Episode 49:  Welcome to another episode of the Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast, where this week we're tackling a topic that can make any parent squirm—puberty. Joined by experts Kara and Vanessa of ‘This is So Awkward’, we delve into the messy, awkward, and absolutely essential discussions about the physical and emotional rollercoasters of puberty. From early breast buds to mood swings, this episode covers it all with humor, empathy, and expert insight. Are you struggling to discuss puberty...

Ever felt like no matter how hard you try, staying focused and organized just doesn't come naturally? You're not alone.  Jessica McCabe, creator of How to ADHD, shares her own struggles and revelations in "ADHD Explained with Jessica McCabe," a must-watch for anyone grappling with these challenges. Jessica's journey from confusion to clarity on ADHD sheds light on the misunderstood aspects of living with ADHD, from the frustration of misdiagnosis to the empowerment of understanding your...

Parents who find themselves on the path of raising a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), the journey can often feel like navigating uncharted territory. PDA, a profile within the autism spectrum, involves a child’s intense need to avoid everyday demands and expectations due to anxiety, not willfulness. This episode sheds light on the complexities of PDA, offering a beacon of understanding and support. Joining us in this enlightening conversation is Steph Curtis, author and parent...

Episode 46: In this eye-opening episode of The Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast, join Dayna as she sits down with Amanda Diekmann, the visionary author behind "Low Demand Parenting."  Dive into a conversation that illuminates the struggles many children face with everyday demands and expectations, revealing insights into a parenting approach that's changing lives by reducing stress and building stronger, more connected families. Amanda shares her personal journey, the science behind demand...

Episode 45: Today we are diving into the heart of parenting neurodivergent children with a focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Our guest, Amy, shares her personal journey navigating the complexities of raising two neurodivergent children, shedding light on the often misunderstood topic of PDA. Discover how Amy transformed her approach to communication, moving beyond conventional parenting strategies that often led to frustration and disconnect. This episode offers a deep dive into...

Episode 44: In this raw and emotional episode of the "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," we confront a deeply unsettling yet not uncommon sentiment among parents: the feeling of resentment, and even hatred, towards one's child due to extreme behaviors. Tamara shares her heart-wrenching journey from being at the brink of hopelessness, struggling with her child's dangerous behaviors, to finding a path towards understanding, healing, and reconnection. Faced with daily challenges that pushed her...

Episode 43: In this episode of the "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," we tackle a concern that's on the minds of many parents today: screen addiction.  With the digital world becoming an integral part of our lives, it's becoming increasingly challenging to discern the line between healthy screen use and addiction, especially for our neurodivergent children. This episode delves into the heart of this issue, offering insights and strategies from a neuro-affirming perspective that respects...

Episode 42: Screen time anxiety? Uncover strategies for a balanced approach that won’t leave you feeling guilty. In this insightful episode of the "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," we delve into the complexities of managing screen time for neurodivergent children without falling into the traps of guilt or shame. Join us as we sit down with Jenn McLeish, a dedicated mother from Scotland, who shares her innovative approach to creating a balanced electronics plan tailored to her family's...

In Episode 41 of the "Calm the Chaos Podcast," relationship coach Sharon Pope shines a light on the often overlooked aspects of struggling marriages. We have a heart-to-heart chat where we’re gonna deep dive into something heavy but super important—knowing the red flags of abusive relationships that go beyond the bruises. Sharon isn't just talking theories; she's lived it, and she knows what it feels like to be in a marriage that has you stuck on autopilot. We're gonna chew over everything...

EPISODE 40: Have you ever felt like your home could be calm if everyone else just got along? You’ve done the research, you know how you want to parent, but your partner and kids just can’t seem to follow along? You are not alone.  In this episode, dive into an empowering conversation with Tara, a meticulous researcher and advocate for best practices in raising an independent child full of life.  We’ll unravel Tara's journey through the complexities of merging different parenting philosophies...

EPISODE 39: I Want to Be a Better Parent. Am I Too Late? Join us in this heartfelt episode of "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," where Karen Wickwire bravely shares her personal struggles and revelations as a parent. Facing the daunting question of "Am I too late?", Karen opens up about her journey of self-discovery, the power of community support, and the transformative impact of simple mindset shifts. This episode is a beacon of hope and insight for any parent wrestling with doubts about...

EPISODE 38: Family life can sometimes feel like navigating a battlefield, filled with resentment, frustration, and a sense of failure.In this episode, we delve into the complexities of family dynamics, chronicling the transition from familial friction to a state of unity and understanding. We are joined by Stefanie Cui, a dedicated member of the Calm the Chaos community, who has remarkably shifted her family's dynamic from confrontational to cooperative and affectionate. Stefanie openly...

