On The Hard Days (Megan Champion)

About This Episode: Mom Melissa is such a rockstar of a mother, yet she doesn't often believe it. With the never-ending needs of her children, Melissa explains vulnerably how she constantly feels like she's dropping the ball. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Gentle parenting a neurodivergent child
-Blaming yourself for your child's struggles
-Mom-guilt because you can't do all the things!
-Finding those little moments and underrated strengths

Please shower Melissa with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Barbara is raising a neurodivergent child whose story was VERY much like my own. However, where she lives, answers on certain diagnoses are hard to come by, making the journey that much more lonely.  Despite this, she stays so positive and accepting of who her child is. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Sensory Processing Disorder and the U.K.
-Doctors' office questionnaires miss the subtle things!
-Primitive Reflexes - when your child is missing them!
-Awkwardness of asking family and friends to accommodate your child's needs

Please shower Barbara with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Jill's child reminded me SO much of my own. Yet I love how Jill holds space for him to just be who he is! This conversation was a wonderful reminder to love our kids for who they are, despite the challenges.  

Please shower Jill with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: This is one of those episodes where, if you're raising a neurodivergent child, you'll be constantly nodding your head in awe as you listen. It's SO relatable. Mom Marjorie shares the struggles she and her family face with raising their son - especially with regards to being both gifted and Autistic, and how to meet his needs academically. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Lesser known Autism symptoms
-Gifted vs. Autism vs. ADHD
-The gray area between different types of neurodivergence
-Inflexible thinking
-Masking in school - even with Autism
-Finding the right schooling for your child

Please shower Marjorie with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Charity SO inspired me with her consistent positive and optimistic thinking, despite a really challenging life in raising four neurodivergent kids.  She was honest and vulnerable, yet so moving! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What is DMDD?
-Trauma of parenting explosive children
-Setting tiny goals to get through each day
-Showing weakness as a mom to help others learn kindness
-The stigma around asking for help
-Modeling positive thinking

Please shower Charity with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Natasha is a force to be reckoned with and I'm so thankful to have had the chance to chat with her. The way she advocates for her child with kindness yet firmness is inspiring. All children deserve the right to succeed. She nails it out of the park. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Fighting for an IEP that supports our kids
-Finding doctors who will listen to you
-Listen to your intuition
-What our kids internalize about themselves from the comments they hear
-Stigma against students who are neurodivergent
-Being your kid's strongest advocate
-The lack of understanding in schools about neurodivergent kids' behaviors
-Why we need to remove the phrase, "What did you do?"

Please shower Natasha with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Roxanne is a breath of fresh air. Not only did she and I have a TON of similarities in our stories, but I was taken aback by her casual yet firm commitment to meeting her children's needs. If only she was in charge of education, all of our children would be thriving. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Educators have no neurodivergency training
-Connection before correction
-All behavior is communication
-The need for trauma-informed response training
-What is nature school?
-Collaboration between parents and teachers

Please shower Roxanne with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Lorin's conversation left me speechless more than once. Her vulnerability in sharing her innermost worries about raising her neurodivergent, adopted children just completely blew me away. Chatting with her was such a gift - this episode is not to be missed! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The trauma of adoption and inconsistent caregivers
-Interracial adoption
-What if kids didn't want to be adopted?
-Taking care of yourself in order to take care of your kids
-Primal wounds of adopted children losing their first parents and first culture
-Is it neurodivergence or trauma?
-Being selfless but still holding space for yourself

Please shower Lorin with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Danielle was such a wonderful, knowledgeable person to talk with. For one thing, she has the coolest job! But what happens when your career and identity don't mesh with the needs of your child? Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Supporting kids with PDA
-Traveling and experiencing new places with neurodivergent kids
-Lack of resources in other countries
-The importance of stability and secure attachment with our kids
-When neurodivergent behaviors (unsupported) turn into trauma

Please shower Danielle with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Amy is one of the strongest, most positive moms I know with one of the toughest stories I've ever heard. Her son suffers from severe, life-altering OCD. She had to accept help from multiple hospitals and the most aggressive treatment, despite her child being a young age. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What is "just right" OCD?
-What it's like to hospitalize your child
-When inpatient hospital stays come with a waiting list
-How ECT saved her son
-Keeping a marriage intact during a rough time

Please shower Amy with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Erika is a powerhouse, telling a story that honestly, I would have a hard time telling. After unexpectedly and suddenly becoming a foster parent to her niece, she now is an amazing advocate and caretaker for  her. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Lack of control as a foster parent
-Giving your whole self to someone else's child
-Parenting a family member's child
-Changing your family's culture to help your child fit in
-When you didn't plan to foster
-Neurodivergence or trauma?

Please shower Erika with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next groups start on May 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

*This week, I'm bringing back the MOST downloaded interview-based episode I have since starting the show in January of 2021. If you've heard it once, it hasn't been enough! Keep a notepad handy!

About This Episode: Patricia Sung is just the person I needed to talk to. She has ADHD and understands its nuances to a fault. She has her own podcast, Motherhood in ADHD, and is a featured guest speaker in my support group community, Mothers Together. In this episode, she was able to answer so many of my questions. We could've talked for hours longer! Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Postpartum anxiety and the tie to ADHD
-The hyper vigilance in recognizing the same diagnosis in our kids as we have
-How everyone's ADHD looks different
-Building up your ADHD child
-Supporting undiagnosed kids by looking for behavioral patterns
-Tantrums vs. meltdowns
-ADHD and setting parental boundaries

You can find Patricia at https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast
Please shower Patricia with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on May 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Tiphany Kane is a friend and a wonderful mother. I loved how positively she spoke of parenting, while also describing so many really hard moments.  Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Shifting and Growing WITH Our Children
-Letting go of parental expectations
-Quieting the judgmental voices in our heads

More About Tiphany!
Tiphany Kane, M. Ed. is known as “The Heck
Yes! Coach”. She spent two decades in public
education and specializes in professional
development, training professional adults, and
public speaking. She is also an entrepreneur
and writer, who brings her passion for the art
of the spoken word to people who need help
finding their voice. Tiphany is passionate about
coaching women to turn life's painful “no's” in
life & business into empowered opportunities to
find the “YES!”. Tiphany’s mission is to empower
and educate women to elevate their voice and
story through podcasting, writing, and other
media. Tiphany is the co-founder of KaSa Media
productions as well as the host of 2 podcasts;
Radical Audacity and Mastering the Podcaster
Mindset.

CONTACT
tkane@tiphanykane.com
www.tiphanykane.com
IG, Twitter, LinedIn:tiphanykane
FB:Tiphany Kane Coaching
Pod: Radical Audacity in Love & Life
Pod: Mastering the Podcaster Mindset

Please shower Tiphany with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on May 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Alicia DuBois and I got talking about a lot of very relatable topics in this week's episode. I love her matter-of-fact nature in that, it is what it is, so let's just move on sort of attitude! Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Working with your child to solve problems
-Being the mom you used to judge
-When strategies work one day and not the next
-How to let some behaviors go
-The ups and downs of trying new medications
-Is it giving in, or is it being flexible?

Please shower Alicia with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: I'm throwing it WAY back to episode 5 to tell the story of the frying pan. Yes, the pan we cook eggs on.  We so often are caught up in the intense emotions of our neurodivergent kids that sometimes the answer is staring us in the face! Take a listen to this personal story of mine and let me know if it resonates!

Please SHARE this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Allison Kenny brought me HOME to myself and gave me the therapy session I didn't know I needed! Wow. You've got to take a listen to this amazing mom and life coach, who, in raising her own neurodivergent child, had to re-wire her brain for different outcomes in motherhood than the way she grew up. You'll want a notepad handy to jot down some really amazing, stick-with-you-for-days takeaways. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-The false narrative of what raising kids in our society looks like
-Moms' suffering mental health due to putting ourselves last
-The foster-to-adopt system and how it created a false illusion of preparedness
-"Survival wiring" - perfectionism and hustle
-Reactive Attachment Disorder
-"Shift Parenting" - What is it?
-The trauma and PTSD that comes with the tough moments of motherhood

You can find Allison on IG @allisonkenny_coach and on FB @ Allison Kenny.
Please shower Allison with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Erin Yeschin's parenting story of raising her neurodivergent child was so good, we had a long enough chat for two episodes (or even more!) Erin is a ray of light, despite being knocked down again and again and again. From her own health problems to a rough pregnancy, to health issues for her little one, and then really challenging behaviors, hers is a story I bet you will be able to resonate with somewhere along the line. And here's my favorite thing about her - her willingness to be brave and vulnerable. Towards the beginning of our conversation, her child interrupted us and got upset. His reaction is all too familiar for so many of us, and Erin graciously allowed me to share that part in this episode. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-How a challenging pregnancy affects the motherhood journey
-When big emotions have to come out at some point, one way or another
-The first signs of giftedness
-Tantrums Vs. Meltdowns
-The stress of a public meltdown
-High functioning postpartum anxiety and what that looks like
-Being a highly sensitive mom

You can find Erin on IG @hippocampusclubhouse - please check out what she's doing over there, it's amazing!!
Please shower Erin with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: It's Part 2 of my amazing chat with the one and only Erin Yeschin. And while Part 1 was so relatable and validating, Part 2 will lift you up and give you the gentle kick in the pants you need to feel empowered and motivated to keep going. Don't skip this one, my friends - there is such power in her words! Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-Reframing your relationship with your neurodivergent child
-The gift of advocacy
-How misunderstood neurodivergent people are
-Why society expects neurodivergent kids to grow out of their behaviors and challenges
-Reframing a "failure" mentality
-Talking to your kids about tough societal issues

You can find Erin on IG @hippocampusclubhouse as well as on her podcast, Hippocampus Clubhouse, and her website: hippocampusclubhouse.com.
Please shower Erin with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Marni Kammersell is homeschooling her kids, and boy does she GET it. The way she thinks about gifted, learning disabled children completely resonated with me in our conversation, and I just know it will for you too. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:
-The "hyper-wiring" of gifted brains
-Can 2E kids thrive in a traditional school setting?
-Why IQ testing is a thing
-Is a label necessary for your kids when you're homeschooling?
-What it's like to be gifted with dysgraphia
-Playing to our kids' strengths in education

Marni Kammersell is a doctoral student at the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education. However, her greatest teachers are her three twice-exceptional children. Together, they've been living a self-directed learning lifestyle since 2009. As a homeschooling and neurodiversity consultant, Marni loves sharing the latest research in neuroscience. She enjoys helping families transition from traditional educational models into homeschooling in a way that works for their unique learners. You can find her at  https://nurturingneurodiversity.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/nurturingneurodiversitycolorado
Please shower Marni with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: I'm so appreciative of the REALNESS Mom Kristen brings to this conversation. She tells it like it is, while simultaneously reminding us that it's okay to not enjoy this ride of parenting a neurodivergent child, and that things are REALLY, really hard. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-Am I imagining/exaggerating symptoms?
-When a diagnosis is validating
-Why do other people question your child's diagnosis?
-"If this feels harder than it should be, it probably is."
-Guilt for admitting that you don't enjoy this.
-Early signs of Autism

Kristen welcomes you to reach out to her and say hello! She's on IG @kkollgaard and email is: kristenkollgaard@gmail.com. 
Please shower Kristen with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on July 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Lindsey is a fighter, and so is her son. She's been advocating fiercely for him since the day he was born, as he suffered from medical trauma and then eventually educational trauma. She's in full Mama Bear mode (as I know you all can relate to) and I'm grateful she came on the show to share her story. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-What medical trauma looks like for an infant: Hirschsprung's Disease, surgeries, and long-term stays in the hospital
-The struggle to get a 1 on 1 aide in the classroom
-Lack of communication with school on behaviors
-The ongoing fight for inclusion
-Losing adult friendships as you take care of your child

Lindsey welcomes you to reach out to her and say hello! She's on FB and her email is
lindseyfurr8180@gmail.com. Please shower Lindsey with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on July 1st!

-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: *Trigger Warning* This episode touches upon multiple losses, including that of a baby. This content is in the first 10 minutes of the actual conversation with Megan.

My friends, this is one heck of an episode - and it's only Part 1! Megan is a wonderful, amazing mom. I decided to split our chat into two episodes as Part 1 is focused on Megan's story and her family, and Part 2 will be focused on Megan's learnings and tremendous growth she went through and how she's inspiring other moms to do the same.

In this Part 1, Megan doesn't hesitate to be very vulnerable and forthcoming in her struggle to parent her neurodivergent child. I could really relate to so much that she said, and I have a feeling you will be able to as well. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-When there's trauma in the first year of the baby's life
-Does needing an evaluation mean you've failed as a parent?
-The shame that comes with raising a child with a mood disorder
-The sheer magnitude of how very hard this motherhood journey is
-Being a recovering people pleaser and "good girl"

Please shower Megan with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. It's not too late to join us in July!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: After last week's Part 1, you guys raved about how relatable Megan Pizarro is.  (If you haven't yet listened to Part 1, go and do that right now, because it'll really help to get a feel for the kind, gentle, dedicated mom that Megan is.) Now, in Part 2, Megan talks about how much she's learned in the past few years about loving and accepting HERSELF, and how that has positively impacted how she views and parents her neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The concept of self-forgiveness
-Internalizing blame when comparing your life to that of other moms
-The stigma of therapy
-The challenges of hearing our children speak negatively about themselves
-PTSD and how it applies to moms raising neurodivergent kids
-The power of love and acceptance

Please shower Megan with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. It's not too late to join us in July!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Maveric Van Brackle inspired me so many times in our short chat, and what I love most about her is her willingness to do what she thinks is right for her child (well, he's a teenager now!) without worry of judgement or questioning herself. For her, it's all about reading her kid. Lots of takeaways in this episode! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Pushing through the meltdowns about daily tasks and hygiene
-Staying honest with your child and keeping your word
-Breaking generational patterns of parenting
-Putting your blinders on to listen to your gut instincts
-The transition to adulthood 

Please shower Maveric with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode:  My friends - this episode is one of my all-time favorites, and since every mama guest is so wonderful, that's really saying something! Whether you've heard Nancy before or not - take the time this week to hear her story again.

OH my goodness, the episode is AMAZING. There is NO way, after listening to it, that you won't feel something in in your gut about the message Nancy is spreading. She drops gold again and again with detailed talk about acceptance and letting your child just "be". Whether you listen all in one sitting or break the episode up over the week - make sure you listen to the WHOLE THING. Here are some things we discuss:

-Setting expectations that are actually reachable and that will boost your child's self-esteem and happiness
-Parenting from the gut. You know your kid best!
-Focusing on our kids' strengths rather than their lagging skills
-Completely accepting your child for who they are

Please shower Nancy with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: What an awesome chat with mom Elle! We talked a LOT about how being autistic has made a massive impact on how she raises her autistic daughter. She shared a ton of insight as she reflected back onto her childhood and focused on what it felt like trying to fit in all the time. It's a wonderful conversation that you will definitely grab takeaways from. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Seeing the same qualities in your child as you see in yourself
-Just because someone is neurodivergent doesn't mean they fully understand neurodivergence
-The negative feeling of being "other"
-Rethinking your childhood after your child's diagnosis
-Teaching your child to know how to act as a neurotypical person...but on their terms
-Importance of understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
-The integration of body systems
-Why is neurodivergence considered a disability?
-How SPD permeates everyday life

Please shower Elle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Sometimes, a conversation is just so juicy that it needs two parts! This one, with mom Tahira, is one of them. I think you're going to absolutely LOVE this episode. Tahira is a former "authoritarian" parent, relearning who she is, what she values, and what works best for her kids' brains. I can completely relate to her story and I think you will, too. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Giving tools to our kids is really about needing those tools for ourselves
-Growing with our children
-Balancing the needs of multiple ND kids
-Going back to old patterns when we're stressed
-How understanding your kid's brain changes everything
-Why are some kids compliant and others aren't?
-When the way you were raised doesn't work for ND kids

Please shower Elle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: This episode is the *perfect" one to plug your headphones into on your next drive to work or dog walk - short but packs a PUNCH. Tahira and I start asking questions about WHY society tries to get our neurodivergent kids to conform. Plus, we take a deep dive into the concept of putting our oxygen masks on first. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The things you want for your kids, you have to give to yourself first
-How to let go of battles
-When you haven't checked in with yourself in YEARS
-Why do doctors and therapists try to "fix" our kids?
-Who even built society's "box", anyway?
-Self-care is INTERNAL work!
-Meeting your kids' needs at the risk of your own

Did you miss Part 1? Make sure you listen to that too, to get more on Tahira's story!

Please shower Tahira with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: I had the best talk with Jennifer Rhein. The amount of similarities in our children we discovered in this episode were insane! Gifted kids are often anxious kids, and that can lead to major challenges. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Are we trying to work together or trying to control?
-Behavior struggles with gifted, anxious kids
-When reward systems don't work
-High anxiety means kids want control
-How to name the anxiety monster


Please shower Jennifer with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Kim Heilig is BACK! She's one of my all-time favorite people and I'm so excited to share with you what she has to say in this Part 1 of 2 episodes. First of all, if you never caught her first episode WAY back in June '21 (#28!), definitely listen to it RIGHT HERE. Second of all, I'm THRILLED to share that Kim is one of the mentors in my new upcoming program, Mothers Evolve. If you like her style and can resonate with her words, you'll love getting to know her and work with her in Mothers Evolve. You can sign up for the October Pilot of Mothers Evolve RIGHT HERE. Oh, and speaking of M.E. - the beginning of this episode introduces you to all 5 mentors in my program - be sure to listen to their powerful and positive messaging. I'm SO lucky to have them in my life! Now, back to the episode. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Becoming a homeschooling family - unwillingly
-Giving up your dream job to support your child
-Learning to trust the process
-Healing: It takes a LONG TIME!
-What education is like for gifted children with learning disabilities
-What a strengths' based approaching to schooling could look like
-How confidence leads to achievement - NOT the other way around.
-How to establish a positive homeschool environment


Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Is this real life?! I'm spending a few minutes taking a look back as we cross over the 100 episodes line. Then, I'm on to Part 2 with my friend, Kim Heilig. 

Kim Heilig is BACK! She's one of my all-time favorite people and I'm so excited to share with you what she has to say in this Part 1 of 2 episodes. First of all, if you never caught her first episode WAY back in June '21 (#28!), definitely listen to it RIGHT HERE. Second of all, I'm THRILLED to share that Kim is one of the mentors in my new upcoming program, Mothers Evolve. If you like her style and can resonate with her words, you'll love getting to know her and work with her in Mothers Evolve. You can sign up for the October Pilot of Mothers Evolve RIGHT HERE. Oh, and speaking of M.E. - the beginning of this episode introduces you to all 5 mentors in my program - be sure to listen to their powerful and positive messaging. I'm SO lucky to have them in my life! Now, back to the episode. 

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: Ask Megan! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "Should I bother seeking a diagnosis for my child? Would this help our whole family?"

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday solo episode! Normally, these second episodes are short and are based around YOUR questions. This time, I wanted to share a personal story about one of the (many) times I lost it on my child, and how that affected my mental health for years to come. Also in this episode, I break down the parts of my new program Mothers Evolve!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Krista is so brave, and I'm so thankful for her. She had no hesitation in diving into some really tough and vulnerable topics around raising neurodivergent kids, including aggression and violence, adoption, trauma, and CPS.  Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How symptoms of trauma mirror ADHD
-What is the trauma that adopted children struggle with?
-How does ADHD look different in boys than girls?
-When specialty diets don't help (but they were supposed to be the cure-all!)
-ODD - "recreational arguer"
-When ADHD symptoms "fit" with the "typical boy" stereotype, but not with girls
-Severe behaviors and CPS

Please shower Krista with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! You can find Krista on IG @krista.ehlers.

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Kelly is an inspiration. Her neurodivergent child with anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder has REALLY struggled, especially in her teen years. And because of that, Kelly has struggled too. But besides putting out daily fires, she decided to take matters of healing into her own hands - and healed herself in ways she never thought possible. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Anxiety increases with hormonal changes in teens
-Admitting your child to the hospital with intrusive thoughts
-How Moms of ND kids struggle with PTSD and daily anxiety
-Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation - how it can help
-Breathwork is for people whose anxiety lives in their chests
-Taking the healing process into your own hands

Please shower Kelly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! Her podcast is called "Mindful Conversations With Kay" and you can find her on IG @mindfulmomentsforfamilies. 

MORE:
-Last call for moms interested in piloting my new program, Mothers Evolve! Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How do I handle my neurodivergent child's behavior struggles in school?"

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

*This replay episode is worth hearing once, twice, eight times - it's THAT GOOD. Avril gets me in a way that I had never really experienced before. You will feel SO seen while you're listening! And while I'm talking about Avril, I have to mention: She's one of our amazing mentors for the Mothers Evolve program. Our pilot launch starts next week - so if you're interested in meeting Avril and doing some internal work of your own, this is your last chance to sign up!

Head on over to ontheharddays.com/pilot to read more about it and join us on October 3rd!

About This Episode: Okay, my friends - if you've never listened to an episode of On The Hard Days before - THIS episode is a great place to start. I have never personally felt more seen and heard than after chatting with the amazing Avril Brown. She gets it. Moment after moment of our conversation is filled with insight into accepting ourselves in order to truly accept our kids. So many lightbulb moments. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Being triggered by your child's intense emotions
-Guilt from lack of joy in motherhood
-Unconditional love - even during challenging times
-Prioritizing yourself as a mother
-Motherhood perfectionism and rage
-Practice the pause

You can find Avril on FB and IG under her name, Avril Brown.

Please shower Avril with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "Why does my gifted kid constantly seek my attention, and what can I do about it?"

MORE:
-Last call to join us for the Mothers Evolve pilot! Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Katrina is sharing so vulnerably what mom guilt feels like when you're raising a neurodivergent kid. She put so much blame on herself for a lot of her child's struggles (and for losing her temper), and we unpacked that feeling in this conversation because it's just so relatable. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Relief from getting a diagnosis
-Guilt from being a "yelling" mom
-Temper vs. Overwhelm
-Worrying about your neurodivergent child's future
-Researching in depth to meet your child's needs
-Why do people expect children to grow out of behaviors?
-Hesitation to share diagnosis with others for fear of judgement

Please shower Katrina with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday solo episode! Normally, these second episodes are short and are based around YOUR questions. This time, I wanted to share a personal story about a recent trip to the story, a toy disappointment, and walking on eggshells, waiting for that meltdown! Also in this episode, I discuss the differences between my two programs, Mothers Together and Mothers Evolve!

MORE:
-Interested in talking one-on-one with me? Book a free support call and get the help you need at https://calendly.com/motherstogether/supportcall.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

*Trigger Warning* - Verbal/emotional abuse and suicidal ideations

About This Episode: Mom Debbie is opening up about some really, really tough topics, and I'm so thankful for her bravery - I know there are moms listening who need to hear her story. This is Part 1, and here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When significant other isn't on board with testing, diagnosis, etc.
-Severe sleep deprivation
-Fighting the "traditional" roles for moms vs. dads
-Using a "script" for how the parenting journey should go
-When child services is called

Please shower Debbie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How Do I Advocate For My Neurodivergent Child At School?"

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: This is Part 2 with Mom Debbie , who continues to be so brave in sharing her story of raising neurodivergent children with really tough behaviors in the face of a tough marriage. Here's last week's Part 1! In this episode, Debbie has amazing insights to share that inspired me - listen all the way to the end! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Being gaslit (but not on purpose)
-Separating from your kid when they have separation anxiety
-Getting your kids to view you in a different, more positive light
-Teaching your kids that their identity isn't their diagnosis
-Learning to embrace a diagnosis and allowing yourself to be that person

Please shower Debbie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How Do I Know If Medication is Right For My Neurodivergent Kid?"

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Andrea is such a chill, relaxed mom raising a neurodivergent kid - something I am definitely not! So it was fascinating to hear her approach on trying different therapies, diets, and constantly being ready for the "next thing" that could possibly help her child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When your kid is resistant to receiving help and trying strategies
-Can ND kids feel safe when they're dysregulated?
-Therapies tried: Safe & Sound Protocol, CBT, Functional Medicine, and more
-Where's the line between constant researching and accepting your kids as they are?

Please shower Andrea with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "What If My Neurodivergent Kid Doesn't Like Sports?"

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Heather is a wonderful friend, a warm and kind-hearted mother, and struggles with her neurodivergent child. You will be absolutely nodding your head while you listen to the issues and stories she shares about her child with severe ADHD. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Hyperactivity in boys is dismissed as being "all boy"
-When people think the "bad behavior" is because you can't control your child
-When medical professionals miss the mark
-High metabolizers
-When your child is a "runner"

You can email Heather at heatherm105@gmail.com.

Please shower Heather with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: I'm throwing it ALL the way back to Ep.2, which aired on January 31, 2021 (you'll hear a different intro!). As moms of neurodivergent kids, we tend to question ourselves constantly, and it's downright exhausting. I'd love to know what you think of the episode!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Samantha is the voice of calm in absolute chaos. On the day of our recording, she had multiple medical emergencies for her children (all are okay!), and still came to our chat laughing and smiling. I really don't know how she does it! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When the needs of your kids put your career on the back burner
-Prioritizing a weekly "self care" day and plan
-Breaking generational patterns and seeking therapy and mental health help
-Reframing tough situations by finding the positive

Please shower Samantha with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How Have Your Neurodivergent Kids' Struggles Changed Over Time?"

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Mom Becky and I had an amazing, relatable conversation that needs two parts! Becky is raising multiple neurodivergent kids and is neurodivergent herself. She's been able to shed the standards that our society claims as "normal" in order to save her own mental health, and that of her children. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Transforming home from chaos to peace
-What's the definition of success, anyway?
-Mental health before education
-Believing the lie that we, as moms, aren't qualified to raise our ND kids
-Parent-led education
-We are our kids' operating systems!

Please shower Becky with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with the wonderful Kim Heilig.

Kim's words heal, my friends. If you do nothing else today, take the 30 minutes to let her soothe your soul. Here's what we discussed:

-How to listen to your innermost self
-When grief is "waiting for you" and how to allow it in
-Paying attention and finding stillness
-How to welcome your inner critic

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Click here for more information!

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with my friend, Megan Pizarro.

You're going to be inspired when you hear Megan's story. Here's what we discussed:

-When you think you have to be a certain kind of mom to raise a neurodivergent kid
-When your child's personality is the exact opposite of yours
-Understanding yourself (and how you're wired) in order to understand your child
-The lifelong process of embracing grief


Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20!  Click here for more information!

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with my friend, Erin Yeschin.

Erin has had a really tough life and been dealt a hard hand many, many times. Yet she pushes forward by reframing her life experiences in order to survive. She's an inspiration and I KNOW you'll be able to relate to so much of what she says. Here's what we discussed:

-How constant stress affected her health
-The difference between "toxic positivity" and acceptance
-When you love your kid so deeply, but not yourself

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20!  Click here for more information!

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with my friend, Tiphany Kane.

Tiphany has taken control of her life in adulthood, despite the challenges of raising neurodivergent kids and learning to love herself. Here's what we discussed:

-What using your voice to empower others looks like
-Loving and accepting yourself, not just as mothers but as women.

