47 episodes

Start your journey from surviving to thriving as a family at: calmthechaospodcast.com ( https://calmthechaospodcast.com/ ). Is your child's challenging behavior leaving you feeling exhausted, defeated, and hopeless? You are not alone, you are not a failure, and your child is not broken. Welcome to Calm the Chaos Parenting — the podcast for parents raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children. I'm Dayna Abraham, a parenting expert, and I've helped hundreds of thousands of families just like yours. Each week I’ll share simple science-backed solutions to help you feel more grounded, in tune, and deeply connected to your child, no matter what challenge you face. Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.

Calm the Chaos Parenting Dayna Abraham

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 44 Ratings

Start your journey from surviving to thriving as a family at: calmthechaospodcast.com ( https://calmthechaospodcast.com/ ). Is your child's challenging behavior leaving you feeling exhausted, defeated, and hopeless? You are not alone, you are not a failure, and your child is not broken. Welcome to Calm the Chaos Parenting — the podcast for parents raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children. I'm Dayna Abraham, a parenting expert, and I've helped hundreds of thousands of families just like yours. Each week I’ll share simple science-backed solutions to help you feel more grounded, in tune, and deeply connected to your child, no matter what challenge you face. Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.

    Low Demand Parenting Explained: A Conversation with Amanda Diekman

    Low Demand Parenting Explained: A Conversation with Amanda Diekman

    Episode 46: In this eye-opening episode of The Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast, join Dayna as she sits down with Amanda Diekmann, the visionary author behind "Low Demand Parenting." 
    Dive into a conversation that illuminates the struggles many children face with everyday demands and expectations, revealing insights into a parenting approach that's changing lives by reducing stress and building stronger, more connected families.
    Amanda shares her personal journey, the science behind demand sensitivity, and practical tips for parents to navigate the high-expectation world we live in. Whether you're a parent to a demand-sensitive child or simply looking for ways to foster a deeper connection with your children, this episode is packed with actionable insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a good parent in today's demanding world.
    Join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore a new lens through which to view our parenting challenges, inviting us to embrace a kinder, more attuned way of relating to our children and ourselves.
    Key Takeaways: 
    Understanding Demand Sensitivity [00:02:00]: Amanda introduces the concept of demand sensitivity, highlighting how everyday expectations can become overwhelming obstacles for some children, leading to stress and refusal.
    The Birth of Low Demand Parenting [00:04:00]: Discover the origins of low demand parenting and its application beyond its initial discovery within the autism community, offering a universal perspective on the challenges of modern expectations.
    Navigating the World of Expectations [00:06:00]: Learn practical strategies for identifying and reducing demands in daily family life, emphasizing the importance of matching expectations with children's actual capacities.
    The Impact of Internalized Demands [00:09:00]: Explore the deeper implications of our expectations and how redefining what it means to be a good parent can lead to more fulfilling parenting.
    Building a Trusting Relationship [00:12:00]: Understand why reducing demands fosters a stronger, more trusting relationship between parents and children, debunking the notion that this approach is permissive.
    Empowering Children Through Autonomy [00:18:00]: Insights into how low demand parenting empowers children by fostering autonomy, leading to increased self-confidence and independence over time.
    The Role of Parental Reflection [00:21:00]: The importance of parental reflection in the low demand parenting approach, emphasizing the need for parents to examine their own reactions and adapt their strategies to meet their children's needs effectively.
    Additional Resources:
    Low Demand Parenting by Amanda Diekman: Dive deeper into Amanda's pioneering approach with her comprehensive book, available in both physical and audiobook formats.
    Low Demand Summit: Amanda shares details about her upcoming summit, featuring a lineup of experts discussing various aspects of low demand parenting. A can't-miss event for anyone interested in this transformative approach.
    Calm the Chaos: calmthechaosbook.com 
    👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:
    🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting
    🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/
    🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting
    Whether you're dealing with demand-sensitive children or simply looking to create a more understanding and supportive family environment, this episode is a must-listen. 
    Amanda's expertise and compassionate approach offer a new lens through which to view our parenting challenges, inviting us to embrace a kinder, more attuned way of relating to our children and ourselves.
    🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode dedicated to fostering understanding, connection, and balance in your family life!

    • 51 min
    Redefining Connection: How to Communicate with PDA Children

    Redefining Connection: How to Communicate with PDA Children

    Episode 45: Today we are diving into the heart of parenting neurodivergent children with a focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Our guest, Amy, shares her personal journey navigating the complexities of raising two neurodivergent children, shedding light on the often misunderstood topic of PDA. Discover how Amy transformed her approach to communication, moving beyond conventional parenting strategies that often led to frustration and disconnect. This episode offers a deep dive into the strategies that foster genuine connection, understanding, and empowerment for both parents and children facing similar challenges.
    Key Takeaways: 
    Understanding Neurodivergence and PDA [00:02:00] - Amy introduces her family's journey with autism and ADHD, focusing on the unique challenges of PDA.
    The Isolation of Parenting Neurodivergent Children [00:04:00] - Amy discusses the loneliness and chaos of trying to navigate parenting without a supportive community.
    Shifting From Discipline to Connection [00:05:00] - A look at how changing from traditional disciplinary methods to focusing on connection can drastically improve family dynamics.
    Creating Safety Through Connection [00:09:00] - The importance of connecting through a safe nervous system and the impact of non-verbal communication.
    Strategies for Communicating with PDA Children [00:11:00] - Amy shares specific examples of how altering communication strategies has helped reduce conflicts.
    The Transformation Journey [00:16:00] - Insight into the significant shifts in Amy's family, highlighting the decrease in meltdown severity and improved understanding.
    Empowerment Through Planning and Reflection [00:20:00] - The pivotal role of creating personalized plans and reflecting on daily interactions for continued progress.
    Additional Resources:
    Calm the Chaos Framework: calmthechaosbook.com 
    Understanding PDA in Neurodivergent Children: PDA Society: https://pdasociety.org.uk
    Low Demand Parenting by Amanda Diekman
    👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:
    🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting
    🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/
    🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting
    Remember, you're not alone in your parenting journey. Together, we can find the strength, resources, and community to navigate the complexities of raising neurodivergent children with compassion and understanding.
    🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode dedicated to fostering understanding, connection, and balance in your family life!

    • 24 min
    From Resentment to Reconnection: What to Do When You Start to Hate Your Child

    From Resentment to Reconnection: What to Do When You Start to Hate Your Child

    Episode 44: In this raw and emotional episode of the "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," we confront a deeply unsettling yet not uncommon sentiment among parents: the feeling of resentment, and even hatred, towards one's child due to extreme behaviors. Tamara shares her heart-wrenching journey from being at the brink of hopelessness, struggling with her child's dangerous behaviors, to finding a path towards understanding, healing, and reconnection.
    Faced with daily challenges that pushed her to the edge, Tamara's story is a raw look into the emotional turmoil that can engulf a family. This episode is an open discussion about the dark thoughts and feelings that many parents navigate in silence. We explore the transformative power of empathy, patience, and tailored strategies that honor our children's uniqueness, aiming to shift from conflict and resentment to a place of love and connection.
    Discover how embracing a compassionate and neuro-affirming approach can open doors to reconnection and healing, not just for the child, but for the entire family. Tamara's insights and the strategies shared in this episode offer hope and practical advice for parents feeling trapped in a cycle of frustration and despair, guiding them towards a future where they and their children can thrive together.
    Join us as we delve into this sensitive topic, offering light to those in the shadows of parenting's toughest moments.
    Key Highlights:
    The Weight of Resentment: Tamara opens up about the intense emotional toll of her child's behaviors, from physical aggression to disruptive actions, that led to feelings of resentment and despair.
    Breaking Point: The critical moment Tamara realized traditional strategies were not enough, highlighting the need for a different approach to address her child's complex needs.
    Breath as a Bridge: Discover how Tamara used simple breathing techniques as the first step towards regaining control, reducing meltdowns, and reconnecting with her child.
    Creating a Safe Space: Learn about the emergency and safety plans Tamara implemented to manage and mitigate dangerous behaviors, ensuring safety for the entire family.
    Empowerment Through Planning: Insights into how proactive planning and understanding her child's need for predictability led to significant behavioral improvements and reduced stress.
    The Power of Support: Tamara emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community, both within and outside the family, to navigate the journey from resentment to reconnection.
    Transformation and Hope: Reflecting on the journey from fearing her child to finding joy in their relationship, Tamara shares the profound changes in her family dynamics and personal well-being.
    This episode offers a raw and honest look at the challenges some parents face in raising children with extreme behaviors. It provides practical strategies, support, and hope for those feeling lost, reminding us that change is possible with understanding, patience, and the right resources.
    Additional Resources:
    🆓7 Days to Less Chaos Workshop: Discover A New Way To Parent Even The Most Challenging Kids 7daystolesschaos.com
    📚 "Calm The Chaos" Framework: Explore our comprehensive approach to managing extreme child behavior at calmthechaosbook.com.
    ✨ Success Stories: Be inspired by transformation stories from our community at calmthechaosworkshop.com/stories.
    👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:
    🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting
    🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/
    🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting
    Calm the Chaos Parenting is dedicated to offering parents the tools and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children with compassion and empathy.
    🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode dedicated to fostering understanding, conn

    • 37 min
    Addressing Screen Addiction: Strategies from a Neuro-Affirming Perspective

    Addressing Screen Addiction: Strategies from a Neuro-Affirming Perspective

    Episode 43: In this episode of the "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," we tackle a concern that's on the minds of many parents today: screen addiction. 
    With the digital world becoming an integral part of our lives, it's becoming increasingly challenging to discern the line between healthy screen use and addiction, especially for our neurodivergent children. This episode delves into the heart of this issue, offering insights and strategies from a neuro-affirming perspective that respects neurodiversity and individual needs.
    Many families are witnessing their children retreat into the digital realm, leading to significant changes in behavior, interests, and social interactions. This shift often leaves parents feeling helpless, worried about their child's future, and desperate for effective solutions.
    The fear that your child might be addicted to screens can create a toxic cycle of conflict, misunderstanding, and isolation within the family. Traditional advice on limiting screen time may not resonate with every child's needs, especially those who are neurodivergent, leaving parents feeling even more lost and frustrated.
    This episode introduces a compassionate, understanding approach to navigating screen use. By embracing a neuro-affirming perspective, we explore practical strategies that prioritize connection, understanding, and empowerment. You'll hear from Danielle, a mother who transformed her family's dynamic and helped her child find balance in the digital world without resorting to conflict or harsh restrictions.
    Key Highlights:
    [00:00:00] The Digital Dilemma: Danielle shares her family's struggle with her eldest's deep dive into the digital world, leading to a disconnect from real-life interactions and interests.
    [00:01:00] Battling Screen Time Worries: Explore the pervasive fear among parents that their child might be addicted to screens, creating a cycle of conflict and concern within families.
    [00:02:00] Shifting Perspectives on Screen Use: Approach screen time challenges from a neuro-affirming perspective, emphasizing understanding and connection over conflict.
    [00:03:00] Rebuilding Family Connections: Danielle discusses her journey towards re-establishing a positive relationship with her son, moving away from criticism and conflict towards understanding and support.
    [00:06:00] Understanding Underlying Needs: The importance of recognizing the root causes behind excessive screen time, such as sensory needs, anxiety management, and seeking connection.
    [00:08:45] Empowering Strategies for Balance: Danielle shares practical strategies for empowering her son to find balance in the digital world, highlighting the importance of flexibility and collaboration.
    [00:12:30] Success Beyond Screen Limits: The transformation in Danielle's family dynamic is showcased, illustrating how empathy, understanding, and empowerment can lead to positive outcomes beyond strict screen time limits.
    [00:17:18] A Mother's Reflection: Danielle reflects on the journey and the lessons learned, emphasizing the power of a neuro-affirming approach to navigating screen addiction concerns.
    This episode offers a refreshing perspective on screen time and addiction, providing families with practical strategies and hope for fostering a healthy relationship with digital technology. By focusing on connection, understanding, and empowerment, parents can help their children navigate the digital world in a balanced and positive way.
    Additional Resources:
    🎮 FREE Electronics Plan: Craft a Screen Time Strategy That Encourages Self-Regulation and Reflects Your Family’s Principles as https://calmthechaosworkshop.com/slo/balance-screen-time/ 
    📚 "Calm The Chaos" Book: Gain further insights into managing parenting challenges with our comprehensive guide at calmthechaosbook.com.
    ✨ Success Stories: Be inspired by transformation stories from our community at calmthechaosworkshop.com/stories.
    🔍 For more resources and support, visit our website: lemonli

    • 42 min
    Navigating Screen Time: A Balanced and Guilt-Free Method for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

    Navigating Screen Time: A Balanced and Guilt-Free Method for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

    Episode 42: Screen time anxiety? Uncover strategies for a balanced approach that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
    In this insightful episode of the "Calm the Chaos Parenting Podcast," we delve into the complexities of managing screen time for neurodivergent children without falling into the traps of guilt or shame. Join us as we sit down with Jenn McLeish, a dedicated mother from Scotland, who shares her innovative approach to creating a balanced electronics plan tailored to her family's unique needs.
    Jenn's journey began with the challenge of accommodating the diverse needs of her two amazing children, both of whom are autistic and have sensory processing disorder. Her youngest, fully home-educated daughter, also struggles with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), adding another layer of complexity to their daily routine.
    Through trial, error, and a deep understanding of her children's needs, Jenn has crafted a plan that views electronics as a tool rather than a problem, integrating technology into their lives in a way that supports learning, regulation, and connection.
    Key Highlights:
    [00:00:00] Introduction to Electronics in Daily Life: Jenn discusses the inevitable presence of electronics in modern life and her aim to find a realistic balance.
    [00:01:00] Overcoming Guilt and Shame: The common feelings of guilt associated with screen time and how Jenn navigates these emotions.
    [00:03:00] Customized Electronics Plan: Jenn's approach to creating a plan that respects her daughter's sensory needs and educational journey.
    [00:06:00] The Role of Electronics in Regulation: How screen time can serve as a crucial tool for Jenn's daughter to manage anxiety and sensory overload.
    [00:08:45] Incorporating Electronics for Connection: Jenn shares how electronics facilitate meaningful family interactions and support her daughter's unique learning path.
    [00:12:30] Strategies for Managing Screen Time: The importance of flexibility, understanding underlying needs, and setting clear, collaborative guidelines with neurodivergent children.
    [00:17:18] Empowering Children Through Structure: How Jenn empowers her daughter by integrating electronics in a structured yet flexible manner, tailored to her sensory and educational needs.
    [00:22:05] Achieving Balance and Reducing Guilt: Jenn's success in reducing screen time guilt by focusing on the positive impacts and using electronics as a tool for growth and connection.
    Jenn's story is a testament to the power of understanding, patience, and creativity in parenting neurodivergent children. By embracing electronics as part of their world, Jenn has found a way to enrich her children's lives while maintaining balance and minimizing stress.
    Additional Resources:
    📚 "Calm The Chaos" Book: Discover strategies for navigating parenting challenges at calmthechaosbook.com.
    ✨ Success Stories: Be inspired by transformation stories from our community at calmthechaosworkshop.com/stories.
    🔍 Visit Our Website: For more resources and support, check out lemonlimeadventures.com.
    👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:
    🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting
    🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/
    🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting
    "Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.
    🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!
    "Calm the Chaos Parenting" brings you stories of hope, strategies for success, and insights into parenting strong-willed, highly sensitive, or neurodivergent children. Join us as we explore ways to foster understanding, connection, and balance in your family life.

