Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation cover art

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation

By: Amanda Calfee - Christian Life Coach Mama of Strong-willed & Neurodivergent Kiddos
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About this listen

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 5% of Podcasts Worldwide!

Do you feel like you’ve tried everything — consequences, parenting books, well meaning parenting advice, crying out to God — and still feel like you’re failing?

Are you walking on eggshells, never knowing what will trigger your child’s next meltdown or shutdown?

Have you felt dismissed or judged by church culture when your child didn’t behave the way they “should”?

Do you find yourself yelling, shutting down, or spiraling with guilt — praying that tomorrow will be different?

I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast will help you regulate your emotions, reconnect with your child, and rebuild your confidence as a Christian mom — without losing control, feeling ashamed, or fixing everything.

You’ll learn how to show up with peace and presence, so you can parent without guilt and finally feel like yourself again.

Hey, I’m Amanda — a certified Christian life coach, mom of two neurodivergent kiddos, and former fix-it-all parenting researcher.

For years, I chased every method that promised quick change. I believed if I just found the right consequence, parenting strategy, or routine, I could turn things around. But the more I tried to control, the more disconnected we became.

Everything changed when I stopped parenting from fear and started anchoring in faith, emotional regulation, and connection. I let go of the pressure to fix behavior and began trusting God’s process — not just for my child, but for myself, too.

Now I help moms like you shift from survival mode into a grounded, grace-led way of being that transforms everything — without changing your child.

If you’re ready to parent beyond meltdowns — with tools that are rooted in faith, emotional stability, and connection — this podcast is for you.

If you’re tired of parenting advice that shames you or strategies that backfire with your neurodivergent child… you’re not alone.

Whether you’re raising a strong-willed kiddo, navigating sensory challenges, or questioning the parenting approach you were raised with… welcome.

Grab your favorite beverage, take a deep breath, and let’s walk this road together — one calm, connected step at a time.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Christianity Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Spirituality
Episodes
  • 9 | What if First Time Obedience Creates Defiant Kids Who Meltdown Instead of Build Connection?

    9 | What if First Time Obedience Creates Defiant Kids Who Meltdown Instead of Build Connection?
    Sep 18 2025

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally!

    What comes to mind when you hear the word obedience? For many mamas, it feels tied to pressure, rules, and the belief that if our child doesn’t obey instantly, we must be failing. But what if that way of thinking is actually breaking connection with your strong-willed or neurodivergent child?

    In this episode, I’m rethinking obedience through a biblical lens — and exploring how connection, trust, and the Holy Spirit reshape the way we show up as moms, especially when raising kids with ASD, ADHD, ODD, or PDA.

    We’ll cover:

    • The traditional view of obedience — and why it often leaves kids feeling unseen or discouraged.
    • A deeper dive into Scripture and how relationship always comes before obedience.
    • The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us away from fear-based parenting and toward love and trust.

    What you’ll walk away with:

    • A fresh perspective on obedience that prioritizes your child’s heart over fear and control.
    • Permission to meet your child at their developmental level — whether they’re strong-willed, neurodivergent, or both.
    • Practical and faith-filled encouragement to lean into the Holy Spirit’s whisper instead of the world’s pressure.

    Bible Verses Referenced:

    • Luke 22:39–45

    • Ephesians 6:1–4

    • Colossians 3:21

    Resources & Links:

    Join Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/

    Email:

    amandacalfeecoaching@gmail.com

    Facebook Group:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • 8 | Strong-Willed or Something More? Why Regulation and Connection Matter More Than a Label

    8 | Strong-Willed or Something More? Why Regulation and Connection Matter More Than a Label
    Sep 11 2025

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally!

    Mama, Is your child just strong-willed, or could something deeper be going on...

    In this episode, we’ll unpack the difference between a strong-willed child and a neurodivergent child, and why the distinction matters—but not in the way you might think.

    Because at the end of the day, your child’s identity isn’t found in a label. And yours isn’t defined by their meltdowns. 💜

    We’ll talk about:

    • The difference between strong-willed traits and neurodivergent challenges.
    • Why regulation and connection matter more than labels.
    • How to anchor yourself so you can show up with peace, regardless of diagnosis.

    Whether you’re navigating ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), or just a whole lot of strong-willed energy, this conversation will give you hope and perspective.

    Scriptures referenced:

    • Psalm 139:14 — “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
    • Isaiah 43:1 says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

    Resources & Links:

    Join Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/

    Email:

    amandacalfeecoaching@gmail.com

    Cleveland Clinic List Referenced:

    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • 7 | Not a Mistake: Why You’re the Exact Mom Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child Needs

    7 | Not a Mistake: Why You’re the Exact Mom Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child Needs
    Sep 4 2025

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally!

    Have you ever wondered if maybe God gave your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ASD, ADHD, ODD, or PDA) the wrong mom? That you’re not enough, not equipped, or too overwhelmed to handle what they need?

    Mama, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—convinced I was failing, carrying guilt and shame, and believing the enemy’s lies. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t make mistakes. He didn’t just randomly place you in your child’s life. He chose you on purpose.

    In this episode, we’re diving into:

    • Why your identity as a mom is received, not earned.
    • How God equipped biblical figures like Moses, Gideon, David, Esther, Jeremiah, and the Disciples—and how He equips you too.
    • Practical steps to ask the Father to show you your God-given identity.
    • How to renew your mind daily so you can show up as the exact mom you want to be and your child needs.

    You’ll walk away with encouragement, scripture, and a fresh reminder that even in the hardest moments with your child that you are not failing, you are chosen.

    Key Scriptures Shared in This Episode

    • Exodus 4:10–12
    • Judges 6:15–16
    • Jeremiah 1:6–9
    • 1 Samuel 17:45
    • Esther 4:14
    • Acts 1:8
    • Ephesians 2:10
    • Psalm 139
    • Proverbs 18:21
    • Isaiah 43:1

    This Week’s Takeaway Spend 10 minutes with the Father and ask Him to show you your God-given identity as a mom. Write it down. Post it somewhere visible. Speak it daily. His truth, not the enemy’s lies, defines you.

    Resources & Links:

    Join Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list

    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/

    Email:

    amandacalfeecoaching@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
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