
Beautifully Complex
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 28, 2024 • 16min
258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny Williams
Penny Williams offers practical advice for parents on how to handle situations when their kids aren't listening. She discusses recognizing distractions, accommodating slow processing speeds, engaging physically, providing written instructions, and being mindful of individual needs to foster better communication and cooperation.

Mar 21, 2024 • 26min
257: The Control Trap, with Penny Williams
Explore the damaging impact of control on kids and the importance of a humanistic approach to behavior with Penny Williams. Discover 8 key elements for feeling good without control, empower neurodivergent kids, and nurture their individuality. Learn about the complexities of parenting, education, and meeting the needs of troubled teens.

Mar 13, 2024 • 28min
256: Breaking Down Motivation: Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Their Path to Success, with Melanie McNally, Psy.D.
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I sit down with Dr. Melanie McNally, a clinical psychologist and brain coach who specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults. Together, we explore the struggles that many young adults face in finding motivation and direction. Dr. Melanie shares her expertise on helping young adults build their interpersonal skills and increase their motivation. She breaks down the components of motivation into three skill sets: drive, grit, and goals, offering valuable insights for parents navigating the complexities of raising motivated teens. We also delve into the challenges of this generation's unique landscape, touch on the impact of social media, and discuss the changing dynamics of adolescence and parenting. I found Dr. McNally's approach to be insightful and empowering, offering practical strategies for parents and young adults alike. If you're a parent navigating the complexities of raising neurodivergent teens and young adults, Dr. Melanie’s wisdom is sure to provide valuable guidance and support.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Mar 7, 2024 • 20min
255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams
Penny Williams, an expert in rejection sensitive dysphoria, discusses 7 key steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. Topics include recognizing signs, fostering communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thoughts, teaching coping strategies, practicing self-compassion, and seeking professional support. Parents play a crucial role in helping neurodivergent kids thrive and grow into confident, resilient adults.

4 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 35min
254: How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Parent or Teacher, with Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC
Explore neuro-affirming parenting and teaching with Emily Kircher-Morris. Learn about embracing authenticity, recognizing strengths, and creating safe environments for neurodivergent kids. Discuss the challenges of masking behaviors, diverse communication styles, and the importance of self-advocacy. Discover the 'double empathy problem' and the celebration of individuality within the neurodiverse community.

Feb 21, 2024 • 28min
253: Beyond the Power Struggles, with Richard Selznick, Ph.D.
Today, I get to talk to the incredible Dr. Richard Selznick—a renowned psychologist specializing in dyslexia and learning disabilities. We dive into the traps parents often fall into when communicating with their children, especially those with neurodivergent needs. Dr. Selznick emphasizes the importance of giving our kids choices. It's eye-opening to hear about the challenges of motivating children with learning struggles and how we tend to blame ourselves as parents. Dr. Selznick's insight shifts the focus to understanding and supporting our kids in the best possible way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Feb 15, 2024 • 30min
252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny Williams
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about a challenging experience with my son and the valuable insights it brought us regarding challenging behavior and supporting our neurodivergent kids. Through sharing this experience, I emphasize the need for flexibility and understanding in dealing with challenging behaviors, as well as the role of an individual’s nervous system and behavior. I’m also sharing info about the upcoming Transforming Behavior workshop series, which will provide free workshops for parents and caregivers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Feb 8, 2024 • 33min
251: Impact of Parental Confidence and Social Pressure on Parenting Complex Kids, with Anouk Briere-Godbout
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have a candid conversation with Anouk Briere-Godbout about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children. Our discussion focuses on the impact of societal pressure on parental confidence and the importance of finding supportive communities for parents facing similar struggles. Anouk shares personal experiences and professional insights, emphasizing self-compassion, resilience, and the need for a mindset shift in addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent children. If you’ve felt judged about your parenting in public, listening to this episode will make you feel so much less alone!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Feb 1, 2024 • 33min
250: Recognizing Children's Unique Love Languages, with Emily Hamblin
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m talking with Emily Hamblin about the unique ways neurodivergent kids might show their love for you. Emily shares her personal journey of recognizing and appreciating her children's unique love languages, discussing the impact of neurodivergent traits on their communication of love and care. The conversation delves into the concept of love languages, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing the individual ways in which children express and receive love. Throughout the episode, Emily provides insights and practical tips for parents to recognize and incorporate their children's love languages into daily interactions. The discussion also explores the significance of celebrating small victories in parenting and the value of recognizing and acknowledging children's expressions of love and care.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Jan 25, 2024 • 24min
249: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults, with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke, an expert in ADHD coaching and cognitive psychology. We discuss how to support neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the unique challenges they face, such as feelings of isolation, academic pressures, and emotional struggles. Dr. Maschke shares invaluable advice on recognizing and celebrating the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, as well as empowering parents to shift from instructing to supporting their young adults. We also discuss the importance of finding one's passion, building confidence, and seeking outside support.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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