Episode 57: Are you worried about your child struggling with organization, planning, and time management as the new school year approaches? In this episode, we dive into these challenges and provide practical strategies to support your child’s success. In this insightful episode, Dayna Abraham sits down with Seth Perler, an executive function coach who specializes in helping students navigate the demands of school and life. Together, they discuss why kids often feel overwhelmed by school, common...
Jul 31, 2024•25 min
Episode 56: Are you struggling to understand why your child exhibits big behaviors like yelling, hitting, or biting? In this episode, we uncover the reasons behind these actions and provide practical strategies to help you navigate them. In this insightful episode, Dayna Abraham sits down with Krysten Taprell, a psychologist with over 20 years of experience and author of "Guidance from the Therapist Parent." Together, they discuss the normalcy of big behaviors in children, what these behaviors c...
Jul 23, 2024•32 min
Episode 55: In this episode, Dayna Abraham chats with Julie Redmond, host of the Mom Made Plans podcast. Julie shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed to creating non-negotiables that help her navigate motherhood with more ease. They discuss the importance of identifying personal needs, practical strategies to make time for yourself, and how these changes can positively impact your parenting. Key Takeaways: Identifying Survival Mode (00:01:00): Julie shares her experiences with twins in the ...
Jul 09, 2024•38 min
EPISODE 54: In this episode, Dayna Abraham chats with Gwenna Laithland, the hilarious and insightful author of Momma Cusses and TikTok sensation. Gwenna shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated to becoming a responsive parenting advocate. They discuss the realities of parenting, the importance of handling big emotions, and practical strategies to improve parent-child relationships—all while keeping your sense of humor. Key Takeaways: Gwenna's Turning Point (00:00:00): ...
Jun 18, 2024•37 min
Episode #53: In this heartfelt episode, Dayna sits down with Joann, the founder of No Guilt Mom, to delve into the pervasive issue of mom guilt. Together, they explore where this guilt comes from, why it affects so many mothers, and most importantly, how to overcome it. Joann shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and guilt-ridden to finding balance and joy in motherhood. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you release guilt and step into your power as a mom. "W...
Jun 12, 2024•47 min
Episode #52: Do you ever feel like you are the problem in your parenting journey? You are not alone! Christine Nieves, a dedicated mother and Calm the Chaos member, shares her heartfelt story of moving from self-judgment and hopelessness to finding calm and connection with her children. Christine's journey offers valuable insights for parents struggling with similar feelings of overwhelm and frustration, showing that change is possible through small, actionable steps and a supportive community. ...
Jun 04, 2024•26 min
Episode #51: Have you ever felt overwhelmed despite knowing all the right parenting strategies? In this episode of Calm the Chaos Parenting, Dayna welcomes Ginny, a parent of two neurodivergent children and a dedicated member of our community. Ginny shares her powerful journey of learning to bridge the gap between understanding her children's needs and effectively applying that knowledge in daily life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for self-care, executive functioning, and building a ...
May 28, 2024•31 min
Episode 50: In this episode, we interview Libby Ward about breaking the cycle of unhealthy patterns in parenting. Libby shares her personal journey of realizing the need for change and becoming a cycle breaker. Libby, a passionate advocate for authentic motherhood, discusses how confronting past traumas and embracing emotional honesty can lead to profound personal and familial growth. This episode provides not only a deep dive into the psychological shifts necessary for breaking unhealthy cycles...
May 21, 2024•40 min
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 with...
Apr 23, 2024•51 min
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 brain. "E...
Apr 10, 2024•43 min
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 who...
Apr 02, 2024•39 min
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 sensit...
Mar 26, 2024•52 min
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 the ...
Mar 13, 2024•25 min
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 to ...
Mar 05, 2024•37 min
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 neurodiv...
Feb 27, 2024•42 min
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 unique n...
Feb 20, 2024•33 min
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 from ...
Feb 13, 2024•46 min
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 under...
Feb 07, 2024•42 min
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 the ...
Jan 30, 2024•30 min
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 discusse...
Jan 16, 2024•38 min
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 deal...
Dec 19, 2023•35 min
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 triggers ...
Dec 12, 2023•40 min
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 her pr...
Dec 05, 2023•34 min
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, and so...
Nov 28, 2023•43 min
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 mai...
Nov 21, 2023•35 min
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 tw...
Nov 14, 2023•22 min
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 or ...
Nov 07, 2023•31 min
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 failing...
Oct 31, 2023•42 min
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 their t...
Oct 24, 2023•38 min
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 "Unique...
Oct 17, 2023•46 min
