You thought the sensory overload would ease up once the baby and toddler years passed… but here you are, still feeling touched out, talked out, and overwhelmed.

 In this episode, I unpack why motherhood doesn’t get less overstimulating with big kids — and what you can do about it. 

Join me for this personal conversation and:

• pinpoint why you might feel that way (you're not crazy!)
• feel equipped with a few simple things to try to feel less overwhelmed
• & walk away feeling seen, describe what's going on, and ask for help

Let's talk about why it's not necessarily helpful to wait and see when it comes to feeling chronically overwhelmed by your kids.

💗 If you’ve been waiting for things to magically ‘get easier,’ I want you to know you’re not alone — and there’s real support for you. Book your free consultation at https://www.calendly.com/sensationalmoms so you can stop pushing through overwhelm and start finding joy in your days again.

How movement affects overstimulation: https://sensationalmoms.com/moms-who-are-overwhelmed-overstimulated-need-to-feed-these-3-senses-everyday/

How hormones affect sensory: https://sensationalmoms.com/hormones-sensory-overload/

Send Whitney a Text

Do you NEED this school year to be different but lack the clarity and energy to make it happen? The Sensory Snapshot is for you if you need:

• targeted sensory & nervous system support
• routines that work for the whole family
• real-time problem solving support
• long-lasting help with just a short-term, budget-friendly commitment

Learn more or book it here.

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

I invite you to join me in this personal conversation with Teresa Wiedrick, a certified life coach. We get personal fast and dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of being a highly sensitive mom. 

Teresa and I also discuss transformative moments in the shift from my kids' difficulties being the problem to realizing we are all on our own growth journey... and how our's as mom deeply impacts our children's.

 In personal stories, we explore topics like:

• the importance of self-regulation
• the impact of sensory processing on family dynamics
• conflict management help
• practical strategies for managing stressful moments
•  how child-led learning has impacted our homeschool and relationship dynamics

This is the first in my Fall series of chats meant to encourage moms of all different neurotypes in our parenting journeys.

--->Be sure to check out Teresa Wiedrick's impactful resources especially for homeschool mamas at: https://capturingthecharmedlife.com/

--->You can also find her chatting about real life challenges and triumphs as a homeschoool mom on instagram @homeschoollifecoach

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Want your own free guide for how to support yourself in your next overwhelming, overstimulating moment? Grab it here: https://sensationalmoms.com/free-resources-for-overstimulated-moms/

Send Whitney a Text

Do you NEED this school year to be different but lack the clarity and energy to make it happen? The Sensory Snapshot is for you if you need:

• targeted sensory & nervous system support
• routines that work for the whole family
• real-time problem solving support
• long-lasting help with just a short-term, budget-friendly commitment

Learn more or book it here.

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Stress is inevitable in the life of a mom, but if you struggle with sensory overload and overwhelm... it's even more important that you address it before it compounds.

In this episode, Whitney explores common reasons WHY moms have a hard time getting around to stress management & how to work around them.

• What is the stress cycle?
• How does stress relate to sensory overload?
• 7 simple ways to address stress, even with your kids.

Learn more about sleep in this episode:
Season 2 Episode 3: https://sensationalmoms.com/podcast/

Want your 25+ Free Tips for what to do when you're STRESSED & over it?
https://sensationalmoms.com/free-resources-for-overstimulated-moms/

Listen to Alex Viera's podcast episode about rest:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-14-theres-different-types-of-rest-yes-7-of-them/id1756368262?i=1000677014450

Watch alternate nostril breathing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwufJrUhic

Send Whitney a Text

Do you NEED this school year to be different but lack the clarity and energy to make it happen? The Sensory Snapshot is for you if you need:

• targeted sensory & nervous system support
• routines that work for the whole family
• real-time problem solving support
• long-lasting help with just a short-term, budget-friendly commitment

Learn more or book it here.

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

What does sound sensitivity and auditory processing disorder look like in real life for a family? Possibly melt-downs, hurting relationships, walking on eggshells, avoiding fun outings, attention struggles, social skill struggles, sleep difficulties, reading issues... the list goes on.

Wait! Before you say "My kid hears just fine" or "My hearing is ok..." This is often an unidentified source of defiance, conflict, reading, social & attention difficulties... and more. You really might be surprised!

Dr. Rae Stout joins me in this episode as we dive into APD & hearing sensitivites. 

• she helps us understand what APD, misophonia, and hyperacusis are in the first place
• we discuss the real impacts we've seen in the home
• she shares how she's pioneering the effective use of low-gain hearing aids to make life-changing functional impacts that affect whole families
• we talk about other treatment options and how they fit in

...and with an element of surprise and humor in the middle.

The impacts include academics but reach far beyond. Functional listening difficulties impact family dynamics and can make even normal daily tasks feel monumentally hard... whether it's a kid or a grown-up who struggles-- or both!

Dr. Rae Stout is a neurodivergent audiologist and mom of an AuDHD son, sharing both autism and ADHD diagnoses. She is a pioneer in the use of low-gain hearing aids for children and adults with normal or near-normal hearing who struggle with functional listening. Her specialties include auditory processing disorder, hyperacusis, tinnitus, and misophonia, with a focus on supporting children with autism, ADHD, and PDA profiles. Dr. Rae brings a neurodivergent-affirming approach to her work, combining clinical expertise with lived experience to help families create calmer, more accessible environments.

Connect with her here & learn more about her wonderful services & the community she's created:

Website: https://www.drraestout.com

APD Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FFKPAfedd/

Watch this informative and heart-felt video about APD and LGHA's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea3XHUDIxIg

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Book your free consultation with Whitney here or sign up for regular email with actionable strategies and stories of encouragement at https://www.sensationalmoms.com

Send Whitney a Text

Do you NEED this school year to be different but lack the clarity and energy to make it happen? The Sensory Snapshot is for you if you need:

• targeted sensory & nervous system support
• routines that work for the whole family
• real-time problem solving support
• long-lasting help with just a short-term, budget-friendly commitment

Learn more or book it here.

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Back to school means shifting routines & expectations, which can be really hard for some kids (and adults too!)... even homeschoolers. 

A lot of the back to school excitement can be well-intended and is certainly happy for some... but for others of us, it's full of stress, emotions, & anticipation of tricky situations, like increased meltdowns and maybe refusals. 
In this episode, we discuss:

• What is high sensitivity (yes, it's more than sensory sensitivity)?
• What can you do to support your kid? Hint: Small shifts are key.
• How can you get more peace in your home during these tricky times?

Join Whitney as she shares how back to school has been tricky for her highly sensitive kid and what she's found that helps-- from an OT and a mom of 4.

Read more about high sensitivity here. 
https://sensationalmoms.com/highly-sensitive-person/

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Understanding more about you or your kids' sensory processing and self-regulation might be the missing pieces for more calm & connection in your home. 

If you want help putting those pieces together, book your Sensory Snapshot consultation today. Spots are limited to 5 families this back to school season. 

Start this school year feeling supported and equipped to create a home environment where everyone can flourish-- you included.

Learn more or book yours here.
https://sensationalmoms.com/services-for-sensory-support-self-regulation/

Send Whitney a Text

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Did you know sensory stress doesn't have its own special "stress bucket" in the brain? Stress=stress... The good news is that simplifying other things helps improve your resilience with overstimulation too!

In this episode, we break down some tried and true ways to simlify life as we head "back to school," regardless of how you educate your kids.

• home maintenance
• meals
• car-time
• ...plus some of my favorite tools (new and old)

Listen along as we break things down into super practical steps and decide what NOT to do so that we can be present and enjoy our kids (most of the time).

What would you add to the list?
Join the conversation on Instagram @sensationalmoms

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You're invited! Join us for Supporting Your High Needs Learner at Home! An online conference just for you to find encouragement and advice as we head into a new year. Pre-recorded AND live sessions!

It's more than a conference, though. It's packed full of opportunities to "mingle" with other parents in your shoes, too... all from the comfort of home. Finally, other parents who "get it" too. All for $15!

Register here

Send Whitney a Text

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Let's normalize talking about our self-regulation & our senses! But it can feel awkward... so what better way than through a beautiful, engaging picture book?

Join Sarah and me, Whitney, as we discuss her new book A Chameleon Tale:

• how it came about
• how it's already impacting families
• sensory processing (especially vestibular and proprioceptive input!) Learn more here.
• self-regulation (learn more here)
• MOM's own sensory systems, too!

When you talk to your kid about sensory processing or self-regulation, do you feel like you're talking OVER them instead of having a conversation?

Or maybe you have a kiddo like mine who is not receptive to a lot of direct teaching about self-regulation.

Jackie Adrian, Sarah's friend and co-author of A Chameleon Tale, said "Where's the book for this?" ... and they couldn't find one! So in true OT fashion, she helped make it.

Find A Chameleon Tale (link) on Amazon or wherever books are sold. 

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/homeschool_ot/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/thehomeschoolot
Linked In- https://www.linkedin.com/in/homeschoolot/
Website- http://homeschoolot.com
Podcast- The OT is In on any podcast player- link to apple  Youtube- www.youtube.com/@homeschoolot
A Chameleon Tale- A Colorful Sensory Story on amazon (though can be purchased at any book vendor)

Find Jackie Adrian's art and books here:
https://www.jackieadrian.com/

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Join us for Summer Masterclass Series: Brain Body Parenting!
If you need less struggle and more peace of mind as you enter fall... save yourself some closet space and money from wasted curriculum and try this instead.

No more dusty, half-read parenting and brain books.

• 4 sessions via-zoom
• real-time chat to ask your questions in between
• access to an OT & mom of 4 to answer your questions
• support from other moms in the trenches

Register here or learn more: subscribepage.io/summermasterclass

Send Whitney a Text

Do you NEED this school year to be different but lack the clarity and energy to make it happen? The Sensory Snapshot is for you if you need:

• targeted sensory & nervous system support
• routines that work for the whole family
• real-time problem solving support
• long-lasting help with just a short-term, budget-friendly commitment

Learn more or book it here.

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

In this episode of the Sensational Moms podcast, we explore ways that moms who easily feel overwhelmed can make the most of their summer. Join me as I share personal experiences and offer practical advice on:

•  establishing routines
•  incorporating movement
•  prioritizing rest
• pacing to-do lists
• fostering meaningful connections (co-regulation!) 

If you're easily overstimulated and summer strikes fear in your heart or flies by without those purposeful, happy moments... you won't want to miss this episode. 

BONUS: You'll head into fall with some truly helpful habits supporting you and your family.

Join us for Summer Masterclass Series starting June 25th! Email [email protected] to reserve your spot or ask more questions.

01:53 Tip 1: Establish a Simple Morning Routine

04:57 Tip 2: Incorporate Movement Despite the Heat

10:18 Tip 3: Prioritize Rest and Wellbeing

12:28 Tip 4: Pace Your To-Do List

13:35 Tip 5: Foster Co-Regulation and Meaningful Relationships

15:56 Conclusion: Enjoying Summer and Preparing for Fall

Send Whitney a Text

Do you NEED this school year to be different but lack the clarity and energy to make it happen? The Sensory Snapshot is for you if you need:

• targeted sensory & nervous system support
• routines that work for the whole family
• real-time problem solving support
• long-lasting help with just a short-term, budget-friendly commitment

Learn more or book it here.

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

What are reasonable expectations for kids' self-regulation? If you can figure this out, you'll save yourself so much frustration as a mom and teacher. By the end of our time together, you'll know:

• How to encourage your kids' development at each stage
• What is usual for different stages (of course variations will occur!)
• What is self-regulation anyway...

Do kids' outgrown co-regulation? Do babies self-regulate? What age range experiences the MOST gains in self-regulation? You might be surprised!

If you feel stuck in a cycle of frustration with yourself and your kids, coaching can help you move from information to application so that you can find peace in your home. Book your free consult here!

There's room for one more client in the Sensory Savvy Moms coaching program for this summer. Don't wait until the end of summer expecting things to get better. Small, practical steps can make a huge difference for the peace of your home this fall. www.calendly.com/sensationalmoms

The information in this episode is gathered largely from this meta-analysis study.

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Access your FREE getting startedw/ self-regulation guide here

Season 2: Episode 10: What is Self-Regulation and How Can You Help? 

Season 1: Episode 9: How Co-Regulation Helps Overwhelmed Moms

Send Whitney a Text

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

What is self-regulation and what does it mean to "be regulated?" If we don't know what we mean, these terms don't help anyone. Spoiler alert: It doesn't mean being calm all the time, and "regulated" isn't always how it seems.

Listen along as we explore:
--What is self-regulation, and what is it NOT?
--2 things you really need to know about self-regulation
--1 powerful thing you can do to help self-regulation development. 

Have you tried to help your kids or yourself develop these skills without success? In this episode, we explore 1 common reason efforts are not successful.

Sign up here for your free consultation to see what a sensory support specialist can help you as the mom.

This is part 1 of a 2 Part series. These skill develop at different times for each of us, but moms ask all the time what norms they might look for. Next time we'll be diving into what you might expect of kids at different ages and stages, so be sure to check back!

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Vagus nerve blog
Teaching Kids Self-Regulation Episode 2
Teaching Kids Self-Regulation blog
Meta-analysis article
Kim Barthel on regulation

"Self-regulation is flexibly activating, monitoring, inhibiting, persevering and adapting your own behavior, attention, emotions and cognitive strategies in light of internal and external feedback to attain personally relevant goals."
-- See here

Send Whitney a Text

This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.