Parenting the Intensity

Welcome to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In this episode of "Parenting the Intensity," host Anouk is joined by guest Carrie Conrad, founder of Beating Disasters, to explore the challenging topic of dealing with emotionally intense children who engage in physically dangerous behavior. The conversation sheds light on the need for parents to approach restraint from a place of empathy and support, rather than control or punishment, while emphasizing the importance of safety and nonviolent parenting. Anouk and Carrie discuss the struggle of finding helpful resources for parents dealing with intense behaviors and highlight the crucial role of natural consequences, preventative measures, and emotional regulation in parenting. Stay tuned for valuable insights, practical advice, and helpful resources in this thought-provoking discussion on resilient and mindful parenting.

3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ How and When to use Restraints: Approach restraint from a place of service and support, rather than punishment or control. We emphasized the importance of turning to resources like Dr. Althea Solter's book "Tears and Tantrums" for valuable insights into understanding restraint from a gentle, respectful, and dignified perspective.

2️⃣ Prioritize empathy and support : while implementing natural consequences and preventative measures for challenging behaviors in children, especially those prone to emotionally intense reactions. It's important to adapt parenting advice and resources to fit your own child and family's reality.

3️⃣ Importance of parent's emotional regulation: Recognize the significant impact of a parent's emotional regulation on their child's behavior and practice self-care to model the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being. Teaching children about self-care and boundaries is crucial for their own emotional growth and development.

"Everybody wants control. But when it comes to physical safety and people or children being emotionally dysregulated or not in control of themselves, oddly enough, we give control to gain control."

Connect with Carrie:

Website: Www.beatingdisaster.com

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/BeatingDisaster

Resources mentioned:

Book tears and tantrum from Aletha Solter, Ph.D. founder and firector of The Aware Parenting Institute: https://www.amazon.ca/Tears-Tantrums-What-Babies-Children/dp/0961307366

Daniel the Tigger for emotional regulation: https://pbskids.org/daniel/

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In this episode, host Anouk sits down with special guest Sarah Young, a homeschooling mom and parent advocacy coach, to discuss the critical topic of advocating for children's needs, especially when faced with the complexities of obtaining special accommodations and support in school. Sarah shares her personal journey of advocating for her children, offering practical tips and strategies for navigating the educational system and empowering parents to stand up for their children's rights. Join us as we delve into the world of advocacy, understanding individual needs, and building partnerships with educators to create the best outcomes for our exceptional children.

3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Advocacy Without a Diagnosis: Navigating Access to Services: Advocacy is essential in accessing services for children without a formal diagnosis, as waiting lists for public services can be lengthy and evaluations may require the child to struggle before receiving necessary references. Sarah emphasizes the importance of standing up for children's needs through proactive communication with schools and healthcare providers.

2️⃣ Empowering parents with Strategies for School Support: Anouk and Sarah stress the need for open communication and creative solutions for children's needs in schools, and Sarah shares strategies for effective communication and documentation.

3️⃣ Tailoring Support to Individual Children's Needs: Sarah discusses her experience advocating for her child’s accommodations and emphasizes the need for understanding individual children's needs, regardless of formal diagnoses.

"Advocating for your child and understanding that whether you have a diagnosis or not, you still have rights and your child still is entitled to all the support and understanding they should have."

Connect with Sarah:

Website: https://www.sarahyoungllc.com/calmingthechaos

The Calming the Chaos Collective: https://www.facebook.com/TheCalmingTheChaosCollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calming_the_chaos_collective/

Resources mentioned:

ADHD and Autism: Support for Neurodivergent Moms and Kids (aheartforallstudents.com)

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In today's episode, Anouk is joined by the insightful Victor Antunez, a father and real estate agent who shares his personal journey of relocating with his autistic daughter. Together, they discuss the impact of reorganizing their daughter's play area to suit her needs and share a more calming symbol for autism. They also delve into the importance of choosing a home that accommodates the unique needs and safety concerns of autistic children. From traveling tips to finding the right neighborhood, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and join us as we dive into the world of parenting intense and sensory sensitive kids.

3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Personalized, Safe Spaces for Autistic Children: Victor discusses the impact of reorganizing and making changes to our autistic child's environment to make it less stimulating and more calming.

2️⃣ Relocating with an Autistic Child: Safety and Accessibility: Victor shares insights on the significance of living in proximity to necessary services for autistic children, such as schools and therapy centers. He expresses the importance of neighborhood adaptability and considerations for potential hazards, such as the risk of wandering and drowning, are emphasized.

3️⃣ Communication and Inclusion for Smooth Transitions: Victor emphasizes the significance of involving children in the moving process, regardless of verbal ability. He discusses the importance of familiarizing the child with new environments, such as airports, and planning rest stops with amenities for ease during travel are recommended.

"We're seeing more and more kids being diagnosed later in life, and we're realizing that autism is different than what we thought it was. It's possible because there's different levels and different ways that autism can show."

Connect with Victor Antunez:

Links: https://miamiautismdad.com/ 

https://miamiautismdad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Home-Renovations-Sensory-Friendly-Interior-Design-1-39.pdf

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In today's episode, we are joined by Michelle Steiner, who bravely shares her experience living with invisible disabilities, including dyscalculia, limited hand dexterity, and visual perception issues. Michelle works as a paraeducator, advocating for people with disabilities and emphasizing the importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences. She discusses her childhood diagnosis, the invaluable support she received from her parents, and the profound impact of their advocacy. Join us as Michelle candidly unpacks the challenges she faces due to her disability and sheds light on the empowerment found in focusing on one's abilities rather than limitations. We'll also explore the importance of disability representation, the impact of societal views on learning disabilities, and the support resources that Michelle passionately advocates for. This is an episode you won't want to miss as we delve into the complexities of living with and parenting a child with invisible disabilities.

3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Empowerment through Connection: Michelle emphasized the importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences. Finding a supportive community and focusing on abilities rather than limitations can be transformative for individuals with disabilities.

2️⃣ The Power of Advocacy: Michelle's story highlighted the crucial role of parental advocacy in supporting a child with special needs. Her parents' unwavering support, reassurance about her intelligence, and proactive advocacy significantly impacted her journey.

3️⃣ Embracing Adaptive Solutions: Michelle's experiences shed light on the impact of technology and adaptive solutions in education and daily life. Recognizing the value of personalized learning experiences and adaptive tools can make a profound difference for individuals with learning disabilities.

"My parents did a lot of advocacy for me when I was younger, and I can remember having my mom was great for explaining my disability to other people and they were accepting, and I thought to myself, oh, I wish I could do that."

Connect with Michelle Steiner:

Links: https://www.michellesmission.net/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200 https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/

References:

Non- Verbal Learning Project: NVLD Home | The NVLD Project | Non-Verbal Learning Disability

Eye to Eye: Home - Eye to Eye (eyetoeyenational.org)

All Abilities Media: All Abilities Media

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity"!

In this episode, we are joined by the insightful Zia Hassan, a highly sensitive person himself and the parent of highly sensitive children. Zia brings a unique perspective, drawing from his experiences as a highly sensitive individual, a professional skills trainer, and a coach for new dads and career transition. Together with our host, Anouk, Zia shares his journey of navigating high sensitivity, coping mechanisms, and the impact of sensitivity on parenting. Tune in as we explore the strengths, challenges, and coping strategies related to high sensitivity in children and adults.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Embracing Highly Sensitive Children: Zia Hassan discusses his own highly sensitive nature and the impact it has had on his life and parenting. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing highly sensitive children, providing support and coping mechanisms tailored to their individual needs.

2️⃣ Practical Coping Mechanisms for Highly Sensitive Individuals: Zia shares practical coping mechanisms for highly sensitive individuals, such as using noise-canceling headphones, a white noise machine, and earplugs to manage sensory stimuli like sound. He also emphasizes the value of mindfulness techniques and assertive communication to navigate overwhelming situations.

3️⃣ Harnessing the Strength of High Sensitivity: Zia Hassan views high sensitivity as a superpower and believes that parents should help their sensitive children express themselves, fostering a unique perspective on the world. He advocates for understanding and empathy toward highly sensitive individuals, highlighting the potential for positive impact with the right guidance and support.

"The thing about stimulus is that for people like me, when we're encountering a strong feeling or a strong smell or sound or whatever it might be, There's no gap between that stimulus and our response to it."

Connect with Zia Hassan:

Website: 1-1 Coaching to Navigate Your First Time Fatherhood Journey (firststepsdad.coach)

Instagram: Zia Hassan (@ziahassan) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: zia-s-hassan

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity"!

In this episode, our guest Amanda Riley, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, brings her 20+ years of experience to the table as she shares her journey of understanding and supporting her neurodivergent children. From her daughter's ADHD diagnosis to her own adult diagnoses, Amanda sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of parenting neurodivergent children. Join us as we explore the impact of language, perceptions, and the power of seeking a diagnosis to empower children and adults within the neurodiversity community. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally, this episode offers invaluable insights and resources for navigating the world of neurodiversity.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Shifting the Focus: Emphasizing Strengths and Positivity- Amanda highlighted the importance of shifting the focus from negative language surrounding neurodivergent conditions to highlighting the strengths and positive aspects, particularly for children and adults diagnosed later in life.

2️⃣ Importance of Diagnosis: Empowerment and Understanding- Amanda emphasized the significance of seeking a diagnosis for neurodivergent conditions to empower the child and avoid negative labeling from others. Understanding oneself and individual traits within a diagnosis can be truly transformative.

3️⃣ Support and Resources: Community, Therapy, and Education-Amanda discussed the valuable role of building relationships with other parents of neurodivergent children, as well as seeking support from therapists and specialized classes at school. She also recommended resources like Attitude Mag and Tony Atwood for insightful information on ADHD, autism, and related conditions.

 "Create that future for them where they don't have to feel ashamed or they don't have to feel that they have to mask or hide who they really are."

Connect with Amanda Riley:

Website: http://www.thrivingwithneurodiversity.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivingwithneurodiversity/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajriley

Resources Amanda mentioned in the episode:

Additude magazine: ADDitude Magazine Subscription | Renewal | Gift (subscriptioncore.com)

Tony Attwood: Home - Attwood and Garnett Events

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity"!

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Afsaneh Moradian, a homeschooling coach and advocate for effective communication with children. Together, Afsaneh and host Anouk explore the intricacies of addressing power struggles and fostering open communication with children, particularly neurodivergent kids. They also discuss the advantages and challenges of homeschooling, emphasizing a personalized approach that caters to children's emotional and learning needs. Join us as we uncover valuable insights and practical strategies for nurturing a deeper connection with your children.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Understanding and Supporting Emotionally Intense Children: Afsaneh emphasizes the importance of avoiding power struggles with emotionally intense children and understanding the reasons behind their behavior. Parents are encouraged to address underlying emotions and narratives while approaching situations with patience and empathy.

2️⃣ Homeschooling as a Personalized Approach for Neurodivergent Children: Afsaneh advocates for homeschooling as an opportunity to create a customized learning experience for neurodivergent children, offering intellectual challenge, creative expression, critical thinking, and independent learning.

3️⃣ Building Effective Communication with Children: Afsaneh stresses the importance of developing and practicing effective communication skills with children, particularly in the face of challenging behaviors. By understanding the underlying issues that prevent children from complying with parental requests, parents can facilitate smoother and quicker resolutions without engaging in power struggles.

"What your child is experiencing has nothing to do with you. Children are the centers of their own universes."

Connect with Afsaneh:

Www.mlccoaching.com

https://www.facebook.com/MLC.Homeschool.Coaching   

https://www.instagram.com/moradian.afsaneh/

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In this episode, Anouk is joined by Michelle Purta, a passionate marriage coach, to explore the vital importance of maintaining a united front in parenting and fostering harmonious relationships amidst the intensity. Michelle emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, open communication, and the 4 R's method - Reflect, Reveal, Repair, and Reconnect. Together, they shine a light on the struggles parents face when balancing the demands of parenting an intense child with nurturing a strong relationship. Tune in as they share insights and strategies for navigating these challenges, and stay till the end for actionable resources and a heartfelt message of solidarity.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Have a Neutral, Open Attitude: Michelle Purta stresses the importance of maintaining a neutral, open attitude for effective communication with both children and a spouse. This approach creates a conducive environment for healthy dialogue and understanding, fostering stronger relationships within the family.

2️⃣ Reflect, Reveal, Repair, Reconnect: The "R" steps - Reflect, Reveal, Repair, and Reconnect - are crucial in handling conflicts and building open, collaborative dialogue. This method encourages individuals to reflect on their emotions and experiences, reveal them via constructive communication, repair any misunderstandings, and reconnect for sustainable resolutions.

3️⃣ Root of Issues: Rather than addressing surface-level problems, it is advisable to reflect on the root of issues. Understanding these underlying causes provides the foundation for addressing challenges effectively and fostering a more harmonious family environment.

"You do not have to choose between being a great parent & having a great marriage."

Connect with Michelle:

Her website: https://www.michellepurta.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellepurtacoaching

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purta.michelle

Marriage & Motherhood Community: https://www.facebook.com/group/marriageandmotherhood

Podcast: https://www.michellepurta.com/podcast

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In today's episode, Anouk sits down with special guest Carrie Bonnett, a veteran teacher and executive function coach, to discuss the critical role of executive function in the lives of emotionally intense children. Together, they explore the challenges and strategies for managing tasks, time, and emotional control, shedding light on the universal nature of these struggles and the importance of explicit teaching around executive function. From identifying signs of executive function challenges to fostering independence in children, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for parents navigating the complexities of parenting intense children.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Understanding Executive Function: The importance of understanding executive function in children, its impact on emotional control and daily tasks, and the need for explicit teaching and support.

2️⃣ Strategies for Supporting Children: Practical strategies such as time tracking, minimizing distractions, providing choices, visual cues, and fostering independence to help children manage their time and tasks.

3️⃣ Self-Care for Parents: The importance of parents managing their own time and stress levels to create a supportive environment for their children's success, and the encouragement to find parenting methods that work for both the parents and their kids.

"The goal of parenting, is to foster independence someday. So the more that we can give them a chance to use their brain to figure it out, the better."

Connect with Carrie:

www.carriebonnett.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070263132010

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-bonnett/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddNZWEJck1U9fHwdUHe3fQ

Resources mentioned by Carrie:

Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential - Kindle edition by Dawson, Peg, Guare, Richard. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

The Executive Functioning Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7qTyfCMOWe3P0EySzPgBRP?si=cf9042b6b0c44237

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In this episode we have on parenting coach and neuropsychologist, Dr. Gila, to talk with us about the unique challenges faced by single parents (but don't run if you are not a single parent, there so many things that apply to everyone). Gila shares insights on the importance of self-care, decision-making, and handling intense moments with kids when you are alone with them. With her expertise and personal experience as a single parent, Dr Gila offers valuable advice, practical tips, and resources to help single parents navigate the complexities of raising intense kids. Join us as we explore the strategies and support that can make a positive impact in single parenting emotionally intense kids.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Self-Care for Single Parents: Dr Gila emphasizes the importance of self-care for single parents, highlighting that taking time for oneself is essential for being able to show up for their children. She encourages single parents to seek support from sources other than a romantic partner for decision-making and recommends journaling as a way to process thoughts and emotions.

2️⃣Emotional Regulation and Connection: Dr Gila uses the metaphor of a sink to explain emotional regulation, emphasizing the need to recognize when the "sink" is getting full. She advises parents to prioritize actions aligned with family values and to understand each child's unique needs for emotional regulation. Gila also emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and validation in building a connection with children.

3️⃣ Grounding Techniques and Parenting Strategies: Dr Gila provides grounding techniques for parents, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and patience in responding to intense emotions and strong wills in children. She advocates for compromising and changing positions when necessary, and highlights the importance of being present with the child, even if it means not meeting external time pressures.

"One of the best things that you can do for your kids is to take care of yourself. If your sink is nice and taken care of, then you can show up for them in the way that they need."

Connect with Dr Gila:

Links: 

Website: www.connectionbasedparenting.com  

IG: www.instagram.com/drgila_parenting  

FB: www.facebook.com/drgilaparenting/  

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drgila_parenting

Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.ca

Join the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.

To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburst

Take a deep breath, keep going, we’re all in this together!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay