In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for effectively parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They emphasize the importance of collaboration over direct demands to help children feel more in control and safe, which mitigates reactive behaviors.

They explain how giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can prevent the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to anxiety and defensive behaviors.

Practical examples like offering options instead of direct commands are given and the importance of flexibility and patience in parenting, particularly for neurodivergent families is discussed.

Samantha and Lauren also highlight the significance of co-regulation and maintaining a calm demeanor to support a child's sense of autonomy and safety.

A PDA cheat sheet with useful scripts and strategies is available for listeners.

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

03:00 Collaborative Parenting Strategies

06:08 Practical Examples and Scripts

09:37 Managing Parental Expectations and Flexibility

21:30 Maintaining a Regulated Nervous System

24:30 Conclusion and Resources

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Get the PDA Cheat Sheet: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/pda-cheat-sheet

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren engage in a compelling conversation with Jessica Frew, the author of 'Shove Your Shoulds,' a pivotal book aimed at helping ambitious women shed societal conditioning and make bold decisions without guilt or fear. Throughout the discussion, Jessica shares insights into the importance of setting personal boundaries, trusting one's intuition, and the role of parents in modeling behavior for their children.

Jessica’s teachings are for everyone, particularly those raising neurodivergent children, advocating for a parenting approach free from societal 'shoulds'. She provides real-life examples of navigating difficult relationships, establishing firm boundaries, and making aligned decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Every Brand Is Different Podcast

00:39 Meet Jessica Fru: Author and Bold Decision Coach

01:36 The Concept of 'Shove Your Shoulds'

02:17 Releasing the Shoulds and Trusting Your Gut

06:32 Setting Boundaries and Silencing the Noise

13:40 Building a Support System

20:12 Raising Kids Without Shoulds

26:20 Where to Find Jessica Fru and Her Book

27:34 Jessica Fru's Fun and Family Life

28:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook
Connect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/

Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss autistic burnout, especially prevalent during the holiday season. They explain the difference between stress and burnout, and share personal experiences to illustrate the impact of prolonged masking and sensory overload on neurodivergent children.

Samantha and Lauren provide detailed signs of burnout, including increased irritability, emotional outbursts, and physical symptoms, along with practical advice on how to support recovery through reduced demands, predictability, sensory rest, and encouraging autonomy.

They emphasize the importance of parental regulation and offer strategies to prevent future burnout, such as prioritizing recovery time, practicing energy accounting, and teaching children to advocate for their needs.

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Discussing Autistic Burnout During the Holidays

02:58 Understanding Autistic Burnout

09:22 Early Warning Signs of Burnout

12:10 Common Triggers of Burnout

14:59 Supporting Recovery from Burnout

20:48 Preventing Future Burnout

24:28 Conclusion and Community Support

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent