What does it take to parent a neurodivergent child with compassion and confidence? In this episode, Bradford Stukey, a licensed marriage and family therapist and parent of a child with ADHD, shares his transformative journey. How did Bradford adapt his traditional parenting style to meet the unique needs of his child? What role did attachment-based parenting play in reshaping his approach?

Are you wondering how to address challenging behaviours while maintaining a strong relationship with your child? Bradford discusses the importance of identifying unmet needs rather than focusing solely on the behaviour itself. How can strategies like giving “delayed yeses” and prioritising connection over punishment help foster trust and collaboration?

What steps can parents take to ensure their growth alongside their children's? Bradford highlights the value of continuous learning, seeking therapy, and building a support system. Could resources like Karen Purves’ parenting model or educational platforms like How to ADHD on YouTube help you on your journey?

If you’re navigating the complexities of parenting a child with ADHD or any other neurodivergence, this episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement. How can adopting a compassionate mindset transform not only your parenting but also your relationship with your child? Listen in to discover how small, intentional changes can make a big difference.

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How can families approach separation in a way that prioritises both emotional well-being and practical solutions? In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Munson-Burger, a family lawyer with a unique, holistic approach to helping families through the separation process. What are the first questions couples should ask themselves before deciding to separate? Stacey emphasises the importance of ensuring that the relationship is truly over before jumping into legal action.

How can separating couples maintain a sense of peace during this challenging time? Stacey shares her insights on how communication and focusing on the children's well-being can make the process smoother. What role does disclosure play in family law, and how can it help families navigate the legal aspects of separation more efficiently? By understanding assets and financial responsibilities, couples can avoid unnecessary complications.

What strategies can help reduce the staggering divorce rates for families with children who have additional needs? Stacey and I explore ways to protect relationships from breaking down, even in the face of high-stress situations. How can families ensure their children’s best interests are always kept at the forefront? Tune in to find out the answers to these critical questions and learn how families can empower themselves through holistic separation.

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Have you ever wondered why your child seems to lose control during a meltdown? What’s happening inside their brain that makes calm reasoning impossible? In this episode, we unpack the neuroscience of meltdowns in a way that’s simple, practical, and easy for parents to understand.

What are the three key parts of the brain, and how do they interact during moments of emotional overwhelm? Why does the thinking brain shut down, and how does the emotional brain take over? Could understanding these processes help you respond with more patience and empathy?

How can you recognise the early signs of a meltdown before it escalates? Are there physical and emotional cues that parents often miss, like changes in breathing, muscle tension, or sensory triggers? What practical strategies can you use to calm your child’s nervous system and reduce the intensity of a meltdown?

Finally, how can small environmental changes—like reducing noise or dimming lights—make a big difference? And why is it essential for parents to manage their own emotions in the moment? Join me as we explore these questions and more, helping you feel confident and equipped to handle meltdowns with care and understanding.

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How can parents take the lead in creating meaningful change for their children, especially those who don’t fit the typical mold? What have I learned from my 20 years as a psychologist and my experience raising three kids about simplifying parenting and supporting children with ADHD?

What’s happening in the minds of children with ADHD, from intense emotions to impulse control struggles? How do I approach these challenges with understanding and patience, and what strategies can help parents navigate these situations confidently?

Why is assertiveness so important, and how can techniques like fogging or “duct-tape phrases” help us handle criticism effectively? How has embracing my quirks and being transparent about my flaws shaped my self-image and allowed me to thrive in social and professional environments? What does parenting teach us about structure, empathy, and the emotional needs of children? How has my own journey as a parent reinforced the importance of being emotionally available and creating stability for my kids, while also helping me heal parts of my own childhood?

How do I use my skills as a coach, public speaker, and storyteller to inspire and support others? From guiding couples through weddings to delivering impactful messages for organisations, what lessons can I share about connecting with people and bringing value to their lives? Lastly, how can parents embrace modern emotional intelligence while letting go of past generational expectations? How can we use this knowledge to build stronger, more empathetic connections with our children?

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What is it like to navigate life with ADHD as an adult? How does a diagnosis later in life reshape one’s self-awareness and personal growth? In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, I explore these questions and more, sharing insights from my guest's journey with ADHD.

What challenges did they face growing up with ADHD, and how did those experiences shape their identity? How did discovering their strengths—like public speaking and communication—transform their perspective on living with neurodivergence? I discuss with my guest the power of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses and share valuable advice for parents of children with ADHD.

How can parents nurture their child’s passions while addressing challenges? What role does self-discovery and external support play in thriving with ADHD as an adult? In this episode, I dive into these key themes and provide actionable insights for parents and adults alike.

Tune in to learn how to embrace ADHD’s unique traits, focus on growth, and help yourself or your child unlock their potential. Don’t miss this thought-provoking and empowering conversation!

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How can structure and routine transform your parenting journey? Hi, I’m Leanne Tran, and in this episode, I’m talking about the power of creating structure in your child’s life. What makes predictability so essential for kids with ADHD, autism, or anxiety? How does it help them feel safe and build the foundation for emotional growth, learning, and self-awareness? Join me as I share insights from my years of experience as both a psychologist and a parent.

How do you balance routine with flexibility in a busy household? I’ll walk you through practical tips for building a balanced schedule that works for your family. How can you keep your routines consistent while making room for spontaneity and unexpected changes? And what can you do to adjust your child’s schedule when they’re feeling overwhelmed or having a tough day? Let’s talk about how to find that perfect balance.

What tools can make routines easier for you and your child? I’m a huge fan of visual aids like charts, timers, and apps, and in this episode, I explain why they’re so effective. How can these tools help children with ADHD stay on track and manage their time? And how do they allow you to build flexibility into routines while keeping things predictable? I’ll share actionable tips that can make parenting smoother and more enjoyable.

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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. 

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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.

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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?

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__________________________________________________________________________

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!

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__________________________________________________________________________

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!