurts and situations as these families. Laurie shares how to get past this hurt and move past the expectations.
This book would be so helpful to friends and family of special needs families. It gives such a clear picture of what these parents deal with on a daily basis and how, we as friends and family, can be helpful to them. This is just a wonderful book all the way around and I highly recommend it!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
This book is written for the parent who has special needs children. Laurie shares how you're always having to be aware and it's hard to find those times of rest and joy. She explains how isolated you can feel because your situation is not the "normal" that others expect. Endless doctor appointments, finding the right doctors and therapists, and dealing with extended family members who may or may not understand, all add to the pressure a special needs parent feels.
I am not the parent of a special needs child, but I found so much helpful information in this book! I know that if I found it helpful, the special needs family is going to gain so much from it! I could relate to the stress that Laurie feels because of my own health issues and how they have changed my life. None of what Laurie goes through is of her own making and neither are my health issues but we have to cope and learn to live in the moment and find joy where we can.
The chapter that really resonated with me was about the church and how we can expect them to be there for us when others aren't. After all, we are all Christ followers, full of love for one another, and they will be there for us through these day to day tough times. Unfortunately, as I have found out and so has Laurie and many of her friends, the church is sometimes one of the hurtful places that adds to our stress. It helped me so much to read this chapter as I have had many of the same hurts and situations as these families. Laurie shares how to get past this hurt and move past the expectations.
This book would be so helpful to friends and family of special needs families. It gives such a clear picture of what these parents deal with on a daily basis and how, we as friends and family, can be helpful to them. This is just a wonderful book all the way around and I highly recommend it!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
January 30, 2015
Perhaps what surprised me the most, and what I liked best, is that Laurie Wallin begins and ends her book with the notion of forgiveness. I admit, this is not what I was expecting, but she makes a valid case that the best…even the only…way to get one’s joy back is to practice forgiveness. Whom are we forgiving? Ourselves, our spouses, children, community…God.
And then there’s the matter of grace.
“How we see ourselves in this role of parenting children with special needs and whether or not we learn to grieve the big and little things well comes down to one word: grace.
Grieving what we should have done sooner, might have done better, could have discovered earlier, or would have tried ‘if only…’–all of it needs to be wrapped into this one attribute of God.
Grace.”
Aha.
I also applaud (loudly) how she encourages moms to dream. I’m all over that. Too often dreams get buried under the mundane and the stress. But Laurie suggests a way out from under. She also encourages soaking our minds in the truth. Changing the way we think, based on God’s truth as revealed in His Word, so that we may then change how we feel. I also appreciate her focus on marriage, and that she bases all of her ideas on Scripture, which she quotes directly, frequently.
Will this book do as promised? After reading it, will get your joy back? I’d say that depends on how much you’re willing to accept Laurie’s guidance. I also think it might depend on where your child falls on the “special needs” spectrum because that will affect how deeply you can relate to what she’s saying.
I do have to say that where Laurie really won me over was in her final pages where she offers her readers a free, 30-minute coaching session to move them toward confident, joy-filled living. I take this as an author who is not content to merely keep her readers at arm’s length, but to be there for them, personally, to show them on a better path.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Kregel Publications for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
And then there’s the matter of grace.
“How we see ourselves in this role of parenting children with special needs and whether or not we learn to grieve the big and little things well comes down to one word: grace.
Grieving what we should have done sooner, might have done better, could have discovered earlier, or would have tried ‘if only…’–all of it needs to be wrapped into this one attribute of God.
Grace.”
Aha.
I also applaud (loudly) how she encourages moms to dream. I’m all over that. Too often dreams get buried under the mundane and the stress. But Laurie suggests a way out from under. She also encourages soaking our minds in the truth. Changing the way we think, based on God’s truth as revealed in His Word, so that we may then change how we feel. I also appreciate her focus on marriage, and that she bases all of her ideas on Scripture, which she quotes directly, frequently.
Will this book do as promised? After reading it, will get your joy back? I’d say that depends on how much you’re willing to accept Laurie’s guidance. I also think it might depend on where your child falls on the “special needs” spectrum because that will affect how deeply you can relate to what she’s saying.
I do have to say that where Laurie really won me over was in her final pages where she offers her readers a free, 30-minute coaching session to move them toward confident, joy-filled living. I take this as an author who is not content to merely keep her readers at arm’s length, but to be there for them, personally, to show them on a better path.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Kregel Publications for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
June 15, 2015
Life coach, author and speaker, Laurie Wallin packs a wallop with her book Get Your Joy Back. Written for parents of special needs children, and using her honest and personal journey as a mother of two special needs children, Wallin shares very practical ways to be joyful and at peace amidst the often chaotic life experienced in these families. Using multiple scripture references, other authors and various experiences of people living with special needs children, Wallin clearly points out that forgiveness is the key to realizing joy. Forgiving the child, the family, the church community, the professionals and even perhaps God. Special needs families need to recognize that their expectations of love and support from these individuals (God excluded) are often way above what is needed. Throughout the book there are very practical ideas that will help parents be productive and effective. Ideas such as keeping a thorough record/journal/binder of medical history, names and contact info of all medical providers/therapists and family history, and "documenting your wins"--making a list of how a need was met, a problem solved, the right question asked. Focusing on the positives, especially the small wins, and choosing to be grateful changes the experience of stressful situations. Guarding your time by knowing when to say no or yes. Wallin encourages special needs families to pursue a firm relationship with a God who grieves with us, and to understand and appropriate his gift of grace, both of which will bring peace. The validation of emotions, from guilt to anger, from frustration to weariness is an encouragement to those involved with special needs children and a challenge to keep on despite the difficulties. There is hope. There is joy. Wallin has shared her heart to tell her readers how to get this joy back.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deepershopping.com, Christianbook.com, Bookfun.org, Booksamillion.com and GoodReads.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deepershopping.com, Christianbook.com, Bookfun.org, Booksamillion.com and GoodReads.
June 4, 2015
An excellent book which has much to share with parents of special needs children. The author shares first hand experiences, struggles and joys as she and her husband go through life with four children, two adopted with special needs, both with more than just one need as well as two younger biological children.
It is great to read that others are struggling with many issues that they too may feel too ashamed to admit to others. There are chapters on dealing with resentment towards yourself, child, spouse-and how to reconnect when so much time is spent dealing with the issues of the child(ren) that you don’t’ have time for each other, as well as family.
But it doesn’t stop there. There are many professionals that need to be seen and because they see so many children with special needs, easy to feel or be unheard. You know your child, you are there constantly and yet some will try to talk down to you. How can it be better dealt with?
And what about your church family, how helpful have they been? Sometimes people don’t know how to help. Are you struggling with this? Then pick up this book and see what can be done.
Have you ever been upset with God because He doesn’t seem to hear or understand or help you with what you are facing? There is a wonderful chapter on this.
The end of the chapters on forgiving also give ideas for practicing the suggestions offered in each chapter, which is a good way to put into practice what is being learned.
Scripture is shared through out, and gives hope and encouragement that with His help, all things are possible.
I was given this book by book fun.org in exchange for an honest review.
It is great to read that others are struggling with many issues that they too may feel too ashamed to admit to others. There are chapters on dealing with resentment towards yourself, child, spouse-and how to reconnect when so much time is spent dealing with the issues of the child(ren) that you don’t’ have time for each other, as well as family.
But it doesn’t stop there. There are many professionals that need to be seen and because they see so many children with special needs, easy to feel or be unheard. You know your child, you are there constantly and yet some will try to talk down to you. How can it be better dealt with?
And what about your church family, how helpful have they been? Sometimes people don’t know how to help. Are you struggling with this? Then pick up this book and see what can be done.
Have you ever been upset with God because He doesn’t seem to hear or understand or help you with what you are facing? There is a wonderful chapter on this.
The end of the chapters on forgiving also give ideas for practicing the suggestions offered in each chapter, which is a good way to put into practice what is being learned.
Scripture is shared through out, and gives hope and encouragement that with His help, all things are possible.
I was given this book by book fun.org in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2016
"Get Your Joy Back" by author Laurie Wallin was just what I needed to read. This slim 178 page paperback has a joyful cover on it. A sweet girl, eyes closed, is blowing bubbles on a sunshine golden cover. Author Wallin has written this powerful book for parents (and grandparents) of special needs children. In it she is honest about her own journey and struggles. She, too, is the mother of two special needs ones herself.
Author Wallin shares some practical ways to be joyful and peaceful in the new normal life with a special needs child. How do parents and families find peace and joy? Using scripture references, other people's experiences living with special needs children, she provides examples and ideas. The main point she stresses is that forgiveness is the key to joy. It is forgiving the child, the family, friends, the church community, the professionals and maybe even God.
She urges parents to take joy in each and every success, no matter how small. Stay positive. Keep good medical records. She even suggests getting a binder for all of the medical and doctor information. Be hopeful. Lean on God. She has many more gems in this lovely biblically based book to aid families.
Being the grandmother of a special needs grandson, I found this book essential. It helped me, and I quickly passed it along to my daughter. Families in this situation can use all of the inspirational guidance available to them. I highly recommend it to anyone with a special needs family member. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A free copy was provided by the Book Club Network for my honest review.
Author Wallin shares some practical ways to be joyful and peaceful in the new normal life with a special needs child. How do parents and families find peace and joy? Using scripture references, other people's experiences living with special needs children, she provides examples and ideas. The main point she stresses is that forgiveness is the key to joy. It is forgiving the child, the family, friends, the church community, the professionals and maybe even God.
She urges parents to take joy in each and every success, no matter how small. Stay positive. Keep good medical records. She even suggests getting a binder for all of the medical and doctor information. Be hopeful. Lean on God. She has many more gems in this lovely biblically based book to aid families.
Being the grandmother of a special needs grandson, I found this book essential. It helped me, and I quickly passed it along to my daughter. Families in this situation can use all of the inspirational guidance available to them. I highly recommend it to anyone with a special needs family member. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A free copy was provided by the Book Club Network for my honest review.
February 16, 2015
My husband and I have adopted some children into our home. These children of our heart have some learning speedbumps. They could be labelled autistic, ADHD, RAD, and so many more titles that I don't like to use. This book is going on my shelf. This book is getting read on a daily basis. It is so HARD to homeschool these children sometimes because they are high need. They have good days and they have bad days. There are days it's easy to find my joy and days I think all my joy done up and left me! But then I remember my why's and life goes on.
When I first heard this title I knew I wanted to review it. I knew that this book would pertain to my life and sometimes you just need to know that someone else has been there and knows what you are going through. I have 9 children. That alone makes some peoples eyes roll back in their heads. There is no spot to tell them that some of the kids have special needs. They've already spaced out, gone blank, and just simply cannot understand what my life is like. In this book I found another mother who understands. She may not have the number of kids, but she has the issues. And like she says, you can find joy. For me it's a heart issue and making sure my heart is where it should be. Get Your Joy Back.
As a last note, you don't have to parent special needs kids to enjoy this book. I think any parent would benefit from the wisdom of finding your joy, keeping your joy, and getting your joy back.
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I first heard this title I knew I wanted to review it. I knew that this book would pertain to my life and sometimes you just need to know that someone else has been there and knows what you are going through. I have 9 children. That alone makes some peoples eyes roll back in their heads. There is no spot to tell them that some of the kids have special needs. They've already spaced out, gone blank, and just simply cannot understand what my life is like. In this book I found another mother who understands. She may not have the number of kids, but she has the issues. And like she says, you can find joy. For me it's a heart issue and making sure my heart is where it should be. Get Your Joy Back.
As a last note, you don't have to parent special needs kids to enjoy this book. I think any parent would benefit from the wisdom of finding your joy, keeping your joy, and getting your joy back.
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2015
Laurie Wallin has written a wonderfully helpful book for many who have a special needs child in your life. Even Grandmother's, friends, teachers and anyone else whose life touches a special needs child can get much needed information from this book.
I personally did not have a special needs child, I have a close friend whom I've spent countless numbers of hours with because of my health, has an autistic grandchild. I witnessed firsthand what it was like for mother and grandmother. I've never seen two more selfless people than this mother and grandmother. But, I still think they would glean some good information from this book. I will share it with them.
I also have a grandson, with whom we live, that has ADHD. It affects all of us a lot, especially because he was doing school at home. It has been quite an ordeal this last year. I so appreciated the helpful words from this book directing me to where I need to go and what I need to do.
I can even see that anyone who read this book would be blessed by what Laurie has to say in it. I would recommend this to all special needs parents, first, but also to everyone else. I say this because I witnessed a Down's syndrome boy grow up in our church. He was in a Tech group who learned sign language to songs. He would sit in the back of the church doing this sign language when we sang a song he knew. Everyone in church was blessed by this young man, he taught us all a lot.
I have received this book from bookfun.org in return for an honest review.
I personally did not have a special needs child, I have a close friend whom I've spent countless numbers of hours with because of my health, has an autistic grandchild. I witnessed firsthand what it was like for mother and grandmother. I've never seen two more selfless people than this mother and grandmother. But, I still think they would glean some good information from this book. I will share it with them.
I also have a grandson, with whom we live, that has ADHD. It affects all of us a lot, especially because he was doing school at home. It has been quite an ordeal this last year. I so appreciated the helpful words from this book directing me to where I need to go and what I need to do.
I can even see that anyone who read this book would be blessed by what Laurie has to say in it. I would recommend this to all special needs parents, first, but also to everyone else. I say this because I witnessed a Down's syndrome boy grow up in our church. He was in a Tech group who learned sign language to songs. He would sit in the back of the church doing this sign language when we sang a song he knew. Everyone in church was blessed by this young man, he taught us all a lot.
I have received this book from bookfun.org in return for an honest review.
July 15, 2015
This book is about “Banishing Resentment and Reclaiming Confidence in Your Special Needs Family” and is written for the parents of special needs children. I think it would also be an important read for anyone who knows a family with special needs children or anyone who is in a position to work with and/or minister to families. Many of the truths in this book apply to all families. As the parent of a special needs child who is now 15 years old, I would have benefited even more from this book had I been able to read it years ago. It is helpful to know that there are others out there experiencing the same situations and how they made it through. The book is very well written; the chapter topics are insightful; the book is well documented with quotes from professionals. The book is an encouragement; it is a call to prayer; it is a reminder of where true joy comes from.
One of my favorite statements in the book is this from Chapter 13 “Be all here. Look to God in this moment – in regard to community relationships or any other aspect of life. Let the rest go.” The book challenges us to “be a compassion ambassador”, “learn how to say no, and when to say yes”, and to learn to ask for help and then receive it. And one of the most challenging for all of us is to really listen to others, be honest and open and be there for them.
I received a copy of this book by way of The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite statements in the book is this from Chapter 13 “Be all here. Look to God in this moment – in regard to community relationships or any other aspect of life. Let the rest go.” The book challenges us to “be a compassion ambassador”, “learn how to say no, and when to say yes”, and to learn to ask for help and then receive it. And one of the most challenging for all of us is to really listen to others, be honest and open and be there for them.
I received a copy of this book by way of The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2015
As a single mom to a special needs kiddo, I've found myself sometimes feeling buried under his needs. Please don't get me wrong. I don't resent it for a single moment. My grieving time for not having a "normal" child is long past and I love this kid with everything I have and I am as insanely proud of him and his accomplishments as I am his younger brother. What I mean is that while making myself available to him 24/7/365 and dealing with his special needs (such as I tutor him every single night for hours), I've lost myself in the process. I stopped dreaming or even thinking that I could have dreams.
This book made me smile from the moment that I started reading it. Laurie gets it. Every single page seemed to have something that I could relate to. Some of it I've dealt with, some of it I'm still dealing with. This book isn't about how to handle your child's needs or to find the perfect specialist. It's about finding yourself, forgiveness and finding joy in the journey again. She encourages us to dream and that we deserve to dream. Will you find joy after reading this book? I don't know but I do know that it will remind you that you are not alone and sometimes just having that reminder can make a huge difference.
This book made me smile from the moment that I started reading it. Laurie gets it. Every single page seemed to have something that I could relate to. Some of it I've dealt with, some of it I'm still dealing with. This book isn't about how to handle your child's needs or to find the perfect specialist. It's about finding yourself, forgiveness and finding joy in the journey again. She encourages us to dream and that we deserve to dream. Will you find joy after reading this book? I don't know but I do know that it will remind you that you are not alone and sometimes just having that reminder can make a huge difference.
September 11, 2015
This book is truly amazing and convicting. It brought me to tears to see the reality of family of kids with special needs face. I appreciate the honesty that Laurie wrote this book. It expressed her hopes, dreams, frustrations and joys. This is a book I would highly recommend for everyone. It saddened me to read that how we as Christians treat these families. It made me look at myself to see what I can do to families who are struggling or need long-term help. I admire the author’s vulnerability in her writing. It was real and raw. She did not leave anything out. She conveyed what it truly means to have a special needs family. She also challenges us that call ourselves Christian to repent and do not exclude families that have special needs. We who know Jesus should be the most patient, understanding and loving.
This was a profound book. I learned so much about these mothers.
I thank you Laurie and all the families for reminding us of God’s love and calling us higher. The life you live is not easy but thank you for letting us know that you and your family are more than a diagnosis.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”
This was a profound book. I learned so much about these mothers.
