Mending Families is hosted by Melissa Pemberton and she brings you weekly content that is a mix of trauma aware interviews, parenting tips for those caring for kids from adversity, and stories from people just like you as they share their beautiful messy moments. Melissa hopes 8that when you listen each week, you will feel encouraged, inspired and take a little something away to help you and your family move from broken to mended.

On today’s episode, Erin opens up about mental health struggles within her immediate family and how this came to a head this past year. Erin’s three boys all have their diagnosis and with their permission, Erin shares some of the hard and good about raising her three boys. Listen in as Erin gives us good things to consider, including encouragement for those of us on similar journeys.

Erin Peterson grew up in Post Falls, Idaho, and became a professionally certified educator – earning the Provost’s Award for academic achievement and community service from Lewis-Clark State College. Now she is an award-winning local influencer, podcaster, and digital strategy educator passionate about equity and inclusion. Erin has been published and featured in various regional publications including the Spokesman Review, and The Inlander, and has served as an editor at Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living magazine.

You can find more about Erin on her Instagram, Facebook or the Trending Northwest website, www.trendingnorthwest.com You can also listen to Erin on her own podcast, Trending Northwest!

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence hotline either at 1-800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788

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Topics Erin mentions:

The right care is out there even when it feels like it is hopeless at times. Erin encourages other parents in a similar situation to not give up. She found help for her son in the Spokane Valley through Imagine Spokane.
Erin found her support system, therapy, and self-care as some of the things that helped get her through
Magazines, a good cup of tea, journaling, and walks can be some Erin’s go-to's. Erin’s favorite magazines are Magnolia and Trending Northwest
Erin uses a sand timer to help her focus on a task that she tends to procrastinate. I loved this idea and bought this one for my own home!
If you are facing domestic violence, whether in your home or with your child’s relationships, consider getting a Domestic Violence Advocate to walk with you through the hard moments
The YWCA can be a great resource for families and individuals facing domestic violence