

Beautifully Complex
Penny Williams
Join parenting coach and mom-in-the-trenches, Penny Williams, as she helps parents, caregivers, and educators harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week she delivers insights and actionable strategies on parenting and educating neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities... Her approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity, and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with the tools to help you understand and transform behavior, reduce your own stress, increase parenting confidence, and create the joyful family life you crave. Penny has helped thousands of families worldwide to help their kids feel good so they can do good.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 16, 2019 • 39min
PAP 059: The Journey to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, with Ana Joanes
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with documentary filmmaker, Ana Joanes, about the journey to becoming the parent you want to be. We discuss how our childhood experiences shape the parent we become, how those experiences change our neurological physiology, parent stress, the importance of self-compassion and self-care, and the fact that you are not alone. This episode will help you parent with intention and purpose, rather than just trying to get through each day. "You're not alone. We all have times when we don't like our child, when we reset their presence." Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.)Articles/Topics/Podcasts Mentioned: The experience of autism (and ADHD) is almost identical in the brain as trauma. A life with autism includes traumatic experiences. At the intersection of autism and traumaThe Life Recovery Method, by Robert Cox, LPC Radical self-careFar from the Tree, by Andrew Solomon Healing Program on WrestlingGhosts.comWatch Wrestling Ghosts My Guest Ana Joanes is a documentary filmmaker dedicated to inspiring conscious action and systemic change through film. Her previous works include Generation Meds, an exploration of our fears and misgivings about mental illness and medication, and Fresh, which celebrates the farmers, thinkers and entrepreneurs who are reinventing our food system. Before dedicating herself to filmmaking, Ana was a lawyer. She founded Reel Youth, Inc., a video production program for youth coming out of detention and other underserved youth. Ana is the mother of three children, and with Wrestling Ghosts, she hopes to contribute to a shift toward a more compassionate world. Where to Find Ana Website: wrestlingghosts.com Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @WrestingGhosts Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast EpisodesBecome 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.

May 9, 2019 • 30min
PAP 058: Developmental Age and How It Should Guide Your Parenting
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm tackling developmental age. ADHD is a development disorder. Very few people talk about it in that way but it's 100 percent a developmental disorder. Your child with ADHD is two to three years behind their same-age peers in a lot of ways. If you're child's functioning and skills are at a 7-year-old level, but he or she is actually 10, what is going to be more successful: expecting neurotypical 10-year-old behavior or 7-year old behavior? Your job and the success of your parenting hinge on setting appropriate expectations for the child you have. Listen in as I explain developmental age further, and how to set appropriate expectations for your child to succeed and thrive. Resources in the Episode Executive Function Age chart floating around social mediaRussel Barkley on his 30% Rule Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast EpisodesBecome 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.

Apr 4, 2019 • 39min
PAP 057: Grit & Resilience: Teaching Kids with ADHD How to Overcome Obstacles, with Natalie Borrell & Alison Grant
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with coaches Natalie Borrell and Alison Grant of Life Success for Teens. We discuss how to help kids with ADHD address and overcome challenges and obstacles. Learn how to help your kids build grit and resistance — the core aspects of being able to overcome challenges without falling apart or avoiding obstacles. "Sometimes it's easier to just give up." Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.)Articles/Topics/Podcasts Mentioned: Life Success for Teens My Guest Natalie Borrell is the Founder of Life Success for Teens. She coached high school and competitive cheerleading for 8 years and this is where she realized that she had a gift for connecting with teenagers and motivating them to be the best version of themselves. She has 11 years of experience working as a school psychologist in a public high school. Her areas of expertise include working with students who have ADHD, executive functioning weaknesses, and other learning differences. Natalie earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio State University in 2004, her masters degree in school psychology in 2006 from Michigan State University, and her Educational Specialist Degree in 2007 from Kent State University. She became a certified Academic Life Coach in 2015 and founded Life Success For Teens in 2016. When she is not coaching students, Natalie can be found traveling with her family, reading cookbooks, or binge-watching episodes of Friends. One of her favorite part of coaching is getting a text or email from her former students. Alison Grant joined the LSFT team with 15 years as a Family Consumer Science teacher at Willoughby South High School. As a teacher, Alison has advised groups including Student Council, Teen Institute and Class Officers. Alison has coached dance, cheer, and tennis and in 2011 was named Adele Knight Teacher of the Year. In recent years, she has been part of an initiative to develop a mentoring program that assists freshmen in the transition from middle school to high school. Alison earned her Academic Life Coach certificate in 2017 which allowed her to help students realized they can be successful inside and outside the classroom. Her favorite part of coaching is watching a student have a moment when everything clicks and their hard work has paid off! Alison earned her bachelor’s degree in vocational education from Kent State University in 2003 and her master’s degree in educational administration from Ursuline College as well as a masters in school counseling from John Carroll University. Alison lives in Willoughby, OH with her husband and two daughters Maggie and Gwyneth. When she is not spending time with her family, Alison enjoys crafting and taking snapshots of her family’s adventures! Where to Find Natalie and Alison Website: lifesuccessforteens.com Facebook: LSFTcommunity Listen In! Parenting #ADHD Podcast 057: Grit & Resilience: Teaching Kids with ADHD How to Overcome Obstacles, with Natalie Borrell & Alison Grant. #ADHD #LD #autismClick To Tweet Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast EpisodesBecome 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.

Mar 14, 2019 • 29min
PAP 056: The Transformative Power of Calm in Your Parenting
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm tackling a questions I get from parents all the time... how to stay calm when your child is having an outburst or a meltdown. There are a couple tricks that helped me gain control of how I stay calm and respond in these moments. I've shared both these fundamental pieces, as well the real transformational power remaining calm has for your child, for you, and for your entire 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.

Feb 21, 2019 • 45min
PAP 055: Supporting Your Child’s Learning Challenges with Technology, with Susan Schenk
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with occupational therapist, Susan Schenk, about learning challenges. Susan shares her story of growing up and finding success with learning challenges. Then we dig into how to help our own kids who are struggling with learning disabilities through tools, strategies and technology. Listen in for inspiration from Susan's story as well as resources to help your challenged learner. "Tap into the part of the brain that goes on fire to tackle the challenges." 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.

Feb 15, 2019 • 14min
PAP 054: You Are Not Alone: The Power of Finding Your Parenting Tribe
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I have a very important message for you. You're not alone. You're not alone in this special brand of parenthood. There are millions of parents raising challenging kids. The fact that your parenthood is different isn't your fault, and you're not the only one with these challenges. You must find your tribe. Having a tribe around you who "gets it" is everything. Let me tell you why... 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.

Feb 7, 2019 • 56min
PAP 053: IEPs, 504 Plans & School Advocacy, with Amanda Morin
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking IEPs and 504 Plans with former teacher and educational advocate, Amanda Morin. We're defining IEPs and 504 plans, and the differences between them. In addition, learn how to determine what services and accommodations your child may need in school, and how to go about securing them. We also answer questions like, should my child come to school meetings? And we're busting some myths around the rights of kids with special needs at school.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.

Feb 1, 2019 • 41min
PAP 052: How to Advocate for Your Child with ADHD at School, with Meg Flanagan
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, teacher and education advocate, Meg Flanagan, and I discuss taking a collaborative approach to working with teachers and advocating for your child at school. To achieve an effective working relationship with the school, parents need to approach teachers and school staff with the attitude of working together, as allies instead of adversaries. Sometimes it's tough to strike a balance between being a strong advocate for your child and seeming confrontational. Meg and I discuss strategies for this and more during this episode. Listen in now! 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.

Jan 24, 2019 • 27min
PAP 051: Identifying and Understanding Behavior Triggers with ADHD
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I outline different behavior triggers that are common with ADHD and/or "high-functioning" autism. Within this list are developmentally lagging skills, but also differences in how a child's brain functions when they have ADHD. Recognizing these and other triggers in your child will help you improve behavior and reduce the instances of outbursts and meltdowns. This knowledge will also help you understand your child better and remain a calm parent.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.

Jan 20, 2019 • 33min
PAP 050: Raising Emotionally Healthy and Happier Kids, with Maureen Healy, PhD
In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with Maureen Healy, author of The Emotionally Healthy Child, about cultivating emotional health, which creates happier children. Emotional balance is key, and it's more challenging for kids with ADHD and/or autism. Maureen outlines strategies to help your child recognize, work through constructively, and control their own emotions. "It's like an onion. There are many layers to emotional health. We must cultivate emotional health."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.


