ABC Radio

All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Loving Lucy

Loving Lucy

Sunday 5th May 2019

Discover Patrick Heelan's journey of parenting his daughter Lucy, who has a rare condition, in this heartfelt episode of 'All In The Mind'.
29 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Engaging
Authentic
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

All In The Mind
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Loving Lucy: A Father's Journey Through Uncharted Parenting Challenges

Can I just say one of the things about this broadcast that I hope comes from it is that parents realize how difficult being a parent is, and it doesn't matter if you have what they would call in the outside world, a normal child.
Imagine parenting a child who looks like an angel but often acts out in unpredictable ways. That's the reality for Patrick Heelan, whose nine-year-old daughter Lucy has a rare condition that has yet to be fully diagnosed. In this heartfelt episode of 'All In The Mind', Patrick opens up about the rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and small victories that come with raising Lucy. Lucy’s behavior can be erratic—ranging from being strangely manipulative to physically violent.
This has left Patrick and his wife in a constant search for answers and effective treatments. They’ve tried melatonin to help Lucy sleep, but her hyperactivity and inappropriate interactions with other children remain significant hurdles. Despite these difficulties, Patrick's love and patience for Lucy shine through. He shares the importance of finding a support system and maintaining a sense of humor to navigate the tough times.
He also stresses the need for open communication with schools and learning from each experience. This episode offers a compassionate glimpse into the complexities of parenting a child with unique needs. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the challenges and joys that come with such a journey.