    • 32 min
    Choosing to Stay or Leave: Sharon Pope Discusses Marital Challenges and Solutions

    Choosing to Stay or Leave: Sharon Pope Discusses Marital Challenges and Solutions

    In Episode 41 of the "Calm the Chaos Podcast," relationship coach Sharon Pope shines a light on the often overlooked aspects of struggling marriages. We have a heart-to-heart chat where we’re gonna deep dive into something heavy but super important—knowing the red flags of abusive relationships that go beyond the bruises.
    Sharon isn't just talking theories; she's lived it, and she knows what it feels like to be in a marriage that has you stuck on autopilot. We're gonna chew over everything from the nitty-gritty of how we talk—or don't talk—to our other halves, and how all that affects the kiddos and our ability to parent wisely.
    It's all about boundaries today: spotting the quiet monsters like emotional and financial abuse, and learning the right way to argue (yes, there's actually a right way to go head-to-head!). Sharon's going to clue us in on keeping those marriage talks regular and genuine because, let's face it, sometimes we need to fix the small leaks before the whole ship sinks.
    Thinking of throwing in the towel? Hang tight—Sharon's got a game plan that might just save your ship. And she's not just talking about playing nice—this is the real deal on getting to the heart of what each of you needs.
    And for those of you who think you're at the end of your rope, Sharon's bringing a little hope and a super practical tip for those days when you just don't know if you should stay or go. She's also got a killer strategy for those blow-out fights—we're talking about setting some ground rules for those tough conversations.
    So let's dive in, and remember, no matter where you are on your relationship rollercoaster, we've got your back. You deserve love that's the real deal, and we're here to make some noise and help you find it. Here we go!
    Key Takeaways:
    [00:03:26] The Invisible Struggle: Sharon defines what emotional and financial abuse can look like in a relationship.
    [00:08:45] Chronic Communication Breakdown: Discussing how the lack of regular, meaningful conversation leads to addressing issues only when problems arise.
    [00:12:30] The Argument Rules: Tips for creating ground rules for disagreements to ensure respectful and constructive communication with your partner.
    [00:17:18] Implementing Change: Sharon talks about applying knowledge and the significance of support in the process of relationship transformation.
    [00:22:05] Regular Relationship Check-Ins: The importance of "state of the union" discussions and intentionally nurturing the relationship.
    [00:27:00] Choosing to Stay or Leave: Sharon shares insights on her free training designed to help navigate this crucial decision.
    Additional resources:
    📘 Ready to Make a Decision About Your Marriage? Join Sharon for her free training at sharonpopefreetraining.com.
    📖 "Calm The Chaos" Book: Learn more about navigating parenting challenges with our comprehensive guide at calmthechaosbook.com.
    ✨ Success Stories: Be inspired by stories of transformation from our community at calmthechaosworkshop.com/stories.
    🔍 For more resources and support, visit our website: lemonlimeadventures.com.
    Sharon's powerful strategies and personal insights on relationships are a profound reminder of the importance of mutual effort and communication in marriage. Listen, reflect, and take the steps toward nurturing a partnership that thrives on love and respect or moving forward with the strength to create a happier life.
    👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:
    🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting
    🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/
    🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting
    "Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.
    🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
44 Ratings

44 Ratings

TessBrunetti.com ,

Timely discussions for parenting ND people -

Dayna has collected all the discussions mothers like me want to be a part of. Teens in this day

Noguiltmom ,

I learn so much from Dayna!

Every episode is packed with so many great tidbits and strategies I can use with kids. Absolutely loved the episode with Natasha Daniels on how to recognize OCD in kids.

Majazbee ,

Love it!

Every episode leaves me with thoughts to process in my own time. Why do we never let our phones go without recharging and yet we give that to ourselves? Genius.

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