S.E.N.D. PARENTING

This episode focuses on the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls, exploring the emotional impact this has on their mental health. Rosie Turner shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding her ADHD, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women's evolving symptoms and the importance of exercise and self-acceptance.

• Examining how ADHD presents differently in girls compared to boys
• The emotional toll of misdiagnoses and societal expectations on women
• The role of hormonal changes in exacerbating ADHD symptoms
• Validating the uniqueness of ADHD as potentially beneficial
• The critical importance of movement and lifestyle changes in managing ADHD
• Practical strategies to engage with the ADHD experience constructively

Click to join our Send Parenting Private WhatsApp Community today for support and connection with other parents navigating these challenges.

Reach out to Rosie @ ADHD Untangled

This episode focuses on the alarming rise in anxiety and other mental health issues among teenagers, especially neurodiverse youth and how parents can provide support. Alicia Drummond shares insights from her Wellbeing Hub initiative, discussing practical strategies for fostering emotional resilience and maintaining open communication.

• Discussion on increasing mental health referrals among children and teens
• Addressing anxiety in neurodivergent children
• Importance of recognizing anxiety as communication
• Fostering emotional resilience through competence and responsibility
• Strategies for maintaining open lines of communication with teenagers
• Tips for parents to model positivity and awareness

Join our Send Parenting community to share experiences and support one another on this journey. Visit the show notes for details!

Click here for the Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips

Imagine preparing for a family gathering while navigating the intricate world of parenting a neurodiverse child. The noise, the chaos, and the unsolicited advice often threaten to overwhelm. Through this heartfelt episode, we promise to equip you with strategies to create a compassionate and supportive environment for your family. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Chan, a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist from Canada, who shares her expertise in helping children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges. Lisa illuminates the importance of early intervention and emphasizes the need for an integrated approach, where parents are active participants in their child's journey.

Parenting neurodiverse children isn't just about managing behaviors; it's about understanding the underlying causes and decoding them effectively. Our discussion touches on the delicate balance of responsibilities, the stress of perceived unfairness among siblings, and the dynamics of communication within partnerships. Discover how to set boundaries with well-meaning but misinformed relatives, maintain confidence in your parenting choices, and foster resilience and independence in your children. We delve into transforming family dynamics by building consistency, setting realistic expectations, and embracing community support.

Join us as we unravel the challenges neurodiverse families face and explore practical tips and personal anecdotes to improve family harmony. Learn how to navigate the emotional journey from isolation and guilt to building confidence and understanding. Our conversation with Lisa provides invaluable insights into the "five whys" technique, empowering you to uncover the root causes of behaviours and transform daily routines into cooperative environments. Don't miss the opportunity to become part of our Send Parenting Tribe, a community where we celebrate both challenges and successes in a judgment-free space.

Unlock the secrets to helping teenagers overcome burnout with insights from Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, authors of "The Teenager's Guide to Burnout." Our conversation dives deep into the pressures faced by today's teens, examining how academic demands and societal expectations contribute to chronic stress. We question the traditional education system's role in this growing issue, advocating for a shift towards more personalized and compassionate learning environments. Through engaging illustrations and straightforward advice, this episode promises to equip parents and teens with the tools to navigate these challenges effectively.

Discover the powerful impact parents can have on their children's stress levels, intentionally or not, and learn strategies to foster a nurturing environment that prioritizes mental well-being over mere academic success. By drawing parallels between toxic work environments and school settings, we challenge you to reconsider the conventional paths to success often touted as the norm. This episode also highlights the importance of understanding teenagers by meeting them where they are and supporting them in finding balance amidst the chaos of modern life.

As we explore pathways to recovery from burnout, you'll be introduced to a compassionate four-step process designed to guide teenagers toward a more balanced and fulfilling future. Real-life stories illustrate how alternative routes to success can be both rewarding and enriching, emphasizing personal fulfillment over traditional achievements. Whether you're a parent seeking to support your child or a teenager grappling with the pressures of adolescence, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on redefining success and nurturing happiness. Join us for this enlightening conversation that champions the well-being of young people and empowers them to forge their own paths.

This episode highlights the transformative power of Chicken Shed Theatre, a leader in inclusive theatre arts for 50 years. Susan shares her heartfelt journey as a mother of a neurodiverse child, while Charlotte delves into Chicken Shed's core mission to foster acceptance, understanding, and growth through artistic expression. 

• The origins and history of Chicken Shed Theatre 
• Personal stories of transformation through art and community 
• The importance of peer learning in inclusive settings 
• Insights for parents on embracing their child's uniqueness 
• The call for kindness and understanding in diverse environments

Prepare to be inspired by stories of empowerment, advocacy, and the transformative power of inclusion. From Emma’s evolution into a confident performer and educator to the unwavering determination of her family, each tale underscores how perseverance and community support can break down barriers. As Charlotte and Susan reflect on the past and future of Chicken Shed, listeners are invited to join a movement that champions understanding and compassion through the universal language of the arts.

Click here for a link to Chicken Shed