Episode description

Summary

Dr. Mya Fields and Michelle McVitie discuss the importance of conversations around parenting and the lack of mandated education for parents. They explore the challenges of working with parents who have different levels of parenting knowledge and the need for personalized support. Michelle emphasizes the importance of understanding a child's individual needs and adjusting expectations accordingly. They also discuss strategies for parenting strong-willed children, including setting boundaries, validating emotions, and using rewards and consequences effectively. In this conversation, Michelle McVittie discusses the challenges of parenting and offers strategies for effective parenting, particularly for children with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating children's emotions and teaching accountability. Michelle also addresses the issue of overdiagnosing and overmedicating children, especially in the case of African-American boys. She highlights the need for cultural sensitivity and individualized approaches to treatment. Michelle shares insights from her book, 'I Quit...Oh Wait, I'm the Mom,' which provides encouragement and advice for overwhelmed parents. She also provides information on how to connect with her for further support and resources.

Takeaways

• Parenting conversations are important and there is a need for more education and support for parents.

• Understanding a child's individual needs and adjusting expectations is crucial for effective parenting.

• Setting boundaries, validating emotions, and using rewards and consequences can be helpful strategies for parenting strong-willed children.

• Parenting is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Understanding and validating children's emotions is crucial for effective parenting.

• Teaching accountability is more effective than shaming or punishing children.

• Overdiagnosing and overmedicating children, especially African-American boys, can have negative consequences and perpetuate stigma.

• Cultural sensitivity and individualized approaches to treatment are important in addressing behavioral issues.

• Michelle McVittie's book, 'I Quit...Oh Wait, I'm the Mom,' offers encouragement and advice for overwhelmed parents.

• Parents can connect with Michelle McVittie for further support and resources through her website and social media platforms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Parenting Conversations

02:48 The Role of a Child Life Specialist

06:37 Parenting Strong-Willed Children

10:48 Tools for Parenting Strong-Willed Children

17:31 Setting Realistic Expectations for Children's Behavior

27:58 Recognizing ADHD in Children

33:41 Complexities of Cultural Perceptions of ADHD

37:15 Overdiagnosis and Overmedication

43:05 The Book 'I Quit Awake on the Mom'

43:32 Creating a Book for Parents

43:59 Promoting Positive Parenting

45:20 Making Time for Self-Care

45:48 Becoming a Parenting Expert

46:49 Connecting with Michelle

48:15 Best Advice and Encouragement