In this episode of Parenthood Unscripted, I welcome Dr. Anne McIntosh back for our third conversation together! Dr. McIntosh is a communication scientist, professor, author, and founder and CEO of Safe’N’Clear, the company behind the world’s first FDA-approved transparent surgical face mask. Her work brings together communication, accessibility, inclusion, and innovation, with a particular passion for creating greater access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Together, we have a powerful conversation about how we view disability, recognize our children's strengths, and support them in becoming confident, independent advocates for themselves. Dr. McIntosh shares her perspective on deafness as a “superpower,” why our children don't need to be “fixed,” and how parents can shift from making decisions for their children to making decisions with them.

We also talk about giving children a seat at the table, including involving them in their IEP meetings and other decisions that impact their lives. We explore how parents can support independence without unintentionally creating learned helplessness, why appropriate discomfort and failure are important parts of growth, and how giving children opportunities to explore their interests can help build confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy.

Whether you're parenting a child with a disability, navigating an IEP, working on building your child's independence, or simply trying to raise a child who trusts their own voice, this episode is filled with encouragement, perspective, and practical takeaways.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Dr. McIntosh views deafness as a “superpower”• Recognizing the strengths and perspectives that come with experiencing the world differently• Why our children are not problems that need to be “fixed”• The difference between removing barriers and trying to change the child• Why our fears as parents aren't always the same as our children's fears• The importance of including children in decisions that affect their lives• Why children deserve a seat at the table during conversations about their education and future• How involving children in IEP meetings can build self-advocacy and ownership• Supporting independence without stepping in to solve every problem• What learned helplessness is and how we can unintentionally contribute to it• Why appropriate discomfort, failure, and problem-solving are important parts of growth• How allowing children to explore their own interests can build confidence and resilience• What true inclusion looks like in schools, healthcare, and everyday life• Why accessibility means more than simply having access—it means being able to participate and have a voice• Practical ways parents can help their children develop independence and self-advocacy

Connect with Dr. Anne McIntosh:🌐 Safe'N'Clear: https://www.safenclear.com📧 Email: Anne.McIntosh@SafeNClear.com

A takeaway I hope you leave this episode with:

As parents, it can be incredibly difficult to step back. We want to protect our children, prevent frustration, and make things easier for them.

But sometimes, our job isn't to remove every challenge.

Sometimes, it's to make sure our children have the support, access, and tools they need and then give them the opportunity to try.

To make decisions.To make mistakes.To problem-solve.To speak up.To discover what they're capable of.

What is one thing you might be ready to start doing WITH your child instead of FOR your child?

If this episode resonated with you, please follow Parenthood Unscripted, leave a rating or review, and share it with another parent who may need this reminder.

Our children don't need us to create a life without challenges. They need us to believe in their ability to navigate them. 🤍