Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different

In this final episode of the year, Samantha and Lauren discuss the societal pressures of New Year's resolutions and advocate for a more realistic approach, especially for neurodivergent individuals and parents of neurodivergent children.They highlight the overwhelming nature of setting too many goals and emphasize the importance of focusing on one or two manageable objectives at a time to avoid burnout and shame.They also stress the importance of self-compassion and creating a supportive environment for personal growth and effective parenting. 00:00 Introduction00:51 New Year, No Pressure02:30 The Reality of New Year's Resolutions05:18 Understanding Burnout and Stress08:18 Setting Realistic Goals13:24 Reflection and Self-Compassion18:32 Final Thoughts and Community Support Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the importance of taking a break during the holiday season, particularly for families with neurodivergent members.They discuss the challenges that arise from the busy holiday schedules and emphasize the necessity of rest for mental health and overall well-being.Samantha and Lauren share personal experiences and provide insights on how to manage holiday stress, suggesting that prioritizing rest and downtime can mitigate meltdowns and enhance the holiday experience for both parents and children. They also touch upon the societal expectations to be constantly productive and how this goes against the natural cycles of rest observed in nature. 00:00 Introduction00:36 Hosts' Personal Updates and Reflections01:17 The Importance of Rest During Breaks02:22 Managing Holiday Stress and Expectations06:01 Adapting Family Traditions10:30 The Natural Cycle of Rest and Productivity14:51 Why Downtime is Essential for Neurodivergent Kids16:15 Parents' Need for Downtime and Managing Triggers19:28 Final Thoughts and Community Support Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

Anneke (pronounced UH-nuh-kuh) is a coach with a background in both corporate and clinical settings, having worked as a clinical director, supervisor, and behavior analyst. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, she supports clients worldwide through phone and video conferencing. Anneke specializes in coaching professionals with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent experiences. She brings personal insight to her practice, as she has been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Website: www.Anneke-Elmhirst.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/allforlovecoaching Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for effectively parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They emphasize the importance of collaboration over direct demands to help children feel more in control and safe, which mitigates reactive behaviors.They explain how giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can prevent the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to anxiety and defensive behaviors.Practical examples like offering options instead of direct commands are given and the importance of flexibility and patience in parenting, particularly for neurodivergent families is discussed.Samantha and Lauren also highlight the significance of co-regulation and maintaining a calm demeanor to support a child's sense of autonomy and safety.A PDA cheat sheet with useful scripts and strategies is available for listeners. 00:00 Introduction00:39 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)03:00 Collaborative Parenting Strategies06:08 Practical Examples and Scripts09:37 Managing Parental Expectations and Flexibility21:30 Maintaining a Regulated Nervous System24:30 Conclusion and Resources Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membershipGet the PDA Cheat Sheet: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/pda-cheat-sheet  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren engage in a compelling conversation with Jessica Frew, the author of 'Shove Your Shoulds,' a pivotal book aimed at helping ambitious women shed societal conditioning and make bold decisions without guilt or fear. Throughout the discussion, Jessica shares insights into the importance of setting personal boundaries, trusting one's intuition, and the role of parents in modeling behavior for their children.Jessica’s teachings are for everyone, particularly those raising neurodivergent children, advocating for a parenting approach free from societal 'shoulds'. She provides real-life examples of navigating difficult relationships, establishing firm boundaries, and making aligned decisions. 00:00 Introduction to Every Brand Is Different Podcast00:39 Meet Jessica Fru: Author and Bold Decision Coach01:36 The Concept of 'Shove Your Shoulds'02:17 Releasing the Shoulds and Trusting Your Gut06:32 Setting Boundaries and Silencing the Noise13:40 Building a Support System20:12 Raising Kids Without Shoulds26:20 Where to Find Jessica Fru and Her Book27:34 Jessica Fru's Fun and Family Life28:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebookConnect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/ Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent