On The Hard Days

BONUS: Ep. 214 All Things 'Community' With The Ladies of "Moms Talk Autism"!

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Hi guys! I'm interrupting this hiatus with an exciting bonus episode, when I was recently featured on the "Moms Talk Autism" podcast. Please give it a listen!

Happy New Year! We’ve got a special bonus episode to kick off 2026. This is the year to build your support system and create a strong community around you and your family. Let’s go!

Mothers Together is a first-of-its-kind global community supporting moms of neurodivergent kids. Their mission is to improve the mental health of moms by fostering deep connections and true friendships in a judgment-free space. Megan Champion, creator of Mothers Together, joins us to talk about the importance of friendship and to answer our questions about how this community might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Open House enrollment happens quarterly, with the first opportunity of the year on January 7th. This free, virtual event is a chance to meet moms in the community, ask questions, and see what Mothers Together is all about. We hope to see you there!

Ep. 213 Mom Jen on Becoming Empowered to Learn How to Advocate For Her Gifted Child - How She Fought For Services and Won (the Second Time)

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

"It's what we have to do. This is the fight, right now." Mom Jen tells the story of learning how to advocate for her gifted child - it's a powerful, super relatable conversation. If you've ever had to fight for services for your kid, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we talk about:

Life with her child: Gifted, with ASD, ADHD, and SPD
Being denied an IEP because her child was "smart" (after the school recommended he get tested!)
The mental health ripple effect of being denied services - feeling like a failure
How finding her people in Mothers Together helped her learn how to advocate for her kid
Recognizing that showing anger and frustration at meetings helped her get the IEP eventually
The importance of support for moms, and how it leads to empowerment
Find Jen @ makeagoodmess.com!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"Wow, listening to this was so validating!" <--- Sound like you? Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more moms - just like you - who need the support and validation to get through the hardships of parenting ND kids.

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

...is coming up on JULY 16th! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!

Ep. 212 Mom Lisa on Finding Time to Care About Herself Through a Very Unique Journey to Motherhood

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

"I just wanted to be a mom. I always wanted to be a mom." Mom Lisa's journey to motherhood was definitely an interesting one! Be sure to tune in!

In this episode, we talk about:

Life with 3 kids with various diagnoses & needs: Down Syndrome, ODD, ASD
After infertility, the gift of motherhood in fostering and adoption
How she helped others in her church community with fostering and adoption
How she got her "Post-It Note Baby" - yes, really.
Why Lisa believes in keeping the biological family involved if possible
The importance of therapy and true "self-care"

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!

Ep. 211 Mom Emily on Implementing the "Spoon Theory" Into Her Child's Day, and How Curiosity & Research Has Helped Her Grief & Acceptance

Tue, 13 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

"I'm loving the information I'm gathering, even though it's really hard." Today's episode is with Emily, and I just LOVE her insight and vulnerability! Ever heard of the "Spoon Theory"? Be sure to listen in on this one!

In this episode, we talk about:

The anxiety of *not knowing* when the other shoe will drop
The stress of continuous medical issues: Asthma, pneumonia, cleft
When the medical issues turned into behavioral challenges
Getting the diagnosis: Level 1 ASD with PDA profile
How she plans out her son's day using the "Spoon Theory"
How she uses curiosity and her desire to learn to help herself get through hard times
The grief component to not being able to take your kid to do certain things
Co-regulation - exhausting. Worthwhile, but exhausting.
How she uses her background as a pediatric OT to understand her child

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!

Ep. 210 Mom Sarah on Re-Imagining & Re-Shaping Her Life to Understand How to Support Her ND Kids

Tue, 06 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

"I was providing for my family, and I was dead inside." Today's episode is with Sarah, whose motherhood journey will sound VERY relatable to many of you! Don't miss this one!

In this episode, we talk about:

What it's like being the "breadwinner" AND the co-regulator.
When your kids have overlapping, opposite needs.
Raising ND kids who go to 3 different types of schools
Her kids' various challenges - anxiety, giftedness, PDA, etc.
The family dynamics of a stay-at-home Dad!
Coming to the realization that there is no perfect school - and coming to terms with that.
Autism in girls - and how different it is than in boys.
Unlearning a "Type A" personality through burnout.
How she embraced a unique form of exercise to help her mental health

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!

Ep. 209 Mom Dalynn on Putting in the Work on Herself to Lead Her Family With Love & Understanding, Instead of Yelling & Anxiety

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Today's episode is with Dalynn, who shared some really vulnerable, tough stuff in this conversation. It's a powerful episode not to be missed.

**Trigger Warning: Talk of hitting/physical abuse at the 21:00 mark**

In this episode, we talk about:

What it's like raising 5 teens/young adults
When you're raising an ND kid with grandparents
Raising a kid with severe sleep challenges
How her prior cancer journey helped her handle the challenges in parenting
How lack of sleep and severe anxiety led to her lashing out
How she learned how to "gentle parent" in therapy
How she's coming to terms with the load she carries

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!

Ep. 208 Mom Stephanie on the "Survival of Self" While Getting Divorced & Helping a Struggling Teenager Who Doesn't Want Help

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

"I've had a whole parenting life of doing it all by myself." Today's episode is with my good friend Stephanie, who has been with me in Mothers Together since (almost) Day 1! Don't miss it!

**Trigger Warning: Talk of suicidal ideations at the 45:00 mark**

In this episode, we talk about:

When giftedness shows itself in preschool
Why it's frustrating when educators can't share if they feel a diagnosis is present
When your partner doesn't think there's anything wrong
What the motherhood load looks like when a marriage is breaking
The challenges of finding the right school for a gifted child with ADHD
Where ADHD, OCD, and depression overlap
When your ND kid is old enough to refuse medication
When your child's baseline for what's okay doesn't match yours
When you're the one who picks up all the pieces, all the time.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Click HERE to join us at Open House NOW and save your spot - the next Open House isn't until OCTOBER! See you there!

Ep. 207 Mom Sandi on Helping Her PDA Child Come Out the Other Side of Severe Burnout (and What She Learned About Herself Along the Way)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

"PDA kids don't bend...they break. And I'm not breaking my kid again." Today's episode with mom guest, Sandy, is REALLY, really good. Don't skip this one!

In this episode, we talk about:

How the professionals *missed* the signs early on
How girls' neurodivergence often goes under the radar
What PDA looked like in her young son
What school refusal looked like with a supportive school
The lack of professional support about PDA, especially in emergencies
How she became a PDA leader in Mothers Together

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

...is coming up on April 2nd! Open House is primarily a validation-based event, where you and I can connect and chat, and I'll support you, along with my Host Mom "tour guides", as we introduce you to the warm and welcoming Mothers Together community.

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Ep. 206 Mom Becky on Learning to Understand Her Neurodivergent Kids Through the Joy of Support

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

"All the things I knew to do weren't working...I was perpetually annoyed." Today's episode with mom guest, Becky, is a powerful one! Don't miss it!

In this episode, we talk about:

Her family: One adult child and 3 elementary age - 2 adopted from foster care, and all with a wide range of needs and challenges: ADHD, Autism, 2E, Anxiety, OCD, and more.
How she felt crazy when all the strategies didn't work
How she reclaimed joy in the Mothers Together community
A virtual community vs. in-person
Finding support in MT first about her children, but then about *her*.
How she utilized the resources provided in MT

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Ep. 205 Mom Dorothy on Accepting Your Lack of Control, Being Realistic About Hope, and Using Your Master Negotiation Skills To Get Help

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

"Even though my son is 18, he will forever be 8 to 10 years old." Today's episode with mom guest, Dorothy, is a powerful one! Don't miss it!

In this episode, we talk about:

Her child's life with Tourette Syndrome, Autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, and a gene mutation affecting medication
What tics were like at the beginning of a Tourette journey
The challenge of adoption without knowing the genetics of the birth parents
How her child cannot tolerate medications for more than a short time
Even after having been to the top specialists and clinics, life is still unpredictable

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Ep. 204 Mom Amanda on Being an "Action Taker" While Pursuing All The Things to Help Her Family Thrive

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

"We kind of go along each day, living in the moment of where our kids are at that time, and how we can support them in that." Don't miss this one with mom guest, Amanda! You'll feel inspired and validated by her unique journey!

In this episode, we talk about:

Life with *8* adopted, neurodivergent children after fostering dozens of kids
How her own ADHD has led to MANY different passions and hobbies
What it was like in burnout as a foster parent
Homeschooling, homesteading, and their daily life
How she meets the needs of her PDA child among the needs of other kids
Finding her joy in friendship and her version of "self care" - publishing a book about social workers and foster families

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Ep. 203 Mom Emily on Managing Caregiver Burnout When There's No End in Sight

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

"It always goes back to - NOBODY gets it." We're BACK!! And we're kicking it off with mom guest, Emily. I'm telling you right now - you will ABSOLUTELY resonate with her story!

In this episode, we talk about:

The frustration of being your child's co-regulator 24/7
When being a "stay at home mom" means you can't take your kids out due to your child's struggles - so you're always at home.
The way motherhood is romanticized on social media
The sadness of losing friendships with other adults over time because they have NT kids.
How sharing your nervous system with your child's means you have nothing left at the end of the day.
How finding her village has helped her reclaim her identity
How parenting a demand avoidant kid requires a whole different approach

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a review". And be sure to follow the show so you're notified whenever I publish an episode. Follow Now!

Mothers Together *Open House*

Open House is FREE, VIRTUAL, and NOT time zone-dependent, so you can join from anywhere around the world!

Ep.202 Mom Chantelle Stieghan on Facing Motherhood Struggles With Humor & Rolling With the (Literal) Punches

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Chantelle. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The lack of support when living in a foreign country
-When doctors have never heard of the struggles your child is facing
-Eating disorders as part of being neurodivergent
-How ADHD can look so different in different kids
-How emotional it is to feel alone in your struggles
-Trying to advocate for your child in a different language than your native tongue
-How exciting it is to find a resource that helps
-Chantelle's children's books that she made up for her children - on sale on Amazon! Find them here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Chantelle-Stieghan/

Please shower Chantelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 230K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.201 Mom Felicia Watkins on Stopping the Cycles of Self-Gaslighting and Judging How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Felicia. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Raising multiple children with Autism
-Learning how to stop self-gaslighting when looking at your child's struggles
-The exhaustion she feels from trying to meet the needs of all of her kids
-Rolling with the punches while establishing your household "norms"
-How she's practicing self-love with less judgement

Please shower Felicia with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

Ep.200!! Celebrating 200 Episodes With Megan Through Vulnerability & Validation

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: I'm celebrating 200 episodes today - join me as I reflect on how sharing stories brings us the crucial validation we need.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

Ep.199 Mom Stephanie Fluger on Asking For Help: Learning to Let Go of Control, Shed Guilt & Anger, and Actually Take Care of Yourself

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Stephanie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The hardships of raising a non-verbal toddler and a baby during Covid with very limited resources.
-Relearning how to ask for help and take care of herself as a stay-at-home mom.
-When everything just feels like too much
-Feeling like we have to do everything and letting go of control
-Why did she feel so angry all the time?
-How she now feels that exercise isn't self-care - it's a necessity.
-How hormone imbalance adds to our challenges

Please shower Stephanie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 225K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.198 Mom Cathy Shields on Acceptance & Understanding of a Neurodivergent Young Adult

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Cathy. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too!

Please shower Cathy with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

Find Cathy at cathyshieldswriter.com!

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to almost 220K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.197 Dad Rob Gorski on the "Sudden Detour" of a Massive Regression & Parenting the Kid, Not the Diagnosis

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Today's brand new episode features a dad!! I'm talking with Dad Rob Gorski. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How challenging a massive regression was for him to process
-How fevers brought back the "old" child - and going through the grief all over again
-What "survival mode" looked like for him
-How he channeled his struggles into writing and podcasting
-What life looked like as a single dad - and how he chose to focus on positivity
-How to compassionately hold his kids accountable for tough behaviors

Want to connect with Rob? Go to theautismdad.com and specialneedsohio.com.

Please shower Rob with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom (or dad!) who needs to hear his story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to almost 220K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.196 Mom Taylor Alexander on Surviving & Prioritizing What's Important When Managing a Whole Family With ADHD

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Taylor. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How she received an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and what ADHD looks like for her
-How ADHD looks differently in girls vs. boys
-The process of acquiring stimulant medication for multiple people in the family at the same time.
-How hard it is to leave the house as a family - always preparing for the worst-case scenario
-Figuring out true priorities and what she can let go

Please shower Taylor with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to almost 220K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.195 On The Hard Days is BACK! Here's The Update!

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

After a hiatus, we're back, my friends! I'm thrilled to be pushing out new episodes to you starting TOMORROW and every Monday after that.

**You're invited to the Mothers Together "Open House", a virtual gathering to give you a taste of what my Mothers Together community is all about. Be sure to get on the email list, as I'll be sending out more information soon.
Go to mothers-together.com/openhouse to sign up!

Ep.194 (Replay): Dad Brent Nohl on How Therapy & Meds For YOU Help Your Neurodivergent Kids Become the Best Versions of Themselves

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Dad Bren was the first in a series of dads to join me on the show. He was so vulnerable in sharing what it's like from a dad's perspective to raise a neurodivergent child with challenging behaviors. I'm so excited to you all to hear what he has to say - and if YOU know a dad who might benefit from hearing Brent's story, please send him this episode! Here's just some of what we discussed:

-Frightening febrile seizures
-Play therapy experience with a child with severe ADHD
-Hearing negative self talk with Mood Disregulation Disorder
-When your child is on a cocktail of drugs for physical and mental health
-Accepting your child isn't an extension of you and that you can only help them with acceptance
-Marriage counseling works - after objecting to it for a long time
-Realizing you have to parent him differently, and how weird that looks to everyone else
-Being on high alert all the time

** HUGE NEWS!! For the first time ever, I'm hosting a Mothers Together "Open House" - a free, 5 day challenge where you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to 200K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.193 Mom Courtney Welsh on How Working Through Post-Natal Depression Helped Shape a Positive Mindset to Raise Her Neurodivergent Child

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"I could only find people talking about all the negatives or all the positives. There was no middle ground."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Courtney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What apraxia of speech looked like in her child
-Loneliness during the postnatal depression period
-How she handled judgmental comments from others
-Finding a balance of what to share and how to share it to create a safe space for other moms
-How toxic positivity makes moms of ND kids feel guilty
-How she made a conscious decision not to judge anyone else and now spreads a message of kindness and grace

Please shower Courtney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! For the first time ever, I'm hosting a Mothers Together "Open House" - a free, 5 day challenge where you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to almost 200K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.192 Mom Hannah Mira on How Learning About & Understanding Herself Through a Late Autism Diagnosis & Therapy Has Changed How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kid

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"It's not about being a perfect parent - it's about being a reflective parent."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Hannah. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Learning about yourself as a neurodivergent mom to help understand your child
-How challenging it is to advocate for your child
-Transitions can be so tough - how she handles them
-Repairing with your child (often)
-How therapy (and EMDR) has helped her so much
-How important it is to get alone time, despite how hard it is to make happen
-Figuring out what works for you and applying it to your parenting

Please shower Hannah with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

** HUGE NEWS!! For the first time ever, I'm hosting a Mothers Together "Open House" - a free, 5 day challenge where you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to meet other moms like you, please join us for Open House! Here's the link to sign up: mothers-together.com/openhouse. See you there!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 180K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.191 Mom Caroline on Adjusting Your Expectations as a Military Spouse & Facing Your Own Mental Health Diagnosis as a Mental Health Professional

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"I could do it all, but I deserve to not have to."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Caroline. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Life as a military spouse during deployment
-Sensory struggles, feeding disorders, and Autism
-Infancy trauma (sick with RSV, traumatic birth) - how does that fit with who a child is?
-Facing your own mental health struggles as a mental health professional
-What is Cyclothymia (mild Bipolar Disorder)?
-Fixated behaviors - what do they look like and what is the cause of them?
-The pros and cons of receiving a diagnosis for your child
-Adjusting your expectations and keeping safety as the priority
-Going to therapy as a therapist

Please shower Caroline with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

In addition to sharing pieces of my life and my favorites with you, this newsletter gives YOU the chance to share what’s on your heart! I’ll be accepting your original work – whether it’s a poem, a piece of art, a short story about a recent win you had, or even a video of your original music, to put into the newsletter! I’m also going to share your recommended self-care tips (you know, real self-care that’s practical for moms like us), links to my new merch, and more! I’m really excited about this, honestly.

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @on.the.hard.days, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message.

The On The Hard Days newsletter launches soon, so get on my email list asap! As always, thank you so much for your endless support. I hope I can continue to provide you the same validation you guys give me!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 180K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.190 Mom Vanessa Dittman on Living a Life of Daily Triage & Trauma With a Medically Complex, Neurodivergent Child With Behavioral Challenges (Even With the Support of a Service Dog)

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"He gets into almost life-ending harm often...there's a whole list of behaviors that are just really scary."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Vanessa. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What behaviors are caused by genetic mutations vs. Autism/ADHD, etc?
-Constantly monitoring her child's heart health and the stress that causes
-How a service dog has vastly improved their home
-The stress of doctor appointments for ND kids
-Bloodwork, restraint, heart monitoring, and growth hormones - where is the priority?
-How the daily behavioral challenges are often harder than the medical complexities.
-Trying to keep her child in school with a lack of support.
-Living one minute at a time - it's so hard.

Please shower Vanessa with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can reach out to Vanessa through email: finch.vanessa@gmail.com

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 175K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.189 Mom Brittney Smith on Managing Her Stress Levels In Helping Her Child With Extreme Sensory Needs & Food Struggles

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"You have to look for the joy....it is there, it can be found. But you have to look for it - it's easy to miss if you don't."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Brittney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Severe sensory issues around food when her child was a toddler and started feeding therapy
-Bowel issues and not taking basic bodily functions for granted
-The importance of finding the right therapists for sensory issues
-How magnesium helped her child with constipation
-The challenges of monitoring your kid's bathroom issues and food struggles
-How she is trying to be more present in the moment rather than worrying about what's ahead
-What it looks like to advocate for her neurodivergent spouse

Please shower Brittney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 175K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.188 Mama Monday: Mom Jeannie Ewing On Shifting Expectations, Accepting Regressions, And Riding The Rollercoaster Of Emotions As A Parent Of Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"I had to grieve the loss of the life I thought we were going to have."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Jeannie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Jeannie shares her personal journey of struggling with infertility and having five children, three of whom have been diagnosed with neurodiversity, including a rare genetic condition called Apert Syndrome.
-The importance of having a supportive team of specialists and professionals who can provide guidance and suggestions for testing and addressing additional conditions
-The ongoing struggle of feeling a sense of loneliness and disconnection when friends with neurotypical children talk about their everyday lives.
-Letting go of rigid expectations and techniques found in parenting guides and rely more on her intuition and building strong relationships with her children.

