Beautifully Complex

What if the way you help your child is actually holding them back?In this powerful conversation with Kristin Lombardi and Christine Drew, co-authors of Spectrum of Independence, we unpack the hard-to-navigate space between support and overdoing. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I empowering or enabling?” — this episode is a must-listen.We explore how to slowly and compassionately fade our support, why independence isn’t about going it alone, and how morning and bedtime routines can become moments of growth instead of daily battles. With real talk, gentle truth-telling, and deeply empathetic strategies, we help you make space for your child’s autonomy without sacrificing connection.Listen now to start shifting from doing it for them to teaching them how.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/324Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

What if the most powerful regulation tool for your child has been sitting right under their nose all along?In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by breathwork facilitator and trainer Kurtis Lee Thomas to talk about the overlooked power of the breath — not just for calming down in the moment, but for deep emotional healing and nervous system regulation. Kurtis breaks down how breathwork helps both parents and kids release stuck emotions, build emotional intelligence, and move from chaos to calm.We also explore:Why breathwork works fastHow to simplify it so even your reluctant teen or sensory-sensitive kid can engageEasy rituals to incorporate it into your family’s daily lifeWhy your child’s self-awareness starts with your breathPlus, you’ll walk away with three simple breath practices you can use anytime, anywhere.This episode is full of practical wisdom, deep insight, and a fresh take on what emotional regulation really looks like. Take a deep breath, literally, and come listen in.Tune in now and experience the power of the breath.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/323Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with parenting coach and boys' emotional ally, Tosha Schore, to unpack something most of us were never taught: our emotions — especially the messy, loud, uncomfortable ones — hold the key to healing.We talk about what it really looks like to bear witness to our child’s (and our own) pain, why your “just calm down” instincts might be backfiring, and how to show up for your neurodivergent child in a way that builds emotional intelligence, resilience, and lasting connection.And parents, we go there: the shame, the silence, the struggle to “fix” things that feel out of control. You’ll walk away with simple, profound shifts that don’t require perfection — just presence.✨ If you’ve ever wondered, How do I help my kid without losing myself? this episode is for you.Listen now and discover the healing power that’s already within reach.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/322Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Your child’s behavior isn’t the problem — it’s the clue.So often we’re handed behavior plans, sticker charts, and systems that totally ignore what our neurodivergent kids are trying to tell us. In this powerful conversation with RDI Consultant Nancy Gilette, we dig into what really shapes your child’s quality of life — and spoiler alert: it starts with you.We talk about shifting from task-based parenting to experience-based connection, what “feeling good” actually looks like for neurodivergent brains, and how slowing down can speed up growth in the long run. You’ll hear practical ways to create co-regulation, why safety (not compliance) is the key to learning, and how to build a home that feels good for everyone.This one is equal parts validation, insight, and heck yes, I can do this.🎧 Don’t miss it — press play and let’s rethink how we support our kids, from the inside out.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/321Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Is your back-to-school plan just a fresh stack of notebooks and high hopes? Let’s talk about what really makes or breaks a smooth transition for your neurodivergent child. In this episode, I’m sharing the top three things I wish I had known when my son was in school — the things that could’ve saved us from years of chaos, meltdowns, and overwhelm.We’re ditching the myth that buying the right planner will fix everything. Instead, I’ll walk you through how to prep your systems (not just your supplies), how to create emotional safety in the daily routine, and how to build a true partnership with your child’s teacher — before the chaos starts.This isn’t just back-to-school advice. It’s a whole new way of showing up for your complex kid with calm, clarity, and confidence.Listen in to start creating less stress and more success — starting now. ou 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/320Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

What if the secret to helping your child regulate their emotions… is already playing on your speakers?In this episode, I’m joined by board-certified music therapist and fellow neurodivergent mom, Samantha Foote, to explore how music can be a powerful (and joyful!) regulation tool for kids with ADHD, autism, and other complex needs. We chat about everything from angry drumming sessions between siblings to writing silly blues songs to cueing transitions with the right rhythm.Samantha shares how rhythm is hardwired into our bodies — and how we can use that to our advantage when emotions run high. Whether your kid calms to classical, beatboxes their stress away, or creates heavy metal drum loops on an iPad, this episode is packed with practical ways to make music work for your beautifully complex child.Listen now and discover how one song could be the bridge between chaos and calm.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/319Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

What if just five minutes a day could lower your stress, help your child regulate, and even improve sleep? Sounds too good to be true, right? In this episode, I’m joined by Ariel Garten, neuroscientist, psychotherapist, and co-founder of Muse — and trust me, this conversation is both science-packed and deeply personal.We talk about the real brain science behind mindfulness and meditation (spoiler: it’s not about emptying your mind), and how biofeedback technology like Muse can help kids and parents strengthen self-regulation, improve mental health, and actually enjoy meditation. We also dive into how sleep, anxiety, and neurodivergence all intersect — and how just a couple of minutes of practice a day can transform your family’s nervous system and routines.If you’ve ever wondered how to help your neurodivergent child (or yourself!) feel calmer, sleep better, and take control of spiraling thoughts, this episode is your starting point.Listen now and discover how neuroscience-backed tools can make emotional regulation more doable for your beautifully complex family.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/318Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

What if schools didn’t just accommodate neurodivergent kids, but celebrated them? In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, we dig into what it really means to create neurodiversity-affirming schools. From ditching moral judgments on behavior to prioritizing belonging over compliance, this episode is a must-listen for any parent or educator who wants more for our kids than just surviving school.You’ll hear powerful personal stories, practical strategies, and a reminder that our children deserve to be seen, supported, and valued exactly as they are.Tune in and discover how we can help create classrooms that don’t just teach, but transform lives.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/317Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

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.

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.