Parenting the Intensity

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"

Today on the podcast I have the pleasure of welcoming pediatric occupational therapist Munira Ardhanwala. With over 25 years of experience, Munira has dedicated her career to helping children from birth to 13 years old with sensory and motor skills needed for movement, learning, playing, and writing.

In today's episode, we'll be shining a spotlight on sensory processing and the way our senses shape our understanding of the world around us. We'll be discussing the general senses we're all familiar with - touch, smell, taste, and sight - as well as exploring three other senses that are often overlooked - Interoception, propriocetion and vestibular (if those words are new to you don't worry Munira will explain them all).

Munira is here to guide us through the world of sensory processing and shed light on how it can impact emotionally intense children. She'll share her expertise on how sensory activities can support children's emotional, motor, and sensory needs, and help them thrive and give us some practical exemples of things we can do with our kids.

Key takeaways of this episode:

1. Sensory processing is crucial for children's development: We discuss the importance of understanding sensory processing in children, especially those who are emotionally intense. By exploring the different senses and their impact on a child's behavior and learning, parents can better support their children's sensory and emotional needs.

2. Movement and proprioceptive activities can be beneficial: Munira highlights the significance of movement and engaging in activities that provide feedback to the body's proprioceptive sense. These activities help children regulate their emotions, improve body awareness, and develop motor skills necessary for tasks like writing. By incorporating resistive muscle heavy work activities, parents can help their children find a better balance between movement and relaxation.

3. Trust your intuition as a parent and seek support: We encourages parents to trust their instincts when it comes to understanding their children's needs. Munira emphasize the importance of ongoing support for parents, providing them with knowledge and tools to better support their children's sensory and motor development. Munira offers resources and links in the show notes, empowering parents to seek further information and explore strategies that resonate with them.

"The parents don't have to become the teacher or therapist.

You're staying the parent and parenting your child with those new tools and are able to help them on a daily basis."

Show notes and transcript of the episode

Where to find Munira:

Website: Www.ot4kids.co.uk

Facebook page

Facebook Group

Resources referenced by Munira:

Naomi Fisher

Learn Play Thrive

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!"

Today on the podcast I welcome guest Rebeccas Jo Rushdy, Platinum Konmari Consultant and the Owner of Spark Joy & Flow where she guides fellow empaths to declutter and transform their hearts, minds and homes into sanctuaries that spark joy and flow!

And that's what we talk about, decluttering to create a calmer and more peaceful space, but so much more too! We talk a lot on the relationship between clearing our house and parenting and how it help us, and our kids, learn so many great lessons. And don't worry, there's no space for shaming you if your house is a mess here! That's not what we are about at all!

Key takeaways of this episode:

1. The power of decluttering: We share our experience with decluttering and how it made a significant impact on our lives. We discuss the Konmari approche for decluttering, which incorporates positive psychology and gratitude to change our perspective on decluttering from fear to joy. It's all about learning the life skill of letting go and designing a peaceful life for ourselves and our families.

2. Managing expectations: This means involving children in decision making and giving them agency, in decluttering but in so much more spaces in life too, which can help soften any shocks or surprises that may come their way.

3. Connecting decluttering with parenting: We discuss how parents can involve their children in the decluttering process and create a sense of emotional readiness and safety for them to let go of things. And that doesn't just means stuff, but all sorts of things in life that we need to let go of.

"We have to actually design life in a way that's peaceful for every family member because it's stressful for kids to be rushed as well."

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

Where to find Rebecca:

Spark Joy & Flow

Instagram

Insight Timer

Resources referenced by Rebecca:

Marie Kondo's Website

'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing' by Marie Kondo

Highly Sensitive Parenthood Website

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!"

Today, we have a very special guest joining us, Dr. Mercedes Oromendia, a trilingual biocultural psychologist with expertise in parenting, children, and trauma.

In this episode, Mercedes and I dive deep into the world of parenting emotionally intense kids. We explore why children act the way they do and what actually happens in their bodies and mind when they're seemingly out of control.

We cover:

• The importance of open communication and emotional expression in parenting: Emphasizing the importance of parents being able to openly express both love and frustration towards their child (not to them of course, to a safe person). This open communication creates a safe space for discussing the challenges of parenting and allows parents to reflect on their own behaviors and patterns.
• Treating children differently does not mean being unfair: Mercedes addresses the challenge parents face when their children start complaining about fairness. She emphasize the importance of parents reflecting on their decisions and being confident that they are doing what is best for each individual child. Treating children differently does not necessarily mean being unequal or unfair, as each child has different needs and circumstances.
• The power of understanding a child's history and triggers: Mercedes, who specializes in supporting foster and adoptive families, acknowledges that not knowing a child's entire history and medical background can present challenges. However, she stress the importance of understanding a child's story and triggers as much as possible. This understanding can help parents navigate and address their child's intense reactions and behaviors.

"I love my kid. I don't like my kid right now. That's okay too."

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

Where to find Mercedes:

Manatee Website

Facebook

Instagram

Resources referenced by Mercedes

Hand model of the brain by Dan Siegel

The boy who was raised as a dog by Bruce D Perry

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 podcast episode, I welcome the first guest, Linda Sanderville, a licensed clinical social worker, founder of the Joy Reclaimed Summit and host of the Love Yourself Liberated! Podcast.

• We discuss how our own childhood experiences impact the way we react to our children and how we can be less triggered.
• We explore the importance of setting up our children to be less triggered as they grow up and share various ways to regulate ourselves and stay calm.
• We discuss the power of mindfulness practices like breathwork, hypnosis, and tapping as tools to help us reconnect with ourselves and navigate triggering situations with our children.

Linda also highlights the importance of core beliefs and the role they play in our parenting. The discussion delves into the concept of the inner child and how our past experiences, even the seemingly small ones, can shape our reactions to our children's behaviors and the importance of giving ourselves grace and understanding that we may have wounds from the past that need attention and healing.

We also talk about the Joy Reclaimed Summit that Linda is organizing and that is running live in October 2023, a virtual event that focuses on reclaiming joy in various aspects of life, from physical and emotional health to finances. I am one of the speaker at the summit, my talk is: "Supporting Our Kids and Ourselves In a Deeply Personalized Way".

Overall, in this episode we encourages you to acknowledge and validate your feelings, seek support, and embrace practices that promote healing and self-regulation as you navigate the complexities of parenting.

Show notes and transcript of the episode over here

Ressources mentiones on the podcast

Find Linda: www.lindasanderville.com/courses/selfloveskills

https://instagram.com/lindasandervillemsw

The Parents helping Parents hot line Linda referenced in the episode: 1.800.632.8188

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 delve into the concept of unconventional parenting.

Have you ever felt like you're going against the norm in your parenting style? Well, you might be practicing unconventional parenting without even realizing it.

In this episode, we explore what unconventional parenting truly means and why it's often a necessity when raising emotionally intense or special needs children.

We'll discuss the challenges and the unique decisions we as parents need to make, as well as the potential judgment from society and even ourselves.

Our goal is to provide you with encouragement and permission to embrace your unconventional parenting journey. We'll share personal examples of unconventional parenting solutions that have worked for us and our children, from letting them sleep dressed in the morning to allowing them to eat their own way.

We also touch on the importance of understanding and meeting our children's individual needs, even if it means deviating from societal norms.

So, whether you're already on the unconventional parenting path or still exploring your options, we invite you to join us in this episode as we navigate the world of parenting differently. Welcome home.

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 address a common frustration among parents - feeling like we've exhausted all options.

• We explore why general parenting advice falls short when it comes to our exceptional but challenging children, and how we can find alternative approaches that truly work.
• Let go of unrealistic expectations and discover solutions that will empower you as a parent.
• We delve into the importance of understanding triggers, supporting emotional regulation, and creating a structured and safe environment for your child.

If you're struggling to find the right methods, don't worry, we've got you covered. Get ready to learn, grow, and embrace the unique journey of parenting an emotionally intense child on this episode of Parenting the Intensity.

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 will dive into the topic of working as a team when it comes to parenting our exceptional but challenging kids.

Team means the other parent/or partner, but it can mean anybody else that is often with us and our kids and plays a parenting role, so even if you are not living with a partner right now it can still be relevant.

Parenting is never an easy feat, and it becomes even more complex when our children are emotionally intense. We often hear about the importance of teamwork, but how do we actually make it work? Join us as we explore the dynamics of teamwork in parenting.

• We'll discuss how one parent may take on the role of researcher and information gatherer, while the other parent may struggle to understand or actively participate.
• We'll also delve into the challenges of sharing information, protecting each other from added stress, and the impact of genetic conditions on the parental dynamic.
• While the journey of parenting intense kids can certainly place strain on relationships, we'll also discover the potential for growth and strength when both parents actively support each other and communicate effectively.
• We'll uncover strategies for navigating appointments, meetings, and assessments, ensuring that both parents are well-informed and involved.
• And we'll address the emotional aspects, such as guilt, resentment, and the need for support, that can arise within the parenting team.

So grab your beverage of choice, settle in, and let's explore how we can work as a team to provide the best support for our exceptional children. You're not alone on this journey, and we're here to provide the support you need. Let's dive in!

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 quick but essential episode of "Parenting the Intensity," we explore the unrealistic expectations placed on parents and how they can reframe their expectations to be more realistic.

• We acknowledge that there will be days when we feel like we're failing as parents, but that doesn't mean we're failing our kids or our overall parenting. It's just a human experience.
• We discuss the importance of recognizing our limitations and accepting that some days our best may not be the same as other days.
• We emphasize that it's okay to have bad days and that it's important to model this for our kids. We can always start over and strive to do better the next day.
• We encourage seeking help if bad days are becoming a regular occurrence, and remind listeners that it's not a normal experience to feel like a failure every day.

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 dive into the topic of tolerating your kids' pain. It's crucial for parents to be able to tolerate their child's pain, both physical and emotional, as dismissing it can have negative consequences. We explore the importance of finding support for your child during painful situations and share tips on how to acknowledge and empathize with their pain.

Remember, it's okay if you can't always handle your child's pain, but finding new ways to parent can make a difference.

Is there one kind of pain that is harde for you to support?

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 

In this episode of "Parenting the Intensity", we dive into the topic of asking for help as parents.

We explore the fear of feeling like a failure and the pressure to do it all on our own. Our host shares their personal experience of struggling with feeling inadequate, despite their professional background. We discuss the importance of finding the right support system, surrounding ourselves with positive influences, and practicing self-care. We also touch on the challenges of seeking professional help and the need for a supportive community. Tune in to discover practical tips on how to navigate this journey of parenting with intensity.

Do you have the right kind of support around you? Is there someone that is always really supporting you?

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