Calm the Chaos Parenting

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...

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 The...

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....

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 rel...

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 episo...

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...

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 da...

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 episo...

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...

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 misunders...

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 understand...

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...

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 parentin...

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,...

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 int...

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,...

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...

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.  W...

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...

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 shifte...

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...

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...

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 nurturin...

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 an...

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,...