Circumstances Are Neutral with Penny Williams

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with executive function coach Carrie Bonnett to explore the essential brain skills that help us get things done—like planning, time management, and emotional regulation. Carrie explains how executive function challenges impact kids, teens, and even adults, emphasizing the need to explicitly teach these skills through practice and repetition. We discuss the role of parents and educators in supporting skill-building, how to shift from blame to understanding, and why tools like planners require guidance to be effective.   To find out more about Carrie, visit her website at www.CarrieBonnett.com.

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I dive into the concept of the neutrality of circumstances with guest Penny Williams. We explore how circumstances themselves—things happening in the world—are neutral and only gain meaning through the thoughts and emotions we assign to them. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, Penny discusses how reframing our perspectives can transform our reactions, especially as parents of neurodivergent kids. She challenges us to examine our beliefs, embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, and cultivate a mindset of agency and joy—without resorting to toxic positivity.   To find out more about Penny, purchase the books she has written and get insights on what is coming next for Penny, visit her website at www.parentingadhdandautism.com.

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to unpack the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders (PFD). Jaclyn shares how Feeding Matters supports families and educates professionals on issues that go far beyond picky eating—touching on medical, developmental, and psychosocial aspects of feeding challenges. We dive into the importance of codifying feeding issues under the PFD framework, the hurdles families face in accessing care, and why understanding feeding development holistically is crucial.   Find out more about Jaclyn by visiting her website at www.feedingmatters.org.

I'm here solo today to talk about holiday survival tips. First, start with YOURSELF. Be kind and compassionate with yourself: you're allowed. Prioritize your nervous system so that you can co-regulate with your kiddos. Next, what accommodations might your kids need in order to make it through changes in food, routine and personnel? Can you set those up in advance? Sending you so much love for this holiday season.

In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, I’m joined by Penny Williams to explore how external stressors—like natural disasters—can heighten family stress and impact our kids' behavior. We dive into how staying mindful of our own responses and developing emotional resilience can make a big difference, especially when supporting children who need extra patience and understanding. This episode sheds light on practical strategies for self-regulation and helping kids feel more secure, even when life gets overwhelming.   To find out more about Penny and how she may be able to help you, visit her website at parentingadhdandautism.com.

Claire Lerner came back to the Complicated Kids Podcast to talk about inflexibility in kids. We talked about so much more! Parents and educators alike will want to listen for scripts to use when kids are having a hard time and when they're testing limits. Turns out: limits are loving and boundaries are scaffolds for learning resilience and flexibility! Did you know?! Have a listen.   To find out more about Claire, visit www.lernerchilddevelopment.com.

In this week’s Complicated Kids Podcast I am joined by Dr. Emily King with some deep insights for parents, teachers, and therapists on supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. King is a child psychologist specializing in neurodivergent kids and teens. We tackle key challenges, like modifying the definition of success, accommodating different learning styles, and supporting asynchronous development. We provide practical strategies for adults to better understand and assist children in thriving on their own terms, breaking away from rigid cultural expectations of success.   To find out more about Dr. King, visit her website at www.learnwithdremily.com.

Veronica Alkon knew that early intervention was working for her son. But she also knew that if she could get "underneath" his neurological differences, that therapy would go more smoothly. Join me and Veronica to talk about her experience with Musgatova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method and how she now thinks about human nervous systems. We had some issues with connectivity, so bear with the sound issues for this important conversation.   To find out more about Veronica, visit her website at www.treatbodyandmind.com.

In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with Caroline Turner, a social worker passionate about supporting children with autism, to talk about Quirky Buds.   Turner's project, Quirky Buds, is a platform that she created to help neurodiverse individuals find friends based on shared interests. Turner explains the inspiration behind Quirky Buds and the need for creating community connections tailored for individuals who often have unique and specific interests (think: elevators or Minecraft).   Find out more about Caroline by visiting www.quirkybuds.com.

Christi Hay, a pediatrician in private practice, joins me on the podcast today to share tips for how parents can partner with their pediatrician -- even when they don't have a lot of time. We also talk about brains, talking to kids about their brains, how to celebrate brain-based differences and see the person in front of us.   To find out more about Christi, visit her website at www.palisadespeds.com.