Parenting with Impact
Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster, co-creators of ImpactParents.com, host this podcast for parents and professionals guiding complex kids, teens, and young adults. They draw from personal and professional experience raising children with challenges like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. The show features leading experts and offers practical strategies for lasting change, emphasizing a coach-approach to parenting. Listeners can expect real-life tools to empower their children to become capable, independent adults.
Episodes
EP288 Childhood Trauma Affects Your Parenting: How to Break the Cycle, with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz
Ever know exactly what you’re supposed to say to your kid, and then it just doesn’t come out? Clinical child psychologist Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, author of Post-Traumatic Parenting, joins Elaine to talk about how trauma shapes the way we react as parents, and how to break the cycle. You’ll learn why yelling, freezing, and checking out don’t make you a bad parent, they’re just reactions your brain lea
EP287 After the Diagnosis: Raising a Neurodivergent Child
When your child gets a diagnosis, the next question for most parents comes fast: now what? Author, professor, and adoptive mom Nefertiti Austin joins Elaine Taylor-Klaus to talk about raising her spirited, neurodivergent daughter. They cover the "pinball of parenting," the expectations that didn't work out, and the moment she stopped trying to squeeze her kid into a box she'd n
EP286 New ADHD Diagnosis? What We Wish We'd Known Sooner
Something's going on with your kid. Maybe you have a diagnosis, maybe you don't, but it feels like someone should be able to help you make it all easier. In this episode of Parenting with Impact, Elaine and Diane look back at what they wish they'd known when they started parenting their own neurodivergent kids: how it’s a long game, how you'll end up as the expert in your child
EP285 Parenting a Young Adult With ADHD: A Real Success Story
When it comes to parenting a complex kid, the change you've been working towards often shows up over years, not overnight. In this week’s episode, Elaine and Diane sit down with longtime ImpactParents member Andrea Osborne for a success story about parenting her ADHD daughter from the diagnosis she received after middle school through her big leap into college. Andrea gets real about letting
EP284 Why Neuroinformed Workplaces Keep Their Best People
Ever notice your team runs smoother than your household, or vice versa? Elaine sits down with her husband and colleague David Taylor Klaus (DTK Coaching) to unpack how parenting and leadership draw on the same skills and why understanding neurodiversity at work isn't just kind — it's good business. They dig into masking, quiet quitting, retention, and why "all boats rise" when
EP 283 Why It Takes 17 Years for Research to Reach Your Kid's Doctor
Ever leave a doctor or therapist appointment thinking, "They were smart and kind — and still had no idea what to do to help my kid"? Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster explain why that happens: it takes an average of 17 years for research to make it into everyday practice, and many professionals working with neurodivergent kids simply haven't received the training yet. In this e
EP282 How to Reconnect With a Disconnected Kid (Part 3)
Reconnecting with a kid who's pulled away doesn't have to happen all at once. Elaine and Diane wrap their three-part series on relationship repair by focusing on small, doable steps — texts that don't ask for a reply, sharing popcorn on the couch, asking permission before offering advice. They talk about why their sense of safety (not your good intentions) is what determines whether
EP281 When Your Teen Pulls Away: Rebuilding Trust After Conflict
Does it feel like your kid is pulling away? Always closing their door, avoiding you, or talking to you only when they have to? For neurodiverse families, this shift often comes from normal development colliding with an already taxed parent-child relationship. In this episode, Elaine and Diane dig into where that disconnect happens and what actually works to rebuild trust and connection with your k
EP280 SODA: The Four Ways Parents Get Reactive (And How to Recognize Them)
Ever feel like you're spiraling? If it seems like nothing you try is working and you're somehow driving your kid further away, you're not alone—and it's not just about your kid. In this episode, Elaine and Diane dig into the parent experience—the overwhelm, frustration, guilt, and worry that show up when we're raising complex kids, and why noticing our own reactivity (hell
EP279 Why Won't My ADHD Kid Just Start? A New Theory of Motivation