EPISODE 37: Unwanted parenting advice, whether from family, friends, or even strangers, can be a significant source of stress and doubt for parents, particularly those with strong-willed, highly-sensitive, or neurodivergent children. This episode dives into understanding and managing the influx of unsolicited advice. We discuss how to maintain your parenting confidence and strategies to tactfully handle these situations. Join us as we share our personal experiences and provide insights into...

EPISODE 36: Public meltdowns can be one of the most daunting challenges for parents, especially of strong-willed, highly-sensitive, or neurodivergent children. This episode focuses on understanding and managing these intense situations with empathy and connection. We explore the nuances of public meltdowns, providing parents with insights and tools to handle these moments with grace and compassion. Join us as we delve into the various aspects of public meltdowns, from understanding the...

EPISODE 35: Navigating marriage while also parenting strong willed, highly-sensitive or neurodivergent kids can be a challenge for many parents. Today, we dive into the complexities of maintaining a healthy and communicative relationship with your partner, especially after becoming parents. I'm thrilled to have Dr. Tracy Dalgleish with us to explore the complexities of maintaining and nurturing relationships amid parenting pressures. Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, shares...

EPISODE 34: Sometimes, our kids show behaviors that leave us utterly perplexed.  Like when your child suddenly kicks out of nowhere or when nothing seems to work for them. Or when their emotions switch from "I want nothing to do with you!" to “I need you, I need you, I need you,” all within 60 seconds.  These are the moments when we feel utterly helpless, unsure of why this is happening and how to respond. This often leads us to feelings of guilt, a sense of failure, isolation, frustration,...

EPISODE 33: The holiday season can be a whirlwind of joy and chaos, especially for families like ours with neurodivergent children. In this episode, Jason and I delve deep into making the holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful for families like yours and mine. We talk about redefining holiday traditions to suit our unique family needs, managing overwhelming extended family interactions, and handling the sensory and emotional intensities that come with the festive season. We discuss...

EPISODE 32: In the Calm the Chaos corner of the internet, we're talking about raising out-of-the-box kids, the ones who don't fit the usual mold and sometimes act in ways that make us worry. But there's one challenge that many parents face, yet it hardly gets talked about. That's why I've decided to dive into that big three-letter topic in this ep - OCD. And I've got the perfect guest to help us understand it. I'm super pumped to welcome Natasha Daniels, an anxiety and OCD therapist with over...

EPISODE 31: This week, we're diving into a topic that keeps popping up in our community, and it's a two-part issue. Firstly, some parents are puzzled about how to help their kids at school as they come home on Fridays exhausted and frustrated, or they flat out refuse to go to school, claiming it's just too stressful. Even when they do go, they return home stressed and unwilling to do homework. Teachers are noticing these struggles, too. Kids aren't turning in their work, not keeping up, with...

EPISODE 30: I’ve spent a decade in this field, and the stories I hear are strikingly similar: "My partner just doesn’t get it."  "I’m a single parent, and it's just overwhelming."  "My partner and I just can’t agree on how to raise our kids." So this week, we’re taking a deep dive into a topic that hits close to home for so many incredible parents out there: Parenting neurodivergent kids without a partner (on board) It’s tough, and you might find yourself feeling lonely or even like you’re...

EPISODE 29: Ever had that heart-dropping moment when your kid, in front of the entire family, curiously asks about a wildly embarrassing topic? Or the shock of discovering they were sexting? Or felt anxiety about needing to discuss bullying, divorce, or death with them? In such moments, it's easy to feel flustered and at a loss for words. However, these tough topics are challenges all parents must confront at some point.  So, what should we say? What should we avoid doing? How can we earn...

EPISODE 28: Over the years, as I parented an autistic child, worked with parents of autistic kids, and met many beautiful and amazing autistic individuals, one thing has always stood out to me: The world doesn't always recognize the wonder in these incredible individuals as I see it. And I've always wished that others could see these humans in their true light. Every moment spent with them has only deepened this desire.  This feeling led me to Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, as his book...

EPISODE 27: Ever felt like you're ticking all the right boxes in parenting, staying calm, connecting with your child, and yet, your child seems to be that 'exception'? If that's ringing any bells, you're in for a treat with today's podcast! Today, we dig into the world of peaceful parenting tailored for complex kids with Sarah Rosensweet, a certified coach, speaker, and the founder of Reimagine Peaceful Parenting. She defines peaceful parenting as a non-punitive, connection-based approach...

EPISODE 26: TRIGGER WARNING: Today's topic covers self-harm. In this episode, we are diving into a topic that many parents face, yet few openly talk about: self-harm. We'll be hearing from a family who experienced this challenge firsthand. They'll share how they addressed this dangerous and frightening situation and where they stand today. Let's welcome Amanda and Marc Ferraro. This brave couple reached out to Calm the Chaos after discovering their daughter's self-harm behaviors....