Please shower Jeannie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 175K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.187 Mama Monday: Mom Whitney Price on How Finding The Right Community, Educational Fit, and Therapies Make All The DIfference in Raising a Neurodivergent Child

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"There's going to be a lot of negative...you have to find your own positive."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Whitney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The impact of the pandemic on her son's therapy and evaluations
-The need for accessible resources, therapies, and emotional support groups for families with children on the autism spectrum
-The role of therapy for Whitney in building confidence, managing anxiety, and developing coping mechanisms
- How ABA therapy was a lifeline for her child
-How important an IEP can be for a special needs child

Please shower Whitney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can find Whitney on IG @asd_life_with_me.

**Exciting news! I've launched a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 165K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.186 Mama Monday: Mom Lisa Candera on "Sanity Management" and Redirecting Our Brains Away from Worrying & Catastrophizing About Our Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Our brains will always find the junk aisle of thoughts."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lisa. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Growing up with a neurodivergent sibling
-What it's like in the early years with a "hit the ground running" mentality, trying various approaches, programs, and therapies through trial and error.
-How her fear and sadness were often suppressed by staying busy and constantly seeking solutions, avoiding fully confronting the emotions associated with her journey.
-Self-confidence erosion: How constant decision-making and challenges eroded her self-confidence as a parent, making it harder to make decisions.
-How society has ingrained the idea that self-care for moms is optional or selfish. Undoing these beliefs and prioritizing self-care requires unpacking years of conditioning and societal expectations.

Please shower Lisa with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can find Lisa at theautismmomcoach.com.

**Exciting news! I'm launching a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @ on the hard days, with dots in between each word, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 165K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.185 Mama Monday: Mom Lauren Goeke on the Brokenness of the Educational & Medical Systems, Lack of Holistic Approaches to Treating Neurodivergent Kids, and How This Motivates Her to Keep Going

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Safety cannot be the reason why a place is not a good fit."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lauren. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The realization that not everyone is on your team
-How daycare settings can have a lack of safety protocols and understanding from educators about neurodivergent children.
-The use of correct educational terminology to effectively communicate a child's needs.
-The importance of fostering curiosity and perseverance in your child's educational journey.
- The dilemma of choosing between different school options
-The transition from physical outbursts to verbal ones and the need for independent regulation skills.

Please shower Lauren with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can email Lauren at: lgoeke22@gmail.com

**Exciting news! I'm launching a newsletter! I love connecting with you guys – through email, in my Instagram DMs, and in my Mothers Together community, and of course here on the show. But recently I realized that I’d love to be able to provide you with a one-stop-shop where I can share ALL the things – from products we use in my home to accounts I follow to personal stories about my life as a mom of neurodivergent kids. My newsletter, called the “On The Hard Days” newsletter, is the best way to do that!

The only thing I need from you in order to get the newsletter to you is your email address. To send that my way, you have a couple of options. Go to ontheharddays.com/newsletter to put your email address there or you can DM me on Instagram @ on the hard days, with dots in between each word, and say “newsletter” with your email address in the message.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 165K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.184 Mother's Day Special: It's Okay To Grieve & Feel Disappointed In This Day

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Happy Belated Mother's Day, my friends. This is a different sort of episode - in fact, it's taken from my Sunday Night Share Instagram Live, which turned into a bit of a therapy session for all of us. If Mother's Day brings lots of mixed feelings, this is the episode for you.

Please share this episode with a mom who needs to hear this message!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU. You can also find more information about what I do and my community, Mothers Together, on my website: mothers-together.com.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 160K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.183 Mama Monday: Mom Breanna Akers on Taking Care of Your Mental Health & Staying True to Your Identity When Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"We have to really know what's important, and what not to add in."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Breanna. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The challenges of homeschooling her children while dealing with a demanding work schedule and managing their needs at the same time.
-The role of flexibility in managing her kids' sensory needs and dysregulation.
-How Breanna takes care of herself and stays true to her identity
-The importance of leaning on faith and showing weakness
-The challenges of letting go of control and letting Breanna's husband handle things without hovering.
-The planning process for homeschooling, including choosing a curriculum and adapting it for her kids.

Please shower Breanna with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 160K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.182 Mama Monday: Mom Lahren Rogers on How Standing Your Ground, Setting Boundaries, AND Cultivating Relationships Are the Keys to Successfully Advocating For Your Neurodivergent Child

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Everything my children have been diagnosed with has been me going to a doctor and saying, 'This is what's going on. And I need you to confirm it.'"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lahren. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Lahren's journey of raising three neurodivergent boys
-Challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children in getting a diagnosis
-Lack of understanding and support from school and healthcare professionals
-Importance of early diagnosis and access to appropriate services for neurodivergent individuals
-Lahren's experience in advocating for her son's needs and fighting for the help he needed
-Struggles faced by Lahren's middle son and youngest son, including their diagnoses of ADHD, Tourette's, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy
-The strength and resilience of parents of neurodivergent children
-The importance of gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Please shower Lahren with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

May registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 5/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 150K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.181 Mama Monday: Mom Brittney on Managing the Mental Load Of Meeting Your Kids' Needs While Finding Your Own Voice At The Same Time

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Let them write their story. Let them decide who they're going to be."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Brittney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When you question yourself as a mother - are you cut out for this journey?
-Learning how to find your voice
-Helping your partner through the grief and acceptance of a diagnosis
-Reframing what your ND kids can't do to find a positive outlook
-What it's like to receive another diagnosis but now for a different child
-How hard it is to do it all while also working a full-time job
-How moms carry the mental load

Please shower Brittney with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

May registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 5/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 150K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.180 Mama Monday: Mom Christie Dilks on Learning How to Advocate, Not Just For Your Neurodivergent Child, But For Their Siblings & Yourself

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"It's not what they want, it's what they need. And that's what it's about at the end of the day."

*Click the link to sign up for my free webinar "Struggling to Raise a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Put Yourself First When You Feel Like You're Last", happening live on Zoom on Friday, April 21st at 8pm EST! Can't wait to see you!

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Christie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How hard it is to meet the need of your other children
-Educating your children about your ND kid and teaching them how to advocate for themselves
-How to push back feelings of shame
-When she realized she needed to ask the hard questions
-The stress of trying new medications
-When you and your child's doctor don't agree - and what you can do about it

Please shower Christie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. You can email Christie at: christiedilks@gmail.com

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 150K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.179 Mama Monday: Mom Melissa Schoenherr on Her Rock-Bottom Parenting Moment With Her Neurodivergent Child and What She Learned About Herself From It

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"You can be upset and having a hard day and still be a good mom."

*Sign up for my free webinar "Struggling to Raise a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Put Yourself First When You Feel Like You're Last", happening live on Zoom on Friday, April 21st at 8pm EST! Can't wait to see you!

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Melissa. I loved this whole conversation and really appreciated her vulnerability in a tough situation. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When the diagnosis you get for your child doesn't feel right
-ODD vs. ADHD and how to help at home
-What a rock bottom parenting moment looks like
-The chaos of school mornings
-When your ND kid picks up on your negative energy
-Taking a hard look at yourself after a tough moment

Please shower Melissa with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got my show to over 150K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.178 Mama Monday: Mom Molly Kellogg on Managing Anger & Emotional Intensity With an Intellectually Gifted Child

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"I feel like I want to make t-shirts that say, 'Don't poke the bear'."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Molly. I loved this whole conversation and found it so relatable. I think you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When you have a gifted, highly emotional child
-Understanding where the anger your child has comes from
-Dealing with feelings of confusion and envy of other moms' lives
-What her child needs as someone who is 2E
-Trying to figure out the best type of education for a gifted child

Please shower Molly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.177 Mama Monday: Mom Kahrissa Taylor on Forced Resilience in Survival Mode - When Taking Care of Yourself Isn't an Option, Vulnerability is Key

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

"I'm treading water. I'm surviving. That's all I have right now."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Kahrissa. She talks about what true survival looks like in her life - and what she wishes she could change. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How being vulnerable allowed others to help her
-What "survival" looks like in her house
-Life with daily doctor appointments, meltdowns, Autism, FPIES, and complex medical needs
-When "being resilient" doesn't feel like a compliment

Please shower Kahrissa with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. Connect with Kahrissa on IG @the_advocating_mom.

April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.176 Father Friday: Dad Benjamin Wiles on Prioritizing Your Relationships With All Your Children & Trusting Your Intuition in Decision-Making

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Don't ever doubt your intuition."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Benjamin and I just loved what he had to say about raising neurodivergent kids. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-How having multiple children spread over different ages allows them to help each other
-Trying to catch your kid up on missed milestones
-Balancing the needs of all your kids
-Quality over quantity of time spent together
-Figuring out your priorities for the day
-Raising your NT kids to be accepting of your ND kids

April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.175 Bonus: Mom Gabriele on Raising Multiple Neurodivergent Kids Under 5 and How Connection & Community Helped Her See Them In A New Light

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Bonus!! This is an extra episode from a conversation taken straight from my recent Instagram Live with Mom Gabriele. Two of her young children are neurodivergent, and for a long time, she felt her mental health suffering. Take a listen to how she feels now, and how she finds and appreciates every little positive moment with her children thanks to the connections she's made with other moms in Mothers Together.

April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.174 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Estelle Emond on Dealing With Clutter, Balancing Everyone's Different Needs, and Practicing "Instant Forgiveness"

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Getting rid of stuff...it was so mind-freeing for all of us."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Estelle for Part 2 of a two part episode (Listen to Part 1 Here!). She talks about raising multiple ND kids in an "ADHD house" and making it work despite being dismissed by professionals. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Living with an older generation that might not understand ND kids
-Trying to remove stimulus in the home to keep overwhelm away
-Resetting expectations around cleaning and organizing
-Understanding her son's executive functioning struggles
-Letting go of resentment between everyone in the family
-Learning to say, "I need a minute"

Please shower Estelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.173 Father Friday: Dad Andrew McPherson on Making a Conscious Decision to Give 'Consistent Grace' to Your Partner, Yourself, and Your Neurodivergent Child

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"The best way out was through."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Andrew and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Going through the grieving process but not getting stuck in it
-Making the decision to give your child the best chance to thrive
-Deciding on whether or not to move locations to help your kid
-Finding just a little more patience and energy to handle tough moments
-Why you shouldn't go right to bed after your kids do
-Having a healthy relationship with your hobbies

April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.172 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Estelle Emond on Constantly Being Dismissed About Your Child's Struggles, and Finding the Key to Family Success

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0400

"We got a diagnosis and no help."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Estelle for Part 1 of a two part episode. She talks about raising multiple ND kids in an "ADHD house" and making it work despite being dismissed by professionals. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When you live in an ADHD house
-When you're a young mom and how that loses credentials with your gut instinct
-The frustration from not understanding your child and not being given information by the professionals
-Coming to full acceptance in your home
-Adapting your way of living to meet the needs of your kids
-One strategy to eliminate confusion and stress in the house

Please shower Estelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.171 Father Friday: Dad Stephen LupPlace on Accepting the "New Normal" of Life With a Neurodivergent Child & Focusing on Putting One Foot in Front of the Other

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0500

"I'm there. I'm there with you. I'm struggling with the same thing."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Stephen and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-When your ND child is medically fragile (heart-related)
-When you don't know what "typical" looks like
-Setting goals and expectations - but in a different way than you expected
-Putting one foot in front of the other and staying positive.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.170 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Bethany Hoath on Taking Care of Ourselves Physically as Mothers and Women, One Choice at a Time

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"There will be moments where you've lost control."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Bethany for Part 2 of a two part episode (listen to Part 1 HERE!). She talks about binge eating, stress, and taking care of our physical bodies - and I think a lot of what she says will resonate with you! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The importance of bite-sized pieces of self-care
-Looking at yourself as a whole person for wellness
-How to fix the "out of control" feeling
-Taking a closer look at her relationship with binge eating and food

Please shower Bethany with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. Also, you can find her on bethanyhoath.com and @ 30drydays on Instagram.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.169 Father Friday: Dad Austin Bowden on Dreaming Big, Staying Positive, & Finding Little Miracles With Your Neurodivergent Child

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

"Is this the life I imagined or dreamed of? No. But it's my life and I'm making the best of it."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Austin and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-How he prioritizes fitness as his "self-care"
-Planning a move around the educational needs of your kid
-How COVID brought tremendous stress to his marriage
-The challenges of your child being an eloper
-Pursuing adventure with special needs kids
-How he stays away from negative thoughts
-Finding community that accepts you and your family completely
-How therapy has helped him

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.168 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Bethany Hoath on Identifying the Amount of Trauma That We (As Moms) Carry Everyday - And How to Invest In Our Own True "Self Care"

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"I'm running on full, so I have to take care of that when I'm without my kids."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Bethany for Part 1 of a two part episode. She talks a lot about therapy, wellness, and trauma - and I think a lot of what she says will resonate with you! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Single/divorced parenting and the challenges it brings
-Modeling self care and good habits in front of your ND kids
-Wellness, sobriety, and eating disorder therapy and being honest with your kids
-What is Quantum Neuro Reset Therapy?
-Finding the root cause of your own trauma

Please shower Bethany with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.167 Father Friday: Dad Kellen Hamrah on Making Happy Memories With Your Neurodivergent Child In Ways You Never Expected & Redefining What "Advocating" Looks Like As Part of a Team

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"There's always advocating, and it's always exhausting."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Kellen and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Feeling helpless (from a dad's perspective)
-Matching your partner's energy in raising kids together
-Getting over the initial shock of a diagnosis
-Helping ND kids reach their full potential
-Taking an interest in your kid's hobbies
-Getting on the same page with everyone who works with your child

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.166 Mama Monday: Mom Carly Ely on Accepting Your Own Neurodivergence to Model Using Coping Strategies With Your Kids

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"The more you can learn about yourself and your coping strategies, the more [your kids] can learn from that."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Carly. I appreciate her openness and vulnerability in this journey of raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Realizing that your vision of motherhood isn't your reality
-How important sleep is to both ND kids and their parents
-The challenges of extreme picky eating
-Pediatric Feeding Disorder vs. ARFID
-When you discover your own neurodivergence along with your kid

Please shower Carly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story. Check out Carly's website @goodnightguide.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.165 Father Friday: Dad Don Andrews on Just "Letting Them Be" and Verbalizing to Our Neurodivergent Kids How Deeply We Love Them

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

"It's just different, that's all. He just needs a little bit of extra help."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Don and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Overthinking how to "have a good day" and avoid meltdowns
-Reframing: Your child just needs assistance.
-Trying to figure it all out in the preschool years
-"People are just people. You don't have to 'otherwise' them."
-The importance of verbalizing our feelings and love for our kids
-Finding compassion and turning off the "something's wrong" narrative

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

March registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 3/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.164 Mama Monday: Mom Anna McArthur on Setting Boundaries With Her Neurodivergent Child In Order to Preserve Her Mental Health

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"I'm not accepting complaints at this time."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Anna. I love the way she sets boundaries around those who work with her child AND her child as well. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How society doesn't view behavior struggles as a disability
-Constantly planning and strategizing to make smooth and happy moments
-Creating boundaries around what the school should report to her
-Setting boundaries with her child
-Raising children of a different race and what society thinks
-The goal is "happy, healthy, and independent"

Please shower Anna with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.163 Father Friday: Dad Jake Gilbreath on Going From Skeptical to "All In" When Accepting a Child's Diagnosis and Normalizing Discussions About How Hard the Journey Can Be

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Jake and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Co-parenting an ND with an ex
-Opening up the dialogue about the parents' emotions in this journey
-Redefining Autism
-Normalizing therapy
-Being skeptical of a diagnosis at first
-information overload when receiving a diagnosis

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.162 Mama Monday: Mom Kelly Edwards on the Emotional, Mental Load of "Caregiver Fatigue" - And How to Avoid It - When Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"I have PTSD from their PTSD...I have to give myself compassion."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Kelly Edwards. Kelly is homeschooling her neurodivergent, adopted children in a way that meets the kids' needs and keeps her sanity intact. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How the adoption process itself is traumatic and can lead to neurodivergence
-Always wondering the "why" behind the behavior - especially when trauma is involved
-The emotional, mental load of "caregiver fatigue" - and the resentment that can come from it
-Why she started her business, The 90-Minute Schoolday, to guide other moms through homeschooling neurodivergent children
-What does a typical homeschool day look like in 90 minutes?
-Rethinking what education is for our kids, and letting go of the stereotype of "perfect" homeschooling

Please shower Kelly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story - and check out her website https://90minuteschoolday.com/

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.161 Father Friday: Dad Pablo Chavez on Rethinking How to Parent Your Neurodivergent "Mini-Me"

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"I criticize myself a little too harshly."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Pablo and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Going against the grain on how you were raised
-When you feel like a sibling to your child instead of a parent
-Constantly feeling like you have to bargain with your kid
-Fighting through your own ADHD to parent your mini-me
-Using a project-oriented brain for parenting tasks

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, YOU all recently got me to my goal of 100K downloads. Thank you!

The best way to keep this podcast download streak is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.160 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Kim Jones on Changing Your Parenting Approach to Truly See Your Neurodivergent Child as an Individual

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"You don't want to be like, 'My kid knows everything in second grade. Why am I putting him in there?'"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Kim Jones for Part 2 of a 2-part chat (Listen to Part 1 Here!). I love the way that Kim is open and honest about how she's had to change the way she views ND kids over the last 20 years. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Doing the deep work and discovering patience
-Learning flexibility
-Meeting the asynchronous needs of a 2E kid
-Getting on your kid's level

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

Ep.159 Father Friday: Dad Sean Martin on How Hard It Was (And How Long It Took) To "Drop the Ego" and Undo the "Male Narrative" Around His Pre-Conceived Definition of Fatherhood

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"I had to stop being defensive, and take ownership or responsibility that I wasn't paying attention to what was important..."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Sean and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-How Covid impacted the struggles of an ND kid
-"Making the switch" to full acceptance and understanding
-Undoing the "male narrative" and the way we were raised
-Being open to being "called out" by your spouse
-How to prioritize your day to day life - what comes first?
-What is the definition of fatherhood?
-How his son cheered when he found out he had ADHD
-How to tag-team with your partner
-It's not being "difficult" - it's being assertive

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

Ep.158 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Church Community Isolated My Family Based On Their Lack of Understanding of Neurodiversity"

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Ep.157 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Kim Jones on Finding Your Role as a Step-Parent of a Neurodivergent Child & Shifting Your Idea of "Normal"

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"17 years ago, you were either the same or completely different."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Kim Jones for Part 1 of a 2-part chat. I love the way that Kim is open and honest about how she's had to change the way she views ND kids over the last 20 years. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Comparing society's understanding of neurodivergence 20 years ago to now
-What does the role of a step-parent look like with ND kids?
-To support you kid, you have to change your perspective
-The downside of having access to too much information
-Adjusting your expectations to meet your child's needs
-Our kids are so sensitive to small changes, like sleep
-Finding your patience in a new way

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

Ep.156 Father Friday: Dad John Marton on Keeping (Somewhat) Cool in the Hard Moments & Learning How to Accommodate Your Kid's Needs As You Go

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500

"We don't do comparative suffering here...but man, I wish I had that."

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad John and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent kid. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Learning as you go
-How hard it is (but important) to repair with your kid.
-Everyone has their own version of hard - but sometimes it's really hard.
-Making the switch to understanding and acceptance.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

February registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 2/10 to cancel for a FULL refund. There's nothing to lose - only community to gain! Save your spot at ontheharddays.com/motherstogether.

Ep.155 In Your Own Words: "The Time When Humor Changed My Outlook On A Tough Situation At The Doctor's Office"

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.154 In Your Own Words: "The Time When I Reframed My Sadness About My Child On The Basketball Court"

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Ep.153 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Child's Aggressive Behaviors Told Me It Was Time To Seek Help"

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell (actually, TWO mini stories in one episode!), and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.152 Mama Monday: Mom Nicole Tra on Managing Your Neurodivergent Child's Needs When There Are No Answers But "Everything Fits"

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"He does know better. But when he's in fight or flight, part of his brain isn't switched on. How can you not see that?"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! I had such a nice chat with New Zealand mom Nicole - her child has always reminded me of Mr. 9 when he was little. In this episode, we talk a lot about overlapping diagnoses and undiagnosed struggles: anxiety, giftedness, anger, autism, etc. When you have an intense kid, it's so hard to pinpoint where the challenges are coming from. Here are just some of the topics we discuss:

-Really hard adjustments for an ND kid to a sibling
-Understanding rejection sensitivity in young kids
-When "naming your feelings" receives a ton of pushback from your kid
-When sadness and anxiety comes out as anger and avoidance
-Finding a balance of different parenting advice
-The lack of support for gifted kids
-When it seems like your child seeks out negative attention over positive
-When play-based learning doesn't work for gifted kids

Please shower Nicole with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **ONLY 3K AWAY!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.151 My Turn: A (Re)Introduction To Megan, Her Family, & The Importance of Validation For Moms' Mental Health

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: I'm so pleased to share this special episode with you all! Recently, I went live on Instagram to introduce myself to many new followers. I've been getting lots of questions about my kids and their diagnoses, the evaluation process, medications, and motherhood in general. If you're new to the podcast or just want to catch up, this episode is the place to do it!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.150 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Child's Misdiagnosis Led to Self-Harm and Hospitalization"

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

**Trigger Warning: Child Self-Harm**
About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23! **AND WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!!**

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.149 In Your Own Words: "The Time When a Hard Decision About My Son's Hair Led Me to Trust My Gut Despite Questioning From Others"

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.148 In Your Own Words: "The Time When A School Director's Hurtful Comments Towards My Child Lit a Fire Inside Me"

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.147 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Michelle Bubier on Using "Out of the Box" Parenting Strategies to Meet Neurodivergent Kids Where They Are - No Matter What Other People Think

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500

"My kid has rules. And if they're not a big deal, I just follow them."

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Michelle Bubier for Part 2 of our chat. (List to Part 1 Here!) Michelle is so good at picking her battles, letting things go, and following the lead of her kid. And DON'T miss the end! She touches on something that spoke to my soul - and I think it will for you, too. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How to pick your battles with a ND kid
-Putting yourself out there to other moms
-What to do when rewards and consequences don't work
-How hard it is to meet the academic needs of gifted kids
-When your kid doesn't have a "yellow zone"
-When your kid's hobbies are outside of the box
-Should you teach your ND kid how to mask?

Please shower Michelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 1/27/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.146 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Neurodivergent Child's Massive Meltdown Seemed Impossible For Others to Believe"

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Have a comment or question for this mom? She's accepting DMs on Instagram @thereis.adhd - but PLEASE keep it judgment-free with a heavy dose of kindness and empathy, because that's how my community rolls. :)

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.145 In Your Own Words: "The Time When We Faced 'Casual Cruelty' From a Stranger About Our Autistic Child - On a Playground!"

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's a mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Have a comment or question for this mom? She's accepting emails at alexampoteet@gmail.com - but PLEASE keep it judgment-free with a heavy dose of kindness and empathy, because that's how my community rolls. :)

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.144 In Your Own Words: "The Time When a School Counselor Suggested That My Neurodivergent Kid Switch Schools"

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: It's my first mini "In Your Own Words" episode! Submitted to me by a mom of a neurodivergent child, this isn't my usual back-and-forth chat. In fact, I'm not in this episode at all (other than the intro!). This mom has a story to tell, and she's ready to put it out into the world.

Have a comment or question for this mom? She's accepting messages via DM on Instagram, and you can find her @onwardthroughthefog22 - but PLEASE keep it judgment-free with a heavy dose of kindness and empathy, because that's how my community rolls. :)

Want to submit your own story? Record yourself telling "the time when" and send me the file via email: ontheharddays@gmail.com.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.143 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Michelle Bubier on Finding Her "Chill" With Her Gifted, Autistic Child & Rolling With The (Literal) Punches

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

"He's just gifted, and gifted kids are quirky." "Yeah, but are they always this angry?"

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Michelle Bubier for Part 1 of a 2-part chat. Not only is Michelle hilarious, but her down-to-earth, accepting attitude towards her neurodivergent kid is inspiring. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Early signs of autism and giftedness starting at age 3
-Does a traumatic birth affect a child?
-Violence between siblings and a sense of "justice"
-The importance of showing our kids that we're listening
-Accepting tough behaviors without questioning them - and how that helps you as a the mom

Please shower Michelle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.142 Reflecting on My 2022 Motherhood Journey - I'm "Doing it Messy"

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 17:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: 2022 is winding down and I'm reflecting on all that I've learned about myself this year. Plus, I'm passing on to you my motto - "Doing it messy"! Thank you, as always, for listening.

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

**FLASH SALE** for Mothers Together ends on 12/31! Join our support community HERE!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now!

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/flash!

Ep.141 Mama Monday: Mom Liza Blas on How Chronic Illness Impacted Her Neurodivergent Kids' Mental Health Struggles

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with Liza Blas, host of the podcast "Very Happy Stories" and mom of neurodivergent children. Her story also involves chronic illness, and we talk a lot about how it's all intertwined. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How she passed down a "toxin load" to her children during birth
-How Lyme Disease and Pans/Pandas affect her children
-The difference between Pans and Pandas
-How mold exposure played a role in her children's health struggles
-What she learned from her child's partial hospitalization program
-How she "invested in herself" in order to keep her sanity

Please shower Liza with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! Listen to Liza's podcast "Very Happy Stories" and find her on IG @ lizasveryhappystories!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now!

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

Ep.140 Father Friday: Dad Will Simons on Accepting Your Own Limitations In Order to Better Connect To Your Neurodivergent Child

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I just loved this conversation with Dad Will. He was amazingly vulnerable and strong, and I loved all that he had to say. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Seeing your own neurodivergence in your children
-Finding tools that work for you and then sharing them with your kids
-Accepting your own limitations, connecting with kids
-"Get evaluated; go to therapy"
-Carving out weekly time for yourself
-The importance of communicating your needs with your partner

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

Ep.139 Mothers Together Moms Steph, Nancy, & Lacey on Getting Support When You Have an Older Child & the Power of True Friendships For Our Mental Health

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Steph, Nancy, and Lacey were kind enough to join me live on Instagram this week, talking all things Mothers Together and the journeys these moms are on. I think their stories will really resonate with you!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock stops on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

Ep.138 Mothers Together Moms Meghan & Katrina on Celebrating the Small Wins With Other Moms Who Get It

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Meghan & Katrina were kind enough to join me live on Instagram this week, talking all things Mothers Together and the journeys these two moms are on. I think their stories will really resonate with you!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock ends on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

Ep.137 Mothers Together Moms Julia & Erin on the Importance of Taking Care of Our Mental Health When Raising Neurodivergent Kids

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Julia & Erin were kind enough to join me live on Instagram this week, talking all things Mothers Together and the journeys these two moms are on. I think their stories will really resonate with you!

January registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Two things to note:
1) I am raising the price starting in January, so the time to join is now! Doors close on this discount on Sunday, 12/18.

2) If needed, I'm offering a full refund for the first two weeks of Mothers Together starting in January - that clock ends on 1/13/23. You have nothing to lose by giving MT a try!

Sign up and save a spot at ontheharddays.com/instagram!

Ep.136 Mama Monday: (Replay) Mom Lorin Pahlua on Holding Space & Being a "Grief Keeper" for Neurodivergent Children With Trauma

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

*This episode has been requested more than once because it's SO powerful. Get ready with this one, my friends. Lorin is an amazing human.*

About This Episode: Mom Lorin's conversation left me speechless more than once. Her vulnerability in sharing her innermost worries about raising her neurodivergent, adopted children just completely blew me away. Chatting with her was such a gift - this episode is not to be missed! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The trauma of adoption and inconsistent caregivers
-Interracial adoption
-What if kids didn't want to be adopted?
-Taking care of yourself in order to take care of your kids
-Primal wounds of adopted children losing their first parents and first culture
-Is it neurodivergence or trauma?
-Being selfless but still holding space for yourself

Please shower Lorin with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head to ontheharddays.com/endburnout to sign up for our January groups!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.135 Father Friday: Dad David Palmer on Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Struggles in Men Through Humility & Vulnerability

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! Dad David was super vulnerable in describing what he's learned about raising neurodivergent kids AND about himself in the process - and through the perspective of a male, of course. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Raising adopted neurodivergent children
-What it's like to have 6 kids!
-How to parent kids with hidden disabilities
-Parenting against the way you were parented
-Being willing to accept your own failures and vulnerabilities
-"I don't have it all together. I don't have all the answers"
-The importance of men discussing mental health struggles
-Getting involved in your kids' interests and strengths
-Kids are a mirror into our own struggles
-Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria as a DAD
-patience, humility, self-realization - and why they're important

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.134 Wednesday Wins: Could a Motivation & Reward Chart Actually Work For My Neurodivergent Kids?

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Today I'm sharing my Wednesday Win! On Wednesdays, I'm shifting my perspective and sharing something positive from the last week in my home. Wins may be tiny, but I'll try to celebrate them nonetheless! This week, I'm talking about our new Motivation Chart to earn extra screen time - shockingly, it's going really well! (Jump on to IG to see the actual charts in my stories!)

Did you have a win this week? I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.133 Toolbox Tuesday: OCD Resources I'm Using In My Home Right Now

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Toolbox Tuesday! On Tuesdays, I'm sharing with you resources that are helping my family and may just help yours as well. These resources may be books, videos, social media accounts, or just tips, tools, and strategies we're using. Today, I'm specifically talking about OCD and the resources I'm currently digging into!

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.132 Mama Monday: Mom Bunmi Laditan on Being Your Neurodivergent Kid's Safe Person - You Have to "Choose The Child", Everyday

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm chatting with the hilarious and vulnerable Bunmi Laditan (of Honest Toddler fame!). She's raising neurodivergent kids (and is neurodivergent herself) and man, she really gets it! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Always having to prove that her kids struggle and need help
-Is it coddling if you're trying to avoid a meltdown?
-Navigating this life together with similar neurodivergent traits
-When you're no longer your child's safe person - and how to become one again
-Prioritizing relationships under your roof
-How important it is for your kids to be accepted in their homes
-How she leans on faith on a daily basis
-Creating peace in the home - how to start

Please shower Bunmi with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! Find Bunmi on Instagram under Bunmi Laditan and Honest Toddler!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Mothers Together is opening its door for new members soon! Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether starting 12/12!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.131 Father Friday: Dad Brent Nohl on How Therapy & Meds For YOU Help Your Neurodivergent Kids Become the Best Versions of Themselves

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's our first Father Friday!! Dad Brent was so vulnerable in sharing what it's like from a dad's perspective to raise a neurodivergent child with challenging behaviors. I'm so excited to you all to hear what he has to say - and if YOU know a dad who might want to share his story, send him this episode, and then have him reach out to me! Here's just some of what we discussed:

-Frightening febrile seizures
-Play therapy experience with a child with severe ADHD
-Hearing negative self talk with Mood Disregulation Disorder
-When your child is on a cocktail of drugs for physical and mental health
-Accepting your child isn't an extension of you and that you can only help them with acceptance
-Marriage counseling works - after objecting to it for a long time
-Realizing you have to parent him differently, and how weird that looks to everyone else
-Being on high alert all the time

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads by 2/1/23!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.130 Thursday Thoughts: Raising a Neurodivergent Kid is Emotionally Draining

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: It's Thursday Thoughts Day! On Thursdays, I'm sharing a story with you about my life, answering your questions, or just sharing what's on my mind. Today, I'm reflecting on my Instagram/TikTok series, "What Moms of Neurodivergent Kids Wish They Could Say Out Loud" with Part 1: "It's emotionally draining."

I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: ontheharddays@gmail.com. This podcast is what it is because of YOU.

And speaking of the podcast, I'm working towards a BIG goal - 100K downloads!

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.129 (Bonus) BIG Podcast News - And I Need Your Help!

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0500

About This (Bonus) Episode: I'm pushing towards a HUGE goal, my friends. I'm trying to reach 100K downloads by the two year anniversary of this show, which is 1/21/23. And this goal fits - because as it turns out, I've got a lot to say.

For the next two months, you'll be hearing from me Monday-Friday, and the episodes will be theme-based:

Mama Mondays - What you're used to - a mom of a ND kid shares her story!

Toolbox Tuesdays - I'm sharing a tip, a resource, or a strategy so you can add it to your toolbox!

Wednesday Wins - I'm sharing the little wins in my home over the past week!

Thursday Thoughts - I'll be reflecting on my experience in raising my kids, starting with the current Reels series "What Moms of Neurodivergent Kids Wish They Could Say Out Loud".

Father Fridays - I'm recording with dads! They're sharing their perspectives on their parenting journeys.

The best way to reach our 100K download goal is to:
1) Subscribe to the podcast - your device will automatically download new episodes!
2) Share the show with others - think therapists, pediatricians, and teachers!
3) Leave a rating/review for the show - the Apple algorithm will push the show out to more moms who need the support and validation!

THANK YOU, so very much, for your continued support!

Ep.128 Mom Sarah Woody on Rethinking Motherhood of ND Kids As A Recovering Perfectionist & Rule Follower

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: My friend and Mothers Together mama Sarah joined me on the show to talk about what it's like to raise a child who doesn't adhere to what society thinks is the correct way to "be" - and that's especially hard when we, as mothers, WERE that type of child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Reminding ourselves that it's not that we're doing something wrong - it's just hard.
-No one understands when your child masks in public.
-Bad behavior (and good behavior!) isn't indicative of our parenting
-Worrying about how our children's struggles reflects on us as mothers

Please shower Sarah with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Mothers Together is opening its door for new members soon! Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether starting 12/12!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.127 My Turn: Thanksgiving - The Good, Bad, and the Ugly (But You Got This!)

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! And while I am SO thankful for all of you and your support, I also know how hard this day (and all holidays) can be for us and our neurodivergent kids. Take a listen to this short episode as you gear up for the day!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.126 (Part 2) Mom Becky Wynne on Trusting Yourself to Make the Best Decisions for Your Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Becky and I had an amazing, relatable conversation that needs two parts! (Listen to Part 1 HERE!) Becky is raising multiple neurodivergent kids and is neurodivergent herself. She's been able to shed the standards that our society claims as "normal" in order to save her own mental health, and that of her children. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-If we don't believe in ourselves as moms, we don't believe in our kids either
-Not everyone is qualified to help you with your child
-What is your relationship with yourself?
-"Self care" doesn't have to look a certain way
-The importance of finding the right therapist

Please shower Becky with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.125 (Bonus!) Mentors Speak: Avril Brown on Nervous System Regulation for the MOMS - It's How We Heal!

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. This is the last mentor - the amazing Avril Brown!

Avril gets me in a way that I've never experienced before. Chronic illness, both physical and mental, can often stem from nervous system dysregulation - especially for moms raising neurodivergent kids. Here's what we discussed:

-How to get out of our own heads
-The connection to chronic illness
-What does nervous system dysregulation look like?

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20! Click here for more information!

Ep.124 (Bonus!) Mentors Speak: Tiphany Kane on Loving Ourselves, Not Only as Moms of Neurodivergent Kids, But as Women

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with my friend, Tiphany Kane.

Tiphany has taken control of her life in adulthood, despite the challenges of raising neurodivergent kids and learning to love herself. Here's what we discussed:

-What using your voice to empower others looks like
-Loving and accepting yourself, not just as mothers but as women.

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20! Click here for more information!

Ep.123 (Bonus!) Mentors Speak: Erin Yeschin on Choosing to Change Your Mindset, Despite Massive Obstacles in Motherhood

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with my friend, Erin Yeschin.

Erin has had a really tough life and been dealt a hard hand many, many times. Yet she pushes forward by reframing her life experiences in order to survive. She's an inspiration and I KNOW you'll be able to relate to so much of what she says. Here's what we discussed:

-How constant stress affected her health
-The difference between "toxic positivity" and acceptance
-When you love your kid so deeply, but not yourself

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20! Click here for more information!

Ep.122 (Bonus!) Mentors Speak: Megan Pizarro on "Anticipatory Grief" & the Role It Plays in Raising a Neurodivergent Child

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with my friend, Megan Pizarro.

You're going to be inspired when you hear Megan's story. Here's what we discussed:

-When you think you have to be a certain kind of mom to raise a neurodivergent kid
-When your child's personality is the exact opposite of yours
-Understanding yourself (and how you're wired) in order to understand your child
-The lifelong process of embracing grief

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Doors are open NOW, but only through 11/20! Click here for more information!

Ep.121 (Bonus!) Mentors Speak: Kim Heilig on Befriending Yourself After Years of Disconnect & Trauma

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Welcome to my special series "Mentors Speak"! Every day this week, I'm going live on Instagram with the mentors of my upcoming course, Mothers Evolve. Sign ups are going on right now (sign up here!), but only for one week, as we gear up for the January start of this program. Today, I'm sharing with you an amazing conversation from just yesterday with the wonderful Kim Heilig.

Kim's words heal, my friends. If you do nothing else today, take the 30 minutes to let her soothe your soul. Here's what we discussed:

-How to listen to your innermost self
-When grief is "waiting for you" and how to allow it in
-Paying attention and finding stillness
-How to welcome your inner critic

Interested in Mothers Evolve? Click here for more information!

Ep.120 (Part 1) Mom Becky Wynne on Throwing Away Standards in Raising Our Neurodivergent Kids That Negatively Affect Our Mental Health

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Becky and I had an amazing, relatable conversation that needs two parts! Becky is raising multiple neurodivergent kids and is neurodivergent herself. She's been able to shed the standards that our society claims as "normal" in order to save her own mental health, and that of her children. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Transforming home from chaos to peace
-What's the definition of success, anyway?
-Mental health before education
-Believing the lie that we, as moms, aren't qualified to raise our ND kids
-Parent-led education
-We are our kids' operating systems!

Please shower Becky with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.119 My Turn: "How Have Your Neurodivergent Kids' Struggles Changed Over Time?"

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How Have Your Neurodivergent Kids' Struggles Changed Over Time?"

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.118 Mom Samantha Foote on Truly Living Life By Prioritizing Our Mental Health - Not Just Existing

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Samantha is the voice of calm in absolute chaos. On the day of our recording, she had multiple medical emergencies for her children (all are okay!), and still came to our chat laughing and smiling. I really don't know how she does it! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When the needs of your kids put your career on the back burner
-Prioritizing a weekly "self care" day and plan
-Breaking generational patterns and seeking therapy and mental health help
-Reframing tough situations by finding the positive

Please shower Samantha with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm giving my first FREE MomTalk, entitled "Raising a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Avoid Burnout - And You Can Do It *Today*!" Grab a spot and join me at ontheharddays.com/momtalk!

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.117 (Replay) Is it me, or is it my child?

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: I'm throwing it ALL the way back to Ep.2, which aired on January 31, 2021 (you'll hear a different intro!). As moms of neurodivergent kids, we tend to question ourselves constantly, and it's downright exhausting. I'd love to know what you think of the episode!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.116 Mom Heather Balk on Changing the Narrative Around the "Invisible Disability" of Severe ADHD in Young Kids

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Heather is a wonderful friend, a warm and kind-hearted mother, and struggles with her neurodivergent child. You will be absolutely nodding your head while you listen to the issues and stories she shares about her child with severe ADHD. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Hyperactivity in boys is dismissed as being "all boy"
-When people think the "bad behavior" is because you can't control your child
-When medical professionals miss the mark
-High metabolizers
-When your child is a "runner"

You can email Heather at heatherm105@gmail.com.

Please shower Heather with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.115 My Turn: "What If My Neurodivergent Kid Doesn't Like Sports?"

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "What If My Neurodivergent Kid Doesn't Like Sports?"

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.114 Mom Andrea Brophy on Being Solution-Oriented & Open-Minded When Trying to Help Our Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Andrea is such a chill, relaxed mom raising a neurodivergent kid - something I am definitely not! So it was fascinating to hear her approach on trying different therapies, diets, and constantly being ready for the "next thing" that could possibly help her child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When your kid is resistant to receiving help and trying strategies
-Can ND kids feel safe when they're dysregulated?
-Therapies tried: Safe & Sound Protocol, CBT, Functional Medicine, and more
-Where's the line between constant researching and accepting your kids as they are?

Please shower Andrea with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.113 My Turn: "How Do I Know If Medication Is Right For My Neurodivergent Kid?"

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How Do I Know If Medication is Right For My Neurodivergent Kid?"

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.112 (Part 2) Mom Debbie Myers on Shedding the Societal Burden of "Normality" For a Neurodivergent Family and Truly Being Yourself

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: This is Part 2 with Mom Debbie , who continues to be so brave in sharing her story of raising neurodivergent children with really tough behaviors in the face of a tough marriage. Here's last week's Part 1! In this episode, Debbie has amazing insights to share that inspired me - listen all the way to the end! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Being gaslit (but not on purpose)
-Separating from your kid when they have separation anxiety
-Getting your kids to view you in a different, more positive light
-Teaching your kids that their identity isn't their diagnosis
-Learning to embrace a diagnosis and allowing yourself to be that person

Please shower Debbie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.111 My Turn: "How Do I Advocate For My Neurodivergent Child At School?"

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How Do I Advocate For My Neurodivergent Child At School?"

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 11/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 110 (Part 1) Mom Debbie Myers on Being Blamed For Your Neurodivergent Children's Struggles & Leaving an Abusive Marriage

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

*Trigger Warning* - Verbal/emotional abuse and suicidal ideations

About This Episode: Mom Debbie is opening up about some really, really tough topics, and I'm so thankful for her bravery - I know there are moms listening who need to hear her story. This is Part 1, and here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When significant other isn't on board with testing, diagnosis, etc.
-Severe sleep deprivation
-Fighting the "traditional" roles for moms vs. dads
-Using a "script" for how the parenting journey should go
-When child services is called

Please shower Debbie with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.109 My Turn: Walking On Eggshells & Dodging Meltdowns At The Store - Why Does It Have To Be So Hard?

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday solo episode! Normally, these second episodes are short and are based around YOUR questions. This time, I wanted to share a personal story about a recent trip to the story, a toy disappointment, and walking on eggshells, waiting for that meltdown! Also in this episode, I discuss the differences between my two programs, Mothers Together and Mothers Evolve!

MORE:
-Interested in talking one-on-one with me? Book a free support call and get the help you need at https://calendly.com/motherstogether/supportcall.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 108 Mom Katrina Bandeli On The Guilt of Having a Temper With a Neurodivergent Kid - Or Is It Just Overwhelm?

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Katrina is sharing so vulnerably what mom guilt feels like when you're raising a neurodivergent kid. She put so much blame on herself for a lot of her child's struggles (and for losing her temper), and we unpacked that feeling in this conversation because it's just so relatable. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Relief from getting a diagnosis
-Guilt from being a "yelling" mom
-Temper vs. Overwhelm
-Worrying about your neurodivergent child's future
-Researching in depth to meet your child's needs
-Why do people expect children to grow out of behaviors?
-Hesitation to share diagnosis with others for fear of judgement

Please shower Katrina with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 107 My Turn: "Why Does My Gifted Kid Constantly Seek My Attention, and What Can I Do About It?"

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "Why does my gifted kid constantly seek my attention, and what can I do about it?"

MORE:
-Last call to join us for the Mothers Evolve pilot! Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 106 (Replay) Mom Avril Brown on Doing the Work of Internal Healing in Order to Love Our Neurodivergent Kids Unconditionally

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

*This replay episode is worth hearing once, twice, eight times - it's THAT GOOD. Avril gets me in a way that I had never really experienced before. You will feel SO seen while you're listening! And while I'm talking about Avril, I have to mention: She's one of our amazing mentors for the Mothers Evolve program. Our pilot launch starts next week - so if you're interested in meeting Avril and doing some internal work of your own, this is your last chance to sign up!

Head on over to ontheharddays.com/pilot to read more about it and join us on October 3rd!

About This Episode: Okay, my friends - if you've never listened to an episode of On The Hard Days before - THIS episode is a great place to start. I have never personally felt more seen and heard than after chatting with the amazing Avril Brown. She gets it. Moment after moment of our conversation is filled with insight into accepting ourselves in order to truly accept our kids. So many lightbulb moments. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Being triggered by your child's intense emotions
-Guilt from lack of joy in motherhood
-Unconditional love - even during challenging times
-Prioritizing yourself as a mother
-Motherhood perfectionism and rage
-Practice the pause

You can find Avril on FB and IG under her name, Avril Brown.

Please shower Avril with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 105 My Turn: "How Do I Handle My Neurodivergent Child's Behavior Struggles in School?"

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: My Turn! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "How do I handle my neurodivergent child's behavior struggles in school?"

