Parenting the Intensity

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

In this week's episode we have on Allison Livingston, she is a Parent Coach who transforms families struggling with intense anger or anxiety /hard family dynamics. Allison shares her personal journey with her intense daughter and how nonviolent communication transformed their relationship. Join us as we explore the impact of societal judgment, the power of compassionate communication, and practical strategies for navigating emotionally charged parenting moments. Tune in as we delve into the world of emotionally intense parenting and discover new ways to support our children and ourselves.

3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Validate Emotions: Prioritize validating children's feelings and experiences to provide support and promote healthy emotional development. Using nonviolent communication and a feeling-first approach can help in this process.

2️⃣ Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion and grace when learning new parenting methods. Recognize the impact of societal judgment on parenting and learn to manage reactions to judgment through body awareness and self-compassion.

3️⃣ Connect and Regulate: Prioritize recognizing and connecting with emotions before trying to regulate and calm oneself. Implement techniques such as deep breathing, making eye contact, and using mnemonic devices like "S.T.O.P" to maintain a regulated, connected approach to parenting.

"The more I can see what's going on underneath the surface, that's when real connection and real understanding can happen. And that's the core needs of our kids is to be seen and heard and understood."

Connect with Allison Livingston:

Her website: www.5StepsToConnect.com

Instagram: Allison Livingston (@5stepstoconnect) • Instagram photos and videos

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 week's episode we sharing PART 2 of the episode with Elizabeth Yarnell, she’s the award-winning cookbook author of "Glorious One Pot Meals", TEDx speaker, and expert in chronic inflammation. Elizabeth shares her journey of developing time-saving cooking techniques tailored for parents with autoimmune conditions, offering over 150 customizable recipes that promote healthier eating and manage fatigue. Join us as we delve into the benefits of one-pot cooking, the impact of food sensitivities on parenting, and practical tips for involving children in meal planning and cooking. Get ready to be inspired to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and explore new ways to navigate food challenges as a parent.

3 key takeaways

1️⃣ Simplifying the cooking process is essential for busy parents, and Elizabeth Yarnell's one-pot meal method offers a time-saving solution for preparing healthy, customizable meals.

2️⃣ Involving children in meal planning and cooking can foster creativity and help accommodate dietary restrictions, offering enjoyable and inclusive family mealtimes.

3️⃣ Understanding the impact of food sensitivities and inflammation triggers on children's behavior and emotions can empower parents to make informed dietary choices that promote overall well-being.

Connect with Elizabeth:

The Inflammation Academy (business name) TheInflammationAcademy.com

Elizabeth Yarnell – Individual & Corporate Wellness Programs | Create your healthy reality today.

https://elizabethyarnell.com/inflammationquiz/ 

Elizabeth Yarnell | Naturopath (@elizabethyarnell_naturopath) • Instagram photos and videos

https://twitter.com/ElizabethYarnel  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethyarnell/

Book: Glorious One-Pot Meals: A Revolutionary New Quick and Healthy Approach to Dutch-Oven Cooking:

https://www.amazon.com/Glorious-One-Pot-Meals-Revolutionary-Dutch-Oven-ebook/dp/B001NLKSKM/ 

"So it's no wonder convenience foods took over. We wanted them. We needed them, but now we have to take a step back and recognize that."

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 week's episode we have on Elizabeth Yarnell, she’s an award-winning cookbook author, TEDx speaker, and expert in chronic inflammation. Elizabeth shares a personal story about her son's health struggles, stemming from food sensitivities, and the impact it had on his behavior, learning, and growth. We delve into the link between food sensitivities and children's behavior, learning, and growth, and the misdirection of traditional parenting practices when a child's intense behavior is caused by food sensitivities. Elizabeth also discusses the concept of hidden inflammation and its role in various health issues, sharing insights from her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. We'll explore how to identify and manage food sensitivities in children, negotiate dietary changes with kids, and ensure food safety for the entire family. Join us as we uncover essential strategies for navigating the complex world of parenting intense kids with food sensitivities.