Ever look at your ADHD kid and think, "I know they want to do well — so why can't they just get started?" This week, cognitive engineer and ADHD coach Jeff Copper joins Elaine to break down a completely new way of understanding motivation and executive function. You'll learn why "unmotivated" is almost always the wrong word, why extra time isn't the accommodation
EP278 High-Conflict Divorce to Co-Parenting Peace: A Real Success Story
High-conflict divorce can feel like a life sentence — especially when you're fighting over your child's health and well-being, and neither parent will budge. In this episode, Elaine sits down with Alanah, an attorney and civil rights advocate, who shares how she transformed a near-litigation co-parenting nightmare into a working relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration. Ala
EP277 Why Systems Fail—And What Actually Works for Complex Kids
You’ve tried the systems recommended for helping complex kids—reward charts, planners, new morning routines—and they’re just not sticking for your kid. It isn’t that you’re using bad systems, it's that often we’re starting with the solution before we understand the problem. In this episode, Elaine and Diane unpack why systems and structures are the last piece of the parenting puzzle, not the
EP276: Shifting Expectations for Complex Kids: How to Meet Them Where They Are
Are you holding your complex kid to expectations that weren't built for their brain? In this episode, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster dig into one of the most misunderstood concepts in parenting neurodiverse kids: shifting expectations—not lowering or eliminating them. You'll learn why the gap between expectation and reality is the root of most conflicts, the reasons why your comp
EP275: Positivity and Communication: The Second Cornerstone of Parenting Complex Kids
Being nice and being positive aren't the same thing—and if you're parenting a complex kid, that distinction matters. In this episode, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster dig into the second Sanity School® cornerstone: positivity and communication. They cover why resilience more than intelligence influences success, what the "independence pyramid" is built on, and how the way
EP274: How to Activate Your ADHD Child's Brain: Executive Function, Emotions & Motivation
Your brilliant kid can't get out the door in the morning, falls apart over homework, and goes from fine to completely overwhelmed in seconds. You want to help them out, but it feels like you've tried everything and nothing sticks. In this episode of Parenting with Impact, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster break down what's actually happening in your child's brain, and why
EP273: Parenting Ahead of the Problem with Dr. Ross Greene
When rewards, punishments, and consequences aren’t working, it may be time to ask new questions. In this episode, Dr. Ross Greene explains why challenging behavior isn’t usually a sign of defiance or poor motivation, but a signal that a child is struggling with expectations they cannot yet meet. He introduces the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions mode and explains how shifting from behavior ma
EP272: How To Build the School Support Kids with ADHD Need to Thrive with Jenny Drennan
Getting your child through school should not feel like navigating a maze, but for many parents, it does. When learning differences, executive function challenges, or other school struggles are a factor, it can be hard to know which supports will actually work and how to find ones that will be a good fit. In this episode, educational therapist Jenny Drennan unpacks the differences among tutors, coa
EP271: Late Diagnosed ADHD in Women: When Life Finally Makes Sense with Liz Lewis
What happens when years of overwhelm, self-doubt, and burnout finally start to make sense? For many women, ADHD goes undiagnosed for decades, leaving them navigating impossible expectations and blaming themselves for struggles they never understood. In this episode, Liz Lewis explores how a late diagnosis can change how you see your past, your relationships, and yourself, while reminding us that A
EP270: How To Help Young Adults with ADHD Find the Right Support with Dr. Zachary Gershon
Wanting to support your growing ADHD kid and knowing how to support them are often two very different things. As teens and young adults push for independence, even well-meaning advice can feel controlling, creating more resistance and disconnection. In this episode, Dr. Zach Gershon explains why peer support and community can be life-changing for young adults with ADHD, and how parents can shift f
EP269: What do PDA & ODD Have to Do with the Nervous System? - Rabbi Shoshana
What if behaviors that look defiant are actually signs of a nervous system under threat? In this episode, Rabbi Shoshana unpacks PDA, also known as Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, and explains how nervous system sensitivity, autonomy, and co-regulation shape behavior in neurodivergent kids. She explores why traditional approaches often fail, how aspects of modern lif
EP268: Parent Coaching and Support: What Parents Need Most
Feeling isolated or overwhelmed? Unsure why some parenting support spaces help, while others leave you feeling even more stuck? In this episode, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster break down the differences between support groups, coaching groups, learning communities, and live Q&A spaces, and why the right kind of support can completely change your experience as the parent of a complex ki
EP267: The Hidden Math Disability: Understanding and Managing Dyscalculia with Laura Jackson
Math struggles are not always about effort or attention. For some kids, the challenge runs deeper, starting with how they understand numbers, patterns, and quantities. In this episode, specialist Laura Jackson unpacks dyscalculia a little-known learning ,disability that affects number sense, problem-solving, and everyday tasks like time, money, and measurement, often leaving kids frustrated and mi
EP266: Beyond Intervention: When & How to Have Serious Family Conversations with Diana Clark, JD, MA
When a loved one is struggling, knowing what to say or do can feel overwhelming and high-stakes. In this episode, Diana Clark, President of Intent Clinical, shares how communication patterns, emotional reactions, and fear can shape the way families respond to complex issues like addiction, mental health, and behavioral challenges. You will hear why trying to “fix” someone often backfires, and what
EP265: Who Are Complex Kids And What Do They Need?
“Complex kids” are often seen as difficult or defiant, but there’s more going on beneath the surface. They are navigating executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, and a world that often expects them to conform to methods that don't work for them. In this episode, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster break down what makes a child “complex” and why traditional parenting
EP264: Sensitive Kids and Big Emotions: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Judith Orloff
Does your child seem overwhelmed by emotions, easily affected by others, or more sensitive than their peers? It may not be a problem to fix, but a difference to understand. In this episode, Dr. Judith Orloff explains the difference between empathy, empaths, and highly sensitive kids and examines how these traits shape behavior, overwhelm, and emotional responses. Press play to learn practical ways
EP263: How to Help 2e Kids with Social Skills and Bullying with Elizabeth Smith
Social struggles are not just about making friends. For many neurodivergent and 2e or “twice exceptional” kids, misunderstood social cues, complex peer dynamics, and hurt feelings can quickly turn into conflict or isolation. In this episode, Elizabeth Smith unpacks what is really happening beneath these interactions and how parents can guide their kids through them with greater clarity and underst
EP262: Success! Coaching Group Members Share Powerful Stories
Parenting a complex teen can feel isolating, exhausting, and hard to figure out on your own. What if you didn’t have to do it alone? In this episode, real parents share how group coaching helped them feel supported, learn practical parenting strategies, and create lasting change in their families. Listen in to find out how support, connection, and the right tools can help you parent with more conf
EP261: Wired for Survival: Creating Safety & Calming Your Nervous System with Theresa Lear Levine
You know what to do, but still can’t seem to do it. That gap isn’t necessarily about discipline or motivation. In this episode, Theresa Lear Levine reveals how your nervous system and subconscious patterns can quietly drive your reactions, keeping you stuck in stress, overwhelm, and unhelpful old habits. Listen in to learn how EFT tapping can help you self-regulate, shift into calm, and start resp
EP260: How To Build Self-Trust and Emotional Regulation with Autism and ADHD with Taylor Heaton
Supporting your kid starts with supporting yourself, and that’s especially true if you’re a neurodivergent parent. In this episode with Taylor Heaton, we’ll explore the importance of rest, routines, and trusting yourself when it comes to self-regulation, and what a later-in-life diagnosis can do for parents who might be struggling. Join us for insights on understanding yourself to parent with clar
EP259: From Control to Cooperation: Rethinking Screen Time
Struggling with screen time, online safety, or other tech battles at home? It might not be about increasing control. In this episode, Elaine and Diane explore how shifting from fear to curiosity, and prohibition to cooperation, can help kids build healthy, sustainable relationships with technology. Press play to learn how communication and empowerment can change everything. What to expect in this
EP258: Gap Years for Neurodiverse Teens: What Parents Need to Know with Jason Sarouhan
Not every student is ready to go straight from high school to college—and that doesn’t mean they are falling behind. In this episode, Jason Sarouhan explains how taking intentional time after high school can help neurodiverse young adults build confidence, resilience, intention, and real-world skills before taking their next step. Tune in to explore a more flexible, growth-centered path for your g
Ep257: A Psychiatrist's View on Focus for ADHD Brains with Kourosh Dini
Waiting until the last-minute panic hits to finally get things done? In this episode, Dr. Kourosh Dini explores why urgency isn’t the only way to activate focus with ADHD. Learn how using pause, play, interest, and agency can replace force-based productivity with something more sustainable and self-trusting. Press play to discover a calmer, connected, and more intuitive way to engage with your wor
EP256: Parenting ADHD: How To Handle School Refusal With Confidence
What if school refusal is not defiance, but a signal? In this episode, we look beneath the surface at the real reasons kids resist school—from executive function challenges and shame, to sensory overload and fear. Learn how to respond with curiosity instead of control, and how to work with your child to build solutions together. Tune in to solve school battles and restore your kid’s confidence for
EP255: Managing ADHD Through Conversation, Not Willpower with Jeff Copper
When follow-through keeps breaking down, the answer isn't planning harder. In this episode with ADHD coach Jeff Copper, we unpack why executive function struggles come from ambiguity, not lack of effort, and why direct conversation is a powerful accommodation. Press play to learn what actually helps kids and adults with ADHD move from planning to action.What to expect in this episode:Why peop
EP254: Gender Differences in ADHD and Neurodiversity with Dr. Janina Maschke
ADHD doesn’t look the same for every kid—especially as children grow into teens and young adults. In this episode, Dr. Janina Maschke explains how gender, stigma, and internalized behaviors can shape diagnosis, coping mechanisms, and self-esteem. Press play to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how parents can offer the support their kid really needs.What to expect in this episode
EP253: Get Curious, Not Furious: A Better Way to Parent Complex Kids
Feeling quick to anger or stuck in constant conflict with your child? It doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we'll explore how leading with curiosity can help parents slow down, regulate emotions, and understand what's really driving their complex kids' behavior. Press play to learn how getting curious can restore calm, connection, and clarity to your home. What to ex
EP252: How To Advocate For Kids Struggling In School With Scotti Weintraub
If school feels like a constant battle, you’re not alone. When your child struggles in school, it’s easy to feel lost, frustrated, or blamed. In this episode, Scotti Weintraub shares how understanding your child’s brain and reframing diagnosis as empowerment can turn that frustration into confidence. Tune in to learn how small mindset shifts and stronger partnerships with teachers can transform yo
EP251: Befriend Your Brain: Parenting, Compassion, and Practical Neuroscience with Dr. Rachel Barr
What if the secret to thriving isn’t fixing your brain but befriending it? Neuroscientist Rachel Barr shares powerful insights on how curiosity, compassion, and small daily shifts can unlock calm, clarity, and confidence. Discover why pushing harder keeps you stuck and what actually helps your brain work for you. Tune in to learn how to make your brain your greatest ally starting today.What to exp
EP250: Parent Mentor Success Story: Calm, Connection, And Growth That Lasts
One small shift can turn family tension into trust. In this episode, parent mentor Georgia F. shares how curiosity, collaboration, and assumed best intentions transformed her family after an autism diagnosis. You’ll hear practical tools for calmer communication, stronger relationships, and raising confident, independent kids. Press play to learn how changing how you show up can change everything.W
EP249: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids: From Information to Real Change
Trying everything but still feeling stuck with your complex kid? The problem may not be your strategy, but how you are managing yourself. In this episode, we break down why information alone does not create change and what actually helps families move forward. Press play to rethink what support really looks like.What to expect in this episode:Why managing yourself is the foundation for supporting
EP248: The Truth About High-THC Cannabis And Complex Kids with Dr. Yasmin Hurd
Is cannabis really harmless for teens? Neuroscientist Dr. Yasmin Hurd reveals what parents need to know about today’s high-THC products, brain development, and the real risks of early use. Learn how addiction can form, why anxiety and psychosis are rising, and the signs parents should watch for. Press play to hear the truth behind the science and how to protect your teen with facts, not fear.What
EP247: Best ADHD, Sleep, and Parenting Insights of the Year
Many of the challenges families face are more connected than they appear. In this episode, we bring together key insights from this year to explore how executive function, nervous system regulation, and sleep shape behavior and daily life. You’ll hear why surface-level strategies fall short and what helps families move forward with intention. Tune in to connect the dots.What to expect in this epis
EP246: How To Stay Grounded When Parenting Young Adults With Dayna Abraham
Do you ever feel like your needs and your child or young adult’s needs are constantly clashing? In this episode, Dayna Abraham shares how small daily steps, honest conversations, and self-awareness can ease tension and rebuild trust. Listen now to discover one powerful shift that brings more calm, clarity, and connection at home.What to expect in this episode:Why you are not the only one and how t
EP245: What Happens At The International ADHD Conference
Ever wondered what it feels like to be surrounded by more than a thousand people who truly get the ADHD experience? In this episode, we explore the energy, connection, and unexpected moments that shaped our time at the International Conference on ADHD. We share what community support really looks like and why being in the room matters more than you think. Press play to hear the insights and inspir
EP244: How To Build Executive Skills With Rachel Kapp & Stephanie Pitts
If homework battles and school stress feel never-ending, you’re not alone. This episode reveals how educational therapy helps kids build confidence, strengthen executive function, and become independent learners. Discover how small shifts, the right timing, and a coach approach can turn daily struggles into lasting success at home and school.What to expect in this episode:What educational therapy
EP243: Fun, Simple Mindfulness for ADHD Families with Dr. Chris Willard
Does parenting sometimes feel overwhelming or chaotic? In this episode, Dr Chris Willard shares how mindfulness, humor, and small daily practices can shift the tone of your home and build resilience for kids. He explains why calm begins with you and how presence matters more than perfection. Listen now to discover one simple shift that can bring more peace and connection into your family life.What
EP242: Emotional Reactivity In Kids: Safety Matters More Than Willpower
If you feel like someone in your home is always shutting down, melting down, or firing back, you’re not imagining it. Reactivity takes over fast, especially in stressed or neurodiverse families. In this episode, we’ll explain why it happens, how to spot each SODA pattern, and what to do in the moment to create safety and calm. Tune in to learn one shift that can lower stress for everyone in your h
EP241: How to Make IEPs Neuro-Affirming and Student-Led with Chris Wenger
Can changing a few words in an IEP change a child’s future? Speech Dude Chris Wenger shares how to reframe support plans to empower neurodivergent kids instead of pushing them to mask. Learn why connection, regulation, and self-advocacy matter more than compliance and how actually to build those skills into your child’s education plan.What to expect in this episode:Why IEPs often miss the mark and
EP240: Mild to Moderate ADHD? Why Labels Mislead in Helping Your Child Thrive
Ever been told your child has “mild ADHD”? In this episode, we’ll talk about why no ADHD is ever “a little” and how understanding it early can change everything. You’ll hear how small shifts in awareness and support can help your child feel more capable and connected. Tune in to discover a new way to see and support your child’s unique brain.What to expect in this episode:Why “mild to moderate ADH
EP239: Ted Dintersmith: Future Skills Schools Should Teach Now
Is school preparing kids for the future or just training them to chase scores? In this episode, Ted Dintersmith reveals why outdated priorities fail students and how creativity, agency, and happiness are the real keys to success. Tune in to discover what kids truly need to thrive in an AI-driven world.What to expect in this episode:Why test scores don’t reflect real learning or future successThe t
EP238: Rick Green on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What is It & How to Manage It?
Why does rejection hit so hard for people with ADHD? In this episode, Rick Green joins us to unpack the emotional toll of rejection sensitivity. We’ll explore how it shows up in daily life, why it’s often misunderstood, and what can actually help. With humor, insight, and real-life examples, this conversation sheds light on a powerful but often hidden struggle.What to expect in this episode:What R
EP237: Dr. Marielly Mitchell: Connecting Sensory Processing and Sleep Quality
What if the real reason your child struggles to regulate emotions or stay focused isn't behavior at all? Dr. Marielly Mitchell reveals how airway health, mouth breathing, and sensory processing play a surprising role in brain development. This episode challenges what you think you know about sleep, stress, and why your child just can’t seem to sit still.What to expect in this episode:How sens
EP236: Executive Function & ADHD: What Parents Need To Know
Struggling with motivation, time management, or emotional outbursts? It might not be what you think. In this episode, we will unpack the real impact of executive function and why it matters more than ever. Tune in to learn what’s really going on behind the behavior, and what parents can do differently starting today.What to expect in this episode:Why executive function affects everything we think,
EP235: Improve Executive Function And Family Dynamics In The Tween Years
SummaryWhat if the real breakthrough in parenting starts with you? In this episode, discover how the power of pause, play, and presence can reshape your relationship with your tween. Instead of rushing to fix behavior, you’ll explore how shifting your own approach creates space for growth, connection, and lasting change. Tune in and uncover what truly moves the needle in your family dynamic.What t
EP234: How To Support Young Adults Through Nonlinear Life Paths
What if growing up doesn’t follow a straight line anymore, and that’s perfectly normal? This episode explores the evolving journey of emerging adulthood, the hidden challenges today’s young people face, and how parents can support them without falling into outdated expectations. From delayed independence to collaborative planning, discover why there's no one-size-fits-all path to thriving.Wha
EP233: Why Homework Is Hard: Executive Function, Stress, and Real Solutions
Homework struggles aren’t always about motivation. Sometimes, the biggest obstacles are invisible, like executive function challenges or stress overload. In this episode, we will discover what’s really going on when kids avoid or resist assignments, why your go-to solutions might not be working, and how to take a fresh approach that actually helps. If you’re tired of nagging and want a smarter way
EP232: How To Build Trust And Emotional Security In Kids
What if the change your child needs starts with you? This episode explores how rethinking your role through an attachment lens can unlock new ways to connect, support, and truly understand your child. Discover what happens when you stop trying to fix and start seeing differently. You may never look at parenting the same way again.What to expect in this episode:Why real change begins when caregiver
EP231: ADHD And Productivity: How To Work Smarter, Not Harder
Struggling to get things done might not be about effort; it could be something deeper. Psychologist Ari Tuckman uncovers the emotional roadblocks behind productivity, from shame to decision paralysis. Discover how to rethink prioritization and tap into meaningful motivation. A must-listen for anyone who wants to work smarter, not just harder.What to expect in this episode:Why productivity struggle
EP230: Structure Time: Back to School with Systems That Work
Back-to-school season brings more than sharpened pencils and new routines. It is a full-spectrum shift in structure, emotion, and identity. This episode unpacks what is really happening beneath the surface for both kids and parents during this transition. From resistance to readiness, discover why slowing down, tuning in, and getting curious might be the most powerful back-to-school tools of all.W
EP229: Simplifying Mindfulness (and How to Start Small)
What if doing nothing is exactly what your nervous system needs? In this episode, meditation teacher Jeff Warren joins the conversation to explore mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the power of presence. Learn why fewer thoughts can mean fewer problems and how simple grounding moments can shift the way you parent. This isn’t about fixing; it’s about noticing, being, and allowing space for som
EP228: Screen Time, Safety, and Smart Tech Use with Common Sense Media
Today’s kids are growing up online, and parenting hasn’t kept pace. In this episode, Betsy Bozdech from Common Sense Media unpacks the real challenges of raising digital natives. From screen time to AI, the conversation dives into what families need to know but rarely talk about. If you think tech is the problem, think again.What to expect in this episode:Why technology is not just a distraction,
EP227: Key Lessons from 14 Years of Parent Coaching
In this special anniversary episode, Parenting with Impact celebrates four years of podcasting and 14 years since the launch of ImpactParents.com. We will reflect on how the coaching model has grown, what core truths continue to guide us, and why emotional regulation and collaborative parenting matter now more than ever. From tech challenges to teen transitions, the conversation offers timeless gu
EP226: Math Anxiety in Kids: How to Close the Learning Gap
If your child dreads math, the problem may not be numbers—it may be a hidden gap in understanding. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Aditya Nagrath explains why math anxiety is more about language and belief than ability. Discover what happens when kids stop feeling “stupid” and start feeling seen, supported, and capable.What to expect in this episode:Why math anxiety isn’t really about perfo
EP225: The Connection Between Complex Kids, Gender & Sensory Issues
There’s more to your child’s behavior than what you see. What if the real struggle isn’t defiance but the way the world feels to them, both inside and out? This episode offers a powerful new lens on neurodivergence, gender, identity, and safety. It’s a conversation that invites you to pause, reconsider, and stay curious from beginning to end.What to expect in this episode:Why “neurodivergent-adjac
EP224: Success! Strategies for Better Relationships With Complex Teens
When parenting feels like a constant battle, is there another way forward? In this episode, Marina G. shares her powerful shift from stress and control to calm and connection. Listen until the end and discover what happens when, through subtle but meaningful changes, a parent chooses curiosity over command. What to expect in this episode:Why letting go of control might be the most powerful parenti
EP223: Avoid Meltdowns & Shutdowns with ADHD Communication Tools
Meltdowns aren’t always what they seem, and your child’s silence might be saying more than you think. In this episode, we explore the hidden connection between communication struggles and emotional blow-ups. Therapist Holly Blanc Moses joins us to unpack the subtle signals parents often miss, the assumptions that can get in the way, and the small shifts that can transform your relationship. If you
EP222: College Confidence for Complex Teens: Finding the Right Fit
Getting into college isn’t just about grades. It’s about finding the right fit emotionally, socially, and academically. In this episode, Dr. Pamela Ellis shares how families can approach the high school-to-college transition with more clarity, less stress, and renewed confidence. From building trust with your teen to letting go of outdated expectations, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on
EP221: Parenting Tips When Emerging Adults Feel Stuck
They’re adults now, but they’re still stuck—and nothing you try seems to help. You push, they resist. You back off, they stall. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and unsure how to actually support your young adult, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what really gets in the way, and how a small shift in your approach can make a big difference.What to expect in this episode:The hidde
EP220: Tabletop Gaming: Social & Emotional Skills for Neurodiverse Kids
What if imagination could build real-world skills? In this episode, we will explore how tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like D&D help neurodiverse kids develop confidence, communication, and connection. Guests Bex Taylor-Klaus and Mischa Stanton share how these games create powerful opportunities for growth. Ready to rethink what play can do? Hit play and join the adventure. What to expect
EP219: How to Help ADHD Students Succeed in the Classroom
If you’ve ever sat in a school meeting thinking, “They just don’t get my kid,” this episode is for you. Guest Cindy Goldrich, an ADHD and executive function expert, reveals what most teachers don’t know about ADHD, why school support often misses the mark, and how to advocate with compassion, not conflict. Whether you're a parent seeking support or an educator feeling overwhelmed, Cindy share
EP218: Family Meetings for Better Communication, Trust, and Connection
Family meetings often sound rigid or old-fashioned—but what if they were the key to deeper connection, trust, and teamwork at home? In this episode, Diane and Elaine share a modern, lighthearted approach to turning family meetings into something everyone looks forward to. With practical tips and a focus on communication (not control), you’ll learn how to create a safe space where every voice matte
EP217: Online Safety for Kids: Roblox New Parental Controls
The world your child plays in is bigger than you think, and it’s changing faster than most parents can track. In this eye-opening episode, Dina Lamdany, a product manager at Roblox, joins us to unpack how the platform is evolving to protect kids and spark healthier digital conversations. But this isn't just about parental controls or privacy settings. It’s about how we stay connected to our k
EP216: ADHD & Memory: It's So Important, I Forgot
What if forgetfulness isn't a flaw but a clue to how the brain really works? In this fascinating episode, memory researcher and ADHD coach Daniella Karidi helps us unravel the layers of how we remember, why we forget, and what makes memory especially tricky for those with ADHD. You’ll walk away questioning everything you thought you knew about reminders, routines, and recall. Whether you’re a
EP215: Parenting Siblings: Neurodiversity, Conflict & Fairness
Sibling tension is a normal part of family life, but when one or more kids are neurodivergent, the challenges can feel even more intense. In this episode, we peel back the layers of comparison, conflict, and misunderstanding to reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. Join us as we explore how to support every child’s needs, create a sense of fairness, and build stronger sibling connecti
EP214: The Secret to Letting Go: Supporting Teens Without Micromanaging
Parenting through transitions isn’t just about preparing your child for what’s next. It’s also about redefining your own role in the process. In this episode, Elaine and Melanie dive into the emotional shifts, mindset changes, and quiet growth moments that often go unseen. If you've ever wondered how to stay connected while letting go, or how to support your child without losing yourself, thi
EP213: Life After 18: Unique Paths for Neurodivergent Young Adults
Not every young adult follows a path from point A to point B after high school, and that might be the key to growth. In this episode, we will explore how parents can support complex kids during one of life’s most uncertain transitions. From building trust to stepping back at the right time, this conversation challenges traditional ideas of success and opens the door to something more meaningful. W
EP212: Beyond the Label: How to Help Your Child Flourish Using Brain Science
What if the way we view our kids could literally shape their brains? In this eye-opening conversation, Sue Langley blends neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories to explore how strengths-based parenting can shift everything. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply curious, this episode invites you to rethink what’s possible for your child and for yourself. What to expect in this episode
EP211: From Chaos to Calm: Building Sleep Routines for Sensory-Sensitive Kids
You’ve tried the white noise, the cozy bedtime stories, even the perfectly timed evening routine. And still, sleep feels like a nightly mystery. If you relate to this, then this episode is for you! Dial in as we explore the subtle but powerful shifts that can make a real difference for complex kids who struggle to fall and stay asleep with sleep specialist Hilliary Giglio. Don’t miss this conversa
EP210: Why Smart Kids Struggle in School and What Executive Function Has to Do With It
Uncover the critical intersection of executive function and educational success. This enlightening discussion reveals why some of the smartest kids face unexpected challenges in school and how understanding these hidden barriers can transform their academic journey. Tune in for unique insights and expert strategies to support your child's learning process.What to expect in this episode:Unders
EP209: Peaceful Parenting Secrets: How to Build Trust and Raise Confident Kids Without Control
What happens when you stop trying to control your kids and start truly collaborating with them? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rosensweet to explore fresh perspectives on raising complex kids. Sarah shares stories, strategies, and insights that can challenge how you think about parenting. Tune in and see how changing your approach can transform not just your relationship with your childre
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