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20!  Click here for more information!

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. This is the last mentor - the amazing Avril Brown!

Avril gets me in a way that I've never experienced before. Chronic illness, both physical and mental, can often stem from nervous system dysregulation - especially for moms raising neurodivergent kids. Here's what we discussed:

-How to get out of our own heads
-The connection to chronic illness
-What does nervous system dysregulation look like?

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20!  Click here for more information!

About This Episode: Mom Becky and I had an amazing, relatable conversation that needs two parts! (Listen to Part 1 HERE!) Becky is raising multiple neurodivergent kids and is neurodivergent herself. She's been able to shed the standards that our society claims as "normal" in order to save her own mental health, and that of her children. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-If we don't believe in ourselves as moms, we don't believe in our kids either
-Not everyone is qualified to help you with your child
-What is your relationship with yourself?
-"Self care" doesn't have to look a certain way
-The importance of finding the right therapist

Please shower Becky with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! And while I am SO thankful for all of you and your support, I also know how hard this day (and all holidays) can be for us and our neurodivergent kids. Take a listen to this short episode as you gear up for the day!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: My friend and Mothers Together mama Sarah joined me on the show to talk about what it's like to raise a child who doesn't adhere to what society thinks is the correct way to "be" - and that's especially hard when we, as mothers, WERE that type of child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Reminding ourselves that it's not that we're doing something wrong - it's just hard.
-No one understands when your child masks in public.
-Bad behavior (and good behavior!) isn't indicative of our parenting
-Worrying about how our children's struggles reflects on us as mothers

Please shower Sarah with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Mothers Together is opening its door for new members soon! Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether starting 12/12!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This (Bonus) Episode: I'm pushing towards a HUGE goal, my friends. I'm trying to reach 100K downloads by the two year anniversary of this show, which is 1/21/23. And this goal fits - because as it turns out, I've got a lot to say.

For the next two months, you'll be hearing from me Monday-Friday, and the episodes will be theme-based:

Mama Mondays - What you're used to - a mom of a ND kid shares her story!

Toolbox Tuesdays -  I'm sharing a tip, a resource, or a strategy so you can add it to your toolbox!

Wednesday Wins - I'm sharing the little wins in my home over the past week!

Thursday Thoughts - I'll be reflecting on my experience in raising my kids, starting with the current Reels series "What Moms of Neurodivergent Kids Wish They Could Say Out Loud".

Father Fridays - I'm recording with dads! They're sharing their perspectives on their parenting journeys.

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About This Episode: It's Thursday Thoughts Day! On Thursdays, I'm sharing a story with you about my life, answering your questions, or just sharing what's on my mind. Today, I'm reflecting on my Instagram/TikTok series, "What Moms of Neurodivergent Kids Wish They Could Say Out Loud" with Part 1: "It's emotionally draining."

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About This Episode: It's our first Father Friday!! Dad Brent was so vulnerable in sharing what it's like from a dad's perspective to raise a neurodivergent child with challenging behaviors. I'm so excited to you all to hear what he has to say - and if YOU know a dad who might want to share his story, send him this episode, and then have him reach out to me! Here's just some of what we discussed:

-Frightening febrile seizures
-Play therapy experience with a child with severe ADHD
-Hearing negative self talk with Mood Disregulation Disorder
-When your child is on a cocktail of drugs for physical and mental health
-Accepting your child isn't an extension of you and that you can only help them with acceptance
-Marriage counseling works - after objecting to it for a long time
-Realizing you have to parent him differently, and how weird that looks to everyone else
-Being on high alert all the time

 I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm chatting with the hilarious and vulnerable Bunmi Laditan (of Honest Toddler fame!). She's raising neurodivergent kids (and is neurodivergent herself) and man, she really gets it! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Always having to prove that her kids struggle and need help
-Is it coddling if you're trying to avoid a meltdown?
-Navigating this life together with similar neurodivergent traits
-When you're no longer your child's safe person - and how to become one again
-Prioritizing relationships under your roof
-How important it is for your kids to be accepted in their homes
-How she leans on faith on a daily basis
-Creating peace in the home - how to start

Please shower Bunmi with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! Find Bunmi on Instagram under Bunmi Laditan and Honest Toddler!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Mothers Together is opening its door for new members soon! Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether starting 12/12!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: It's Toolbox Tuesday! On Tuesdays, I'm sharing with you resources that are helping my family and may just help yours as well. These resources may be books, videos, social media accounts, or just tips, tools, and strategies we're using. Today, I'm specifically talking about OCD and the resources I'm currently digging into!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About This Episode: Today I'm sharing my Wednesday Win! On Wednesdays, I'm shifting my perspective and sharing something positive from the last week in my home. Wins may be tiny, but I'll try to celebrate them nonetheless! This week, I'm talking about our new Motivation Chart to earn extra screen time - shockingly, it's going really well! (Jump on to IG to see the actual charts in my stories!)

