316: Finding Your Kid’s Just Right Balance, with Chris Taylor, LCSW-C
Ever wonder how to push your child just enough without pushing them over the edge?In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with therapist Chris Taylor, LCSW-C, to unpack what it really means to find your child’s “Just Right Balance.” Unlike the more familiar “just right challenge,” this concept is about balancing emotional safety with growth — how to gently nudge our neurodivergent kids out of their comfort zones without creating shutdown or dysregulation.Chris and I talk about how to know when to step in and when to step back, why validation and predictability are game-changers for emotionally intense kids, and how your own regulation as a parent sets the tone for everything else. Plus, we dig into why fulfillment — not just short-term happiness — should be the goal when helping kids navigate hard things.If you’ve ever felt stuck between protecting your child and encouraging independence, this episode is full of insights (and real talk) to help you find that elusive middle ground.Listen now to learn how to help your child grow in confidence and resilience — without losing trust or connection.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/316Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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315: Integrating Creativity and Play into Learning, with Kelsey Cook
What if a pom pom, a paper tube, and ten minutes a day could transform your child’s learning?In this joy-filled episode, I sit down with Kelsey Cook, mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Learning with Kelsey, to unpack the science and soul behind play-based learning. Together, we explore how creativity and play aren't just fun — they're vital tools for connection, emotional regulation, and skill development in neurodivergent kids.From sensory-friendly adaptations to parent-child rituals that build predictability, you'll walk away with practical strategies to foster emotional intelligence, meet your child’s sensory needs, and bring more joy to learning (without a single worksheet in sight).If you’ve ever struggled to get your child engaged in learning or wondered how to balance structure with flexibility, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.🎧 Press play and discover how a little intentional play can lead to big breakthroughs.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/315Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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314: Don’t Be “That Parent:” How to Advocate Effectively & Compassionately, with Scotti Weintraub
Walking into school meetings can feel like navigating a minefield while carrying the weight of your child’s future.You're not alone — and in this episode, I sit down with education advocate and parent coach Scotti Weintraub to unpack how to have better, calmer, more productive conversations with your child’s teacher, especially when things are hard. We dig into the reality that most teachers aren’t trained in neurodivergence, and how parents can advocate without alienating and burning bridges. From leading with curiosity to asking, “Can I share this with you?,” instead of handing over a stack of articles, this conversation is packed with strategies for fostering mutual respect, trust, and teamwork.If you’ve ever dreaded that parent-teacher conference or IEP meeting, this episode is your roadmap to more effective and empowering communication.Tune in now to learn how to build the kind of teacher partnerships that actually help your neurodivergent child thrive.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/314.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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313: Build Resilience and Joy with Awe and Wonder, with Deborah Farmer Kris
The antidote to stress and disconnection could be awe. In this heartwarming episode, I chat with child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris about the transformative power of awe and wonder for beautifully complex kids. From music and nature to kindness and curiosity, we explore how tapping into these moments can reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and foster belonging. You’ll hear real stories, science-backed insights, and simple ways to help your child (and yourself) become an awe-seeker in a world that often feels overwhelming.Listen now and discover the small moments that can create big shifts in emotional regulation and joy.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/313Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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312: Discovering the Right Career Path for Neurodivergent Kids, with Hannah Maruyama
Is college really the only path to success? Not even close.In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to challenge the outdated idea that college is the ultimate goal for every kid — especially for neurodivergent kids who may thrive outside traditional systems. We get deep into how redefining success, focusing on real-world needs, and shifting the career conversation can change everything. Learn why starting with your child's unique lifestyle goals leads to a far more satisfying and successful future, and why the old "college = success" formula just doesn't add up anymore.Ready to rethink what your child’s future can look like? Listen now and empower your family to build a life by design, not by default.You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/312Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
Join parenting coach and mom-in-the-trenches, Penny Williams, as she helps parents, caregivers, and educators harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week she delivers insights and actionable strategies on parenting and educating neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities... Her approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity, and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with the tools to help you understand and transform behavior, reduce your own stress, increase parenting confidence, and create the joyful family life you crave. Penny has helped thousands of families worldwide to help their kids feel good so they can do good.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
South Africa