RAR #57: How Stories Shaped an Out-of-the-Box Kid, Sally & Nathan Clarkson
Nathan Clarkson grew up as an out-of-the-box kid living with ADHD, mental illness, and (thankfully) a very loving mother, Sally.
The two have recently published their story in the book Different, which details how stories helped to shape Nathan, and how his mom came to decide that what other people thought about their parenting and educational approach was irrelevant.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- how books shaped Nathan’s out-of-the-box childhood
- why Sally and Nathan are so grateful for the time they spent reading together
- how stories can help during dark times
Whether you are parenting an out-of-the-box child or not, this episode reminds us to embrace our children, just they way they are, and inspires us to use books to help them along the way.
Click the play button below:
Books from this episode:
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Oh my goodness I loved this podcast. My son is 10 and very much like Nathan with a slew of diagnoses. In fact I often try to remind myself (and others) those qualities are part of who God made him to be and can have strengths in them, not just a long list of “faults” or checkmarks against him in life. He was in public school until part of 2nd grade when we finally were tired of trying to fit him in a system that didn’t emphasize his strengths or encourage him…it was only making him more anxious and not confident in who God made him to be. Homeschooling has been the BEST decision we’ve made. I have the educating the whole hearted child book and teaching from rest. Both books have been so helpful in learning to not force my son (or myself) into what the normal school system thinks he should be learning and how. Thanks for all the great ideas. (P.s. Sarah, I believe you are a spokane mama – shout out for spokane, me too ;)
Kira–Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your boy is lucky to have such a caring, committed mama!
What a wonderful episode! What was the title of the Andrew Carnegie book Sally mentioned? Thanks so much!!!
Sarah recommends “Caught Up in a Story”, I bought it but I’ve had to buy it three more times because I keep giving it away! Best baby gift!
This is the best kind of recommendation!
So inspiring to hear from other parents of different children. My ‘out of the box’ son is encouraged by characters in books who also face struggles in life. It’s so important for our children not to feel alone and books can give them a true friend, when friends in real life can be, sadly, lacking.
Any idea what Andrew Carnegie book Sally and Nathan referred to in the podcast? Thanks!
I think it was How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie :)
Sarah, that was really great and helpful – thank you so much. It is amazing to hear over and over about families where “different” children are helped and loved and allowed to grow up to be who God made them to be. One of our children also has to have busy hands when being read to – lego building and HUNDREDS of paper airplanes produced with every book read :)) Thanks so much for yet another unforgettable podcast!
I love the Clarksons and really enjoyed this podcast! They always have such wonderful advice and great books recommendations. Little Britches is a huge favorite at our house with my three girls, ages 11,9 and 6.