How can parents raise confident, independent kids without helicopter parenting? In this episode, we break down what helicopter parenting looks like, why it happens, and how it can affect kids’ confidence, self-esteem, and anxiety.

We share real-life examples of how to build independence step by step — from ordering food to handling chores, homework, and advocating at school. With a focus on both neurotypical and neurodiverse kids, we explore simple strategies like visual checklists, role-playing, and breaking tasks into manageable steps to help children thrive with confidence and resilience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Everyday signs of helicopter parenting
• How overparenting fuels anxiety and low self-esteem
• Ways to balance safety with independence
• Practical scaffolding for neurodiverse children

✨ Whether your child is neurotypical or neurodiverse, this episode offers tools to help them grow into capable, self-reliant young adults.

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⭐ Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other parents discover The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake! 💛

📚 References

• Aldao, A., et al. (2010). Emotion regulation strategies across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review.
• Carr, A. et al. (2021). Excessive parental control and child independence.
• Cisler, J. M. et al. (2010). Emotion regulation and anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders.
• Grolnick, W. S. (2003). The psychology of parental control: How well-meant parenting backfires. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry.
• Moè, A., & Katz, I. (2021). Autonomy-supportive parenting and adaptive emotion regulation strategies.
• Plante, T. G., PhD, ABPP. (2011, October 17). In Defense of Helicopter Parents. Psychology Today.
• Renault, C. et al. (2023). Helicopter parenting, psychological needs frustration, and anxiety.
• Riediger, M., & Klipker, K. (2014). Emotion regulation in adolescence.
• Robazza, C. et al. (2023). Psychological needs satisfaction and emotion regulation in adolescence.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist.
• Sadoughi, M. (2024). Overparenting and adolescent anxiety. Acta Psychologica.
• Sadoughi, M. (2024). Overparenting and adolescent’s trait anxiety: Unraveling the roles of basic psychological needs frustration and emotion dysregulation. Acta Psychologica, 251, 104579. Elsevier.
• Schäfer, J. O., et al. (2017). Emotion regulation and risk for anxiety disorders.
• Schiffrin, H. H., et al. (2021). Helicopter parenting and anxiety.
• Soenens, B., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2010). A theoretical upgrade of the concept of parental psychological control: Proposing new insights on the basis of self-determination theory. Developmental Review.
• Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Ten Ways to Build Independence.

This week, we’re stepping away from our usual parenting and teen-focused topics for a fun one-off “spooky season” episode. With Halloween just around the corner, Kim and Jake explore the world of ghosts, spirits, EVP recordings, poltergeists, visitation dreams—and even what brain scans reveal about psychic experiences.

⚠️ Listener discretion advised: This episode includes discussions about ghosts and paranormal experiences, which may be unsettling for younger or sensitive listeners.

And here’s the wildest part—we even play back a real EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) we captured while recording a past episode of our podcast. Was it a glitch? A ghost? You’ll have to listen and decide for yourself.

From ghost tours in Jerome, AZ to unexplained happenings at home, we share our own stories, discuss expert research on paranormal belief, and dig into fascinating fMRI studies on psychic mediums. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just here for the spooky vibes, this special Halloween episode blends science, storytelling, and a dash of the supernatural.

🔗 Find us here:
🌐 Website: www.themothersonpodcast.com

📸 Instagram: @themothersonpodcast

▶️ YouTube: The Mother-Son Podcast

References & Sources

• Oxford Languages – Definitions of ghost and apparition
  
  
• Cassie Uhl – Residual Energy vs. Spirits
  
  
• Centre of Excellence – Poltergeists: Meaning, Signs & Stories
  
  
• Chris & Sheila – Ghost vs Spirit vs Wraith vs Poltergeist vs Phantom
  
  
• McNamara, P. (2018, June 29). Visitation Dreams II: Dreams of the Bereaved. Psychology Today – Dream Catcher Blog. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dream-catcher/201806/visitation-dreams-ii-dreams-the-bereaved
  
  
• Jim Harold’s The Paranormal Podcast
  
  
• fMRI & Psychic Research:
  • Peres, J. F. P., et al. (2011). “Neuroimaging during trance state: a contribution to the study of dissociation.” PLOS One
    
    
  • Narmashiri, A., Hatami, J., & Khosrowabadi, R. (2023). “Paranormal believers show reduced resting EEG beta-band oscillations and inhibitory control than skeptics.” Scientific Reports
    %20in%20the%20present%20study.)

Confidence is more than just a feeling — it’s the foundation for resilience, learning, relationships, and mental health. Yet for many children, especially neurodiverse kids with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences, building self-esteem can feel like climbing a mountain.

In this in-depth episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we spend time exploring how parents can help their kids — both neurotypical and neurodiverse — grow into confident, resilient young people.

We cover:
✅ Why neurodiverse kids are at higher risk for low self-esteem
✅ The science of self-esteem and why it matters for lifelong wellbeing
✅ 12 expert-backed tips for raising confident kids (Child Mind Institute)
✅ Real-life strategies parents can use daily — like affirmations, journaling, memory boxes, and “Walls of Fame”
✅ How confidence protects children from bullying and negative peer pressure
✅ The role of unconditional love and modeling resilience as a parent
✅ Hands-on tools, from PositivePsychology.com activities to Big Life Journal strategies
✅ Free and low-cost resources for parents (Outschool, Child Mind Institute, Sesame Street, libraries, and more)

Whether your child is shy, struggles with perfectionism, or faces the added challenges of being neurodiverse, this episode offers practical takeaways to help them see their worth, celebrate effort, and face the world with courage.

🎙 Follow us on Instagram: @themothersonpodcast

🌐 Visit our website: www.themothersonpodcast.com

📺 Watch episodes on YouTube: @themothersonpodcast

Don't forget to give us a 5-star rating! It really helps.

📚 References & Resources

• Martin, A. (n.d.). Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and How It Can Impact a Child’s Social and Emotional Development. GenMindful. Retrieved from genmindful.com
  
  
• Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). 12 Tips for Raising Confident Kids. Retrieved from childmind.org
  
  
• Big Life Journal. (n.d.). Activities and Printables for Kids’ Confidence. Retrieved from biglifejournal.com
• Outschool.com
  
  
• PositivePsychology.com. (n.d.). Self-Esteem Worksheets for Kids and Teens. Retrieved from positivepsychology.com
  
  
• Sesame Street in Communities. (n.d.). Self-Confidence Resources. Retrieved from sesamestreetincommunities.org
  
  
• Zakreski, M. (2024). Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World. Retrieved from drmattzakreski.com