I thank you Laurie and all the families for reminding us of God’s love and calling us higher. The life you live is not easy but thank you for letting us know that you and your family are more than a diagnosis.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”
June 23, 2015
As the mother of a special needs son with autism I was looking forward to reading this book. Most days do not seem filled joy, but filled with appointments and problems. Getting Your Joy Back was an intriguing title, and author Laurie Wallin did not disappoint me.
She walks readers through a series of ways to forgive yourself, your child, your spouse, family, church, God and professionals. I needed to hear her thoughts on each. A friend of mine said that having a special needs child give you so many more opportunities to fight with your spouse, be hurt by others, and be angry with God. Wallin kindly walks you through forgiveness and gives you hope for your future. She has the authority to do this because she has walked the same path . She is not a another professional saying ,"I do not know what you are going through but. . . ." I found that comforting.
This would be a great book to walk through with other special needs parents in a safe group at church, or to read by yourself. I highly recommend it.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion from The Book Club Network.
She walks readers through a series of ways to forgive yourself, your child, your spouse, family, church, God and professionals. I needed to hear her thoughts on each. A friend of mine said that having a special needs child give you so many more opportunities to fight with your spouse, be hurt by others, and be angry with God. Wallin kindly walks you through forgiveness and gives you hope for your future. She has the authority to do this because she has walked the same path . She is not a another professional saying ,"I do not know what you are going through but. . . ." I found that comforting.
This would be a great book to walk through with other special needs parents in a safe group at church, or to read by yourself. I highly recommend it.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion from The Book Club Network.
July 2, 2015
Any parent with an intense, excitable, high maintenance or special needs child knows the struggle. “For weary parents of special needs kids from a parent who’s been there.” We all know how hard it is and how much we need the encouragement. This author has been there – is still there – and gives us loads of hope and help. This book is all about restoring the joy you want and used to have. She tackles the hard subject of forgiveness – of yourself, your child, spouse, family and even church and professionals. This makes you dig deep and see what may be keeping you from that joy you can have while being a special needs parent. Many personal experiences are woven in the pages to keep you encouraged and remind you that you are not alone. God has a plan and is with you. This author even tackles the “why God?” questions and “why me”. She gives good ideas to practice what she has been teaching. This is one of the most excellent books on the subject I have ever read. It’s easy to read, easy to understand and it talks plainly to your heart. Get your joy back with God!!
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
July 2, 2015
Any parent with an intense, excitable, high maintenance or special needs child knows the struggle. “For weary parents of special needs kids from a parent who’s been there.” We all know how hard it is and how much we need the encouragement. This author has been there – is still there – and gives us loads of hope and help. This book is all about restoring the joy you want and used to have. She tackles the hard subject of forgiveness – of yourself, your child, spouse, family and even church and professionals. This makes you dig deep and see what may be keeping you from that joy you can have while being a special needs parent. Many personal experiences are woven in the pages to keep you encouraged and remind you that you are not alone. God has a plan and is with you. This author even tackles the “why God?” questions and “why me”. She gives good ideas to practice what she has been teaching. This is one of the most excellent books on the subject I have ever read. It’s easy to read, easy to understand and it talks plainly to your heart. Get your joy back with God!!
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
January 21, 2015
Working with children of special needs can be exhausting, especially on a daily basis, but living and caring for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can bring it to a whole new level. Having JOY every single day can be overwhelming, frustrating and completely draining. Not only caring for a child with special needs, but then also taking care of your every day life things like paying bills, grocery shopping, going to the Dr's, bedtime routine, visiting family and vacations? Those can be so overwhelming! I love how Laurie is honest, authentic and real about how difficult it can be to care for a child that has such demanding needs. On the other hand, Laurie realizes how beautiful it can be watching God's story unfold in each and every situation whether good, bad or ugly. God uses the mess and makes it for good. He uses the labels, diagnoses, therapeutic appointments and can turn them into good situations if you allow him to enter in and choose JOY! Of course this book is filled with humor, encouragement, validation and hope, which the world could use!
February 6, 2015
I received this book in exchange for honest review. he book is about getting your joy back, when you have special needs kids.,\ Brad has Autism and ADHD. Kalen has Autism; Global Developmental Delays; Sensory Processing Disorder; and Static Encephalopathy. The book teaches about letting go of anger and resentment, which I struggle with daily. I have to understand that I am not ok each day. I am tired of doing this special needs parenting alone with little to no physical support. I am sick of Brad screaming each morning because he has to get up and get ready for school. His constant screams because he doesn't care for soap or deodorant. The frustration, I feel, when Kalen bangs or slaps his head, when he doesn't get his way. The lack of sleep some days. Special needs parents have to find joy in the midst of constant chaos.
June 8, 2015
I really liked this book. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have a child with special needs. I was asked to review this book and did so, but not because I myself needed the encouragement. In reading the book, however, I was pleased to see that it concentrated on the welfare of the care giver. Having a special needs child is a situation of chronic stress. Wallin has two foster-adopted children with a variety of special needs. So she knows what she writes about. Some of what she writes about requires decisions, like to let go of resentment. Some of these things are not easy but she also gives many suggestions and various strategies.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1G5rWY4.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1G5rWY4.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
January 18, 2015
This is a must read for any special needs parents. Laurie honestly tackles the hard issues we, as special needs parents, face that most people don't want to talk about. This book encouraged me that I was not alone in my thinking or discouragement, but it also gave practical steps to get my joy back! My book has so many "highlighted areas" because there is just so much good information that I don't want to forget. In my personal struggle with getting my joy back I've questioned "why her God? Why is this happening to us God? In the book Laurie said "When we ask why, we miss the point. "Why's" implicitly accuse God, while "how's" invite Him to show up and work miracles." (P.157) Wow is all I can say! Read it! #getyourjoyback
February 1, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse.
Cassandra's Review- I re wrote my review three time and decided to delete each one. I have so much to say about this book, that I just can not get it out in a way that does not seem negative. However the book itself is perfect for parents of special needs children, that feel they should be awarded a medal and mental support for taking part in the parenting of them. Maybe I am not reading the book the right way. I can not take anymore time on this. Would I recommend this? Yes, because I know out their there are parents like this. I would also prefer the parents to get help so that they do not take their problems out on the kids.
Cassandra's Review- I re wrote my review three time and decided to delete each one. I have so much to say about this book, that I just can not get it out in a way that does not seem negative. However the book itself is perfect for parents of special needs children, that feel they should be awarded a medal and mental support for taking part in the parenting of them. Maybe I am not reading the book the right way. I can not take anymore time on this. Would I recommend this? Yes, because I know out their there are parents like this. I would also prefer the parents to get help so that they do not take their problems out on the kids.
February 19, 2015
If I had not received a free copy in return for a review through LibraryThing Early Reviewers, I'd immediately buy a copy. As a teacher I deal with not only the child, but the parents who desperately need help too and this book is one I will be recommending. The book's tone is welcoming, understanding, nonjudgmental, and inspiring. The readability level may be too high for some parents, but the format of the bullets and all capital letter topic titles will make it easier for their use for easy reading when one has only a few free minutes.
March 19, 2016
This book was so helpful for me. My son has Aspergers and it showed a lot of the ups and downs that my husband and I have as parents to our son. It really touched basis on the resentment a family can have and how to banish it and reclaim our confidence back.
I am not a very confident person in many aspects of my life and one is being a mom to a special needs child but through love and faith I am staying strong and being the best mom I can be and keeping the joy in my life.
This is an awesome book for all parents that have special needs child/ren. Get Your Joy Back!
I am not a very confident person in many aspects of my life and one is being a mom to a special needs child but through love and faith I am staying strong and being the best mom I can be and keeping the joy in my life.
This is an awesome book for all parents that have special needs child/ren. Get Your Joy Back!
June 15, 2015
An honest book dealing with the caregivers (especially moms) of special needs children. God is the foundation of the book, as He should be in all our lives. Ms. Wallin is not afraid to admit to not being perfect and in the process helps her readers. This is a book I believe parents will refer to again after once having read it.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
January 22, 2015
Any conversation from one special needs parent to another special needs parent is blessed community. Laurie starts the dialogue honestly and goes where play dates are usually afraid to go. Thank you for leading us through a tricky time with grace and humanness!
December 22, 2015
This is a great book for parents of special needs children. I offers encouragement and resources that are out there available to be used as reminders that all children are special in God's eyes.
I received this book from the Book Club Network for my honest opinion.
I received this book from the Book Club Network for my honest opinion.
April 11, 2016
Life changing.
If you're ready to feel whole again read this book. It's authentic and gritty and hopeful. I feel like someone finally gets me without me having to explain anything. A must read for special needs parents.
If you're ready to feel whole again read this book. It's authentic and gritty and hopeful. I feel like someone finally gets me without me having to explain anything. A must read for special needs parents.
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