Ever wondered why you keep exploding at your kids despite reading every parenting book and knowing exactly what you "should" do?

What if I told you that if you're neurodivergent or raising neurodivergent kids, traditional parenting advice isn't just ineffective—it can actually make you feel more ashamed and overwhelmed because it ignores how differently your nervous system works?

My guest, Lauren O'Carroll, completely shifted my understanding of what neurodivergent parents actually need during our raw and honest conversation. As a certified peaceful parenting coach who has ADHD herself and is raising two neurodivergent children, Lauren knows firsthand the impossible position many parents find themselves in—desperately wanting to co-regulate with their kids but lacking the nervous system capacity to do so.

In this vulnerable interview, Lauren reveals why the "just regulate yourself first" advice feels so impossible for ADHD parents and what actually works instead.

You'll discover:

* The "double negative" that neurodivergent families face: kids who need more co-regulation paired with parents who have less capacity to provide it

* Why consuming more parenting information can actually make your regulation worse when you're already overwhelmed

* How anger needs to move through your body—and Lauren's go-to strategy

* The crucial difference between accepting where you are versus condoning harmful behavior

* Why community with other neurodivergent parents isn't just nice to have—it's essential for your nervous system health

* Specific somatic techniques that work when traditional "take deep breaths" advice fails

Lauren vulnerably shares how she went from being "a walking encyclopedia" of parenting knowledge to finally finding tools that actually worked for her reactive nervous system. She reminds us that if you're listening to parenting podcasts, "that is proof that you're a good parent"—even when you're struggling.

Most importantly, she challenges the myth that neurodivergent parents are somehow broken, showing us instead how to work with our wiring rather than against it.

Ready to stop fighting your nervous system and start supporting it? This conversation will give you permission to parent in a way that actually fits your brain—and find the community support you've been craving.

To learn more about Lauren O'Carroll's work:

https://www.instagram.com/positivelyparentingtogether/

https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoach/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/myparentvillage

https://www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparenting/

Connect with Dajana Yoakley

Delight in Parenting

Step #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.

https://www.delightinparenting.com

https://www.delightinparenting.com/book-online

Step #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/course

Step #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfree

Step #4- Follow me on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/

https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/

https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParenting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/

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