What helps a child grow into a confident, capable adult?

In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman talks with Coach Yana about building confidence through everyday interactions, giving children opportunities to contribute, listening to what matters to them, and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

They also take a closer look at online safety, including the risks children may face while gaming on platforms such as Roblox. Coach Yana shares practical ways parents can stay involved without hovering, from knowing who their child is playing with to keeping gaming in shared spaces and creating ongoing conversations about privacy and safety.

You’ll also hear why doing too much for children can sometimes limit opportunities to build independence, how meaningful roles can strengthen confidence, and why something as simple as giving a child your full attention can communicate, “What you have to say matters.”

The conversation also explores setting healthy boundaries, repairing mistakes through sincere apologies, and modeling the confidence, accountability, and respect we want children to develop.

If you want to raise a child who feels capable, heard, and confident while helping them navigate an increasingly digital world, this episode is for you.

If this conversation helps you, follow Parenting on the Spectrum, rate the show, and share this episode with another parent who may need it.

About Coach Yana

Coach Yana is the founder of safe, supervised social clubs designed to help children practice communication, collaboration, and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. Using technology as a bridge (not a barrier), she creates spaces where kids feel seen, accepted, and empowered to be themselves.

Learn more from Coach Yana at:https://thelaptoplifecoachacademy.com/

About Theresa

Theresa Alexander Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Autism Specialist, Infant Developmental Specialist, Author and Speaker with over 15 years of experience supporting children and families. She is the host of Parenting on the Spectrum, where she shares compassionate, practical strategies to help parents better understand behavior, strengthen communication, build connection, and support their child’s growth with confidence.

Parenting on the Spectrum App

While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. Get practical tools to support, track, and celebrate growth with no waitlist required.

Start today: app.parentingonthespectrum.co

12-Week Reconnection Program

Ready to create calmer moments, stronger relationships, and more confidence at home?

Learn more: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co

Pathways to Early Communication

A practical resource for parents and professionals supporting infants and toddlers with communication delays. Or set a foundation for communication

Find it here:
https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

You cannot change the moments you regret. You can change what happens next.

Listen now to learn how to release parenting guilt, repair emotional wounds, and create a safer, more connected relationship with your child.

What happens when you realize that some of your parenting responses came from patterns you never consciously chose?

In this powerful episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman speaks with transformational coach and author Lisa Watson about reparenting, emotional safety, self-forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles.

Together, they explore how parents can move beyond shame, apologize without losing authority, and respond to their children with greater calm, honesty, and connection.

1. How childhood beliefs can shape the way you parent

2. Why emotional regulation must come before correction

3. How apology, repair, and self-forgiveness can rebuild connection

You are not defined by your hardest parenting moment. Growth begins when you choose a different response.

About Lisa:

Lisa Watson is a transformational life, conscious parenting coach and children's book author dedicated to Empowering a Generations from Within. As a PhD candidate in Integrative Health Medicine and the creator of the (re)Parent Yourself Method, she specializes in personal transformation through subconscious reprogramming and the (re)parenting process. Lisa empowers individuals to heal trauma, enhance relationships, and cultivate self-empowerment skills, all while focusing on the importance of inner child healing.Through her unique approach, she helps adults break free from limiting beliefs and model empowering behaviors for the children in their lives, fostering emotional intelligence and self-awareness. As the founder of Awaken the One and author of engaging children's books, Lisa is committed to transforming family dynamics and collective consciousness. With a bold and straightforward style, she makes complex topics like communication and boundaries accessible and relatable, inspiring others to direct their energy toward positive change.Join Lisa as she shares valuable insights and practical strategies for transforming relationships and empowering future generations.

About Theresa:

Theresa Alexander Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, autism specialist, author, speaker, and host of Parenting on the Spectrum. Through compassionate, practical guidance, she helps families see behavior as communication, strengthen connection, and support their children with greater confidence. Her message is simple and powerful: your child is not broken, and connection comes before correction.

Parenting on the Spectrum App

While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required

Start today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.co

Your child isn’t broken.

They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.

Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.

To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co

Pathways to Early Communication

When your child struggles to communicate, the worry can feel overwhelming.

Written by Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist Theresa Alexander Inman, this practical guide uses real stories and simple strategies to help infants and toddlers build the skills that come before words.

Because waiting is not a plan. Early connection can change everything.

Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

What if the connection you want with your child starts with the way you care for yourself first? In this powerful episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman speaks with Marine officer, father, and award-winning children’s author Olaolu Ogunyemi about the heart of intentional parenting.Olaolu shares why meaningful connection with our children begins with learning how to connect with ourselves first. From daily rituals and self-leadership to navigating stress, public parenting moments, and the emotional weight families carry, this conversation is filled with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.

Together, Theresa and Olaolu explore how parents can create deeper trust, enter their child’s world with compassion, and build the kind of connection that lasts through the hard moments and the beautiful ones.

In this episode, you will hear about:

• Why self-care is a foundation for stronger parenting

• How intentional connection creates teachable, memorable moments

• Why joining your child in their world can strengthen trust and communication

If you have ever felt stretched, overwhelmed, or unsure how to respond in the moment, this episode will remind you that growth starts within, and connection is always worth the effort.

Listen now and discover how intentional parenting can help you lead your child with greater calm, confidence, and heart.

About Olaolu

Olaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine officer, award-winning author, and leadership mentor committed to building stronger leaders from the boardroom to the living room. As the founder of Parent-Child-Connect, he equips parents, educators, and mentors with practical strategies to connect with, guide, and inspire the next generation.

His acclaimed children’s book, Crow From the Shadow, has helped families begin meaningful conversations about emotions, choices, courage, and self-worth. His work has also appeared in Forbes, YouVersion, Military Families Magazine, and other national publications.

With military discipline, a father’s heart, and the power of unforgettable storytelling, Olaolu does more than speak about leadership. He challenges people to live it where it matters most.

Learn more from Ola at:https://parent-child-connect.com/

Parenting on the Spectrum App

While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required

Start today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.co

Your child isn’t broken

They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.

Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.

To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co

'Pathways to Early Communication' book

When your child struggles to communicate, the worry can feel overwhelming.

Written by Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist Theresa Alexander Inman, this practical guide uses real stories and simple strategies to help infants and toddlers build the skills that come before words.

Because waiting is not a plan. Early connection can change everything.

Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate