Not Your Average Autism Mom artwork

Not Your Average Autism Mom

240 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -

This podcast was started for parents and caregivers raising autistic children but it has evolved and we have listeners across the world who are relatives of someone with autism, special education teachers, and other professionals.
My son Jordan is 27 years old and was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. I have been where you are. Jordan will likely never live independently.
I am in the trenches every day, just like you. Each week I talk about topics that directly impact your life and go hand in hand with your unique parenting journey.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

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Episodes

181. Impulse IQ: The Maze of Impulsivity in Autism

April 25, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host, Shannon Urquiola goes pretty deep into the complex topic of impulse control in individuals with autism. Shannon provides valuable insights into understanding impulsivity and its impact on daily life for both children, parents, teachers, and caregivers. Exploring practical strategies, she discussed the importance of consistency, patience, and finding personalized approaches to help manage impulsivity effectively. Additional...

180. Two Worlds Collide; Emotions and Facts

April 18, 2024 09:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

In this episode of the "Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast," host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the intricate world of autism processing, exploring the differences between intellectual and emotional realms. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive differences between these two worlds, as Shannon expertly unpacks scenarios faced by autism moms and offers practical strategies for successful navigation. From communicating emotional needs to managing sensory overload, each scen...

179. Stress-Free Strategies ; Mastering the Seven Stressors

April 11, 2024 09:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MB

In Episode 179 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola dives into the world of understanding and addressing stressors for children on the autism spectrum. Shannon breaks down the seven common stressors faced by these children, including sensory challenges, level of interest, uncertainty, degree of control, performance demands, social demands, and length of time. She explores real-life scenarios where these stressors might show up and provides practical examples an...

178. PDA Realities; Decoding Your Child's Behavior

April 04, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MB

In episode 178 of the "Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast," host Shannon Urquiola dives into the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) within the autism spectrum. Shannon emphasizes why a specific PDA diagnosis isn't always paramount when autism is already in the picture. She walks listeners through common scenarios, parents, may encounter, offering practical strategies for navigating the challenges associated with severe avoidance and anxiety. The episode explores the fear...

177. From Anxious to Assured; The Q & A Maze

March 28, 2024 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MB

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, your host, Shannon Urquiola is talking about the complex world of repeated questioning in our autistic children. As parents, we know firsthand the exhaustion and frustration that can come with hearing the same question over and over again. But why do our children engage in this behavior, and how can we lessen its impact on both them and you? Shannon explores the various reasons behind repeated questioning, from seeking reassuranc...

176. Discovering Unique Paths; Navigating the Social Dance

March 21, 2024 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MB

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola digs into the complex world of socialization within the autism spectrum. Shannon explores the diverse social interests and preferences among autistic individuals, shedding light on the challenges they face in navigating social interactions while also emphasizing the beauty of their unique perspectives. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from autistic adults, she discusses the detrimental effects ...

175. Inside Out; Navigating the World of Self Injury

March 14, 2024 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

In this episode of "Not Your Average Autism Mom" podcast, Shannon digs into the challenging world of self-injurious behaviors in children with autism. We explored the various forms these behaviors can take, from hand/arm biting to head banging, and discussed why they occur, often as a means of releasing stress chemicals when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed. Throughout the episode, we provided practical strategies for parents and caregivers to address these behaviors effectively. ...

174. Unwrapping the Rule Book; Strategies for Discipline

March 07, 2024 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MB

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the complex world of disciplining children on the autism spectrum. She begins by emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations for all children, particularly for those on the spectrum who may struggle with understanding unwritten social rules. She provides practical strategies for parents, such as using visual aids and consistent consequences, to help their children navigate these boundaries effectively. Thr...

173. Front Seat Chronicles; Your Passengers Matter

February 29, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MB

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola takes the wheel and guides you through the essential art of staying in control while parenting a child on the autism spectrum. Drawing on her expertise as a Life and Parent Coach exclusively for moms on this journey, Shannon explores the metaphorical road trip of autism parenting, emphasizing the importance of being the driver and choosing your passengers wisely. From teachers and professionals to friends an...

172. Spectrum Spotlight; Dignity and Self-Awareness

February 22, 2024 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

In Episode 172 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola talks about the challenges faced by individuals with autism on the journey to self-actualization. Inspired by her son Jordan, she explores the delicate balance of fitting in while ensuring our loved ones receive the dignity they deserve. In a world that may perceive them differently, finding this balance is necessary. The struggles, from clothing mishaps to social norms, highlight the unique lens through whic...

171. Jumpstart Participation; Motivating the Unmotivated

February 15, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the often misunderstood challenges of self-initiation and sustained attention in autistic children. Acknowledging the frustration parents may feel when their child appears unmotivated, Shannon emphasizes the importance of understanding these difficulties as linked to executive functioning skills rather than attributing them to laziness. She provides insights into the workings of the pre-frontal cortex, the brain's command center respo...

170. The Ripple Effect; Skill Building Secrets

February 08, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola takes you on a journey into the world of routine mastery and skill-building for children on the spectrum. Shannon guides listeners through practical strategies to integrate new skills seamlessly into existing routines. Discover how to celebrate progress, reward success, and stay motivated in the face of setbacks. Uncover the secrets of being specific and realistic to ensure lasting success. Join Shannon as she explores the nuances of routine maste...

169. The Social Playbook; Teaching Children with Autism to Think Socially

February 01, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

In this episode, Shannon explores the unique challenges our children on the spectrum face in understanding and navigating the social world. The episode sheds light on the difficulty some children have in predicting how others think or feel. Shannon provides practical strategies for parents to help their children develop these essential social skills. The goal is to help our children build the skills necessary to actively engage in social interactions while predicting and adjusting their ...

168. Navigating the Autistic Brain; A Complex Journey

January 30, 2024 01:12 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

In Episode 168 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the intricate world of the autistic brain. The episode begins by unraveling the consequences of overload – impaired processing, deteriorating levels of cognition, and the accumulation of stress chemicals that lead to physical pain and panic. Communication becomes a challenge, with language skills weakening, and attempts to reason often exacerbating the overwhelm. T...

160. Autism, Sleep and You; Dreaming of Solutions

January 21, 2024 23:26 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MB

In this episode, we get into one of the most common challenges faced by parents of children with autism: sleep disruptions. Join host Shannon Urquiola as she provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the intricate relationship between autism and sleep, along with practical tips and strategies to improve your child's sleep and overall well-being. She explores the impact of sleep disruptions on behavior, talks about common sleep challenges faced by children on the spectrum, and uncove...

167. Dare to be Different; Autism without Conformity

January 18, 2024 11:56 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

In this empowering episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores a crucial topic: the journey to understand and appreciate the unique neurology of individuals on the autism spectrum. Inspired by a thought-provoking article titled "Be True to Their Neurology," Shannon discusses the pitfalls of trying to mold individuals with autism into neurotypical expectations. Delving into the concept of neurology, Shannon emphasizes the importance of embracing the diver...

166. Perseveration Puzzle; Helping Your Child Shift Gears

January 11, 2024 13:37 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

In Episode 166 of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola delves into the common challenge of perseveration in children on the autism spectrum. Perseveration, or getting stuck on a particular behavior, activity, or thought, can be a source of frustration for both parents and children. Shannon explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, emphasizing the weak executive functions in the frontal cortex of the brain that often contribute to the difficulty in shifting fo...

165. Confidence in Uncertainty; Finding Strength in the Unknown

January 04, 2024 10:58 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

Join your host, Shannon Urquiola for a transformative journey in this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast. Shannon dives into the powerful concept of saying "I don't know" in the realm of parenting children on the autism spectrum. Discover how uncertainty can be your greatest ally, propelling you toward growth and confidence. From navigating new and daunting situations to overcoming the fear of the unknown, Shannon provides practical strategies for parents to face challenge...

164. In Sync Parenting; Two Perspectives, One Goal

December 28, 2023 10:56 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MB

Parenthood, often described as a rollercoaster of emotions, takes a unique turn when partners find themselves on opposite ends of the parenting spectrum. Are your differences in parenting currently a source of negativity and conflict in your relationship? In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola, Life and Parent Coach explores the intricate dynamics parents face when raising autistic children, particularly when their parenting styles don't align. Shannon talks about the common scenario w...

163. Less Stress, More Joy; Navigating the Season

December 21, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

In this episode, Life and Parent Coach Shannon Urquiola provides a comprehensive guide for moms raising children on the autism spectrum, offering strategies to navigate the holiday season with less stress, anxiety, and frustration. She explores the power of preparation, emphasizing the importance of visualizing events and creating detailed plans to anticipate challenges. She also highlights the significance of managing expectations, encouraging realistic outlooks, and open communication ...

162. From Silence to Celebration; A Rollercoaster of Emotions

December 14, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, host Shannon Urquiola explores the topic of talking about your children on the spectrum with others. She shares her emotional journey, acknowledging moments of sadness and discouragement but also emphasizing a sense of hope and belief in possibilities. Shannon encourages using positive language when describing children with autism, opting for "challenges" instead of "weaknesses," or "deficits". Explaining autism to your child’s p...

161. The Resilient Parent: Reframing the Journey

December 07, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MB

In this episode of Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast, your host, Shannon Urquiola talks all about emotional resilience for parents raising children on the autism spectrum. She discussed the significance of emotional resilience, emphasizing that it's not a fixed trait but a skill that can be cultivated over time. She also explored specific scenarios where you can gain resilience, from managing meltdowns to navigating the educational system. She introduced the concept of cognitive reframi...

A Thanksgiving Message; With Love and Gratitude

November 23, 2023 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MB

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the "Not Your Average Autism Mom Podcast," we are taking a break from the regular format to share a message from your host, Shannon Urquiola. As we approach the holiday season, Shannon wants to remind all her incredible listeners that there's no right way to celebrate. She encourages you to embrace your family's uniqueness and celebrate the holiday in your special way, free from expectations and regrets. The holidays can look different for each fa...

159. Autism on the Go; Navigating Through Chaos

November 16, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

We know for many families, the holidays and travel can be a source of joy, but for families like yours and mine it also presents unique challenges when you're raising a child on the autism spectrum. Traveling during the holidays can be a sensory overload for our kids right? The unfamiliar environments, crowded airports, and even family gatherings can be overwhelming. I've experienced this firsthand, and I know many of you have too. Our children on the spectrum usually thrive on routine an...

158. Navigating Hygiene Struggles: Path to Cleanliness

November 09, 2023 14:16 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode, Shannon focuses on unique challenges and effective strategies for teaching personal hygiene skills to children on the autism spectrum. Exploring the hurdles faced by children with autism, such as fine motor skill deficits, sensory issues, and more, she provides a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers. She discusses the importance of creating daily routines, using visual supports, and providing fading prompts to help children develop independence in essential hyg...

157. Reframing Defeat; Progress is Closer Than You Think

November 02, 2023 12:55 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MB

Raising a child on the autism spectrum is not a linear journey and it’s by far, not easy.  I think that one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child on the autism spectrum is the constant search for what works. It's a topic that many of us have faced and continue to wrestle with – those moments when we feel like we're on the edge when the challenges of raising a child on the spectrum seem overwhelming. It's the feeling of wanting things to be easier, even if just for a moment. M...

156. Disconnect to Reconnect; The Impact of Screen Addiction

October 26, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

In this episode, I'm talking about the impact of electronics on our kids and how they can become addicted to screens.  It's a subject that hits close to home for me, and I believe it's one of the most critical issues we face as parents and caregivers. I’m sure that you’ve questioned the impact of social media, YouTube videos, and video games on your child’s overall well-being, right?  How many times have you tried to encourage them to go outside or read, but it felt like they were always ch...

155. Our Stories are Similar, Yet Different; Real Moms Living Life

October 19, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MB

Join me as I chat behind the scenes with real moms just like you who are raising children on the spectrum and finding balance and happiness along the way! These women are MY VILLAGE as much as I am theirs. Each of their stories is different, yet similar. You might just hear your story in theirs. They were drowning and felt overwhelmed and since becoming Not Your Average Autism Mom they are becoming who they want to be along this unique parenting journey we are on. They are learning ...

154. Behind Closed Doors; Finding Hope in Motherhood

October 12, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MB

The path of being an autism mom is a unique and often challenging one. It's a journey that begins with a diagnosis, then often becoming consumed with confusion, fear, and uncertainty. Many of us start this journey feeling overwhelmed by the unknown that lies ahead. We fear the unknown. We fear for our child's future, their well-being, and our ability to navigate this complex world we weren’t prepared for. In this episode, I speak to your fears, share some examples and scenarios, and, above...

153. Calm Kids, Happy Homes: Mastering After-School Transitions

October 05, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

My goal in every podcast is to share things that will help make your day-to day mom life a little easier and if you want to go deeper and work more closely with me, I invite you to consider joining our NYAAM PRIVATE Membership.  Why Do After-School Meltdowns Happen?  Imagine your child was an absolute star at school, but as soon as they get home, it feels like all heck breaks loose. You're not alone in this, trust me, many moms face the same thing. I know this can be puzzling and confusing ...

152. Moving from "Why Me?" to "What Now?"

September 28, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Asking "Why" is a natural response to life's challenges, a way to make sense of our experiences. But there are a few reasons why asking "Why" may not be as helpful as we think.  Asking why is really just us searching for insight, right?  We are trying to make sense of what we think are our negative experiences in life. But here's the thing - we can't always know or figure out the reasons why things outside of our control happen.  So, what's the alternative to constantly asking "Why"? What ...

151. Beyond the Noise; Tuning Into Autism

September 21, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

Individuals on the spectrum have what we can describe as different brain wiring. Their neurological connections between various brain centers are not as strong, which makes it challenging for them to process multiple pieces of information rapidly. This can make navigating our fast-paced world incredibly exhausting and difficult for them. Neurotypical people like you and me can effortlessly filter out around 80% of information that's not relevant to the task at hand. We focus on what's impor...

150. From Struggles to Strength; Relationship Survival Guide

September 14, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

Today's episode is one that hits close to home for me. We're going to talk about maintaining relationships successfully while raising autistic children. As a Master Certified Life and Parent Coach, I've made it my mission to help families like yours navigate these challenging waters and I'm also here to tell you that it's possible to thrive as a couple and as parents raising autistic children. I’m going to share with you the top 10 reasons that relationships tend to fail when you're raising...

149. Parenting Imperfectly; Guilt Free Zone

September 07, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

Today's episode is all about a topic that's near and dear to my heart - the guilt that often accompanies us on this incredible journey of parenting that we weren’t prepared for. When you are parenting a child with autism, this journey may take on unique dimensions. Guilt tends to creep in when we dwell on our perceived shortcomings. It can manifest in various ways: We all make mistakes, but sometimes, we dwell on them for too long and beat ourselves up for not being perfect. I'm not doing...

148. Shifting Perspective; Looking Through A Different Lens

August 31, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

It's remarkable how our journey evolves over time.  Every moment you're navigating, every lesson you're learning, it's all building a foundation of skills and resilience that you'll carry forward as your child grows. With each new challenge, you'll be able to lean on the expertise you're cultivating right now.  Even though Jordan is older now, I vividly recall those early years that taught me skills that I still use, even now. With each year that passes, you'll grow more confident, tapping...

147. When Words Take Flight; The Fascinating World of Verbal Stimming

August 24, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Every week I talk about topics that directly impact your life along this parenting journey and today, I’m talking about a fascinating topic that many parents and caregivers encounter on their journey: verbal stimming. Verbal Stimming is a behavior that many autistic children will do.  It's like a window into your child's world, helping them cope with various situations and even express themselves. Interestingly, these sounds aren't just about auditory pleasure – they provide a comforting...

146. The Myth of "One Day"; Spectrum of Strengths

August 17, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MB

Our journey begins with an autism diagnosis, a diagnosis that flooded you with a wave of emotions and the weight of uncertainty like you’ve never experienced before.  And then as you begin to navigate all the uncertainty, you're told that "one day," your children will overcome their challenges and live lives similar to their neurotypical peers. But what happens when that "one day" doesn't unfold as expected? The truth is, that the allure of that day, though well-intentioned, can lead you...

145. Differently Wired; A Glimpse into Autism Parenting

August 10, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

Raising a child on the autism spectrum presents unique challenges that can be difficult to grasp for those who haven't experienced it firsthand.    I really believe that the difficulties we face out in the world often stem from a lack of understanding about autism. I hope that by increasing awareness and embracing inclusivity, together we can bridge the gap and create a more supportive and understanding environment for all families, regardless of their experiences with autism. While some ...

144. [SPECIAL EDUCATION EDITION] From Worries to Wins; Preparing for the New School Year

August 03, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

As the new school year begins, I know many of you may be feeling a mix of emotions - excitement, anxiety, and maybe for some of you, a bit of sadness as summer comes to an end. For our children on the spectrum, this transition can be particularly challenging. Open communication and collaboration with your child's school team will pave the way for your child's success. Communicating with your child’s teacher is critical to their success at school and in the classroom. You can be a tremendous...

143. Social Expectations vs Autism Reality

July 27, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

Society has certain expectations regarding social norms, which can be challenging for families like ours raising children on the spectrum. We live in a world that values conformity and often overlooks individual differences. Certain unwritten rules govern how we interact, communicate, and behave in society. For neurotypical children, these norms are often picked up naturally through observation and imitation. However, for children on the autism spectrum, the social world can be puzzling an...

142. Embrace the Spectrum; From Knowing to Acceptance

July 20, 2023 09:41 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MB

Maybe you recently received an autism diagnosis for your child or maybe you’ve been navigating life for however long with your child but you spend a lot of time feeling discouraged and disappointed or maybe even sad, if this is you, this episode is for you. Do you find yourself wishing, hoping, and dreaming your life was different? I want you to know that it is completely normal to have a range of emotions, from confusion or grief to fear about the future. The journey of parenting a ch...

141. The Lying Paradox: Exploring Truth & Autism

July 13, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 24 MB

I am going to explore some reasons why our children might lie and why it is important for you to recognize when you find yourself feeling betrayed or angry or frustrated when it happens. As parents, we know our children on the spectrum face unique challenges in communication, social understanding, and problem-solving skills. Lying becomes an easier way out for them because it allows them to navigate situations that feel overwhelming or confusing. Most often, kids lie to avoid trouble. ...

"BEST OF" Summer Series - Ripping the Band-Aid Off on Electronics

July 06, 2023 10:34 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Our life is surrounded by technology. Electronics are a part of everyone’s life but it is important that you understand the negative effects too much screen time can be causing for our children with autism. Some studies suggest that increased screen time in young children is associated with decreased cognitive ability, impaired language development, mood, and autistic-like behavior including hyperactivity, short attention span, and irritability. You have to establish clear rules, boundarie...

“BEST OF” SUMMER SERIES - Rigid Thinking and the Inability to be Flexible

June 29, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

"BEST OF" SUMMER PODCAST SERIES featuring our most downloaded episodes of all time. We know that in autism our children's repetitive and fixated behaviors are generally the strategies they use to reduce the chaos and minimalize their overload by seeking the predictability and routine of sameness. These are their attempts to decrease their overwhelm from the stimulation and provide some sort of order to the confusing overwhelming world they are in. Our children struggle with being flexible ...

"BEST OF" SUMMER SERIES - What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean

June 22, 2023 12:34 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

This is our "BEST OF" SUMMER PODCAST SERIES featuring our most downloaded episodes of ALL TIME. Raising our children is difficult at times, we know that. When they exhibit often unexpected and disruptive behaviors it can be hard to determine if it is just a phase they are going through or if there is more.  Autism is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders that share core symptoms, and while every child on the spectrum will struggle to some degree with social int...

142. What Do You Make Their Behavior Mean

June 22, 2023 12:34 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MB

This is our "BEST OF" SUMMER PODCAST SERIES featuring our most downloaded episodes of ALL TIME. Raising our children is difficult at times, we know that. When they exhibit often unexpected and disruptive behaviors it can be hard to determine if it is just a phase they are going through or if there is more.  Autism is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders that share core symptoms, and while every child on the spectrum will struggle to some degree with social int...

141. Autism vs Autistic; A Mother's Perspective

June 15, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MB

BEST OF SUMMER PODCAST SERIES - Featuring our most downloaded episodes of all time.   This is a HOT topic in the autism world today.  Autism diagnosis or being autistic.   Puzzle piece or no puzzle piece.   Our company name, Not Your Average Autism Mom, and what our values and beliefs are. Who we are and what we do and do not do as a growing company in the autism community.   Do you believe that medical professionals and certain autism organizations are harmful to you or your child? Th...

"BEST OF" SUMMER SERIES - Autism vs Autistic; A Mother's Perspective

June 15, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

BEST OF SUMMER PODCAST SERIES - Featuring our most downloaded episodes of all time.   This is a HOT topic in the autism world today.  Autism diagnosis or being autistic.   Puzzle piece or no puzzle piece.   Our company name, Not Your Average Autism Mom, and what our values and beliefs are. Who we are and what we do and do not do as a growing company in the autism community.   Do you believe that medical professionals and certain autism organizations are harmful to you or your child? Th...

140. Unleashing Potential; Believing in the Possibilities

June 08, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

Assuming competence means recognizing that our children have thoughts, feelings, and dreams just like every other child. But why is assuming competence so crucial? The answer lies in the power of belief. When you believe in your children, you instill in them a sense of self-worth and the confidence to believe in themselves.  Your belief in them becomes a driving force behind their determination, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges. When our children see that you believe in the...

139. Summer Survival. Successfully Navigating Summer

June 01, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

If there’s one thing that I see over and over, it’s like, we know summer is coming, but we’re not prepared for it, and then what do we do? The kids are home, there’s no school, there’s no structure, there’s no routine, and we feel panic. You have to ask yourself, “What it is that you want? What is your big why and what are you committed to doing?” Once you have those questions answered, you have to prioritize what is most important to you because they can't all hold equal value. Thin...