Water Prairie Chronicles

What if the answer to your child's communication struggles is simpler than you think? We sat down with Luba Patlakh, founder of , to talk about the power of early intervention and why your parental gut is your best guide. She shares an incredible story about a child's breakthrough with selective mutism and gives us a clear roadmap for navigating speech therapy. Check out Luba's full story in Episode 138!

Episode Webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2025/09/22/early-speech-therapy/
Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4JMcjAv__v0



[image description] Text over image of a child getting a bandage on their finger, "If they really needed something or they were injured, how would they tell you?"

I'm happy Water Prairie was able to be part of such a good cause! HD Reach is a great resource for individuals and families affected by Huntington's disease (HD) in North Carolina. Be sure to check out what they're doing to provide support, education, and care management.

Water Prairie Chronicles

This week on the podcast, we're discussing a topic that is close to the heart of every parent of a child with a disability: independence. We often worry about what will happen to our children when they're older, but the truth is, the journey to independence starts now. Join us as we talk with authors Kristin Lombardi and Christine Drew about how to prepare your child for adulthood, no matter their age or abilities. They provide a compassionate, step-by-step guide to building life skills and reducing your own stress. Listen now to learn why it's never too late to start.

Click here to listen or watch: https://waterprairie.com/2025/08/24/independence/



[img description] Is your child ready for independence? Featuring special guests: Kirstin Lombardi, MA and Christine Drew, PhD. Water Prairie Episode #134

If you’ve ever looked at your child’s life and thought,
"This isn’t what I pictured for them"...
You’re not alone.
But maybe — just maybe — your child doesn’t feel that loss the same way.
Maybe they’re already living their version of joy.
The grief we carry?
It’s often ours.
And it’s okay to let it go.
🤍 I created a free mindfulness guide to help parents find peace in these moments — Get your FREE Mindfulness e-Book here: https://waterprairie.com/calm

Tag someone who needs this reminder today.
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Slide 1: If you’re a parent who still grieves the life you thought your child would have… Read this.
Slide 2: You imagined their life one way. And then came the diagnosis, the label, the unexpected.
Slide 3: Suddenly, the future you pictured disappears. And you start grieving a life they’ll never live.
Slide 4: Your child? They don’t grieve the same future. They only know their life — the one they’re living.
Slide 5: They’re not comparing it to a version that never happened. We are.
Slide 6: What you’re carrying isn’t wrong. It’s real. But it’s okay to set it down. And see your child’s life for the good it already holds.
Slide 7: This is the kind of shift I help parents work through. Tap the link in bio for a free mindfulness guide made for moments like this. Follow .Prairie on Instagram and Water Prairie Chronicles on YouTube for support rooted in reality— and hope.