3 key takeaways

1️⃣ Understanding the Impact of Food Sensitivities: Elizabeth Yarnell provides valuable insight into the link between food sensitivities and children's behavior, learning, and growth. The episode highlights the importance of considering food sensitivities as a potential root cause of intense behavior or health issues in children, underscoring the impact of diet on their overall well-being.

2️⃣ Addressing Inflammation as the Root Cause: The discussion emphasizes the significance of addressing hidden inflammation as the root cause of symptoms, especially in relation to children's health issues. Elizabeth emphasizes the need to focus on addressing inflammation rather than solely treating the symptoms, leading to a greater understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to wellness.

3️⃣ Practical Parenting Strategies: Elizabeth Yarnell offers practical insights into navigating dietary changes for children with food sensitivities, providing a balanced approach that combines negotiation, delicious and safe food substitutes, and positive reinforcement. Additionally, her tips on identifying safe food items, batch cooking, and freezing food offer tangible strategies for parents navigating food-related challenges.

"We don't necessarily make the connection easily that the kids might just be in pain, and that's why they are acting that way because young kids don't say I'm in pain."

Connect with Elizabeth:

The Inflammation Academy (business name) TheInflammationAcademy.com

Elizabeth Yarnell – Individual & Corporate Wellness Programs | Create your healthy reality today.

https://elizabethyarnell.com/inflammationquiz/ 

Elizabeth Yarnell | Naturopath (@elizabethyarnell_naturopath) • Instagram photos and videos

https://twitter.com/ElizabethYarnel  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethyarnell/

Book: Glorious One-Pot Meals: A Revolutionary New Quick and Healthy Approach to Dutch-Oven Cooking:

https://www.amazon.com/Glorious-One-Pot-Meals-Revolutionary-Dutch-Oven-ebook/dp/B001NLKSKM/ 

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 special bonus episode of Parenting the Intensity, I sits down with author Anandamayi Baker to discuss her book "Bee Coming Strong." The book addresses inclusivity, bullying, and deep breathing exercises in a playful and integrated way. Anandamayi shares her personal journey growing up in a dysfunctional family and how she found solace in nature and yoga. She discusses how her book aims to connect children with nature, teach them calming techniques, and celebrate differences. Anandamayi also reveals an interesting breathing technique inspired by bees. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for parents looking for practical tools to help their children navigate intense emotions and a wonderful gifts idea!

3 takeaways of the episode

1️⃣ Celebrating Differences: Anandamayi's book, "Bee-Coming Strong," beautifully highlights the importance of celebrating differences and teaches valuable life lessons about inclusivity, empathy, and understanding.

2️⃣ Playful and Integrated Mindfulness: Anandamayi shared insightful techniques for helping children calm down and deal with intense emotions through fun and integrated approaches. The book cleverly weaves in deep breathing exercises and offers a playful way for kids to learn about and connect with nature.

3️⃣ Bee Breath Technique: Anandamayi introduced an interesting breathing practice called Bee breath, which is not only calming but also holds great potential for both children and adults to manage stress and anxiety.

"Differences are to be celebrated. Differences help us be stronger and kinder."

Where to find Anadamayi

Website AnandamayiBaker.com

Book: Bee-Coming Strong on Amazon

Additional resource suggested by our wonderful guest

Dr. Heather Alexander  https://www.livewellmindfully.com/

Video on breathing exercise for families

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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 week's episode we are welcoming Jami Kirkbride, mom of 7 and licensed professional counselor, to tackle the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that come with raising emotionally intense kids during the holiday season, or any period of life where unpredictability, lots of people and tiredness come into play. With personal anecdotes and professional knowledge, we dish out tips for understanding sensory processing, managing anxiety, and handling family gatherings. Jamie's shares strategies and resources, and she's all about prioritizing the needs of our unique kiddos over any outside influences. So, grab a cup of something soothing and join us for an episode full of resources to navigat the holidays with emotionally intense kids.

3 key takeaways

1️⃣ Understanding the child's efforts: Children with sensory processing issues often put in tremendous effort for daily activities that come easily to others. It's crucial to recognize their unique triggers, provide sensory tools, and schedule breaks to support them.

2️⃣ Family Support and Adaptation: Educating family members about our child's needs is key to creating understanding and support. Prioritizing the child's needs over external judgment is crucial, especially during the holidays.

3️⃣ Self-Care and Trusting Instincts: Parents play a vital role in modeling self-care and trusting their instincts. It's okay to let go of ideal expectations and adjust plans to accommodate the needs of emotionally intense kids during the holiday season and let ourselves off the hook too!

"Only after I took the risk of really communicating some of our struggles and the differences that we were seeing with him, did my parents start becoming more open minded"

Where to find Jami

Website Parenting with Personality

Beind the Behavior: A Uniquely Wired Child

Facebook Group

Instagram

Jami also has an app with a free course on how to manage meltdowns. Get the app on Apple or Google

Resources mentioned by Jamie

Brain body parenting book by Mona Delahooke

Sensory processing 101 book Dayna Abraham 

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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!"

November is adoption month and this week on the podcast we are welcoming Angie Grandt. Angie is not only a dedicated bio and adoptive mom but also an adoption coach, speech therapist, and former foster mom who has worked in the autism field. Together, they dive deep into the emotional journey of parenting intense children, particularly those who have experienced trauma and disrupted attachment. Angie shares her own personal experiences and offers valuable insights and strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for these unique children. Join us as we delve into the complexities, fears, and joys of parenting intense kids and gain tools to build strong attachments and navigate the emotional rollercoaster.

Although almost all we are taking about today can apply to any emotionally intense kids so I encourage you to listen anyway!

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Respond vs. React: Angie emphasized the importance of responding to our children's needs, rather than reacting to their behaviors. By maintaining a calm and focused mindset, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our kids, regardless of their background or challenges. This approach fosters strong attachments and helps children feel loved and secure.

2️⃣ Shifting Perspectives: As parents, it's natural to have doubts and fears, especially in the case of adoptive or foster parents. Angie shared her own struggles with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. However, by working on our mindset and believing in our ability to create the family we envision, we can overcome these challenges and provide the love and support our children need.

3️⃣ Seek Support: Parenting emotionally intense children can be overwhelming, but we don't have to face it alone. Angie encourages parents to seek support from coaches, therapists, and communities like her Facebook group, Connected Parents with Angie. By connecting with others who understand their unique journey, parents can gain valuable insights, tools, and resources to thrive in their role.

If you're a parent facing the challenges of parenting emotionally intense children, I highly recommend tuning into this episode. Angie's wisdom and personal experience will inspire and empower you on your parenting journey. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review!

"Respond to your child as if the goal of your ideal relationship is already achieved instead of responding to the behavior."

"I can be happy no matter what"

Where to find Angie

Website Connected Parents with Angie

Facebook Group

Instagram

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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!"

For today's episode. We have a special guest joining us, Keri Cooper, a therapist who specializes in working with children and adolescents.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Keri Cooper, a therapist who specializes in working with children and teens. Keri dropped some serious knowledge bombs about the importance of focusing on foundational elements for stable moods and overall well-being. From hydration and healthy eating to setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness, we covered it all.

We also delved into the struggles of finding balance in our children's busy schedules and the importance of prioritizing self-care for both parents and kids. Keri even shared some practical tips and strategies from her workbook that can help you and your child implement healthy habits and navigate those intense moments with grace.

We also tackled how to get kids on board with eating their veggies and introducing mindfulness into their daily routine. You won't want to miss Keri's expert advice on these topics!

1. Prioritize Foundation Elements: Keri emphasizes the importance of focusing on foundational elements for stable mood and overall well-being. These include physical aspects like hydration, food, sleep, exercise, and meditation, as well as mental aspects such as independence, boundaries, and healthy ways of dealing with disappointment. By prioritizing these elements, both parents and children can lay the groundwork for better mental health and navigate challenges more effectively.

2. Model Healthy Habits: As parents, we have a powerful influence on our children's habits and behaviors. By leading by example and practicing what we preach, we can inspire our kids to follow suit. Whether it's eating well, staying hydrated, or practicing mindfulness, our actions speak louder than words. Let's be role models for our little ones and create a healthier, happier future for our families.

3. Build Supportive Communities: Anouk and Keri both stress the importance of seeking support and building a community of like-minded parents. Parenting can be challenging, and having a support system can make a significant difference. Whether it's joining online groups, seeking guidance from therapists or experts, or simply connecting with other parents, building a support network can provide valuable resources, advice, and a sense of belonging.

"And it wasn't until 10 years into my career that through my own daughter with a dairy insensitivity that massively impacted her mood when she was young, did I realize We need to look past just the symptoms."

Where to find Keri

Website Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy

Facebook

Instagram

Books : Mental Health Uncensored and Mental Health Uncensored Teen Workbook

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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 week episode, Kristin Scott, who was an elementary teacher for 16 years and is now a private academic tutor, is joining us to focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and at-home learning, especially when it comes to homework support.

🌟 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Understanding Learning Styles: Recognize and accommodate different learning styles for each child. This could mean offering alternative methods for activities, such as spelling practice, and creating a comfortable learning environment tailored to their needs.

2️⃣ Individualized Support: Seek assistance and actively listen to understand your child's needs and challenges when it comes to homework. Adjust the approach to teaching by asking the child how to help rather than imposing your own way of doing things.

3️⃣ Building Learning Environments: Foster a calm and investment-focused approach to create a supportive home learning environment by establishing daily homework time, engaging in hands-on learning activities, and incorporating tangible, thoughtful gifts to show care and support.

Where to find Kristin

Website Beyond the Classes

Facebook

Instagram

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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 having an insightful conversation with sleep coach, Meredith Brough, on the latest episode of Parenting the Intensity podcast. We dive deep into the challenges of sleep for parents, especially when it comes to emotionally intense children. If you're a parent struggling with sleep challenges with your emotionally intense children, this episode is a must-listen!

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1️⃣ Recognize that every child has unique sleep needs: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, especially when it comes to sleep. Children have different needs and personalities, and it's crucial to understand and support their individual development. Embrace the fact that your child's sleep patterns may be different from others, and focus on finding what works best for them.

2️⃣ Foster independence with love and understanding: While different parenting approaches have their merits, it's important to find a middle ground that respects both the baby's needs and the mother's needs. Foster your child's independence in a healthy way that is tailored to their readiness, while still providing the love, comfort, and connection they need.

3️⃣ Prioritize parent and child well-being: Meredith approach is centered on the child well-being, but that also includes the parent well-being as exhausted parents will find it difficult to be their best for their children, so she's suggesting a way to reconcile the needs of everyone while sleeping better!

"But also, there's that pressure of comparing your child to another, thinking it's all on you,

thinking that you're the one responsible for their progress and for them to perform well..."

Resources referenced by Meredith

Highly sensitive Family - Natalie Brunswick

Neuro-Sensory Based Parenting - Brooke Weinstein

Where to find Meredith

Website - Code "Intensity" will give you 10% off on Meredith's offers

Podcast Sweet Lumber

Facebook

Instagram

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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 explored the concept of giving up and how it doesn't necessarily mean leaving our children behind forever. Here are three key takeaways from today's discussion:

1️⃣ It's Normal to Feel Overwhelmed: Parenting emotionally intense kids is hard, and it's completely normal to feel like giving up at times. It doesn't mean that you love your children any less or that you're not a good parent. It's a sign that you deeply care about their well-being and are trying your best.

2️⃣ Resilience Over Strength: People may commend us for our strength, but in reality, it's more about resilience. We keep pushing forward, overcoming challenges, and tackling each obstacle with determination. We don't have the luxury of giving up, so we find the strength within ourselves to keep going.

3️⃣ Taking a break Is Okay: Giving up temporarily doesn't make us bad parents. It's essential to recognize when we need a break and allow ourselves to step back, recharge, and regroup. Whether it's a weekend getaway or delegating certain responsibilities, taking care of ourselves ultimately enables us to be better parents in the long run.

Remember, you are already doing so much! Take a moment to reflect on everything you're managing and give yourself credit for the strength and resilience you demonstrate every day. And don't forget that it's okay to take a break when needed. Keep showing up for your exceptional children, and together, we'll navigate this intense parenting journey.

"We will all be there at some point, and that's normal too because we don't always have

the energy to fight and to work hard and to learn new things and to apply those things, it's very hard."

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

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