By Leanne Tran
The podcast currently has 69 episodes available.
What if the key to supporting your ADHD child isn’t just about addressing their challenges, but about embracing what they love? As a psychologist and a parent, I’ve realised that we often focus so much on fixing problems that we forget to celebrate the things our children enjoy. In this episode, I’ll be exploring how balancing structured growth with fun activities can help improve your child’s self-esteem, resilience, and overall happiness.
Have you ever considered how identifying your child’s strengths could make a real difference? Whether it’s a talent for drawing, a passion for sports, or an incredible memory, recognising these strengths is crucial for building confidence. I’ll explain why highlighting these qualities and encouraging activities that nurture them can help reduce behavioural struggles and bring more positivity into your child’s life.
So, can we make learning enjoyable instead of a constant battle? I’ll be sharing some creative strategies that involve your child’s passions in everyday learning. From turning problem-solving into a fun art project to using favourite characters for relaxation techniques, these methods not only engage ADHD kids but also help create a more enjoyable learning experience for them.
Are you ready to bring more fun and ease into your parenting routine? Tune in as I discuss how prioritising enjoyable moments and focusing on strengths can empower your ADHD child to thrive.
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
What does it mean to parent neurodivergent children in a way that balances compassion, resilience, and self-care? In this episode, we delve into the unique challenges and rewards of this journey, exploring how parents can support their children without losing their own identity. How can a parent navigate societal misconceptions and stay focused on approaches that genuinely work for their family? These insights come from years of experience, blending psychology with practical, everyday strategies for thriving as a family.
Are there different ways to be a supportive parent, even when neurodivergent children have specific needs? We discuss the pressures that parents often feel to dedicate their entire lives to supporting their children and how finding a balance is possible—and even beneficial. How can parents demonstrate resilience and personal fulfilment while showing their children the value of pursuing individual passions? We’ll talk about models of support that allow families to thrive while nurturing each member’s growth.
Finally, how can families identify patterns in their children’s behaviours to create a flexible, adaptable approach? By tracking behaviours and routines, parents can learn to spot triggers and adjust routines in ways that reduce stress for everyone. Join us as we uncover the importance of acceptance, adaptability, and self-compassion, making this journey one of connection and growth for both parents and children.
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
How can parents navigate the complexities of raising neurodivergent children while balancing their own personal and professional lives? In this episode, I sit down with Shona Gates, a mother of three, business owner, and author, who shares her experience of parenting children with ADHD and autism. What unique challenges does Shona face, and how does she create a thriving environment for her family despite their busy and chaotic schedule?
What does it mean to throw out traditional parenting advice and find what works for your unique family? Shona discusses how early on she realised that standard parenting approaches didn’t always apply to her children’s needs. How did she come to this realisation, and what strategies has she developed for supporting her children’s development in a way that fits their neurodivergent minds?
How do therapy and structure play a role in helping neurodivergent children thrive? Shona dives into the importance of therapy in her family’s life, sharing how it has helped her children manage everything from sensory overload to food aversions. She also explores how creating a structured yet flexible environment has been key to keeping her family grounded amidst the chaos of their daily lives.
Tune in to learn how Shona balances parenting three neurodivergent children, running multiple businesses, and maintaining her family’s well-being. What can we learn from her approach to supporting children with ADHD and autism, and how can parents apply these insights to their own lives?
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
__________________________________________________________________________
Ready to bring more calm and understanding to your parenting journey? Join the course today and discover the tools and strategies that will help you and your child thrive.
Click here to learn more and enroll: From Chaos to Calm
Your family deserves it!
How can I help parents better understand and address their demand-avoiding children’s behaviour? In this episode, I explore an approach called "declarative language," aimed at transforming parental demands into collaborative communication with children, helping to foster cooperation rather than resistance.
What is declarative language, and how does it shift the parent-child dynamic? I delve into this subtle yet powerful strategy, which focuses on sharing observations instead of issuing direct commands. For example, instead of saying, “Put your shoes on,” parents might say, “I noticed your shoes are by the door.” This simple change invites children to make their own decisions, reducing the likelihood of power struggles.
How can declarative language be applied in everyday parenting scenarios? From morning routines to homework and social situations, I provide practical examples that help parents introduce this approach. I discuss ways to make routines smoother, from suggesting where a child’s lunch is to commenting on a friend’s interest in toys, allowing children to respond without feeling pressured.
What challenges might parents face in adopting declarative language, and how can they overcome them? I acknowledge that this shift in language may take time to feel natural for both parents and children. I recommend using specific routines to practise, allowing pauses for children to process, and encouraging independence by offering choices. I also point listeners to helpful resources and fact sheets for additional support. So get a better insight, tune in to this episode right now!
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
__________________________________________________________________________
Ready to bring more calm and understanding to your parenting journey? Join the course today and discover the tools and strategies that will help you and your child thrive.
Click here to learn more and enroll: From Chaos to Calm
Your family deserves it!
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and how does it differ from typical demand resistance in children? Could it be a form of anxiety that leads to extreme avoidance of everyday tasks? How does this anxiety drive behaviours that may appear manipulative, and why do children with PDA seek control in their environments?
What are the key strategies for parents dealing with a child who has PDA? How can reducing demands and offering choices help to lower a child's anxiety? Could breaking tasks into smaller steps or introducing flexibility in routines foster a more cooperative environment?
Why is collaborative problem-solving essential in managing PDA? What role does imaginative play or role-playing serve in helping children process emotions and respond to demands? Can the use of visual supports—such as task boards—minimise verbal instructions and reduce resistance?
Finally, how can parents help their children gradually build tolerance to demands? Is it possible to start with low-pressure activities and slowly introduce more structure? Could this approach, combined with patience and understanding, lead to a more positive and calm parenting experience?
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, I explore how autism presents differently in girls and why it is often underdiagnosed. What are the unique challenges faced by girls on the autism spectrum, and how can parents identify the subtle signs? I dive into the concept of "masking" and how girls often mimic social behaviours, making their autism harder to spot.
How does autism present differently in girls compared to boys, and why is it often harder to diagnose? What are some of the subtle behaviours that girls use to mask their autism, and how might these behaviours lead to delayed identification or misdiagnosis? In what ways do girls with autism mimic social behaviours, and how does this affect their ability to form meaningful relationships?
What signs should parents look for if they suspect their daughter might be on the autism spectrum? How can sensory sensitivities, difficulties in social communication, and struggles with maintaining friendships indicate potential autism? How does anxiety or depression often co-occur with autism in girls, and why might these conditions mask the core autism traits?
Why is early diagnosis and intervention important for girls with autism? How can accessing support from psychologists, occupational therapists, or organisations like Yellow Ladybugs and Amaze help in providing the right resources and assistance? What are some effective strategies parents can adopt to support their daughter’s emotional regulation and social development? Tune in to find the answers.
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
__________________________________________________________________________
Ready to bring more calm and understanding to your parenting journey? Join the course today and discover the tools and strategies that will help you and your child thrive.
Click here to learn more and enroll: From Chaos to Calm
Your family deserves it!
In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, I dive into a thought-provoking question: Is autism truly a superpower? What does this popular phrase mean, and is it an accurate way to describe the experience of autistic individuals? I explore both the positive traits often associated with autism, such as deep focus, exceptional skills, and innovative thinking, as well as the daily challenges many autistic people face.
What are the strengths of being autistic, and how do they manifest in different individuals? Are there any dangers in labelling autism as a superpower? I examine the societal expectations that contribute to these challenges and ask how we can better support and accommodate autistic people in a world built for neurotypical individuals. Tune in to hear my balanced perspective on autism, strengths, challenges, and what parents need to keep in mind when advocating for their children.
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
Ready to bring more calm and understanding to your parenting journey? Join the course today and discover the tools and strategies that will help you and your child thrive.
Click here to learn more and enroll: From Chaos to Calm
Your family deserves it!
How can you, as a parent, effectively manage your children’s screen time in today’s digital world? What are the potential risks associated with too much screen time, and how can these impact a child’s mental and emotional development? In this episode, I explore why balancing screen use with offline activities is crucial for a child’s growth.
What strategies can you use to set realistic screen time limits? How can involving children in the process of setting rules help them take responsibility for their screen habits? I also dive into creating clear boundaries around when and where screens can be used, as well as the importance of leading by example.
For children with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD or autism, what additional considerations should parents keep in mind? How can you teach alternative coping mechanisms to prevent over-reliance on screens for emotional regulation? I discuss practical approaches to managing screen time while accommodating the unique needs of these children.
Finally, should screen time be used as a reward, and what alternatives can parents offer? How can you foster a balanced approach that incorporates both screen and offline activities to support your children’s well-being? Tune in to find out how you can create a healthier screen routine in your home!
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
What is ADHD, and how does it affect children? ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects not only attention but also a child's ability to regulate emotions and behaviour. How does it impact their daily life, and what are the key signs to watch for in children? The episode dives into understanding the three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation, providing clear examples for each.
How does ADHD influence executive functioning in children? Executive functioning is essential for tasks like planning, organising, and managing time. What happens when children with ADHD experience delays in these skills? Learn how ADHD affects the brain's control centre and why understanding this is critical for adjusting expectations and providing the right support.
What strategies can parents use to support children with ADHD? From using visual aids to managing impulsivity, what are some practical ways parents can help their children? Leanne Tran offers evidence-based strategies that can be implemented at home to help children with ADHD develop essential life skills, especially those related to executive functioning and behaviour management.
How can parents manage their expectations for children with ADHD? What is the 30% rule, and how can it help parents set realistic expectations for their child’s development? This episode provides a breakdown of how ADHD affects children’s age-appropriate behaviour and offers tools to support both parents and children on their journey. So let’s dive in.
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
In this episode, I explore essential strategies to help children with ADHD succeed in the school environment. How can creating a structured routine, providing clear instructions, and using visual aids help children with ADHD focus better? What role does preferential seating play in reducing distractions, and how can tools like task cards support their learning?
Why is positive reinforcement so effective for children with ADHD, and how can reward systems keep them motivated throughout the school day? What organisational tools, such as checklists and colour-coding, can help reduce memory load? How can movement breaks and fidget tools, like blue tack, help children stay calm and focused without disrupting the classroom?
How can supportive communication between parents, teachers, and children build self-esteem and resilience? What are the best ways to encourage positive language and set clear expectations? How can regular parent-teacher updates ensure that strategies are adapted as the child progresses? Tune in to learn more.
Follow me on:
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au
The podcast currently has 69 episodes available.