Episode 57: Are you worried about your child struggling with organization, planning, and time management as the new school year approaches? In this episode, we dive into these challenges and provide practical strategies to support your child’s success.

In this insightful episode, Dayna Abraham sits down with Seth Perler, an executive function coach who specializes in helping students navigate the demands of school and life.

Together, they discuss why kids often feel overwhelmed by school, common challenges during the back-to-school season, and how parents can better support their children’s development.

This episode is packed with practical tools and strategies to help parents foster their children’s skills with empathy and understanding.

"Executive function skills are crucial for a happy, healthy, and successful future. By understanding and supporting these skills, we can better help our children thrive." - Seth Perler

Key Takeaways:

• [00:05:00] What Executive Function Is: Seth explains what executive function is and why it’s crucial for students.
• [00:09:00] Common Back-to-School Challenges: Discussing common challenges kids face when going back to school, related to executive function.
• [00:18:00] Can't vs. Won't: Understanding the difference between "won't" and "can't" in kids' behavior and how it impacts executive function.
• [00:20:00] The Role of Parents: The importance of parents managing their own reactions and how to support children without doing everything for them.
• [00:23:00] Backing Way Up: Seth talks about the importance of breaking tasks down into micro skills and scaffolding them to build executive function.
• [00:28:00] Practical Tools: Practical steps and tools parents can take to help their children build executive function skills.
• [00:30:00] Relationship and Attachment: The importance of relationship and attachment in helping children with executive function struggles.
• [00:34:00] Asking for Help: Encouragement for parents to seek help and resources to support their children’s development.
• [00:36:00] Final Advice: Seth’s message to parents: focus on doing the deep inner work and view parenting as a continuous study.

Additional Resources:

• Seth Perler's Website: Discover more about Seth's work and resources to support executive function skills.
• Executive Function Summit: Join the summit for in-depth insights and strategies from top experts.
• Calm the Chaos Book: Need help getting out of survival mode? Grab a copy of the roadmap designed for you.
• Free Parenting Style Quiz: 📝 Take this FREE quiz to discover which of 4 different parenting styles you have.

Remember, you’ve got this!

👉 Check out my Social:

• YouTube: Calm the Chaos Parenting
• Instagram: Calm the Chaos Parenting
• Facebook: Calm the Chaos Parenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode! calmthechaospodcast.com

EPISODE 10: If you're going through struggles with your spouse or partner, whether it's about the kids' behavior, money matters, or anything else, ask yourselves: Do you both really want to be together and build a family? Are you on the same page when it comes to your destination?

If the answer is “Yes,” then this episode is just what you need. And even if your answer is "No" or "I don't know," this episode may help you see things from a different perspective and recognize that your partner:

• doesn’t hurt you deliberately
• wants the best for your kids
• is still your soul mate and the person you fell in love with…

But sometimes, life gets in the way, and we forget about these things…

In this episode, we're digging deeper into the question of "What do I do if my spouse isn't on board?" This is part two of our discussion, where we'll chat about finding common ground, aligning your approaches, and getting your partner on board with the Calm the Chaos way.

If you missed the first part, don't worry! Go ahead and give it a listen. And if you've already tuned in, welcome back! Let's keep this conversation going.

This time we’ll be sharing the 4-step Calm the Chaos framework to finding common ground and building a successful co-parenting journey.

Just remember, you're in this together, and you can succeed one tiny step at a time. I know because we used to be there.

As I’ve already mentioned - at the beginning of our parenting journey, Jason and I weren't on the same page. Actually, we faced our fair share of challenges and had lots of disagreements, worries, and fears about where our parenting adventure was headed.

Just like in the first part of this episode, we'll continue spilling many juicy details of our story — the ups, the downs, and everything in between.

So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, feeling like you and your partner will never see eye to eye, be sure to tune into this part of the episode and find out how to create a plan to align with your partner.

But before that, always remember: you can have disagreements, choose different paths, and still reach the same destination — becoming the best possible parenting team for your children and building a thriving family.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• You - your interpretation of your partner’s behavior (01:48)
• Connect (11:01)
• Understand - getting your partner’s perspective (20:44)
• Empower (26:58)
• Using the You-CUE framework at every stage (35:30)
• The key takeaway (36:49)
• You-CUE wrap-up (42:18)

Additional resources:

🔍 Check out my website

📖 Pre-order your copy of Calm The Chaos Book

🗓️ Take the Routine Cure course and keep your days organized and running smoothly

👉 Check out my YouTube channel

Connect with me on social media:

🔹 TikTok

🔹 Instagram

🔹 Facebook

Calm the Chaos Parenting is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

Episode 45: Today we are diving into the heart of parenting neurodivergent children with a focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Our guest, Amy, shares her personal journey navigating the complexities of raising two neurodivergent children, shedding light on the often misunderstood topic of PDA. Discover how Amy transformed her approach to communication, moving beyond conventional parenting strategies that often led to frustration and disconnect. This episode offers a deep dive into the strategies that foster genuine connection, understanding, and empowerment for both parents and children facing similar challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Neurodivergence and PDA [00:02:00] - Amy introduces her family's journey with autism and ADHD, focusing on the unique challenges of PDA.

The Isolation of Parenting Neurodivergent Children [00:04:00] - Amy discusses the loneliness and chaos of trying to navigate parenting without a supportive community.

Shifting From Discipline to Connection [00:05:00] - A look at how changing from traditional disciplinary methods to focusing on connection can drastically improve family dynamics.

Creating Safety Through Connection [00:09:00] - The importance of connecting through a safe nervous system and the impact of non-verbal communication.

Strategies for Communicating with PDA Children [00:11:00] - Amy shares specific examples of how altering communication strategies has helped reduce conflicts.

The Transformation Journey [00:16:00] - Insight into the significant shifts in Amy's family, highlighting the decrease in meltdown severity and improved understanding.

Empowerment Through Planning and Reflection [00:20:00] - The pivotal role of creating personalized plans and reflecting on daily interactions for continued progress.

Additional Resources:

Calm the Chaos Framework: calmthechaosbook.com

Understanding PDA in Neurodivergent Children: PDA Society: https://pdasociety.org.uk

Low Demand Parenting by Amanda Diekman

👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

Remember, you're not alone in your parenting journey. Together, we can find the strength, resources, and community to navigate the complexities of raising neurodivergent children with compassion and understanding.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode dedicated to fostering understanding, connection, and balance in your family life!

Episode #53: In this heartfelt episode, Dayna sits down with Joann, the founder of No Guilt Mom, to delve into the pervasive issue of mom guilt. Together, they explore where this guilt comes from, why it affects so many mothers, and most importantly, how to overcome it.

Joann shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and guilt-ridden to finding balance and joy in motherhood. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you release guilt and step into your power as a mom.

"When we're able to release the mom guilt, we can step more into our power as women and make such a change in the world." - Joann

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00:00] Joann's Background: Joann discusses her upbringing and how she initially viewed motherhood based on her parents' sacrifices.
• [00:01:00] Introduction by Dayna: Dayna introduces Joann and the topic of mom guilt, highlighting the common struggle of balancing self-care with parenting duties.
• [00:02:00] Joann's Story: Joann shares her career journey from TV and film to becoming a teacher and eventually founding No Guilt Mom.
• [00:04:00] The Root of Mom Guilt: Joann explains how societal expectations and personal upbringing contribute to mom guilt.
• [00:06:00] Breaking Free from Guilt: Joann's experience with postpartum depression and how therapy helped her release unrealistic expectations.
• [00:08:00] Impact on Children: The importance of demonstrating self-care to children and breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice.
• [00:10:00] Recognizing Triggers: Identifying the thoughts and stories that lead to feelings of guilt.
• [00:14:00] Holding Boundaries: Joann shares a personal story about holding boundaries with her daughter and managing guilt.
• [00:17:00] Embracing Discomfort: How to sit with uncomfortable emotions and let them pass.
• [00:23:00] Connection Without Guilt: Redefining what it means to connect with your kids and the power of micro-moments.
• [00:30:00] The Role of Self-Care: Why prioritizing your own needs is crucial for both you and your children.
• [00:38:00] Practical Steps: Joann’s journaling techniques to understand and manage guilt, and how self-compassion can transform your parenting experience.
• [00:42:00] Final Advice: Joann’s powerful message to mothers struggling with guilt.
• 
  

Resources:

• No Guilt Mom Website
• Books Mentioned:
• "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
• "Self-Compassion" and "Fierce Self-Compassion" by Dr. Kristin Neff

PLUS:

🙋‍♀️Join our 3 Day Virtual Live Ignite Event

📖 Get your copy of "Calm The Chaos Book": calmthechaosbook.com

👉 Check out my Social:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

Ever felt like no matter how hard you try, staying focused and organized just doesn't come naturally? You're not alone.

Jessica McCabe, creator of How to ADHD, shares her own struggles and revelations in "ADHD Explained with Jessica McCabe," a must-watch for anyone grappling with these challenges. Jessica's journey from confusion to clarity on ADHD sheds light on the misunderstood aspects of living with ADHD, from the frustration of misdiagnosis to the empowerment of understanding your brain.

"Every month or three months, I would go to the doctor and it would be, 'how are your meds working for you?'

'Yeah. Good.'

'Any side effects?'

'No? Cool. Here's a prescription.'

And that was it. Nobody ever asked me if my life was working," Jessica recounts her early experiences with ADHD treatment. This episode dives into the heart of ADHD, not just as a deficit of attention, but as a complex interplay of focus, motivation, and executive functioning challenges that many find overwhelming.

Jessica doesn't just share her story; she offers a lifeline.

From practical tips for enhancing focus and managing daily tasks to leveraging the unique strengths of ADHD, this conversation is a toolkit for those seeking to work with their brain, not against it. Discover why understanding ADHD goes beyond medication, how societal perceptions are shifting, and what strategies can truly make a difference in managing ADHD.

Armed with insights from her YouTube channel, How to ADHD, and her book, "How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain, Not Against It," Jessica offers solutions that are as real and attainable as they are transformative. Whether you're a parent, a partner, or someone on a personal journey with ADHD, this episode is a step towards embracing the chaos and turning it into your greatest asset.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00:30] Jessica's early misunderstanding of her ADHD diagnosis and its implications.
• [00:02:00] The revelation that ADHD is more than just a focus issue.
• [00:03:00] Introduction to Jessica McCabe and her work on How to ADHD.
• [00:08:00] The transformative power of understanding one's own brain and the importance of external structures in managing ADHD.
• [00:14:00] The concept of "brains and hearts" – understanding ADHD from both personal and supportive perspectives.
• [00:18:00] The critical role of education and tools in managing ADHD effectively.
• [00:24:00] Insights into executive functioning and the unique motivational needs of ADHD brains.
• [00:30:00] Practical strategies for enhancing focus, managing executive function challenges, and fostering motivation.

Additional Resources:

• How to ADHD YouTube Channel: [Insert Link]
• "How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain, Not Against It" by Jessica McCabe: [Insert Link]
• Calm the Chaos: A Fail-proof Roadmap for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids:

Today's episode is not just about understanding ADHD; it's about embracing the journey of self-discovery and leveraging unique strengths. Whether you're navigating ADHD yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand the condition better, Jessica's insights and strategies offer hope, empowerment, and a path forward.

👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

If you found value in this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might benefit from a deeper understanding of ADHD. Join our community for more episodes that empower you through knowledge and connection. Remember, understanding is the first step toward positive change.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode dedicated to fostering understanding, connection, and balance in your family life!

EPISODE 40: Have you ever felt like your home could be calm if everyone else just got along? You’ve done the research, you know how you want to parent, but your partner and kids just can’t seem to follow along? You are not alone.

In this episode, dive into an empowering conversation with Tara, a meticulous researcher and advocate for best practices in raising an independent child full of life.

We’ll unravel Tara's journey through the complexities of merging different parenting philosophies under one roof. Facing the challenges of aligning her detail-oriented and child-centric approach with her husband's traditional, fear-based disciplinary methods, Tara shares her transformative path toward fostering a harmonious family dynamic, despite initially feeling her life was spiraling out of control.

She’ll walk you through a simple 4 step plan to work with her partner instead of against him and how she slowly started to shift the volatile dynamic in her home.

Key Highlights:

[00:03:33] Navigating Emotional Turbulence: Tara shares her struggles with her daughter's intense emotional outbursts and her quest for effective conflict resolution strategies.

[00:05:36] Reconciling Different Parenting Philosophies: A deep dive into how Tara and her husband worked to find common ground despite their vastly different views on discipline and child-rearing.

[00:06:42] The Ripple Effect of Stress: Tara reflects on how stress and conflict within the family impacted everyone's well-being and relationships.

[00:08:12] Learning to Let Go of Control: Tara's journey from trying to micro-manage family dynamics to understanding the importance of letting go and trusting the process.

[00:09:44] The Challenge of Communication: Insights into the difficulties Tara faced in communicating effectively with her husband and daughter during times of conflict.

[00:10:38] A Shift Towards Self-awareness: How Tara's focus shifted from changing others to exploring her own reactions and behavior patterns for the betterment of the family dynamic.

[00:13:03] Building Bridges, Not Walls: The steps Tara took to foster a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect within her family, moving away from authoritative parenting.

[00:15:37] The Gift of Acceptance: Tara discusses how accepting her daughter's vibrant personality and unique needs led to a more joyful and connected family life.

[00:17:08] Implementing Practical Tools: The episode reveals the specific strategies and tools Tara used to de-escalate conflicts and encourage positive interactions between family members.

[00:18:34] Celebrating Small Victories: Tara emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small, in building a nurturing and supportive family environment.

Additional resources:

📖 "Calm The Chaos" Book: Learn more about navigating parenting challenges with our comprehensive guide at calmthechaosbook.com.

✨ Success Stories: Be inspired by stories of transformation from our community at calmthechaosworkshop.com/stories.

🔍 For more resources and support, visit our website: lemonlimeadventures.com.

Tara's candid story is an invitation to all parents navigating the turbulent waters of differing parenting styles, offering hope and practical strategies for moving from tension to teamwork.

👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 22: When I ask my communities what is your #1 biggest struggle, guess what I hear a lot?

“Electronic battles”

“Sneaking Electronics”

“My kid’s addicted to their screen!”

“Getting my kid to get off electronics.”

Sound familiar? Trust me, you're not alone. All of us in this digital age ask ourselves:

How much is too much?

What's age-appropriate?

Is screen time harming my child's brain?

So this week, I've got someone who can help us navigate these murky waters. I'm absolutely thrilled to introduce Susan Stiffelman as my guest for this episode.

I can say that Susan is actually the superhero of the parenting world. She's been a family therapist for more than 35 years, and before that, she worked as a teacher. So, she has spent her entire life working with kids.

Susan is the author of the book and podcast “Parenting Without Power Struggles.” She also authored “Parenting With Presence.”

Susan is on a mission to help parents break free from old, ineffective parenting patterns.

In this conversation, we're diving deep into the complexities of parenting in the electronic age.

We'll explore our own beliefs around electronics, delve into the brain science behind screen time, and provide the key to getting your kids off screens. Plus, we'll discuss how electronics aren’t always the enemy (especially for neurodivergent kids) by turning them into a tool.

So don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to be "the captain of your ship" while also staying compassionate and in tune with your children's needs.

Join us now!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Who is Susan Stiffelman (02:09)
• Helping parents be the captain of the ship (03:48)
• Using screen time to help kids regulate (09:49)
• Staying connected with kids while navigating technology (15:44)
• Understanding why kids are drawn to electronics and why parents worry (19:33)
• How electronics can be used as a tool (24:14)
• The one thing parents can do to offset technology’s impact on kids (27:28)
• Tech-Wise Parenting Summit (30:39)

Additional resources:

Register for the FREE virtual Tech-Wise Parenting Summit

- - -

📖 Get your copy of Calm The Chaos Book

✨ Hear the Success Stories

🔍 Check out my website

👉 Check out my YouTube channel

Connect with me on social media:

🔹 TikTok

🔹 Instagram

🔹 Facebook

Calm the Chaos Parenting is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 2: Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, nothing works for your kid?

Most of the time, it can be incredibly frustrating and leave you feeling helpless and lost, while others seem to just stand by and judge from the sidelines.

Believe me, you're not alone – countless families face the same problem. My family used to be in the same place.

But don't worry – there IS a path forward, and I am here to help guide you through it. In fact, that is the entire purpose of the Calm the Chaos Parenting podcast.

In our second episode, my husband Jason and I will be breaking down why the popular parenting methods you may have tried have failed for your child.

We’ll also show you how to deal with your child's challenging behaviors in a way that helps both you and your child, ultimately restoring your confidence and sense of control as a parent.

Just because your child's behavior isn't "perfect" doesn't mean you need to “get your child checked out”.

Today we’re debunking the myth that you’re a bad parent or there's something wrong with your kid just because they are struggling with behavior.

Tune in, and we’ll show you that there's a way to navigate challenging situations with your child that actually works.

Key Takeaways:

• It feels like nothing works (00:00)
• Struggles parents of challenging kids are facing (02:10)
• The old and new ways of parenting (05:36)
• The best time in history for raising kids that don't fit a mold (12:29)
• Why some of these older parenting methods don’t work (15:03)
• Parenting paradigm shifts (21:17)
• Helping families create a family team (28:29)

Additional resources:

🔍 Check out my website

📖 Pre-order your copy of Calm The Chaos Book

🗓️ Take the Routine Cure course and keep your days organized and running smoothly

👉 Check out my YouTube channel

Connect with me on social media:

🔹 TikTok

🔹 Instagram

🔹 Facebook

Calm the Chaos Parenting is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!