Complicated Kids

This episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast discusses the intricacies of early childhood education with guest Dan Wouri, author of The Daycare Myth. We have a dynamic conversation about the disconnection between what science tells us about early development and how public policy often fails to reflect those insights.   Together, we explore the importance of nurturing interactions, the dangers of pushing academic expectations onto young children, and how current childcare systems can either support or hinder brain development. Packed with thought-provoking insights and actionable ideas, this episode offers parents, educators, and policymakers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to support children in their most formative years.   To find out more about Dan, visit www.danwuori.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I explore the world of reading challenges and dyslexia with guest Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Coaches. We chat about why some kids struggle with reading and spelling, the warning signs for parents to watch for, and effective strategies to help kids build strong foundational reading skills. Daniela shares insights on the importance of phonics and phonological awareness, demystifies common misconceptions about reading instruction, and demonstrates practical tools like the Orton-Gillingham blending board.   To find out more about Daniela, visit her website at www.Kidsupreadingcoaches.com.

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with executive function coach Carrie Bonnett to explore the essential brain skills that help us get things done—like planning, time management, and emotional regulation. Carrie explains how executive function challenges impact kids, teens, and even adults, emphasizing the need to explicitly teach these skills through practice and repetition. We discuss the role of parents and educators in supporting skill-building, how to shift from blame to understanding, and why tools like planners require guidance to be effective.   To find out more about Carrie, visit her website at www.CarrieBonnett.com.

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I dive into the concept of the neutrality of circumstances with guest Penny Williams. We explore how circumstances themselves—things happening in the world—are neutral and only gain meaning through the thoughts and emotions we assign to them. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, Penny discusses how reframing our perspectives can transform our reactions, especially as parents of neurodivergent kids. She challenges us to examine our beliefs, embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, and cultivate a mindset of agency and joy—without resorting to toxic positivity.   To find out more about Penny, purchase the books she has written and get insights on what is coming next for Penny, visit her website at www.parentingadhdandautism.com.