When Gaming Takes Over with Edward Spector

Screens aren’t just tools anymore. They’re environments where kids live, learn, and connect. But for some, that connection turns into a compulsion that’s tough to break. This week I sit down with my friend Ed Spector, a psychologist with tons of experience helping families navigate tech overuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. Together, we unpack how heavy use becomes compulsive, why certain kids are more vulnerable, and what harm-reduction strategies really look like in practice.   To find out more about Ed, visit his websites at www.spectortherapy.com or https://gamenight.space/ About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

AI gets a bad rap from some but can be a valuable tool for helping kiddos with learning delays and development issues.   Corom Thompson and Elad Ziklik join the Complicated Kids Podcast to explore how AI is being used in creative, deeply personal ways to help children with intellectual and developmental challenges. From Corom’s daughter’s “digital hamster” who makes bedtime easier, to AI-powered tools that give kids customized social scripts and emotional support, this conversation shines a light on how technology can become an empathetic partner for families. We talk about imagination, consistency, and the real-world ripple effects when kids feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that work uniquely for them.   To find out more about Elad and Corom, visit their  website at uniqueminds.com.  About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Mediation can make one of life’s hardest transitions less overwhelming for families with kids who need extra care. That’s what divorce mediator, Joe Dillon, conveyed when he joined me to talk about what happens when families with complicated kids go through divorce. Joe shares how his own childhood experience shaped his work, why mediation can be a healthier alternative to litigation, and how things like parenting plans, child support, and property division become even more complex when children have developmental or medical needs. We also discuss the importance of stability, creative problem-solving, and putting kids’ needs first, even in the midst of major life changes. To find out more about Joe, visit his website at equitablemediation.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Growing up autistic brings a perspective that parents, teachers, and therapists can learn so much from. This week, I’m talking with Becca Engle, a special education teacher, book coach, and autistic adult. Becca was diagnosed at age three, found her voice by age five, and has been navigating the ups and downs of life with autism ever since. In our conversation, she shares what made a difference along the way—from the adults who supported her to the moments of real connection that opened doors to learning. We also dig into how assumptions about autism can shape—or limit—a child’s future. Becca’s story is such a good reminder that every child’s journey is different, and that growth doesn’t always look the way we think it will.   Find out more about Becca on her socials. FB: @becca.engle.02 and @Rebecrafts IG: @re02.20 and @stichesstanzas.  About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

What does it really mean to choose single parenthood by choice? Clinical Social Worker Joanna Strait, shares about the thoughtful, often complex decisions behind creating a family outside of the traditional structure. We explore fertility pressures, the importance of community, the influence of social media, and the empowerment that comes from making intentional choices.   To find out more about Joanna, visit her website at www.togetherwelltherapy.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Spoiler Alert: the secret to your child’s toughest behaviors isn’t discipline; it’s the strength of your connection with them. 🤯  In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with parent coach and therapist Todd Sarner to talk about what attachment really means (and what it doesn’t). Todd shares how shifting from “fixing kids” to empowering parents transformed his work, and why secure attachment is the key to both child development and adult relationships. We explore the three pillars that support families—connection, structure, and compassionate responses to behavior—and dive into what it really takes to raise sensitive or “complicated” kids without shame or overwhelm. If you want to find out more about Todd, visit his website at www.transformativeparenting.com or check out his masterclass at www.masterclassforparents.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

If you’re curious about the role of virtual reality in teaching critical life skills to autistic kiddos, you’ll want to listen to this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast.   I sat down with Vijay Ravindran—engineer, autism dad, and founder of Floreo—to talk about how virtual reality can transform  the way we teach social, safety, and communication skills to neurodivergent kids. From crossing the street to interacting with law enforcement, we explore how VR offers a controlled, immersive learning environment that supports real-world generalization. It’s a fascinating blend of parenting, technology, and therapeutic innovation you won’t want to miss.   To find out more about Floreo, visit www.floreovr.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/

What if summer wasn’t just a break from school—but a chance to reset how you think about it altogether? Parent Coach and School Navigator, Scotti Weintraub has joined me to talk about how to use the summer months to reflect on your child’s school experience—without falling into the trap of overthinking. We explore how to spot the wins (even the small ones), pause the academic pressure, and find meaningful ways to enjoy your kids right now. We also dive into how to communicate with next year’s teachers in a way that opens doors instead of slamming them shut.   To find out more about Scotti, visit her website at www.reframeparenting.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

What if your child’s struggles with attention, language, or behavior weren’t about what they hear—but how their brain makes sense of it?   I’m joined by Dr. Rae Stout, audiologist and expert in auditory processing, to unpack the often-misunderstood world of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). We dig into what APD actually is, why it’s so often missed or misdiagnosed, and how things like early ear infections and fluctuating hearing can impact learning, language, and even behavior. Dr. Rae shares eye-opening stories and makes the case for early intervention using low-gain hearing aids—even in kids without hearing loss.   To find out more about Dr. Rae, visit her website at www.drraestout.com.  About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ 

Tired of the power struggles? Discover how one small mindset shift—validation—can bring more peace to your parenting. I’m diving deep into one of the most powerful—yet often misunderstood—tools in parenting: validation. We’ll explore what validation really means, why it’s not the same as agreement or caving in, and how it helps kids (and adults!) feel seen without sacrificing boundaries. I’ll share real-life examples—from toddler diaper changes to teenage curfews—and unpack how validation can shift dynamics, reduce power struggles, and build stronger connections. Plus, we’ll talk about why it might feel hard to validate and what that tells you about your own inner landscape.   Visit my website for more information on how I can help you build a better relationship with your child. www.gabrielenicolet.com. About your host, Gabriele Nicolet Join Gabriele Nicolet, podcast host, parenting life coach and speech therapist, weekly for practical strategies and tips on raising complicated kids. Learn how to go from surviving to thriving and create a family culture in which every family member can feel valued, seen and heard. With a practical, relationship-based, family-friendly approach, Gabriele provides tools and insights parents need to create a more balanced and fun family life.If you've been listening and wondering what next steps to take to help your child, I am here for you. Maybe you're wondering whether your kiddo needs a speech and language evaluation, or occupational therapy, or some behavioral intervention to deal with picky eating, anger, meltdowns, hitting and biting. With over 20 years of experience, my knowledge of child development and the available options goes deep. Maybe you just want some practical tips on how to get through the day and feel like a better parent. We can unpack that too. Sound good? Learn more at www.gabrielenicolet.com. Complicated Kids Resources and Links: 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com  📅Schedule a free intro call at https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session.  📺Subscribe to Gabriele's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured   👾Grab Tell the Story - my powerful anti-anxiety tool for kids https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story  ➡️ http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet  ➡️ http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet  ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/   🌺Grab our free checklist to find out if you're raising an Orchid Kid https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/