On The Hard Days

By Megan Champion

Raising an out-of-the-box kid can feel isolating. You wonder, Am I crazy? What am I doing wrong? The doubt, guilt, and exhaustion are overwhelming—and finding another mom who truly gets it

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4.9

169169 ratings

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FAQs about On The Hard Days:

How many episodes does On The Hard Days have?

The podcast currently has 211 episodes available.

On The Hard Days episodes:

April 22, 2025Ep. 209 Mom Dalynn on Putting in the Work on *Herself* to Lead Her Family With Love & Understanding, Instead of Yelling & Anxiety
Today's episode is with Dalynn, who shared some really vulnerable, tough stuff in this conversation. It's a powerful episode not to be missed.
**Trigger Warning: Talk of hitting/physical abuse at the 21:00 mark**
In this episode, we talk about:
What it's like raising 5 teens/young adults
When you're raising an ND kid with grandparents
Raising a kid with severe sleep challenges
How her prior cancer journey helped her handle the challenges in parenting
How lack of sleep and severe anxiety led to her lashing out
How she learned how to "gentle parent" in therapy
How she's coming to terms with the load she carries
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on JULY 16th! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!
...more
49min
April 15, 2025Ep. 208 Mom Stephanie on the "Survival of Self" While Getting Divorced & Helping a Struggling Teenager Who Doesn't Want Help
"I've had a whole parenting life of doing it all by myself." Today's episode is with my good friend Stephanie, who has been with me in Mothers Together since (almost) Day 1! Don't miss it!
**Trigger Warning: Talk of suicidal ideations at the 45:00 mark**
In this episode, we talk about:
When giftedness shows itself in preschool
Why it's frustrating when educators can't share if they feel a diagnosis is present
When your partner doesn't think there's anything wrong
What the motherhood load looks like when a marriage is breaking
The challenges of finding the right school for a gifted child with ADHD
Where ADHD, OCD, and depression overlap
When your ND kid is old enough to refuse medication
When your child's baseline for what's okay doesn't match yours
When you're the one who picks up all the pieces, all the time.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on JULY 16th! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!
...more
1h 2min
April 01, 2025Ep. 207 Mom Sandi on Helping Her PDA Child Come Out the Other Side of Severe Burnout (and What She Learned About Herself Along the Way)
"PDA kids don't bend...they break. And I'm not breaking my kid again." Today's episode with mom guest, Sandy, is REALLY, really good. Don't skip this one!
In this episode, we talk about:
How the professionals *missed* the signs early on
How girls' neurodivergence often goes under the radar
What PDA looked like in her young son
What school refusal looked like with a supportive school
The lack of professional support about PDA, especially in emergencies
How she became a PDA leader in Mothers Together
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!
...more
1h 7min
March 25, 2025Ep. 206 Mom Becky on Learning to Understand Her Neurodivergent Kids Through the Joy of Support
"All the things I knew to do weren't working...I was perpetually annoyed." Today's episode with mom guest, Becky, is a powerful one! Don't miss it!
In this episode, we talk about:
Her family: One adult child and 3 elementary age - 2 adopted from foster care, and all with a wide range of needs and challenges: ADHD, Autism, 2E, Anxiety, OCD, and more.
How she felt crazy when all the strategies didn't work
How she reclaimed joy in the Mothers Together community
A virtual community vs. in-person
Finding support in MT first about her children, but then about *her*.
How she utilized the resources provided in MT
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!
...more
35min
March 18, 2025Ep. 205 Mom Dorothy on Accepting Your *Lack* of Control, Being Realistic About Hope, and Using Your Master Negotiation Skills To Get Help
"Even though my son is 18, he will forever be 8 to 10 years old." Today's episode with mom guest, Dorothy, is a powerful one! Don't miss it!
In this episode, we talk about:
Her child's life with Tourette Syndrome, Autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, and a gene mutation affecting medication
What tics were like at the beginning of a Tourette journey
The challenge of adoption without knowing the genetics of the birth parents
How her child cannot tolerate medications for more than a short time
Even after having been to the top specialists and clinics, life is still unpredictable
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!
...more
1h 1min
March 11, 2025Ep. 204 Mom Amanda on Being an "Action Taker" While Pursuing *All The Things* to Help Her Family Thrive
"We kind of go along each day, living in the moment of where our kids are at that time, and how we can support them in that." Don't miss this one with mom guest, Amanda! You'll feel inspired and validated by her unique journey!
In this episode, we talk about:
Life with *8* adopted, neurodivergent children after fostering dozens of kids
How her own ADHD has led to MANY different passions and hobbies
What it was like in burnout as a foster parent
Homeschooling, homesteading, and their daily life
How she meets the needs of her PDA child among the needs of other kids
Finding her joy in friendship and her version of "self care" - publishing a book about social workers and foster families
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!
...more
48min
March 04, 2025Ep. 203 Mom Emily on Managing *Caregiver Burnout* When There's No End in Sight
"It always goes back to - NOBODY gets it." We're BACK!! And we're kicking it off with mom guest, Emily. I'm telling you right now - you will ABSOLUTELY resonate with her story!
In this episode, we talk about:
The frustration of being your child's co-regulator 24/7
When being a "stay at home mom" means you can't take your kids out due to your child's struggles - so you're always at home.
The way motherhood is romanticized on social media
The sadness of losing friendships with other adults over time because they have NT kids.
How sharing your nervous system with your child's means you have nothing left at the end of the day.
How finding her village has helped her reclaim her identity
How parenting a demand avoidant kid requires a whole different approach
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!
Mothers Together *Open House*
...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.
Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!
Sign up for Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until JULY! See you there!
...more
1h
December 04, 2023 Ep.202 Mom Chantelle Stieghan on Facing Motherhood Struggles With Humor & Rolling With the (Literal) Punches
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Chantelle. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The lack of support when living in a foreign country
-When doctors have never heard of the struggles your child is facing
-Eating disorders as part of being neurodivergent
-How ADHD can look so different in different kids
-How emotional it is to feel alone in your struggles
-Trying to advocate for your child in a different language than your native tongue
-How exciting it is to find a resource that helps
-Chantelle's children's books that she made up for her children - on sale on Amazon! Find them here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Chantelle-Stieghan/
Please shower Chantelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!
I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: [email protected]. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!
...more
58min
November 27, 2023 Ep.201 Mom Felicia Watkins on Stopping the Cycles of Self-Gaslighting and Judging How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kids
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Felicia. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Raising multiple children with Autism
-Learning how to stop self-gaslighting when looking at your child's struggles
-The exhaustion she feels from trying to meet the needs of all of her kids
-Rolling with the punches while establishing your household "norms"
-How she's practicing self-love with less judgement
Please shower Felicia with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!
I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: [email protected]. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!
...more
33min
November 13, 2023 Ep.200!! Celebrating 200 Episodes With Megan Through Vulnerability & Validation
About This Episode: I'm celebrating 200 episodes today - join me as I reflect on how sharing stories brings us the crucial validation we need.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!
I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: [email protected]. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!
...more
40min

FAQs about On The Hard Days:

How many episodes does On The Hard Days have?

The podcast currently has 211 episodes available.

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