177 - When Parenting Becomes Caregiving: What No One Tells You with Lynette Weldon

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with certified caregiver coach and mom of a daughter with Down syndrome, Lynette Weldon. Together, they explore the often unseen realities of caregiving—from identity loss and financial strain to gratitude, boundaries, and self-compassion. Lynette shares her personal journey, practical strategies for avoiding burnout, and why caregivers must learn to ask for help without guilt. This honest and relatable conversation highlights how caregiving reshapes perspective, deepens empathy, and challenges us to create a more inclusive world—starting with how we care for ourselves and each other.

Key Takeaways:

Caregiver Identity - Caregiving often happens by necessity, not choice, and many parents don’t realize they are caregivers until burnout hits.

Boundaries Matter - Every “yes” to others can be a “no” to yourself—setting boundaries protects energy and mental health.
Power of Gratitude - Daily gratitude shifts mindset and emotional resilience, even when circumstances don’t change.

Self-Compassion First - Negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations fuel burnout; kindness toward yourself is essential.

Inclusive Awareness - Inclusion starts with noticing people, asking how they are, and offering simple human connection.

Lynette Weldon’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is offering the same opportunities to everybody with the least amount of restriction and looking at them as individuals, not lumping them in one category.

Lynette Weldon’s Bio:

With over three decades of experience as a caregiver, Lynette has walked the challenging path of selflessness, dedication, and resilience. Her journey has been marked by both triumph and tragedy and has not only provided unwavering support to those in her care but has also faced the devastating loss of her husband to suicide. Through those trials, she intimately understood the depths of heartbreak, hardship, and the struggles that can consume one's life.

However, she refused to let these challenges define her instead she chose to rise above them, determined to find her light and purpose amidst the darkness. Through her own healing process, she discovered the keys to overcoming the overwhelming stress, neglect of self-care, and lack of boundaries that often plague caregivers. It is this hard-won wisdom that she now shares with others, guiding them on their own path to reclaiming their lives and rediscovering their joy.

 She specializes in helping individuals manage stress, overcome overwhelm, prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate a resilient mindset.

"I understand the unique challenges that caregivers face, and I am passionate about empowering them to find balance, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives."

Through the work they do together, her clients learn to release guilt, reconnect with their authentic selves, find their purpose outside of their role as a caregiver and experience the joy and vitality they deserve.

Connect with Lynette Weldon:

Website: https://livingtruecoaching.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095075297153

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynetteweldon3

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynette-weldon-the-caregiver-s-coach-193b65300/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 79

No - 96

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