504. A Breath for Sophia: Seeing Ability, Love & Acceptance with Jim Littlefield Dalmares

Happy International Podcast Day! To celebrate, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with a fellow podcaster and gifted storyteller. Jim Littlefield Dalmares is a storyteller, podcaster, and author (Seeing Ability) who turns his experiences as a father into stories that help other parents feel less alone. On Better Call Daddy, he shares the story behind "A Breath for Sophia" and his journey raising a child with disabilities. Jim talks about the emotional rollercoaster of his daughter's premature birth and what it taught him about acceptance, love, and community. He explains why parents do better when they stop trying to "fix" their child and start supporting their unique path. He also covers sibling dynamics, navigating the medical system, and finding your tribe. Whether you're a new parent facing the unexpected, a caregiver, an advocate, or a podcast fan who loves a great story, this episode offers practical, heartfelt guidance. What You'll Learn Why acceptance matters when raising a child with disabilities The story behind "A Breath for Sophia" How storytelling, writing, and podcasting can build community and change lives How to navigate the medical system and advocate for your child How siblings shape family dynamics How to find community support and "your tribe" How to build resilience and adaptability in your child Timestamps 00:00: Meet Jim Littlefield Dalmares, dad, storyteller, podcaster, and author 05:15: The emotional impact of a premature birth 15:30: Shifting from "fixing" to accepting your child 25:00: Navigating the medical system as a parent 35:45: The role of siblings in the family 45:00: Building a supportive community and finding your voice Memorable Quotes "Your life will change when you stop trying to fix your child and start accepting them for who they are." "There are communities out there to support you, and you're not alone in this journey." About Jim Littlefield Dalmares Jim is a storyteller, podcaster, and author. He hosts the Seeing Ability podcast, where he shares stories and insights from parents and professionals in the disability community, and he wrote the book Seeing Ability. Connect with Jim: seeingability.com  https://a.co/d/0iHc0x4T About Better Call Daddy Better Call Daddy is hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with Big Daddy Wayne Friedman. Connect: bettercalldaddy.com | LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts @bettercalldaddypodcast Related Episodes David Hirsch Special Fathers Network https://bettercalldaddy.podbean.com/e/pedaling-through-parenthood-special-fathers-network-david-hirsch/ Florence Ann Romano https://www.podparadise.com/episodes/16095321/ Keywords: International Podcast Day, A Breath for Sophia, Seeing Ability book, Jim Littlefield Dalmares, storyteller, podcaster, author, fatherhood, parenting a child with disabilities, special needs, premature birth, disability advocacy, acceptance, sibling relationships, navigating the medical system, disability community, Seeing Ability podcast, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts