At Peace Parents Podcast

A mother shares her journey managing her 4-year-old with Pathological Demand Avoidance and navigating sibling dynamics with a younger child. The conversation focuses on strategies for validating emotions and ensuring everyone feels secure. Key insights include co-parenting approaches, emotional safety, and the importance of creating structured plans. The speakers emphasize parenting through modeling and fostering open communication, encouraging a nurturing atmosphere for all children involved.

A mom grapples with societal judgment affecting her acceptance of her child's PDA. Topics include the impact of past trauma on parenting, feelings of isolation in the neurodivergent community, and the concept of radical acceptance. Practical strategies like RAIN meditation and affirmations are suggested to manage emotions. The discussion reveals how focusing on the present can help break free from unhelpful worry spirals. Self-compassion emerges as a crucial element in navigating the complexities of raising a PDA child.

Afshan Tafler, a nervous system expert and trauma healer, joins to discuss the unique challenges faced by parents of children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They dive into how parenting sensitive kids can lead to personal nervous system strain. Afshan offers tools to combat parental burnout and emphasizes the importance of self-regulation and community support. The conversation also includes insights on personal healing, navigating emotional complexities, and the empowering journey of self-discovery for parents amidst their challenges.

Discover effective strategies for nurturing a positive self-image in children and teens with Pathological Demand Avoidance. Learn the importance of empathy and affirmations in fostering their identity. This insightful discussion emphasizes providing autonomy and equality, helping young individuals thrive emotionally. Perfect for parents seeking to uplift their kids regardless of diagnosis!

Caroline Thor, a KonMari consultant and Paradigm Shift Program alumna, discusses her transformative parenting journey with her son who has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). She shares how adjusting her approach has improved family dynamics and her professional life. Caroline emphasizes the crucial role of community support and understanding in navigating the emotional challenges of parenting. Additionally, she introduces the flexibility of the KonMari method, offering practical insights on decluttering with compassion while prioritizing joy and connection.

How do I feel about AI, and how do I use it with my PDA child? In this episode I talk through these things and more with Kelly Edwards, founder of the 90-Minute School Day. As a mom of a PDAer herself, and an expert in the homeschooling/unschooling space, Kelly brings great insight to our conversation. I hope you find it helpful!

Not all demand avoidant children and teens are PDA. In this episode I talk through how to know if your child fits the profile for PDA, which is important, because it suggests a different root cause for their avoidance than for non-PDA demand avoidant kids. And of course, you want to know what the root cause is so you know how best to support your child or teen.I hope this is helpful to all.xo,Casey

Paradigm Shift Program alumna Rachel shares her story in this episode, which includes insight she gained enduring serious sickness as a young adult. She brings this perspective to the hardest moments and eras parenting her PDA children, and explains the difference that can make, even while being incredibly difficult.

A mother shares her experiences raising a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), detailing the unique challenges she faced. She reflects on the emotional toll of parenting during the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the transformative power of acceptance in both education and personal growth. Insightful anecdotes underscore the need for nurturing environments and adaptive strategies to support neurodiverse children. Self-acceptance emerges as a key theme in fostering strong parent-child relationships.

I think PDA is its own neurotype, different from non-PDA Autism and ADHD. That doesn't mean PDA kids, teens and adults can't also be Autistic or ADHD - many are, including at least one of my sons. But it means there's a different logic for how we support PDA children and teens - even if they are also Autistic or ADHD - based on the unique way their brain and nervous system works.