Ep 21: Willa | Parent | Late Diagnosis | NZSL | Parent 'Gut' | Lots of Wisdom!
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Willa - mum of two wonderful boys, one hearing and one profoundly Deaf, and current president of APODC (Auckland Parents of Deaf Children). Willa shares her family’s journey through a late diagnosis at 18 months, the whirlwind of emotions that came with it, and how she’s always trusted her gut when it comes to advocating for her son. This chat is packed with raw honesty, mum wisdom, and the kind of grounded leadership that only comes from lived experience. Whether you're at the start of your journey or somewhere in the thick of it, Willa’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers - just the courage to ask the right questions and keep showing up.
Clare x
-----
Links to Raising Bilinguals courses:
THE RB CLUB exclusive online parent community: Join now!
For more on Clare and the Raising Bilinguals journey:
Visit her website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages
-----------------------
YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations
For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x
--------
48:46
--------
48:46
Ep 20: 3 assumptions about bilingual 'success' I made when I had my Deaf son
In this episode, I’m diving into the 3 biggest assumptions I made about what bilingual success should look like when I first had my Deaf son. Spoiler: I thought I had it all figured out as a Teacher of the Deaf… but parenting cracked that wide open. I share how my definition of bilingualism has completely evolved, and why I now believe it’s not just possible - but accessible - for every family raising a deaf or hard of hearing child. This one’s for anyone who’s ever questioned if they’re “doing it right!"
Clare x
PS I also mention my upcoming bilingual masterclass which is going to be such a powerful first step for families wanting to build a bilingual approach with their kids (Oh and PS it's actually landing early next week, not this week!)
--------------
👉 Want to be first to nab my masterclass next week? Make sure you're on my mailing list and broadcast channel (Instagram) to be the first to get the link! Cannot wait to share this one with you x
👉 The Bilingual Blueprint 30 Day Program is coming! Be the first to jump in and get a sneaky early-bird offer when it launches this June: Join the Waitlist
👉 Looking for 1:1 support? I've just launched my new 1:1 Parent Compass Calls - a 60 minute intensive session - to support families in tackling everything from advocacy and NDIS support, to school preparation and language development. You also receive a tailored action plan to ensure you meet the goals set for your deaf child. Book your call in today!
--------
Follow me on socials:
Visit our website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages
-----------------------
YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations
For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x
--------
36:08
--------
36:08
Ep 19: When will my deaf child sign back to me?
**NOTE: I am taking a 2 week holiday with my little fam bam in Japan, so The POD PLACE will be having a month's break. We will be back in June for a parent episode to kick of the mid year!** In this latest podcast episode, I unpack the journey of signed language development in deaf and hard of hearing kids — breaking it into four natural phases most families experience. I also help you tune in to how often communication is missed in the everyday rush and how we can better notice, catch, and respond to our little ones’ early communication attempts.
Clare x
------
👉 Did someone say free stuff?: My FREE 'School Advocacy Checklist' is available now (Grab it before your next big meeting!)
👉 The Bilingual Blueprint 30 Day Program is coming! Be the first to jump in and get a sneaky early-bird offer when it launches this June: Join the Waitlist
👉 Looking for 1:1 support? Come join us in our beautiful RB CLUB - a thriving online parent community for hearing parents on the bilingual journey - get ready to feel real support and see REAL change in your life - and your child's! The RB CLUB is the only tribe of it's kind and is home to parents of deaf kids all over the world. Learn more here.
Follow me on socials:
Visit our website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages
-----------------------
YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations
For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x
In this episode I sit down with the wonderful Nicole - a powerhouse parent of two gorgeous boys - Tennyson and Maverick. From finding out Mav was Deaf to then going down a path of multiple diagnoses, including Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Nicole talks candidly about the journey and provides some wonderful nuggets of wisdom! Let's dive in. Clare x
------
👉 Did someone say free stuff?: My '5 Reading Habits to Avoid with your Deaf/Hard of Hearing Child' eBook is available now (Grab it here!)
👉 The Bilingual Blueprint 30 Day Program is coming! Be the first to jump in and get a sneaky early-bird offer when it launches this June: Join the Waitlist
👉 Looking for 1:1 support? Come join us in our beautiful RB CLUB - a thriving online parent community for hearing parents on the bilingual journey - get ready to feel real support and see REAL change in your life - and your child's! The RB CLUB is the only tribe of it's kind and is home to parents of deaf kids all over the world. Learn more here.
Follow me on socials:
Visit our website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages
-----------------------
YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations
For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x
--------
35:33
--------
35:33
Ep 17: How to handle unsolicited advice
In this episode, I unpack simple, yet powerful ways we as parents can navigate the constant stream of comments, questions, advice (and sometimes criticisms) on the journey - with equal parts grit and grace.
Let's dive in!
Clare x
------
👉 Did someone say free stuff?: My '5 Reading Habits to Avoid with your Deaf/Hard of Hearing Child' eBook is available now (Grab it here!)
👉 The Bilingual Blueprint 30 Day Program is coming! Be the first to jump in and get a sneaky early-bird offer when it launches this June: Join the Waitlist
👉 Looking for 1:1 support? Come join us in our beautiful RB CLUB - a thriving online parent community for hearing parents on the bilingual journey - get ready to feel real support and see REAL change in your life - and your child's! The RB CLUB is the only tribe of it's kind and is home to parents of deaf kids all over the world. Learn more here.
Follow me on socials:
Visit our website, Instagram; Facebook and LinkedIn pages
-----------------------
YOUTUBE VODCAST with Auslan Interpretations
For those who prefer visual content, check out our vodcast version on YouTube, complete with captions, a full transcript and Auslan interpretation courtesy of Expression Australia x
THE POD PLACE is all about empowering parents of deaf and hard of hearing children through the sharing of stories and experiences that connect this unique community together. Created and hosted by Clare Best - a Teacher of the Deaf and a mother of a deaf child, this podcast also brings expert insights and advice from Clare's 15 years working in the bilingual deaf education space.
Australia