Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast

As we approach Father's Day, I had the privilege of recording a special podcast episode with my husband, John Andrejack. This is a message of hope! John is not just the father of our amazing atypical child, Ocean, but also an educator and a Parkinson's Disease advocate. This episode delves into parenting, coping with chronic illness, and the beauty of seeing our children thrive despite obs...

Your Neurodivergent Family = a Summer Filled With Fun and Relaxation I’ve tested this method with many neurodiverse families with totally chill results! Summer Prep For Maximum Chill! With Amy Weber, LCSW Get support and strategies to co-create a fun, relaxed summer with your unique family. This is an upcycled episode, so the workshop is over, but you can get all you need, INCLUDING FREE HANDOUTS...

Planning for day camp success with your neurodivergent kid! I'm joined by Amy Weber, LCSW, to talk about practical steps you can take to sail through summer with less stress. Amy has been running a day camp for intense kids for 9 years through her interdisciplinary pediatric therapy practice in Brooklyn, New York: Speak, Learn, & Play. Learn how to navigate summer day camp with neurodiverg...

What questions do you have for a teen money expert who wants to help us teach our neurodivergent kids how to manage money? Amanda L. Grossman isn't just an award-winning money expert with a passion for helping neurodivergent kids manage their finances. She's walking alongside us, raising her own neurodivergent kid. In this episode, she shares a "wealth" of expert financial litera...

How We Can Help Our Kids and Ourselves Feel Safer Today What have you heard about Polyvagal Theory? I love sharing about how it informs my parenting. We're parents of neurodivergent kids. Of course we need nervous system regulation skills. I’m so glad Matthew Sloane from Fatherhood Dojo invited me to talk with him about one of my favorite topics! In this conversation, Matt and I get personal,...

How to find strength and acceptance in inclusive parenting with Sonali Vongchusiri. A mindful exploration of belonging versus fitting in, and combating internalized ableism. Sonali is a highly-sensitive mom with three deeply-feeling and strong-willed kids. She also happens to be legally blind and have albinism. With her heartwarming stories and profound revelations, Sonali teaches us that you don&...

Happy Autism Awareness-Acceptance-Appreciation Month! This popular episode from the archives of 2020 is worth a listen for the honest perspective of an autistic kid who can and does advocate for himself. Hearing that little high voice compared to the deep one he has now, I'm almost nostalgic... ...but not really! _______ Advice for parents of atypical kids, from Ocean as he begins his 5th grad...

Why Curiosity Helps You SHINE as a Parent of Neurodiverse Kids I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Arbeau, an inspiring life and health coach, and a resilient mom navigating the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising neurodiverse children. The result is a  moving podcast episode full of twists and turns, as we follow her 21-year parenting story.  Valerie introduces us to the "SHI...

Ocean and I were swapping YouTube videos about bullying, and we decided to record a conversation. I'm a bit anxious about Ocean starting middle school next year. 'Bullies' are everywhere throughout life, so it is important to me that we keep an open dialogue.  Please note that we are NOT talking about any sort of physical abuse.  Brooks Gibbs has been on my radar for a while. In genera...

Rebekah Lara has 3 daughters with multiple health challenges. Her story of resilience shows how pursuing our own interests can liberate our whole family. Rebekah joined me to talk about time freedom and the importance of pursuing our own interests as parents. Her story is one of resilience, wisdom, and hope that's going to resonate with so many of you. We discuss the transformative power of se...

As parents of neurodivergent kids, we know, when it RAINS, it pours.  I'm re-releasing this popular episode now because times are hard! In the process of living a life of meaning, my vulnerability arises. Emotionally raw places become exposed, and my precarious serenity is challenged not only by my relationship with my son, but by life in general.  Join me in a self-compassion process which ha...

How do you collect and ground yourself during a tense parenting moment? How will you survive the storm of your child's big emotions?  This is a re-release of our most popular episode. Try a visualization, meditation or breath pattern and practice until it becomes part of you. Nichi's pug Millie sat in on our chat, and gives her comfort when life is a challenge. I know you will relate to Ni...

Don’t panic about your neurodivergent child’s future, do something! What’s most important for a meaningful life, as far as you’re concerned? I'm re-releasing this popular episode, which was one of the first Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast episodes. “All parenting turns on a crucial question: to what extent parents should accept their children for who they are, and to what extent they...

“Why do you never put your shoes away?” and other questions that aren't helping. Do you recognize any of these? “We need to do it this way!” “Why can't you follow my system?” “Why do you never put your shoes away?” “Why do you always leave your stuff everywhere?” “A lot of times it's because we have these different organizing styles.” -Audrey Berry You may have beliefs about how things...

An interview with a parent of grown children about her journey from isolated to empowered, and how you can support others too. Audrey Berry is a parent who can relate to the challenges of raising a child with neurodivergence and disabilities. Although she doesn't have a formal diagnosis herself, Audrey acknowledges the difficulties and frustrations that come with navigating life when things do...

What I love most about Extreme Kids is the emotional space we are given to be ourselves. This is a story I recently shared on my Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog , in 3 parts: 1. How My Neurodiverse Family Found a Space Where We Could Be Ourselves 2. Why a "Perfectly Fine" Coat Can Be Torture if You Have Sensory Aversions 3. A Safe Space for Every Kid to Play Freely Without Judgment o...

Here's how I rewrite the list my inner critic has been writing all night long, and turn inward with compassion. If today is triggering for you, I hear you, I see you, and you are not alone. The weight our culture gives to Mother’s Day is a symptom. An unequal burden is placed on the shoulders of individual parents: the implicit and explicit pressure for the day, much less the children’s lives...

Trouble with tech-related mental health issues and struggles with getting off screens? Learn a self-regulation strategy that will help you through the eggshell moments, then once you're calm, rethink your family's screen health. When we help our child make informed choices about their screen life, and balance it with activities that we know support well-being, we will change their very exp...

We asked parents about their struggles, and what question they wanted to ask us about parenting.  Amy Weber and I are planning our next coaching group for parents of neurodivergent kids, and we want your input! The questionnaire will only take a minute or two, and we will reach out personally to answer your questions!  Hear my conversation with Amy Weber, LCSW, as we answer some fantasti...

Parents, do you really need another condescending person telling you that you should be practicing self-care? I mean, it’s just another thing on the list when we’re already so tired and stressed and frustrated. Right? That’s why I prefer the term self-respect, or self-honoring. Those don’t take extra time or require us to do anything at all. It’s a mindset. A mindset we can model for our kids. Let...

In which Ocean makes a surprise appearance to eat chips and talk about his expectations for summer.  In which I recap and reinforce the tips and practices we've covered to help you sail through summer with your neurodiverse family.  In which I throw a curveball, by telling a story about plans gone awry.  How My Family Is Prepping for a Summer Filled With Fun and Relaxation: Call a c...

Some Kids Come With Operating Instructions  Michelle Neuringer, a fellow parent, wrote to me recently:  "I’d like to get your thoughts on some struggles I’m having finding inclusive enrichment programs for my daughter (eg afterschool, camp). I think there’s a big opportunity to educate these enrichment providers on how to work with neurodivergent kiddos."  Michelle wants to introduc...

Welcome to Season 2 of Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids! We're Back Just in Time to Prep for Summer! Are you feeling overwhelmed, parenting your neurodivergent kids during these stressful times? Yeah, me too. Welcome to Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids, a neurodiversity-affirming parenting podcast where you'll find connection, strategies, and support for your journey.   I can’t wait to...

This is a simple practice for when you're feeling a bit down on yourself.  Practice it when you feel okay, so it is readily available to you in moments of suffering.   It is a breathing practice connected with affirmations. It is adapted from walking meditations by Thich Nhat Hanh.    Think to yourself:  "I am home" as you breathe in.  "I have arrived" as you breathe...

Talking Law Enforcement With Our Atypical Kids Edna is former NYPD and a superhero mama of kids with disabilities. I first met her when Ocean started kindergarten and I was so worried. She was one of the moms of older kids. She tucked me under her wing and shared warmth, reassurance, advice and empathy. You're going to LOVE her as much as I do. When I asked her to do this interview, she wholeheart...