#254: The Universal Impact of Special Needs on a Family (Feat Steve and Katie Keene)

Crazy Cool Family

How do we talk about special needs within families?

Humbly and with kindness. This topic can be sensitive and a lot of people do not know how to approach it. We invited Katie and Steve Keene onto today’s episode because they carry wisdom, experience, and passion for families who have special needs kids.

Keene’s first son created a life they didn’t expect and brought special needs into their family. They’ve been married 23 years and have 5 children. They love all their kids and admit to the hardships their family faces due to special needs. BUT they have not let it discourage them - instead they are investing in family and helping other families do the same! They feel called outward to help families who were also struggling. They started a membership site and podcast as an avenue to help families have community.

Steve and Katie Keene join us to talk about a unique and often sensitive topic within the family. They have experience with special needs children and have a passion for families with special needs children. Katie shares about the definition of special needs and how we are sensitive to it. There are so many needs impacting families daily. Steve dives deep into the power of asking, listening, and being willing to serve families such as theirs. Everything they say is insightful and practical!

Here are things talks about in this episode:

• How special needs impacts family
• Parenting kids with high needs
• The value of community amidst raising kids with challenges

How can you help families with kids who have special needs?

• Ask AND keep asking!
• Truly listen to their needs and help them!
• Offer to help them in their homes
• Be transparent, don’t try to equate it to your life problems
• Don’t talk about yourself, listen to them – go further!
• Keep inviting them to events, even if you know they can’t come

Katie and Steve have lots of ways they help families with special needs children. They value community and desire for every family to feel loved, known, and equipped to love their child, no matter what challenges they face. Check out their link below to learn how you can help or be helped in this area of family.

Podcast Resources:

• Katie and Steve's Resources
• Join the 5 Day Family Challenge
• Visit the CCF Store
• Follow us on Instagram