Beautifully Complex

Positive parenting is the foundation of the parenting approach I teach neurodiverse families. It is, by far, the most effective approach for kids with ADHD and/or autism. And yet, too much positivity can actually send the wrong message to our kids, and ourselves. Acting like things are all sunshine and roses when they’re clearly not, makes kids think we don’t see them and see their struggle. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I’m outlining the instances when positivity can actually become negative and sharing how to be mindful that your child is getting your intended message through balance and empathy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Slow processing speed is common among individuals with ADHD. It can affect everything from responding when someone talks to you, to not getting classwork finished, to struggling in social interactions. A child can struggle with visual, motor or verbal processing, or any combination of the bunch. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD podcast, Dr. Ellen Braaten shares how to identify slow processing speed and how to accommodate for it through adjusted expectations, assistive technology, and a strengths-based approach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

We are creatures of habit, and one of the habits that seems to be part of our human DNA is judgement. Specifically, the judgement of others. We formulate a first impression of someone — i.e., a judgement — in one-tenth of a second. And we do the same to our kids. That’s right, we are judging our children constantly. Yes, there is an element of necessity; I’m not contesting that. What I’m blaring the warning siren about in this episode is the type of judgements we make of our kids, most often character judgments. How many times have you thought of or called your child rude, disrespectful, selfish, defiant, etc.? Today I’m calling your attention to it, explaining exactly why this is so harmful, and offering a parent mindset on character and judgements that will make a huge difference for your family.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

A child who exhibits challenging or tricky behaviors has a different way of moving through and coping with the world. The key is to understand the neurological reasons for the behaviors and to address behaviors in a habitual way. Clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller, developed a system called R.E.S.O.L.V.E. to do just that and shares the steps in this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast. While challenging behavior may feel like the norm for your child, you must make it abnormal, and always approach it as “our problem” not your (the child’s) problem. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Most kids with ADHD and/or autism feel so alone in their struggles. They don’t see themselves in their classmates, the movies they watch, or the books they read. They are underrepresented in the media, a truth that is fortunately changing. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I’m chatting with children’s book author and founder of ANovelMind.com, a database of books full of neurodiverse characters. Join us for a discussion of how to get kids reading and what books will help neurodiverse kids learn and grow… and feel less alone.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Health is the foundation of everything. The healthier our bodies are, the better they function, and the better medication and supplements may work. ADHD symptoms aren’t just driven by the brain — the entire body is one interconnected system so we need to take a holistic approach to get the very best results with ADHD. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, Dana Kay walks us through the different subsystems of the body that impact ADHD symptoms and some functional testing that could provide insights to help improve ADHD symptoms. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Whether it’s fueled by anxiety, compassion, or something else, many of us sacrifice our own wants and needs for the good of others. Sometimes we want to. Sometimes we feel we have to. It’s very common for parents and it’s even more common in siblings of neuroatypical kids, like those with ADHD and/or autism. Listen in as Penny explains what it means to “take up space” and encourages you to make sure your kids, especially those siblings, know that they have the right and permission to.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

A parent’s protective nature is often at odds with preparing our kids for adulthood and handling any problems that come their way. Our intention is to lovingly protect them from harm and struggle, but not experiencing struggle means they’re not prepared to do for themselves and handle the basic problems of life. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, CEO of EmpoweringParents.com, Kimball Lewis, shares insight into why this generation of teens and young adults don’t seem prepared and strategies to prepare kids to be successfully independent. It’s ideal to start young, very young, but it’s never too late for change. Whether your child is 7 or 17, this episode has great wisdom for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

One of the top complaints from parents is procrastination. Kids procrastinate on a variety of things, but the most common are schoolwork and chores. The key to resolving procrastination (or letting it go) is to understand the reasons behind it. Does your child wait until the last minute for a reason? Does your teen refuse the tools you suggest for a reason? Yes, there’s always a reason. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, Leslie Josel, an ADHD-academic and parenting coach, explains how to understand your child’s brain and procrastination, as well as what to do to honor how your child functions while also getting important things done.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Our culture tends to dictate a certain path to success in life. Yet, we are free to choose our path and there is no more liberating message for kids with ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities. In this episode, I’m discussing how to help kids, teens, and young adults find their path with co-founder of the Inventive Labs, Tom Bergeron. At Inventive Labs, they focus on interest, aptitude, and engagement to help their students create a path to success. Listen in and learn how to start empowering even young children to find their path. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.