On The Hard Days

About This Episode: Dad Bren was the first in a series of dads to join me on the show. He was so vulnerable in sharing what it's like from a dad's perspective to raise a neurodivergent child with challenging behaviors. I'm so excited to you all to hear what he has to say - and if YOU know a dad who might benefit from hearing Brent's story, please send him this episode! Here's just some of what we discussed:

-Frightening febrile seizures
-Play therapy experience with a child with severe ADHD
-Hearing negative self talk with Mood Disregulation Disorder
-When your child is on a cocktail of drugs for physical and mental health
-Accepting your child isn't an extension of you and that you can only help them with acceptance
-Marriage counseling works - after objecting to it for a long time
-Realizing you have to parent him differently, and how weird that looks to everyone else
-Being on high alert all the time

** HUGE NEWS!! For the first time ever, I'm hosting a Mothers Together "Open House" - a free, 5 day challenge where 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 200K 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!

"I could only find people talking about all the negatives or all the positives. There was no middle ground."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Courtney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What apraxia of speech looked like in her child
-Loneliness during the postnatal depression period
-How she handled judgmental comments from others
-Finding a balance of what to share and how to share it to create a safe space for other moms
-How toxic positivity makes moms of ND kids feel guilty
-How she made a conscious decision not to judge anyone else and now spreads a message of kindness and grace

Please shower Courtney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! For the first time ever, I'm hosting a Mothers Together "Open House" - a free, 5 day challenge where 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 almost 200K 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!

"It's not about being a perfect parent - it's about being a reflective parent."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Hannah. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Learning about yourself as a neurodivergent mom to help understand your child
-How challenging it is to advocate for your child
-Transitions can be so tough - how she handles them
-Repairing with your child (often)
-How therapy (and EMDR) has helped her so much
-How important it is to get alone time, despite how hard it is to make happen
-Figuring out what works for you and applying it to your parenting

Please shower Hannah with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! For the first time ever, I'm hosting a Mothers Together "Open House" - a free, 5 day challenge where 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 180K 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!

"I could do it all, but I deserve to not have to."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Caroline. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Life as a military spouse during deployment
-Sensory struggles, feeding disorders, and Autism
-Infancy trauma (sick with RSV, traumatic birth) - how does that fit with who a child is?
-Facing your own mental health struggles as a mental health professional
-What is Cyclothymia (mild Bipolar Disorder)?
-Fixated behaviors - what do they look like and what is the cause of them?
-The pros and cons of receiving a diagnosis for your child
-Adjusting your expectations and keeping safety as the priority
-Going to therapy as a therapist

Please shower Caroline with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @on.the.hard.days, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 180K 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!

"He gets into almost life-ending harm often...there's a whole list of behaviors that are just really scary."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Vanessa. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What behaviors are caused by genetic mutations vs. Autism/ADHD, etc?
-Constantly monitoring her child's heart health and the stress that causes
-How a service dog has vastly improved their home
-The stress of doctor appointments for ND kids
-Bloodwork, restraint, heart monitoring, and growth hormones - where is the priority?
-How the daily behavioral challenges are often harder than the medical complexities.
-Trying to keep her child in school with a lack of support.
-Living one minute at a time - it's so hard.

Please shower Vanessa with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can reach out to Vanessa through email: [email protected]

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @on.the.hard.days, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 175K 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!

"You have to look for the joy....it is there, it can be found. But you have to look for it - it's easy to miss if you don't."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Brittney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Severe sensory issues around food when her child was a toddler and started feeding therapy
-Bowel issues and not taking basic bodily functions for granted
-The importance of finding the right therapists for sensory issues
-How magnesium helped her child with constipation
-The challenges of monitoring your kid's bathroom issues and food struggles
-How she is trying to be more present in the moment rather than worrying about what's ahead
-What it looks like to advocate for her neurodivergent spouse

Please shower Brittney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @on.the.hard.days, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 175K 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!

"I had to grieve the loss of the life I thought we were going to have."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Jeannie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Jeannie shares her personal journey of struggling with infertility and having five children, three of whom have been diagnosed with neurodiversity, including a rare genetic condition called Apert Syndrome. 
-The importance of having a supportive team of specialists and professionals who can provide guidance and suggestions for testing and addressing additional conditions 
-The ongoing struggle of feeling a sense of loneliness and disconnection when friends with neurotypical children talk about their everyday lives. 
-Letting go of rigid expectations and techniques found in parenting guides and rely more on her intuition and building strong relationships with her children. 

Please shower Jeannie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @on.the.hard.days, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 175K 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!

 "There's going to be a lot of negative...you have to find your own positive."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Whitney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The impact of the pandemic on her son's therapy and evaluations
-The need for accessible resources, therapies, and emotional support groups for families with children on the autism spectrum
-The role of therapy for Whitney in building confidence, managing anxiety, and developing coping mechanisms
- How ABA therapy was a lifeline for her child
-How important an IEP can be for a special needs child

Please shower Whitney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can find Whitney on IG @asd_life_with_me.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @on.the.hard.days, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 165K 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!

"Our brains will always find the junk aisle of thoughts."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lisa. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Growing up with a neurodivergent sibling
-What it's like in the early years with a "hit the ground running" mentality, trying various approaches, programs, and therapies through trial and error.
-How her fear and sadness were often suppressed by staying busy and constantly seeking solutions, avoiding fully confronting the emotions associated with her journey.
-Self-confidence erosion: How constant decision-making and challenges eroded her self-confidence as a parent, making it harder to make decisions.
-How society has ingrained the idea that self-care for moms is optional or selfish. Undoing these beliefs and prioritizing self-care requires unpacking years of conditioning and societal expectations.

Please shower Lisa with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can find Lisa at theautismmomcoach.com.

**Exciting news! I'm launching a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @ on the hard days, with dots in between each word, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 165K 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!

"Safety cannot be the reason why a place is not a good fit."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lauren. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The realization that not everyone is on your team
-How daycare settings can have a lack of safety protocols and understanding from educators about neurodivergent children.
-The use of correct educational terminology to effectively communicate a child's needs.
-The importance of fostering curiosity and perseverance in your child's educational journey.
- The dilemma of choosing between different school options
-The transition from physical outbursts to verbal ones and the need for independent regulation skills. 

Please shower Lauren with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can email Lauren at: [email protected]

**Exciting news! I'm launching a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that! 

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly. 

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @ on the hard days, with dots in between each word, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message. 

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me! 

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 165K 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!