Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids

Listen in on an intimate conversation between myself and one of my beloved private parent coaching clients. She's building confidence and compassion while raising her neurodivergent kid. Learn how self-compassion plays a crucial role in mindful parenting. Building Confidence in Parenting: Strategies and Support for Neurodiverse Families

Discover:

-the power of a judgment-free coaching relationship.

-the simplicity of self-regulation techniques.

-the value of connecting deeply with your child.

Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast helps parents feel less alone. Kate interviews parents and experts who share her mission to co-create a more inclusive future.

Join us in this insightful interview where we're discussing parenting with compassion, empathy, and boundary-setting.

This episode delves into my client's goals, including safety, mindful spending, balancing screen time, fostering open communication, and developing self-compassion as a parent.

Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at ⁠Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog⁠: ⁠ ⁠⁠https://katelynch.substack.com/⁠⁠

Witness the transformation and growth in a parent-child bond through practical exercises and mutual understanding.

00:00 Introduction to Mindful Parenting

00:55 Starting the Coaching Journey

02:02 Setting Boundaries and Expectations

02:58 Self-Regulation and Empathy

04:55 Screen Time and Activities

09:58 Building Confidence and Self-Compassion

11:42 Collaborative Problem Solving

12:18 Celebrating Wins and Bonding

13:25 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Explore the 3 ways I offer coaching:

⁠⁠Private Parent Coaching Package of 6 Sessions⁠⁠ $445.

⁠⁠Founding Supporter 1-1 Voxer Coaching⁠⁠ 3 months $150.

⁠⁠Community Monthly Mindful Parent Coaching⁠⁠ for all paid Substack subscribers, starting at $5/month.

How to Balance Support and Independence in Neurodivergent Teens

Raising neurodivergent teens requires us to walk the razor's edge between offering support and encouraging independence...

...it's a balance that can sometimes feel elusive.

I'm Kate Lynch, and the other day I discussed this with Dr. Emily W. King, a child psychologist with a wealth of experience working with neurodivergent kids.

Before she became a parent, Dr. Emily was a licensed psychologist. Despite all her academic knowledge and training, having her own kids and working with her clients provided the real education. Nothing prepares you for the emotional experience of parenting. Knowledge helps, but understanding how our brains and bodies work together—in vastly different ways—comes from lived experience. As Dr. Emily put it, “Lived experience is just as valuable as any letters we have behind our name.”

Every child is different, and each family figures out what work best for them. For instance, my son is now comfortable taking the subway to school, although that journey had its challenges. He has navigated train disruptions, struggled with confusion, and yet persisted, growing more independent over time. 

Dr. Emily noted that our kids are on their own timelines, and traditional age-based developmental milestones don’t apply to neurodivergent kids. Trusting the process, allowing for those inevitable challenges, and seeing them as growth opportunities are critical. Understanding and accepting this can alleviate some parental anxiety.

Sometimes, teens might feel they no longer need certain therapies, even when their parents think otherwise. Emily suggested a collaborative approach: understanding the child’s perspective, discussing their goals, and finding compromises that respect their feelings while ensuring they get the support they need.

 One particularly touching moment Dr. Emily recalled was when her son unexpectedly grabbed her hand in a crowd, a simple yet profound reminder that there’s a last time for everything—we just don’t know when it will be.

By sharing experiences and learning from each other, we can help our neurodivergent kids feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow.

Join the Movement! Come Together to Create a More Inclusive World for Our Kids, One Parent at a Time...

If you’re anything like other parents I talk to, you’re seeking 3 things:

I’m committed to providing all three for you here at ⁠⁠Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents⁠⁠!

Get access to monthly Mindful Parent Community Coaching by subscribing at any paid tier.

Starts at only $5 a month!

+PLUS: “Founding Supporter” tier members will have access to 3 months of my 1-1 asynchronous parent coaching pilot program! 

"Kate did a great job creating a safe space and bringing relevant topics to the group."

⁠https://katelynch.substack.com/p/back-to-school-support-special⁠

When you're suffering and searching for self-compassion, you may be thinking, "But I'm already feeling so vulnerable! I can't take it. I need to numb out. This is too much!!!"

Right over that hill you can't quite see beyond, self-compassion is waiting for you. 

The other day during a vulnerability hangover, I recorded an especially helpful audio meditation for the Compassion Club Private Podcast.

I'd like to share it with my community here because I appreciate you! It's going to be especially helpful for those of you who are ready to tread the transformative path from all-out resistance and overwhelm, through vulnerability, to self-compassion.

Listen now | 20 Min Meditation:

Self-compassion for the days you have a vulnerability hangover.

I share a bit of my personal process in this meditation to show an example of being in the mess and befriending my protective parts. 

Learn the 5 steps so you can apply them to your next moment of suffering.

Remember, you're not alone.

Links:

Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog

Compassion Club Private Podcast⁠

How to Find Peace in the Mess of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids

Join us as my guest Kathryn Barbash, PsyD, a mom of four and a clinical psychologist, shares her experiences and strategies for parenting neurodivergent children. Kathryn discusses the importance of flexibility, the pitfalls of striving for perfection, and the concept of resilience.

Hear her personal stories, including the hilariously chaotic 'flour fiasco,' and gain insights on how to manage morning routines and emotional outbursts with kindness, creativity, and self-compassion. 

This episode is a rich resource for parents seeking support, connection, and practical advice for their unique parenting experiences. 

00:00 Morning Struggles and Parenting Challenges

00:43 Introduction to Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids

01:18 Meet Kathryn Barbash: Psychologist and Mom

03:33 The Flour Fiasco: Embracing Parenting Messes

08:00 The Second Arrow: Understanding and Managing Parental Guilt

16:46 Morning Routines: Tips and Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids

22:11 Collaborative Parenting: Working with Your Kids

26:21 Core Values and Joyful Parenting Moments

29:11 Conclusion and Where to Learn More

Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast helps parents feel less alone. Kate interviews parents and experts who share her mission to co-create a more inclusive future. 

Our podcast is a baby, and it needs your love to grow.

If you appreciate the strategies, connection, and support here, please help it reach other parents by leaving us a review.

Read the transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at ⁠Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog⁠: ⁠https://katelynch.substack.com/⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Kathryn - Links: 

https://open.substack.com/pub/mindfulinthemud/p/flour-fiasco-i-am-not-a-calm-mom

https://mindfulinthemud.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmominthemud/

"My mission is to expand access to aquatics for neurodivergent individuals."

-Nina Sporn

Nina Sporn teaches swimming and tennis to children and young adults, particularly neurodivergent individuals and children with emotional sensitivities that make athletics challenging. 

She wants to make sure that people stay safe by learning basic swimming skills, and to consider swimming as a great way to be physically fit. Nina encourages kids to develop confidence through swimming and athletics. "All children are great at something...building a child's self-esteem and self-worth is crucial."

"I have had students who overcame incredible fear of the water and significant sensory issues, who have found the courage to ultimately 'let go' and swim freely. It brings me joy every time!"

-Nina Sporn

Some of the benefits of swimming:

Self esteem

Safety 

Strength 

Stamina 

Gross motor mastery 

Overcome fears 

Sensory soothing 

Outlet for anxiety 

Great exercise 

Fun with friends 

Contact with other children 

Nina sees the opportunities for physical activity for atypical kids as woefully inadequate. "Neurodivergent kids can gain confidence and fitness through sports, and swimming is about the best skill one can have. My mission is to expand access to aquatics for neurodivergent individuals."

5 Water Safety Basics:

Other things we discussed: My riptide story: Why we position ourselves near lifeguards. A little fear of the ocean is a good thing. Drowning is a very quiet thing. We lose skills when we can’t practice regularly.

Nothing takes the place of a parent’s attention. No one watches your child like you. Spend time with your kids in the water. Make it fun.

Belly Button Blowhole Breathing

Therapeutic benefits of silliness, especially after a micro trauma. 

Nina's last word: "Have fun and wear sunscreen!"

Connect with Nina: [email protected]

Your comments, ratings and reviews mean a lot to me, and help other parents find our community.

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 obstacles.

00:29 Meet John Andrejack: Educator and Parkinson's Advocate

01:15 John's Journey with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease

02:23 Parenting Challenges and Philosophies

05:10 Memorable Parenting Moments

06:13 A Walk on Water: Surf Therapy for Ocean

10:35 Parenting Mistakes and Lessons Learned

13:52 Core Values and Reflections on Fatherhood

18:08 Final Thoughts and Father's Day Wishes

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 AND UPDATED CALENDARS, HERE:

https://katelynch.substack.com/p/neurodiverse-family-summer-not-awful

How My Family Is Prepping for a Summer Filled With Fun and Relaxation:

Call a family meeting. Grab some paper. Get curious.

1. Ask everyone, "⁠How do we want to FEEL this summer?⁠⁠" Write everything down.

2. Ask everyone, "How are we going to make these feelings happen?" Write everything down.

3. Make everyone's dreams come true. There are creative ways to do this!

4. Make it visible by posting a summer calendar.

I mentioned the book Burnout: https://www.burnoutbook.net/

Amy Weber is the co-founder of Speak, Learn, & Play, an interdisciplinary pediatric therapy practice in Brooklyn, New York. She’s a clinical social worker, specializing in work with children and their families. Amy sees children for individual and group therapy sessions, and helps parents through

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 neurodivergent kids in this insightful podcast episode. From mindful parenting to creating an inclusive environment, this episode covers it all. If you're a parent looking for tips on how to support your neurodivergent child at day camp and communicate with camp leadership, this episode is a must-listen! Mindfully parenting atypical kids has never been easier with these helpful tips.

Amy runs a camp for neurodivergent children every summer, so she has a unique perspective on the summer challenges of neurodiverse families. Amy also sees children for individual and group therapy sessions, and coaches parents too!

https://speaklearnandplay.com/

Here are a few tips we covered:

1. Know your kid. Do they have trouble with transitions?

2. Talk with camp directors.

3. Create a cheat-sheet on your kid. Share your expertise with counselors.

Partial disclosure is a great tool for summer camp advocacy. Here's a video of Dr. Stephen Shore explaining his 3-step process: https://youtu.be/TVSiJtLpMeo?t=327

1. Recognize a challenge

2. Disclose the specific need

3. Ask for an accommodation

https://katelynch.substack.com/p/navigating-summer-camp-neurodivergent-kids

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 literacy advice for neurodivergent kids. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, Amanda understands the challenges and stresses that come with parenting our kids.

She's the founder of Money Prodigy, a platform that empowers children and teens to achieve financial independence. Featured on prominent sites such as Experian, Rockstar Finance, and Colonial Life, Amanda is on a mission to ensure every child grows up with the skills to manage their money confidently.

We discuss the importance of sharing our personal money stories—warts and all—to make financial conversations less intimidating and more relatable for our children. We'll explore the pros and cons of allowances, paid chores, and the general responsibilities kids can take on within a family setting. Amanda has fantastic tips on using visual supports and categorizing chores to help our kids understand these concepts better.

I do my best to answer her questions, and you can too:

We'll also discuss the delicate balance of allowing children the freedom to make their own spending decisions while setting boundaries and responsibilities to guide them.

At the end I'll guide you through an abundant breath to release any anxiety that may arise.

This episode will instill parents with confidence around teaching kids about money. Even if you never received a money education from your own parents, and maybe your finances aren't so great. You are perfectly suited for teaching your kids how to manage their money.

So, get ready to rethink how you approach financial education at home.

And don’t forget—if you find value in today’s episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other parents discover this resource and join our mindful parenting community.

Connect with Amanda: ⁠https://www.moneyprodigy.com⁠

Amanda's gifts for listeners:

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, sharing stories of our own struggles with managing our fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses. I offer tips to honor those survival instincts, including simple practices you can do in less than a minute.

You’ll gain practical techniques and transformative insights. Together, without judgment, we’ll climb the ladder of managing fear, starting with small steps.

Understanding why we're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out is helpful, but it’s not enough.

I’ll offer you hands-on strategies to find your calm before engaging with your kids…

…IF calm is what’s called for in the moment.

We examine the internalized judgment that can infiltrate our parenting, and the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion.

Listen to the podcast, watch the video, or read the transcript at https://katelynch.substack.com/p/helping-our-kids-feel-safer-polyvagal-theory and leave a comment on the blog.

But it's not all about the challenges - we also celebrate the moments of connection and beautiful memories that come with the territory of parenting. We underscore how Polyvagal Theory can help us differentiate emergencies from opportunities for growth for both us and our neurodivergent (or neurotypical) children.

It’s a reminder to all parents that, in the space between stimulus and response, there's room for growth and connection.

Thanks to Matt Sloane of fatherhooddojo.com for sharing the interview so that I could make it available to you here.