Did you have a win this week? I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! Dad David was super vulnerable in describing what he's learned about raising neurodivergent kids AND about himself in the process - and through the perspective of a male, of course. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Raising adopted neurodivergent children
-What it's like to have 6 kids!
-How to parent kids with hidden disabilities
-Parenting against the way you were parented
-Being willing to accept your own failures and vulnerabilities
-"I don't have it all together. I don't have all the answers"
-The importance of men discussing mental  health struggles
-Getting involved in your kids' interests and strengths
-Kids are a mirror into our own struggles
-Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria as a DAD
-patience, humility, self-realization - and why they're important

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

*This episode has been requested more than once because it's SO powerful. Get ready with this one, my friends. Lorin is an amazing human.*

About This Episode: Mom Lorin's conversation left me speechless more than once. Her vulnerability in sharing her innermost worries about raising her neurodivergent, adopted children just completely blew me away. Chatting with her was such a gift - this episode is not to be missed! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The trauma of adoption and inconsistent caregivers
-Interracial adoption
-What if kids didn't want to be adopted?
-Taking care of yourself in order to take care of your kids
-Primal wounds of adopted children losing their first parents and first culture
-Is it neurodivergence or trauma?
-Being selfless but still holding space for yourself

Please shower Lorin with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head to ontheharddays.com/endburnout to sign up for our January groups!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts.  *Please leave a review*  to spread the word to other moms around the world!

About This Episode: Julia & Erin were kind enough to join me live on Instagram this week, talking all things Mothers Together and the journeys these two moms are on. I think their stories will really resonate with you!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock ends on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

About This Episode: Meghan & Katrina were kind enough to join me live on Instagram this week, talking all things Mothers Together and the journeys these two moms are on. I think their stories will really resonate with you!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock ends on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

About This Episode: Steph, Nancy, and Lacey were kind enough to join me live on Instagram this week, talking all things Mothers Together and the journeys these moms are on. I think their stories will really resonate with you!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I just loved this conversation with Dad Will. He was amazingly vulnerable and strong, and I loved all that he had to say. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Seeing your own neurodivergence in your children
-Finding tools that work for you and then sharing them with your kids
-Accepting your own limitations, connecting with kids
-"Get evaluated; go to therapy"
-Carving out weekly time for yourself
-The importance of communicating your needs with your partner

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Liza Blas, host of the podcast "Very Happy Stories" and mom of neurodivergent children. Her story also involves chronic illness, and we talk a lot about how it's all intertwined. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How she passed down a "toxin load" to her children during birth
-How Lyme Disease and Pans/Pandas affect her children
-The difference between Pans and Pandas
-How mold exposure played a role in her children's health struggles
-What she learned from her child's partial hospitalization program
-How she "invested in herself" in order to keep her sanity

Please shower Liza with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! Listen to Liza's podcast "Very Happy Stories" and find her on IG @ lizasveryhappystories!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now!

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

About This Episode: 2022 is winding down and I'm reflecting on all that I've learned about myself this year. Plus, I'm passing on to you my motto - "Doing it messy"! Thank you, as always, for listening.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

**FLASH SALE** for Mothers Together ends on 12/31! Join our support community HERE!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now!

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/flash!

"He's just gifted, and gifted kids are quirky." "Yeah, but are they always this angry?"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Michelle Bubier for Part 1 of a 2-part chat. Not only is Michelle hilarious, but her down-to-earth, accepting attitude towards her neurodivergent kid is inspiring. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Early signs of autism and giftedness starting at age 3
-Does a traumatic birth affect a child?
-Violence between siblings and a sense of "justice"
-The importance of showing our kids that we're listening
-Accepting tough behaviors without questioning them - and how that helps you as a the mom

Please shower Michelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About The Episode: It's my first mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Have a comment or question for this mom? She's accepting messages via DM on Instagram, and you can find her @onwardthroughthefog22 - but PLEASE keep it judgment-free with a heavy dose of kindness and empathy, because that's how my community rolls. :)

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Have a comment or question for this mom? She's accepting emails at alexampoteet@gmail.com - but PLEASE keep it judgment-free with a heavy dose of kindness and empathy, because that's how my community rolls. :)

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Have a comment or question for this mom?  She's accepting DMs on Instagram @thereis.adhd - but PLEASE keep it judgment-free with a heavy dose of kindness and empathy, because that's how my community rolls. :)

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"My kid has rules. And if they're not a big deal, I just follow them."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Michelle Bubier for Part 2 of our chat. (List to Part 1 Here!) Michelle is so good at picking her battles, letting things go, and following the lead of her kid. And DON'T miss the end! She touches on something that spoke to my soul - and I think it will for you, too.  Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How to pick your battles with a ND kid
-Putting yourself out there to other moms
-What to do when rewards and consequences don't work
-How hard it is to meet the academic needs of gifted kids
-When your kid doesn't have a "yellow zone"
-When your kid's hobbies are outside of the box
-Should you teach your ND kid how to mask?

Please shower Michelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

**Trigger Warning: Child Self-Harm**
About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About This Episode: I'm so pleased to share this special episode with you all! Recently, I went live on Instagram to introduce myself to many new followers. I've been getting lots of questions about my kids and their diagnoses, the evaluation process, medications, and motherhood in general. If you're new to the podcast or just want to catch up, this episode is the place to do it!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

"He does know better. But when he's in fight or flight, part of his brain isn't switched on. How can you not see that?"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! I had such a nice chat with New Zealand mom Nicole - her child has always reminded me of Mr. 9 when he was little. In this episode, we talk a lot about overlapping diagnoses and undiagnosed struggles: anxiety, giftedness, anger, autism, etc. When you have an intense kid, it's so hard to pinpoint where the challenges are coming from. Here are just some of the topics we discuss:

-Really hard adjustments for an ND kid to a sibling
-Understanding rejection sensitivity in young kids
-When "naming your feelings" receives a ton of pushback from your kid
-When sadness and anxiety comes out as anger and avoidance
-Finding a balance of different parenting advice
-The lack of support for gifted kids
-When it seems like your child seeks out negative attention over positive
-When play-based learning doesn't work for gifted kids

Please shower Nicole with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **ONLY 3K AWAY!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell (actually, TWO mini stories in one episode!), and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

"We don't do comparative suffering here...but man, I wish I had that."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad John and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent kid. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Learning as you go
-How hard it is (but important) to repair with your kid.
-Everyone has their own version of hard - but sometimes it's really hard.
-Making the switch to understanding and acceptance.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

"17 years ago, you were either the same or completely different."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Kim Jones for Part 1 of a 2-part chat. I love the way that Kim is open and honest about how she's had to change the way she views ND kids over the last 20 years. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Comparing society's understanding of neurodivergence 20 years ago to now
-What does the role of a step-parent look like with ND kids?
-To support you kid, you have to change your perspective
-The downside of having access to too much information
-Adjusting your expectations to meet your child's needs
-Our kids are so sensitive to small changes, like sleep
-Finding your patience in a new way

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story?  Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

"I had to stop being defensive, and take ownership or responsibility that I wasn't paying attention to what was important..."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad Sean and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-How Covid impacted the struggles of an ND kid
-"Making the switch" to full acceptance and understanding
-Undoing the "male narrative" and the way we were raised
-Being open to being "called out" by your spouse
-How to prioritize your day to day life - what comes first?
-What is the definition of fatherhood?
-How his son cheered when he found out he had ADHD
-How to tag-team with your partner
-It's not being "difficult" - it's being assertive

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

"You don't want to be like, 'My kid knows everything in second grade. Why am I putting him in there?'"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Kim Jones for Part 2 of a 2-part chat (Listen to Part 1 Here!). I love the way that Kim is open and honest about how she's had to change the way she views ND kids over the last 20 years. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Doing the deep work and discovering patience
-Learning flexibility
-Meeting the asynchronous needs of a 2E kid
-Getting on your kid's level

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

"I criticize myself a little too harshly."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad Pablo and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Going against the grain on how you were raised
-When you feel like a sibling to your child instead of a parent
-Constantly feeling like you have to bargain with your kid
-Fighting through your own ADHD to parent your mini-me
-Using a project-oriented brain for parenting tasks

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"I have PTSD from their PTSD...I have to give myself compassion."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Kelly Edwards. Kelly is homeschooling her neurodivergent, adopted children in a way that meets the kids' needs and keeps her sanity intact. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How the adoption process itself is traumatic and can lead to neurodivergence
-Always wondering the "why" behind the behavior - especially when trauma is involved
-The emotional, mental load of "caregiver fatigue" - and the resentment that can come from it
-Why she started her business, The 90-Minute Schoolday, to guide other moms through homeschooling neurodivergent children
-What does a typical homeschool day look like in 90 minutes?
-Rethinking what education is for our kids, and letting go of the stereotype of "perfect" homeschooling

Please shower Kelly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story - and check out her website https://90minuteschoolday.com/

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad Jake and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Co-parenting an ND with an ex
-Opening up the dialogue about the parents' emotions in this journey
-Redefining Autism
-Normalizing therapy
-Being skeptical of a diagnosis at first
-information overload when receiving a diagnosis

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"I'm not accepting complaints at this time."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Anna. I love the way she sets boundaries around those who work with her child AND her child as well. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How society doesn't view behavior struggles as a disability
-Constantly planning and strategizing to make smooth and happy moments
-Creating boundaries around what the school should report to her
-Setting boundaries with her child
-Raising children of a different race and what society thinks
-The goal is "happy, healthy, and independent"

Please shower Anna with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"It's just different, that's all. He just needs a little bit of extra help."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad Don and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Overthinking how to "have a good day" and avoid meltdowns
-Reframing: Your child just needs assistance.
-Trying to figure it all out in the preschool years
-"People are just people. You don't have to 'otherwise' them."
-The importance of verbalizing our feelings and love for our kids
-Finding compassion and turning off the "something's wrong" narrative

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"The more you can learn about yourself and your coping strategies, the more [your kids] can learn from that."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Carly. I appreciate her openness and vulnerability in this journey of raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Realizing that your vision of motherhood isn't your reality
-How important sleep is to both ND kids and their parents
-The challenges of extreme picky eating
-Pediatric Feeding Disorder vs. ARFID
-When you discover your own neurodivergence along with your kid

Please shower Carly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.  Check out Carly's website @goodnightguide.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"There's always advocating, and it's always exhausting."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad Kellen and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Feeling helpless (from a dad's perspective)
-Matching your partner's energy in raising kids together
-Getting over the initial shock of a diagnosis
-Helping ND kids reach their full potential
-Taking an interest in your kid's hobbies
-Getting on the same page with everyone who works with your child

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"I'm running on full, so I have to take care of that when I'm without my kids."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Bethany for Part 1 of a two part episode. She talks a lot about therapy, wellness, and trauma - and I think a lot of what she says will resonate with you! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Single/divorced parenting and the challenges it brings
-Modeling self care and good habits in front of your ND kids
-Wellness, sobriety, and eating disorder therapy and being honest with your kids
-What is Quantum Neuro Reset Therapy?
-Finding the root cause of your own trauma

Please shower Bethany with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support! 

"Is this the life I imagined or dreamed of? No. But it's my life and I'm making the best of it."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!!  I had a great conversation with Dad Austin and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-How he prioritizes fitness as his "self-care"
-Planning a move around the educational needs of your kid
-How COVID brought tremendous stress to his marriage
-The challenges of your child being an eloper
-Pursuing adventure with special needs kids
-How he stays away from negative thoughts
-Finding community that accepts you and your family completely
-How therapy has helped him

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!