Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments

This episode continues our sensory series, diving deep into the world of Sensory Sound, with actionable strategies for supporting sensitive kids wherever you go. Why Are Loud Spaces So Overwhelming? Colleen unpacks how unpredictable peaks in sound, bustling crowds, harsh lighting, and layered sensory inputs can overload sensitive nervous systems. Whether it's a mic popping at announcements, the hum of the HVAC, or the swirl of cafeteria chatter—these environments can quickly become "too much." Building a Predictable Noise Plan—Step by Step This episode is all about taking back control and creating a kind, doable plan so your kids can participate and feel safe: Recon the Space: Visit venues early, spot the quiet zones, locate exits, and identify problem areas. Create a Noise Map: Colleen shares practical tips for sketching out "green" (safe/quiet), "yellow" (watchful), and "red" (overwhelming) areas in any environment. Try the Gear: Explore sound-dampening solutions, from free options (hoodies, signals) to noise-canceling headphones and musicians' earplugs—covering several budgets. Practice Exit & Reentry: Teach simple signals, rehearse calming routines, and have a regrouping spot so kids know when and how to retreat and return. End With a Win: Celebrate every step your child takes in self-advocacy—even if it means sitting out for the day. Praise their use of the plan! Real-Life Stories & Church Success Inspired by a learner's lab member's ongoing journey, Colleen offers scripts for requesting accommodations and creative ways to normalize sensory gear. You'll also hear practical solutions for church, co op, cafeterias, and gym settings.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsor: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No" Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues Yard Work for Sensory Input Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids Sensory Play with Spice Painting Sensory Play for Kids  

In today's episode, Colleen breaks down what a sensory diet is (and isn't!), why it matters, and how to get started with simple, safe, and low-prep strategies that work in any space—even if your house is bursting at the seams. Here's what you'll find inside: A breakdown of the five key sensory systems: proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral motor, and auditory/visual. Ideas for easy, everyday sensory activities: From "squeezy hugs" and wall pushups to crashing into beanbags, squishing play doh, sipping yogurt through a straw, and more—no fancy equipment required! How to spot your child's "pressure points" throughout the day (transition trouble spots, meltdown times, etc.) Ways to tailor your sensory menu: For movement-seeking kids, those who prefer sameness, and kiddos with anxiety or academic challenges. Troubleshooting tips: Small spaces, tight budgets, sibling drama, and even messy play.   Most importantly, you'll learn how to help kids notice and communicate what works for their bodies. We're all about empowering them with choice and self-awareness! Free Download: Home Sensory Diet Planner Grab Your Sensory Diet Planner!   Ready to build your own sensory toolbox? Head over to the show notes and grab your free planner! It's packed with suggestions and space to track your kids' pressure points, sensory wins, and more.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsor: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No" Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues Yard Work for Sensory Input Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids Sensory Play with Spice Painting Sensory Play for Kids  

Let's be honest: if your kiddos leave a trail of half-finished projects, open browser tabs, and idea explosions in their wake, you are SO not alone. Neurodivergent kids (and their amazing, multitasking moms!) can struggle with seeing things through—not because they're lazy or unmotivated, but because the finish line often feels fuzzy, overwhelming, or just plain boring. In this week's episode, we're unpacking: Why finishing is tough for neurodivergent kiddos, whether it's next-step anxiety, perfectionism, time blindness, or working memory hurdles. The power of "done statements"—specific, clear criteria for what finished actually looks like. (Think: "This is done when you've done 10 math problems with all steps shown" or "Laundry is done when it's in the drawer and the basket is empty.") Works-in-progress (WIP) limits – One "now" and one "next," with everything else safely parked and waiting. (Idea overload, be gone!) Quick wins and tiny products: Get something DONE in a day with a postcard summary, a 3-slide deck, or a 60-second voice memo. Saving progress rituals: So nothing gets lost, and future-you can jump right back in—next steps, photos, and all. Keeping motivation up: Dopamine logs, gallery walls, and flexible closure routines—because DONE is more important than PERFECT. Lots of love for all our creative, innovative kids (gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, and more). Remember—these strategies are for real families, with real kids, and I promise you, they WORK.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsor: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It) How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins Strengthen Executive Function Skills The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead When Working Memory Looks Like Defiance Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help  

This episode is packed with real, practical strategies for getting (and staying) organized, especially for families homeschooling neurodivergent kids or anyone who simply bristles at traditional organization systems. We all know the struggle: out of sight = out of mind. Those neat folders and tucked-away systems might work for some, but for kids (and parents!) with ADHD, executive dysfunction, or asynchronous learning styles, they often fizzle by October. Instead, we're embracing OPEN, VISIBLE, and EASY-TO-ACCESS systems that truly work for the way our brains (and our kids' brains) are wired.   Key Takeaways: Out of Sight = Out of Mind: Traditional closed binders and folders often fail neurodivergent kids. Use open, visible storage—clear bins, open baskets, or carts—so materials stay in sight and top-of-mind. Keep Systems Simple: Limit organizational systems to a maximum two-step process (touch and use). Reduce friction by making materials immediately accessible—no complex filing or multiple steps required. Celebrate Progress Visibly: Provide immediate, tangible feedback through "done" bins, photo portfolios, or visible finished work. Watching their progress accumulate gives neurodivergent learners needed motivation and dopamine hits.   If staying organized feels impossible, let yourself off the hook—this episode is full of practical, compassionate advice and encouragement. Grab a coffee, listen in, and let's get ready for a smoother homeschool year together.   Looking for More Support? If you want ongoing resources, coaching, or community, check out the Learner's Lab or subscribe to our email list for info on upcoming small group cohorts for middle/high schoolers and executive function workshops. You're the perfect parent for your child—just as you are. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember: structure and flexibility are both just tools.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family The Anxiety Toolkit Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It) How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins Strengthen Executive Function Skills The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions When Working Memory Looks Like Defiance  

As part of the ongoing Executive Function series on the podcast, this week's episode dives into the essential (and often misunderstood) skill of working memory—how it impacts neurodivergent learners and what we can do to help. If your child loses track of multi-step instructions, forgets a task mid-way, or gets overwhelmed by routines, you're not alone—and it's not simply forgetfulness. It's about the way their brain processes and stores information moment-to-moment. Key Takeaways: Make Instructions Visible & Bite-Sized: Use a Working Memory Command Center (think: whiteboards, sticky notes, rhythm cards) to externalize each step of a routine. Break down big tasks into 3-5 micro-steps and post them where your child needs to see them. Create a Personalized Micro Prompt Library: Build a set of actionable cue cards ("Write the date," "Circle the operation," "Put away 10 things") specific to your child's daily routines. This makes starting and completing tasks less overwhelming and more achievable. Teach Back & Retrieval Practice: Use playful strategies like the 30-second teach-back and "look away retrieval" games to help kids practice recalling information, building both confidence and working memory muscle—without stress. If you want hands-on ideas you can implement today (including one-week action steps!), this episode and the free Executive Function Quick Start Guide are for you. Let's reframe the narrative: your child isn't lazy or forgetful—they just need tools that meet their neurodivergent brains where they are.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…) Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids) Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons

If you tuned into this week's episode, you know we're in the thick of our executive function series—and this time, we took a deep dive into a challenge so many neurodivergent kiddos (and their parents!) know all too well: getting started. Task initiation can feel impossible for kids who are gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, anxious, or just generally outside-the-box thinkers. They might be able to talk your ear off about their passions, but ask them to start a five-minute worksheet, and it's like hitting a brick wall. Sound familiar? Here's the thing: your child isn't broken, and neither are you. Their brain just needs some extra scaffolding and gentle strategies—and that's exactly what we covered in this week's episode.   Key Takeaways: Start small for big wins: Break tasks into "micro steps" or "bricks." Even something as simple as writing the date can be the first win that propels kids forward. Audit and reduce friction: Quick 5-minute "friction audits" help you and your child identify what's holding them back—be it sensory needs, unclear instructions, or missing tools—and address it before frustration builds. Model and scaffold for independence: By using techniques like body doubling (working in parallel), giving clear "done statements," or offering guided choices, you're not just helping them now—you're equipping them with lifelong executive function skills.   If you're a parent, educator, or homeschooler supporting bright, quirky kids, this episode is a toolkit of actionable insights. Grab the Executive Function Quick Start Guide for even more resources!   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…) Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids) Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons  

Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You're not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family.   Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Ditch the "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach: Neurodivergent kids break the mold! Traditional checklists and rigid schedules can actually increase stress. Instead, focus on finding rhythms and anchors that guide your morning rather than the clock. Externalize Time & Reduce Decision Fatigue: Many kids (and adults!) experience "time blindness." Support them by using visual timers, playlists, or analog clocks, and prepping choices the night before to streamline mornings and cut down on stress. Prioritize Movement, Regulation, and Connection: Mornings run smoother when you weave in brief movement breaks, sensory supports, and moments of connection before tackling big tasks. These micro-habits help everyone launch into the day feeling regulated and ready.   Want more practical tools? There's a free download in the episode with sample morning routines and rhythm cards—perfect for building routines that are realistic and sustainable!   Let's make mornings kinder for everyone—especially YOU, the parent.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12   Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…) Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids) Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids  

In this week's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let's be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn't for the faint of heart! This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here's a peek at what we covered:   Structure is Comforting… Until It Isn't Structure helps our kids (and us!) feel safe. Predictable routines can seriously reduce anxiety, especially for those with executive functioning challenges, ADHD, autism, or sensory processing issues. But too much rigidity? It can spark rebellion, burnout, and meltdowns—especially with creative, passionate, gifted kids.   What Does Flexibility Really Mean? Flexibility doesn't mean winging it! It means responsive teaching—letting your child's needs, interests, and even energy levels guide your day. I share my own family's rhythm, from color-coded calendars to built-in time for unexpected appointments and sibling support.   Practical Strategies to Try Now Here are some actionable takeaways to help you find your family's sweet spot: Start with Your "Must Do's": Define your "minimum viable day"—the simplest version of what needs to happen (e.g., a little reading, writing, and math). Ease into your routine and build up slowly. Anchors, Not Timetables: Instead of strict schedules, anchor your day around meals, read-alouds, or physical routines. Visual Tools & Ownership: Use checklists, whiteboards, or color-coded calendars so your kids know what's on deck. Support Executive Function: Scaffold routines gently and model breaking big tasks into small steps. Embrace Interest-Led Learning: Let your child's passions drive parts of the curriculum for greater engagement. Built-in Downtime: Everyone—including you!—needs breaks to recharge.   You're Not Alone (Even When It Feels Like It) If your Instagram doesn't look like those homeschool highlight reels, that's normal. Messy days aren't failures—they're feedback.   Looking for More Support? If you want ongoing resources, coaching, or community, check out the Learner's Lab or subscribe to our email list for info on upcoming small group cohorts for middle/high schoolers and executive function workshops. You're the perfect parent for your child—just as you are. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember: structure and flexibility are both just tools.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 Why Create a Schedule Command Center? Setting Up a Homeschool Schedule Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It) Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons A Thriving Homeschool | Strategies for Setting Boundaries

This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We're Unpacking This Episode: Why friendships can be challenging for neurodivergent kids (think asynchronous development, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or intense interests that aren't always shared by peers). Supporting your child: From validating their feelings and practicing social skills together, to seeking out interest-based clubs and even professional help when needed, we're covering loads of strategies. Managing our own expectations: Sometimes it's our hearts that ache more than our kids'—especially if they're totally content solo-building Lego metropolises while we scroll by endless social media playdate posts. (You're not alone if this sounds all too familiar.) Key Takeaway: There's no single "right" way for kids to socialize—and not all loneliness means your child is suffering. We talk about the difference between the child who longs for connection (and how to support them) and the content solo flyer (who's truly happy alone, even if that's hard for us to accept as parents). Quick Tips From the Episode: Normalize neurodiversity at home. Celebrate differences. Your child isn't broken—they're beautifully wired. Prioritize shared interests over age. Sometimes the best friendships are across generations or centered around passions rather than peer groups. Practice and role-play social skills in low-pressure environments (think: one-on-one meetups, online clubs like our Learner's Lab, or even just chatting with a cool neighbor with a unique hobby). Know that seeking therapy or coaching is a strength, not a weakness—for both kids and parents. A Gentle Reminder: If your child is thriving emotionally, feels seen and supported, and is building their life at their own pace—even if it doesn't look the way you expected—you're doing a great job. Sometimes the most meaningful friendships (and personal growth) take the scenic route.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids Why LEGO STEM Challenges Belong in Your Homeschool – Especially If You're Raising Neurodivergent Kids Teaching Kids to Befriend Others Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella

This week's episode of the podcast is all about executive function—what it is, how struggles in these skills show up in homeschoolers, and, most importantly, what you can do at home to support your child as they grow. Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or has a neurodivergence like ADHD or autism, these ideas are for you. Here are some highlights and key takeaways: Executive function is more than organization. It encompasses a whole set of skills: from planning and prioritizing to task initiation, working memory, emotional regulation, and more. Many neurodivergent kids' intellectual abilities often outpace these essential life skills. Scaffolding and modeling are key. Building executive function doesn't mean doing it all for them. Instead, break down tasks, provide step-by-step support, externalize plans (think: whiteboards and visual checklists), and consistently model your own planning and problem-solving out loud. Progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins and keep the focus on growth and effort. Building these life skills is a marathon, not a sprint. Our job isn't to micromanage, but to guide, equip, and be a safe base as our kids grow into independent problem-solvers. Whether you're a parent or educator, this episode is a great reminder: little steps matter—and you're not alone on the journey!   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins Strengthen Executive Function Skills The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions