My guest this week is Cheryl Cardall. In this episode, we are talking about an issue that isn’t covered or supported enough: the current systems are failing parents who are raising kids with mental health challenges and the immense struggle parents often face when trying to get them the help they need. This can create a lot of pain and difficulties in the lives of parents (and children), to the point where the disorders and challenges can take over the family. Unfortunately, there is a lot of social stigma around this topic and especially with the mental health piece, not just for children, but for the parents of these children. My guest Cheryl, as a parent of 5 children and an expert parent coach is going to shine some light on this so we can become more aware of these real lived experiences parents raising kids with extra challenges face and how we can start to develop and provide more effective support systems of care that actually meet the needs, and mental health needs, of these individuals, the parents, and families.      Cheryl Cardall ​​is a parent and a parent coach who has been focusing on these issues personally and professionally for many years. She has so many important insights to share. I'm going to tell you a little bit about her. She's a parent, coach and host of the Fight Like a Mother podcast. Her mission is to advocate for and educate around mental health, as well as provide support and resources for parents raising kids with extra challenges. She has a bachelor's degree in Family and Human Development from the University of Utah, and loves to speak and teach around helping to strengthen families. Cheryl and her husband, Dave, are the proud parents of five children.   Connect with Cheryl: Insta: @cherylcardall Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428000511062660/ Website: https://www.fightlikeamotherpodcast.com/ Podcast: https://www.fightlikeamotherpodcast.com/podcast-1     ------     Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Cheryl & Parent Coaching … 00:01:40 Kids with Challenges-It Can be Tough … 00:08:15 Crisis & Help Centers are Overwhelmed … 00:12:54 Emotional & Physical Burnout for Parents … 00:16:25 Parents Taking on the Blame & Shame … 00:19:50 How to Overcome Codependency … 00:27:05 Acceptance & Reality of Kids with Challenges … 00:29:05 How Toxic Childhoods Affects Us … 00:31:30  Is Social Media Making You Feel Worse? … 00:34:40 Supportive Community for Parents with Kids with Challenges … 00:36:00 Detaching & Advocating for Themselves … 00:39:00  Advice for How Others Can Help … 00:43:55 Community, Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:35     ------     Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com