310: Connecting Through Conversation: Rethinking Behavior Strategies for Schools
What if we stopped calling kids “attention-seeking” and started calling them “connection-seeking?”In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with veteran educators and authors Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns to rethink how we approach behavior in schools — especially for neurodivergent kids. From eliminating power struggles to building culture through connection, they break down practical strategies that teachers and parents can use right now to shift from correction to connection.You’ll hear why traditional behavior charts often do more harm than good, how to “care out loud” in everyday interactions, and what it really means to co-create emotionally safe spaces for all kids. We explore how small changes in mindset and language can spark massive change for kids who struggle.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who works with kids, this episode is a breath of fresh air for modern education.👉 Tune in and start building the connection-first culture our kids deserve.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.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/310Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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31:59
309: Coping Skills for Kids, Teens, and Adults
What if the big feelings your child has aren’t a problem — but a clue?In this comforting conversation, I sit down with Janine Halloran, LMHC — therapist, mom, and author of Coping Skills for Kids — to talk all things anger, coping, and emotional regulation for neurodivergent kids and their families.We dig into why some kids explode, what to do in the moment (spoiler: it starts with YOU), and how to teach your child the coping strategies that actually work for their unique brain and nervous system. Plus, Janine shares real-life stories, tools, and ways to create a home environment that supports emotional growth — without trying to force your kid to “just breathe.”Whether your child resists every strategy you suggest or you’re just trying to stay calm during the chaos, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and hope.Tune in now to learn how to help your child (and yourself) walk through big feelings with more connection, confidence, and calm.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.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/309Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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308: You Might Also Like Climbing the Walls from Understood.org
Wait, ADHD is more than attention issues? Yep — and this episode will blow your mind.In this special episode, I’m sharing the first episode of the must-listen new series Climbing the Walls by Understood.org. This story-driven episode dives into the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women — especially during the pandemic — and how emotional regulation, executive function, and misunderstood symptoms have kept countless women undiagnosed for decades.I reflect on the shock of hearing things I wish I’d known when my child was first diagnosed. This episode isn't just about women with ADHD — it’s about the ripple effects of missed diagnoses, how emotions show up in unexpected ways (hello, rage and rejection sensitivity!), and why recognizing the full picture of ADHD is crucial for parenting neurodivergent kids.If you’ve ever questioned why your child explodes or struggles to meet deadlines, or if you've felt unseen yourself, this one’s going to hit home.Don’t miss this compelling episode — hit play now and prepare to see ADHD through a new lens.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.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/308Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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307: Valuing Personhood Over Productivity
✨ What if your child’s “daydreaming” on the sidelines was actually self-regulation in action?In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Campfire, for a real-talk conversation about rethinking success and valuing our kids for who they are, not what they do.We unpack how our cultural obsession with productivity often misses the mark — especially for neurodivergent kids. From challenging perfectionism to navigating sensory overwhelm and learning to follow our kids’ lead, this episode is a must-listen for any parent ready to shift from performance to personhood.Whether your kid is struggling with school, friendships, or emotional regulation, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical tools.Listen now and let’s reimagine childhood together.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.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/305Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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306: What Do You Do With the Mad that You Feel?
Ever wish your kid would just stop yelling?This episode of Beautifully Complex will make you rethink that wish — in the best way. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers, I explore one deceptively simple question: “What do you do with the mad that you feel?”In this solo episode, you’ll discover how anger shows up in the nervous system, why our kids often can’t think their way through it, and how to help them feel safe in their emotions, instead of ashamed. From compassionate scripts to body-based strategies, this is your go-to guide for turning meltdown moments into connection and growth.Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, or just struggles with big feelings, this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in to learn how to support your child’s emotional regulation — without control, shame, or power struggles.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.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/306Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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.
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