Our Journey Home

About Me

Hello, and thank you for being here on this meaningful journey with me. I’m Stacy—a former teacher turned early intervention specialist, now embracing the role of a self-directed learning mom. With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Special Education, a Master’s in Education, and certification through a UK-based, OCN-accredited organization, I am dedicated to supporting families of children and teens with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

Most importantly, I am blessed to be a mama to two amazing kiddos who have profoundly changed me from the inside out. Life with my children has been a journey of growth and transformation. They have stretched and challenged me in ways I never anticipated, reshaping my understanding of motherhood.

Before becoming a mom, my professional background instilled in me confidence to nurture and support children’s development. However, parenthood has humbled me, teaching me valuable lessons about resilience and the unpredictability of life.

The End of the Beginning

I’ve navigated various roles in my life, from teaching to early intervention, but it was when my son experienced his first burnout that our family’s journey took a transformative turn. This painful and pivotal moment prompted a deep reevaluation of our parenting and educational approach.

Over the years, we diligently sought answers and solutions for our son’s behaviors and challenges, but nothing seemed to work or make sense. It wasn’t until our son experienced a second burnout that we discovered Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Finally, clarity emerged, shedding light on his behaviors and untangling so much of what we could never make sense of.

However, this journey took us many years, and our family was in deep crisis. Without help, support, and answers, we began finding our own way through by turning inward as a family. We let go of the pressures and “shoulds” of the outside world, diverging on our path home.

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Author Stacy Miles and husband. She is a former teacher, early interventionist, turned self-directed homeschool mom. She is the mother of a child with PDA.

Empowering Families

The lack of support and answers we encountered along the way fueled my determination to start this blog, as a result Divergent Paths Home was born. Moving forward my hope is to help other families who have children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) find a better way forward.

We were let down by so many professionals that it became clear: no one was coming to save us. As a result, realized we would have to find our own way. Therefore, we began to trust that our children knew themselves best, turning inward to our home. It was then we started changing our parenting approach, ultimately deciding to forgo traditional school and embark on homeschooling. It was scary, messy, and gut-wrenching. There were mistakes, trials, and tears. But amidst it all emerged glimpses of my child—moments of true connection, laughter, and happiness.

Through this journey, we gained a deeper understanding of his needs, as well as our own needs as individuals and as a family. What saved us and continues to drive us forward is the decision to let go and try something new. We diverged from the traditional path we once thought was our only option, forging our own path that works for us. We trusted the messages behind the behaviors and tuned out the external noise. In doing so, we discovered that letting go didn’t lead to chaos, but rather, to a profound sense of clarity and purpose.

The Blog was Born

This blog is a labor of love and a message to myself. No one was there to tell me what I needed to hear as a struggling PDA mom. So, I’m here to tell both her and you that you can trust your instincts as a mom. Follow your children’s lead in understanding their needs.

No professional assured me it was safe to trust my children. Their behavior often communicated a deep need for connection, which I didn’t understand. I lacked guidance on alternative methods to support their growth while safeguarding their mental health

You are capable of trusting your children and supporting them in a way that feels authentic to them and to yourself. I am here to tell you that you can trust yourself. You can diverge from the traditional path and find your way back home together.

Whether you’re seeking to unravel your child’s behaviors, exploring alternative education avenues, or simply craving connection on your parenting journey, you’ve found a welcoming space here. I hope you will allow me to be your guide through your journey and provide you with a beacon of hope. You can do it, and you are enough.

Finding Your Families Path Home

If you’re a parent yearning for understanding, connection, and a different approach to parenting and education for your PDA child, you are in the right place. Together, we can chart a new course, diverging from the conventional path and embracing the beauty of our unique journeys. Join the email list for exclusive content, updates, and insights on how to let go and start trusting yourself today. Stay connected with Divergent Paths Home and be the first to know about new blog posts, resources, and upcoming events.

I hope you join me and allow me to support you on your journey to a more peaceful home filled with curiosity, trust, and connection.