Using music and humor as her instruments, Amy orchestrates powerful moments of connection that leave people feeling encouraged and empowered. As a board-certified music therapist and a Certified Humor Professional, Amy conducts meaningful experiences that build community and center on the joy that music adds to our lives. One of her proudest accomplishments is being the musical director of Grace Notes Community Singers, an intergenerational performing arts organization for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Members are inspired to move beyond their heavy responsibilities to a place of relief and new possibilities. Amy has been a music therapist for over 20 years and holds dual master’s degrees in music therapy and music education. She is the owner of Oak Song Music Therapy and Consulting Services in San Antonio, TX.Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Amy Standridge about music, humor, and self care.Motivation GuideIn this FREE insider’s guide from the experts at ImpactParents, join with parents all over the world who are successfully using these 3 steps and 7 quick tips to motivate their children and teens to respond to requests without meltdowns, distractions, or pushback. Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Amy has dedicated over 20 years to this profession finding purpose in helping others through music. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face interactions were limited, Amy explored therapeutic humor as an alternative way to fulfill her passion. She emphasizes the importance of laughter and playfulness in building relationships and motivating individuals, whether through activities like singing or finding coping strategies for self-care. Amy emphasizes using humor to build strong bonds with children and motivate them. Engaging in joyful activities like singing or sharing jokes creates a sense of connection and strengthens relationships. Incorporating humor into self-care routines can also provide coping strategies during challenging times. By intentionally seeking out humor and creating a structure for fun conversations, parents can cultivate a light-hearted and joyful atmosphere in their homes.Amy explains humor is a source of joy and entertainment with numerous benefits for our health and well-being. Engaging in humor and fun activities with loved ones helps build strong bonds and releases oxytocin, creating a sense of connection and happiness. Humor also serves as a powerful tool for self-care, providing coping strategies during challenging times. According to Amy, laughter yoga has numerous health benefits and can be a powerful tool for connecting with others. The practice involves finding your own sense of humor and being authentic in your laughter. It can be used as a way to bond with family members, especially children, through sharing funny memes, watching funny movies, or playing games that lead to laughter. Connect with Amy:https://www.facebook.com/oaksongmtGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools https://impactparents.com/gift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ @impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent@impactparentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents/@impactparentsX (fkaTwitter): https://twitter.com/ImpactParents@impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse LeBeau is one of today’s most highly sought after youth speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired millions of teens through his speaking, best-selling books and youth programs. He is one of the worlds premiere basketball trick artists and is regularly featured on TV, film, and international tours. Jesse’s new reality series ‘The LeBeau Show’ allows viewers the chance to follow him around the country and see firsthand the major impact he is having on youth.Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Jesse LeBeau about motivation and self care.Ten Self Care Tips for ParentsDo you give and give until you give yourself away? You’re not alone! In this FREE guide for caring (and exhausted!) parents, you may recognize some of the key tips -- but it’s always good to have a reminder! And then there will be some new ideas to help you put yourself back on your list and find a little more peace and joy in family life. Sure, your kids may need more than other kids. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the care you need to keep helping your kids!Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Finding strengths and pursuing passions is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment. Jesse emphasizes the importance of allowing children to explore their own interests and not forcing them into preferred activities. He advises parents to support their children's strengths and help them find activities they are passionate about. Jesse emphasizes the power of attitude. He learned the significance of attitude from his father, who taught him by observing how athletes reacted to setbacks in sports games. Instead of focusing on their successes, they paid attention to how they handled failures and disappointments. This lesson had a profound effect on Jesse's life, teaching him that while we can't always control what happens to us, we can control our attitude towards it. By becoming the master of our own attitude, we can live a happier, more successful, and fulfilled life. Jesse stresses how the importance of self-care and grace are essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. He highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care and adopting a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Jesse acknowledges that everyone's experiences and backgrounds differ, but it is crucial to empathize with others and recognize the validity of their struggles. He encourages individuals, regardless of age or circumstance, to understand that they are not alone in their challenges and that seeking resources and support is a positive step. Jesse discusses balancing independence and parental guidance is a complex task for parents in today's digital age. One of the biggest challenges parents face is managing their children's relationship with technology, particularly smartphones and social media. Setting systems in place to monitor screen time and access is important, as the allure of endless scrolling and the influence of online content can negatively impact a child's life.Connect with Jesse:Website: https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jesselebeautiktoksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesselebeau/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uw99zoDpcbs9I96N5jG9AFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteensLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-lebeau-243b4636/Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools https://impactparents.com/gift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ @impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent@impactparentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents/@impactparentsX (fkaTwitter): https://twitter.com/ImpactParents@impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode about nagging.Ten Tips for Calm and Confident Parenting of Complex KidsParenting complex kids can be difficult, even mind-numbing at times. In this FREE Guide you’ll find clear, quick guidance to help you calm the chaos and more confidently prepare your child for greater independence and success! Learn techniques parents all over the world are using to reduce friction and (believe it!) rediscover the joy of parenting. Here is what to expect on this week’s show:The topic of shifting from nagging to collaborative problem-solving in parenting is a crucial one, as it can significantly impact the dynamics of parent-child relationships. Elaine believes in a more playful approach to parenting, while Diane acknowledges that nagging often stems from a place of fear and anxietyNagging can be detrimental to relationships, causing annoyance and a breakdown in communication. Elaine and Diane explore the negative effects of nagging and discuss alternative ways to address concerns. Elaine and Diane dive into the role of executive function support in parenting. They share insights on shifting from nagging to a collaborative approach, empowering children to take ownership. Elaine and Diane explore the power of shifting from nagging to reminding with permission. Learn how a simple reminder system transformed one family's dynamic and created a more positive approach to reminding. Links Mentioned:Effective Agreements 4 Phases of Parenting:  How to Support Without Enabling If They Would Just...Guiding Kids to Take Ownership of Their Own AgendaImpact Members: Be sure to check out the Webinar Library for Elaine’s webinar on Family MeetingsGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools https://impactparents.com/gift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ @impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent@impactparentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents/@impactparentsX (fkaTwitter): https://twitter.com/ImpactParents@impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting With Impact with Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster Episode 146 Simple, Safe & Connected -- Tips to Navigate Big Emotions with Sonali Vongchusiri Sonali Vongchusiri is founder of Forward Together Parenting and the "Raising Your Strong-Willed Child" series. She often says that she WAS that kid and now she HAS three of those kids. As a parent coach she supports parents in shifting from "parenting perfectly" to "parenting with personality" -- helping parents step off the emotional roller-coaster, simplify parenting and stabilize their relationship with their kids by focusing on their needs as well as their kids.Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Sonali Vongchusiri about navigating big emotions.Parenting is Leadership Parenting is a leadership opportunity. With the "Parenting is Leadership" Guide from ImpactParents, two frameworks and a dozen core competencies will guide you to up-level your parenting... and improve the most important relationships of your life.Link: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/leadership-guide?utm_campaign=funnel&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_content=leadership Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Sonali shares her experiences and the difficulties she faced in her relationship with her children. Sonali realized she needed to find her own approach to parenting, one that aligned with her needs and the needs of her children. She emphasizes the importance of connection and sharing truth with ourselves and our kids, rather than trying to fit into a mold of what parenting should look like. Sonali emphasizes the challenge of meeting both parent and child needs simultaneously. She suggests acknowledging both the child and parent's needs instead of trying to fix the situation. One effective approach she recommends is using nonverbal communication.She expresses the importance of feeling safe and stable in any emotional situation, whether dealing with a frustrated child or facing overwhelming circumstances. Sonali introduces the SHUAVE Process, which involves accepting and approving of oneself, aligning with emotions, and feeling a sense of belonging and validation. Connect with Sonali Vongchusiri:https://www.forwardtogetherparenting.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingyourstrongwilledchildhttps://www.instagram.com/raisingyourstrongwilledchild/Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools https://impactparents.com/gift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ @impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent@impactparentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents/@impactparentsX (fkaTwitter): https://twitter.com/ImpactParents@impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Josel, a renowned expert in effective communication strategies for parenting complex kids, has over two decades of experience in this field. Leslie's perspective on this topic is rooted in her belief that effective communication is the most crucial aspect for parents to understand. She emphasizes that all issues related to parenting complex kids ultimately boil down to how parents communicate with their children. Drawing from her personal journey as a parent to a child with ADHD and executive dysfunction, Leslie acknowledges that parenting complex kids can be overwhelming, but she underscores the need for parents to educate themselves and find ways to effectively communicate with their children. She also highlights the importance of translating complex medical and therapeutic language into conversational parenting language to make it more accessible for parents.Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Leslie Josel about communication with complex kids.Ten Tips for Calm and Confident Parenting of Complex KidsParenting complex kids can be difficult, even mind-numbing at times. In this FREE Guide you’ll find clear, quick guidance to help you calm the chaos and more confidently prepare your child for greater independence and success! Learn techniques parents all over the world are using to reduce friction and (believe it!) rediscover the joy of parenting.https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/calm-confident-tipsheet?utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_source=episode&utm_medium=cta&utm_content=calmHere is what to expect on this week’s show:Leslie shares her journey of becoming an accidental entrepreneur. She explains how effective communication and support can make a difference in raising complex kids.Leslie and Elaine dive into the crucial role of brain activation in parenting and effective communication with children. Leslie shares insights on medication, meditation, sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Leslie explains techniques on acknowledging your child's current state, choosing the right moment to talk, and prioritizing clear communication. She describes how to create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing important matters without triggering defensiveness. Related Links:https://orderoochaos.comGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools https://impactparents.com/gift Connect with Leslie:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/orderoutofchaosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/order.out.of.chaos/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-josel-adhd-student-parent-coach/Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ @impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent@impactparentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents/@impactparentsX (fka Twitter): https://twitter.com/ImpactParents@impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The topic of supporting parents of young adults, with its unique challenges, evolving relationships, and opportunities for growth, is the focus of this Parenting with Impact podcast episode. Join Diane and Elaine on this episode as they delve deeper into this significant and necessary area of focus.Episode 144 Helping Young Adults Get Back On Track with Elaine and DianeListen to this inspiring Parenting With Impact episode with Elaine and Diane.How to Talk to Your Complex Kids [and Other Important Relationships]Strained communication can create a hot mess of misunderstanding and conflict -- whether it's with your kids or any significant relationship in your life. In this FREE guide, you'll discover your role in communication dynamics and 10 simple but effective ways to help you build more trust and calm in your communication with your complex kids -- and any relationship. Here is what to expect on this week’s show:●Diane, who has been actively supporting parents of young adults for three years, emphasizes the need for understanding, guidance, and support for parents navigating this stage of life. She believes in creating space for young adults to ask for help and for parents to support their agenda, while also acknowledging the complexities involved in parenting young adults. ●Elaine stresses the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with young adults, fostering trust, and effective communication. She encourages parents to focus on the progress and incremental growth of their young adults, rather than solely on the desired outcome of complete independence. ●Elaine and Diane dive into the complex world of parenting adult children. From establishing boundaries to fostering open communication, they explore the ups and downs of this ever-evolving process. Related Links:·      Parenting Emerging Adults ·      Effective Agreements·      4 Phases of Parenting: How to Support Without Enabling ·      It's No Mystery: Why Kids Resist Help ·       It's All About Control: Are You Ready? Connect with Elaine & Diane:·      Instagram  @impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode brings you another Success Story from the ImpactParents Community! Elena Nichols is passionate in raising complex kids through personal transformation and effective communication. After stumbling upon coaching by accident, she became intrigued by the concept of self-awareness and its potential for personal growth. As a parent of a child with dyslexia, Elena initially struggled with expectations and frustration. However, through her own journey of seekingsupport and focusing on her child's strengths, she witnessed significantimprovements in their reading abilities. Elena's dedication to understandingneurodiversity led her to become a neurodiversity informed coach, recognizingthe unique talents and facets of individuals with a greater degree of neurodiversity. With a diverse clientele and a supportive community at ImpactParents, Elena continues to find fulfillment in connecting with and coachingpeople, experiencing personal growth along the way.Ten Tips for Calm and Confident Parenting of Complex KidsParentingcomplex kids can be difficult, even mind-numbing at times. In this FREE Guide you’ll find clear, quick guidance to helpyou calm the chaos and more confidently prepare your child for greaterindependence and success! Learn techniques parents all over the world are usingto reduce friction and (believe it!) rediscover the joy of parenting. Listen to this SuccessStories Edition Parenting With Impact episode with Elena Nichols about parentcoaching for complex kids.Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Learn how observing herself and taking a pause before reacting changed herinteractions with her children.Discover coaching as a transformative profession that opens the door to a whole new world.  Through coaching, obstacles and challenges are easily resolved, and everything flows effortlessly Learn how parent coaching as a transformative approach that empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising complex kids.  Related Links:Elena NicholsOvercoming Learning Challenges – A Complex Kid Speaks OutHelping Kids with Dyslexia Feel Good about Getting Help with ReadingLook for the Positive Traits to Find the Fabulous in Complex KidsGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools Connect with Impact Parents:www.impactparents.comInstagram: @impactparentsFacebook: @impactparentLinkedIn:@impactparentsTwitter: @impactparents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As parents, we worry about our kids fulfilling their potential, and want them to think about what they want their future to look like. How do we encourage our complex kids to envision a future, when they may still be struggling with the present?Sheila Akbar joined the Signet team in the summer of 2010, bringing with her a wealth of experience teaching SAT, ACT, GRE, literature, and composition in both one-on-one and classroom settings. Sheila loves both teaching and learning and finds nothing more rewarding than working closely with students to overcome the challenges they face. After graduating from Harvard in 2002, she spent two years working in financial services before continuing her academic career, which culminated in two doctorates. She brings her significant business and academic experience to bear on her current role at Signet, which includes speaking to every client to craft a tailored solution for their needs, managing the administrative team, and providing educational thought leadership for the company. Sheila holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Harvard University and two doctoral degrees from Indiana University.Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Sheila Akbar about ways you can encourage your complex kid to envision a future that THEY are excited about.12 Tips for Parenting a Complex TeenFrom the experts at ImpactParents (and the moms of 6 young adults!), we promise you this: it’s not too late. In this FREE guide you’ll learn 12 fool-proof tips to improve conversations and reconnect with your teens so you can guide them tobecome independent and successful. Parents all over the world have betterrelationships with their teens using these tools. You can, too!Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Encouraging students to focus on positives, emphasizing strengths, and acknowledging their unique interests.Emphasizing the importance of daily discipline and skill-building rather than solely focusing on achieving set goals.Emphasizing the need for kids to own their aspirations and motivations rather than parents imposing their agendas.Reframing failure as a learning opportunity and a part of the journey toward finding the right path.Advocating for a safe space where kids can explore interests and change their minds without pressure.Links Mentioned:Three Steps to Learn From Mistakes Without ShameHow Are Values Guiding Parents And Kids?Look for the Positive Traits to Find the Fabulous in Complex Kids Connect with Sheila:www.sheilaakbar.com  LinkedIn  Connect with Signet Education:signeteducation.comX (fka Twitter)  FacebookLinkedInYouTube Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools Connect with Elaine & Diane:Instagram  @impactparentsFacebook  @impactparentLinkedIn  @impactparentsTwitter @impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elaine and Diane are back from the Annual International Conference on ADHD 2023! Hear about the ongoing evolution of ADHD management approaches, emphasizing the need for nuanced perspectives, change management strategies, and empowerment for individuals and families impacted by ADHD. Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Elaine and Diane as they reflect on their experiences at this year’s conference and the evolution of ADHD management, and how to mesh together the book-smart approach with the street-smart approach to managing ADHD.RecommendedTreatment for Children and Teens with ADHD Tip-SheetSo -- your child has ADHD. Want to get past the confusion and the stigma really fast? This FREE Guide explains, in the simplest terms possible:What is recommended treatment for children and teens Ten things to consider when trying to make a decision about medication Exactly what to look for in a behavior therapy training program. Short, sweet, and to the point -- don’t spend hours on the internet scouring. ImpactParents gives you exactly what you need to know without wasting any time or effort.Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Shifting Perspectives: From deficit-based to strength-oriented approaches Observing a transition from a disempowered view of ADHD to an empowered and strength-based outlook within the community.Complexity of ADHD: Understanding the multifaceted nature of ADHD, including the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and coexisting conditions, leading to a more nuanced approach in managing the condition.Change Management vs. Behavior Management: Recognizing the need for change management alongside behavior management, especially in familial and educational contexts, emphasizing a holistic approach to support individuals with ADHD.Empowerment and Transformation: Highlighting the transformative impact of their coaching approach, focusing on deeper conversations beyond problem-solving, empowering individuals to manage ADHD effectively and encouraging personal growth.Related Links:CHADD Annual International Conference on ADHD 2023 Dr. Tracey Marks YouTube Channel ADHD Dude- Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP   ADHD Neither Gift Nor Curse with Doctors Russell Barkley and Edward Hallowell  Why Don't Parents of Complex Kids Get the Help They Need? Impact Parents - Research Results Images From the Conference:https://impactparents.s3.amazonaws.com/images/adhd-conference-2023/digital-literacy.pnghttps://impactparents.s3.amazonaws.com/images/adhd-conference-2023/evaluate-credible-information.pnghttps://impactparents.s3.amazonaws.com/images/adhd-conference-2023/risk-of-over-reliance.pnghttps://impactparents.s3.amazonaws.com/images/adhd-conference-2023/healthcare-partnership.pnghttps://impactparents.s3.amazonaws.com/images/adhd-conference-2023/healthcare-partnership-provider-tips.pnghttps://impactparents.s3.amazonaws.com/images/adhd-conference-2023/healthcare-partnership-client-tips.pngGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools Connect with Impact Parents:www.impactparents.comInstagram: @impactparentsFacebook: @impactparentLinkedIn:@impactparentsTwitter: @impactparents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Stiffelman is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist and the author of Parenting Without Power Struggles and Parenting With Presence. Her work focuses on helping parents forge sturdy attachment with their children as the calm, confident “Captain of the ship.” She hosts a popular podcast and offers online classes and is a lifelong meditator who is deeply committed to enjoying her life and living with gratitude and joy.Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Susan Stiffelman as she shares her journey of understanding the diverse learning needs of children and the evolution of her work in merging educational psychology with therapy.Ten Tips for Calm and Confident Parenting of Complex KidsParenting complex kids can be difficult, even mind-numbing at times. In this FREE Guide you’ll find clear, quick guidance to help you calm the chaos and more confidently prepare your child for greater independence and success! Learn techniques parents all over the world are using to reduce friction and (believe it!) rediscover the joy of parenting.Here is what to expect on this week’s show:The impact of parental engagement in children's emotional and academic development, and the importance of understanding diverse learning methods.Addressing the challenges parents face in a world where teenagers are inundated with overwhelming information, and the need for parents to help their children navigate this landscape.Stressing the significance of self-compassion and finding support in parenting, and the need to prioritize self-care while creating or seeking out supportive communities for guidance and shared experiences.RelatedLinks:Kristin Neff  Connectwith Susan Stiffelman: susanstiffelman.comPodcastFacebook Instagram YouTubeMaster Class Parenting Without Power Struggles Co-Parenting with a Narcissist   Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools Connect with Elaine & Diane:Instagram  @impactparentsFacebook  @impactparentLinkedIn  @impactparentsTwitter @impactparentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices