Radical Connection Parenting, Featuring Crystal Haitsma

As one of eight children, Crystal Haitsma always thought she'd become a mother someday AFTER she completed her degree in psychology and started her career. So when she and her husband discovered that they were going to have a baby while she was still an undergrad at university, they had to dig deep to figure out how they could both finish their degrees while figuring out how to be parents. By the time she graduated Crystal was pregnant with their second baby!

During these years Crystal read, "Hold On To Your Kids," by Gordon Neufeld and learned about the attachment theory of parenting. The theory (aka positive parenting, conscious parenting or intentional parenting) became a bedrock for Crystal and her husband over the coming years as they continued to raise and homeschool their (now) four children. Crystal spent more than a decade reading and taking courses, becoming an expert in the field, and earning her certification as a life and parenting coach. Today she is a highly successful parenting coach specializing in what she likes to call 'radical connection parenting,' and running her popular By Design membership program.

Crystal shares here the poignant story of her second son and his journey toward a diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD... and how building an intentional relationship with him based on these innovative parenting principles shifted their family experience away from out-of-control tantrums, stress, loneliness and sorrow into one of connection, growth and mutual understanding.

This beautiful episode is a must-listen for all parents!!!
You can enjoy listening to more of Crystal's work and stories on The Freedom Moms Podcast.