Complicated Kids

What looks like 'won't' is often just 'can't yet.' And understanding that changes everything.

This week I am joined by fellow speech and language pathologist and executive function expert, Tera Sumpter to talk about what's really going on beneath the surface when kids struggle with focus, behavior, or regulation. Tera explains how executive function grows from the roots up, beginning with perception, attention, and working memory. Join us to find out why teaching kids to "pay attention" doesn't work and how directing their attention can lead to connection and learning.

To find out more about Tera, visit her website at www.terasumpter.com.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured

👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/

🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

Punishing failure doesn't teach kids to succeed. It teaches them to hide.

Executive coach and neurodiversity advocate Jane Singleton joins me to talk about how understanding our brains can change everything. Jane shares her insights from years of helping schools and organizations create more "brain-friendly" systems, and we explore what that looks like in family life, too. Jane offers powerful reminders that self-awareness, compassion, and realistic expectations are the foundations of growth for both parents and kids.

To find out more about Jane, visit her website at www.launchpadforlife.org.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured

👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/

🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

Punishing failure doesn't teach kids to succeed. It teaches them to hide.

Executive coach and neurodiversity advocate Jane Singleton joins me to talk about how understanding our brains can change everything. Jane shares her insights from years of helping schools and organizations create more "brain-friendly" systems, and we explore what that looks like in family life, too. Jane offers powerful reminders that self-awareness, compassion, and realistic expectations are the foundations of growth for both parents and kids.

To find out more about Jane, visit her website at www.launchpadforlife.org.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

 📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

 📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 

 👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story 

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet 

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet 

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 

 🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Handwriting isn't just about neat letters on a page. It's a critical foundation for learning, memory, and self-expression.

Handwriting specialist and founder of Squiggle Squad, Holly Britton joins me as we explore why handwriting is so much more than just putting letters on paper. It's about freeing up working memory so kids can actually learn, think, and express themselves. Holly shares how the lack of explicit handwriting instruction in early education can ripple into challenges with higher-level skills like comprehension, organizing ideas, and even self-expression. We also explore what this means for neurodivergent kids, why typing isn't always a simple substitute, and how intentional, step-by-step teaching can make all the difference.

Find out more about Holly and her program by visiting www.squigglesquad.com.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured

👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/

🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

Handwriting isn't just about neat letters on a page. It's a critical foundation for learning, memory, and self-expression.

Handwriting specialist and founder of Squiggle Squad, Holly Britton joins me as we explore why handwriting is so much more than just putting letters on paper. It's about freeing up working memory so kids can actually learn, think, and express themselves. Holly shares how the lack of explicit handwriting instruction in early education can ripple into challenges with higher-level skills like comprehension, organizing ideas, and even self-expression. We also explore what this means for neurodivergent kids, why typing isn't always a simple substitute, and how intentional, step-by-step teaching can make all the difference.

Find out more about Holly and her program by visiting www.squigglesquad.com.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

 📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

 📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 

 👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story 

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet 

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet 

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 

 🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Screens aren't just tools anymore. They're environments where kids live, learn, and connect. But for some, that connection turns into a compulsion that's tough to break. This week I sit down with my friend Ed Spector, a psychologist with tons of experience helping families navigate tech overuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. Together, we unpack how heavy use becomes compulsive, why certain kids are more vulnerable, and what harm-reduction strategies really look like in practice.

To find out more about Ed, visit his websites at www.spectortherapy.com or https://gamenight.space/

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured

👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/

🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

Screens aren't just tools anymore. They're environments where kids live, learn, and connect. But for some, that connection turns into a compulsion that's tough to break. This week I sit down with my friend Ed Spector, a psychologist with tons of experience helping families navigate tech overuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. Together, we unpack how heavy use becomes compulsive, why certain kids are more vulnerable, and what harm-reduction strategies really look like in practice.

To find out more about Ed, visit his websites at www.spectortherapy.com or https://gamenight.space/

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

 📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

 📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 

 👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story 

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet 

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet 

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 

 🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

AI gets a bad rap from some but can be a valuable tool for helping kiddos with learning delays and development issues.

Corom Thompson and Elad Ziklik join the Complicated Kids Podcast to explore how AI is being used in creative, deeply personal ways to help children with intellectual and developmental challenges. From Corom's daughter's "digital hamster" who makes bedtime easier, to AI-powered tools that give kids customized social scripts and emotional support, this conversation shines a light on how technology can become an empathetic partner for families. We talk about imagination, consistency, and the real-world ripple effects when kids feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that work uniquely for them.

To find out more about Elad and Corom, visit their website at uniqueminds.com.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured

👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/

🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

AI gets a bad rap from some but can be a valuable tool for helping kiddos with learning delays and development issues.

Corom Thompson and Elad Ziklik join the Complicated Kids Podcast to explore how AI is being used in creative, deeply personal ways to help children with intellectual and developmental challenges. From Corom's daughter's "digital hamster" who makes bedtime easier, to AI-powered tools that give kids customized social scripts and emotional support, this conversation shines a light on how technology can become an empathetic partner for families. We talk about imagination, consistency, and the real-world ripple effects when kids feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that work uniquely for them.

To find out more about Elad and Corom, visit their  website at uniqueminds.com. 

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

 📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

 📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 

 👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story 

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet 

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet 

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 

 🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Mediation can make one of life's hardest transitions less overwhelming for families with kids who need extra care.

That's what divorce mediator, Joe Dillon, conveyed when he joined me to talk about what happens when families with complicated kids go through divorce. Joe shares how his own childhood experience shaped his work, why mediation can be a healthier alternative to litigation, and how things like parenting plans, child support, and property division become even more complex when children have developmental or medical needs. We also discuss the importance of stability, creative problem-solving, and putting kids' needs first, even in the midst of major life changes.

To find out more about Joe, visit his website at equitablemediation.com.

About your host, Gabriele Nicolet

Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links:

🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com

📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.

📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured

👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story

➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet

➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/

🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/