MaryJo lives in Fairview Park and has 3 children.

What do you do to relax?

Read

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I struggle with depression, anxiety and ADHD.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

CFK has offers support through its Coffee and Chat programs which brings together families who have children with similar diagnosis.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...

You will make it. It’s going to be hard, it will seem unfair, but we can do hard things.

The best way I asked for support was...

Registering for Coffee and Chat support groups and reaching out for respite care.

The most difficult part of parenting a child who struggles...

Trying to navigate the world in an effective way for my child. Looking at a scenario or certain atmosphere and asking, “How will my child respond to that?”

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I blog about significant events but also find support in Finding Coopers Voice and other similar blogs.

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

We have struggled through severe behaviors and a hospitalization. It may feel like you’re in the trenches and like you’re being dragged through mud at times but it’s not always going to be that way, asking for help and accepting it is key to survival through this season of life.