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 104 Mom Kelly Winkler on How Yoga & Mindfulness Can Provide Relief For Neurodivergent Kids (and Their Moms!) With Anxiety, OCD, and Panic Disorder

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Kelly is an inspiration. Her neurodivergent child with anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder has REALLY struggled, especially in her teen years. And because of that, Kelly has struggled too. But besides putting out daily fires, she decided to take matters of healing into her own hands - and healed herself in ways she never thought possible. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Anxiety increases with hormonal changes in teens
-Admitting your child to the hospital with intrusive thoughts
-How Moms of ND kids struggle with PTSD and daily anxiety
-Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation - how it can help
-Breathwork is for people whose anxiety lives in their chests
-Taking the healing process into your own hands

Please shower Kelly with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! Her podcast is called "Mindful Conversations With Kay" and you can find her on IG @mindfulmomentsforfamilies.

MORE:
-Last call for moms interested in piloting my new program, Mothers Evolve! Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 103 My Turn: That Time I Screamed At My Neurodivergent Kid

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my Thursday solo episode! Normally, these second episodes are short and are based around YOUR questions. This time, I wanted to share a personal story about one of the (many) times I lost it on my child, and how that affected my mental health for years to come. Also in this episode, I break down the parts of my new program Mothers Evolve!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 102 Mom Krista Ehlers on Struggling With "Parental PTSD" & Extreme Trauma For the Whole Family

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Krista is so brave, and I'm so thankful for her. She had no hesitation in diving into some really tough and vulnerable topics around raising neurodivergent kids, including aggression and violence, adoption, trauma, and CPS. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-How symptoms of trauma mirror ADHD
-What is the trauma that adopted children struggle with?
-How does ADHD look different in boys than girls?
-When specialty diets don't help (but they were supposed to be the cure-all!)
-ODD - "recreational arguer"
-When ADHD symptoms "fit" with the "typical boy" stereotype, but not with girls
-Severe behaviors and CPS

Please shower Krista with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story! You can find Krista on IG @krista.ehlers.

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 10/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 101 My Turn: "Should I Bother Seeking a Diagnosis For My Child? Would This Help Our Family?"

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About The Episode: Welcome to my new weekly series: Ask Megan! I receive wonderful questions every day from moms of neurodivergent kids, and I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of these questions and chip away at them, week after week, giving you my take on them based on my personal experiences.

Today's Question: "Should I bother seeking a diagnosis for my child? Would this help our whole family?"

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 100 Reflecting On The Journey of This Podcast, Plus Part 2 with Kim Heilig!

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Is this real life?! I'm spending a few minutes taking a look back as we cross over the 100 episodes line. Then, I'm on to Part 2 with my friend, Kim Heilig.

Kim Heilig is BACK! She's one of my all-time favorite people and I'm so excited to share with you what she has to say in this Part 1 of 2 episodes. First of all, if you never caught her first episode WAY back in June '21 (#28!), definitely listen to it RIGHT HERE. Second of all, I'm THRILLED to share that Kim is one of the mentors in my new upcoming program, Mothers Evolve. If you like her style and can resonate with her words, you'll love getting to know her and work with her in Mothers Evolve. You can sign up for the October Pilot of Mothers Evolve RIGHT HERE. Oh, and speaking of M.E. - the beginning of this episode introduces you to all 5 mentors in my program - be sure to listen to their powerful and positive messaging. I'm SO lucky to have them in my life! Now, back to the episode.

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 99 (Part 1) Mom Kimberly Heilig on "Wading Into the Hard": When There Are No Obvious, Perfect Choices For a Neurodivergent Child's Well-Being

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Kim Heilig is BACK! She's one of my all-time favorite people and I'm so excited to share with you what she has to say in this Part 1 of 2 episodes. First of all, if you never caught her first episode WAY back in June '21 (#28!), definitely listen to it RIGHT HERE. Second of all, I'm THRILLED to share that Kim is one of the mentors in my new upcoming program, Mothers Evolve. If you like her style and can resonate with her words, you'll love getting to know her and work with her in Mothers Evolve. You can sign up for the October Pilot of Mothers Evolve RIGHT HERE. Oh, and speaking of M.E. - the beginning of this episode introduces you to all 5 mentors in my program - be sure to listen to their powerful and positive messaging. I'm SO lucky to have them in my life! Now, back to the episode. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Becoming a homeschooling family - unwillingly
-Giving up your dream job to support your child
-Learning to trust the process
-Healing: It takes a LONG TIME!
-What education is like for gifted children with learning disabilities
-What a strengths' based approaching to schooling could look like
-How confidence leads to achievement - NOT the other way around.
-How to establish a positive homeschool environment

Please shower Kim with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 98 Mom Jennifer Rhein on Thinking Outside the Box to Combat Behavior Struggles With Highly Anxious, Gifted Kids

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: I had the best talk with Jennifer Rhein. The amount of similarities in our children we discovered in this episode were insane! Gifted kids are often anxious kids, and that can lead to major challenges. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Are we trying to work together or trying to control?
-Behavior struggles with gifted, anxious kids
-When reward systems don't work
-High anxiety means kids want control
-How to name the anxiety monster

Please shower Jennifer with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 97 (Part 2) Mom Tahira Benevelli on Doing the Internal Work to Discover Our Own Missing Needs Before Meeting the Needs of Our Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: This episode is the *perfect" one to plug your headphones into on your next drive to work or dog walk - short but packs a PUNCH. Tahira and I start asking questions about WHY society tries to get our neurodivergent kids to conform. Plus, we take a deep dive into the concept of putting our oxygen masks on first. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The things you want for your kids, you have to give to yourself first
-How to let go of battles
-When you haven't checked in with yourself in YEARS
-Why do doctors and therapists try to "fix" our kids?
-Who even built society's "box", anyway?
-Self-care is INTERNAL work!
-Meeting your kids' needs at the risk of your own

Did you miss Part 1? Make sure you listen to that too, to get more on Tahira's story!

Please shower Tahira with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 9/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 96 (Part 1) Mom Tahira Benevelli on Shedding Generational Patterns by Being "Emotionally Messy" With Our Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Sometimes, a conversation is just so juicy that it needs two parts! This one, with mom Tahira, is one of them. I think you're going to absolutely LOVE this episode. Tahira is a former "authoritarian" parent, relearning who she is, what she values, and what works best for her kids' brains. I can completely relate to her story and I think you will, too. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Giving tools to our kids is really about needing those tools for ourselves
-Growing with our children
-Balancing the needs of multiple ND kids
-Going back to old patterns when we're stressed
-How understanding your kid's brain changes everything
-Why are some kids compliant and others aren't?
-When the way you were raised doesn't work for ND kids

Please shower Elle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 95 Mom Elle Barrett on Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Stay True to Themselves - Which Means When To Mask (And When Not To)

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: What an awesome chat with mom Elle! We talked a LOT about how being autistic has made a massive impact on how she raises her autistic daughter. She shared a ton of insight as she reflected back onto her childhood and focused on what it felt like trying to fit in all the time. It's a wonderful conversation that you will definitely grab takeaways from. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Seeing the same qualities in your child as you see in yourself
-Just because someone is neurodivergent doesn't mean they fully understand neurodivergence
-The negative feeling of being "other"
-Rethinking your childhood after your child's diagnosis
-Teaching your child to know how to act as a neurotypical person...but on their terms
-Importance of understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
-The integration of body systems
-Why is neurodivergence considered a disability?
-How SPD permeates everyday life

Please shower Elle with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 94 (Replay) Mom Nancy Golumbia on Trusting the Developmental Process of Your Neurodivergent Child and Accepting Them for Who They Are

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: My friends - this episode is one of my all-time favorites, and since every mama guest is so wonderful, that's really saying something! Whether you've heard Nancy before or not - take the time this week to hear her story again.

OH my goodness, the episode is AMAZING. There is NO way, after listening to it, that you won't feel something in in your gut about the message Nancy is spreading. She drops gold again and again with detailed talk about acceptance and letting your child just "be". Whether you listen all in one sitting or break the episode up over the week - make sure you listen to the WHOLE THING. Here are some things we discuss:

-Setting expectations that are actually reachable and that will boost your child's self-esteem and happiness
-Parenting from the gut. You know your kid best!
-Focusing on our kids' strengths rather than their lagging skills
-Completely accepting your child for who they are

Please shower Nancy with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 93 Mom Maveric Van Brackle on Fostering Independence for Neurodivergent Kids Through Constant Communication and Trusting Your Gut Instincts

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Maveric Van Brackle inspired me so many times in our short chat, and what I love most about her is her willingness to do what she thinks is right for her child (well, he's a teenager now!) without worry of judgement or questioning herself. For her, it's all about reading her kid. Lots of takeaways in this episode! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Pushing through the meltdowns about daily tasks and hygiene
-Staying honest with your child and keeping your word
-Breaking generational patterns of parenting
-Putting your blinders on to listen to your gut instincts
-The transition to adulthood

Please shower Maveric with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. New groups start 8/1!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 92 (Part 2) Mom Megan Pizarro on How Loving and Accepting Yourself Affects How You Parent Your Neurodivergent Child

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: After last week's Part 1, you guys raved about how relatable Megan Pizarro is. (If you haven't yet listened to Part 1, go and do that right now, because it'll really help to get a feel for the kind, gentle, dedicated mom that Megan is.) Now, in Part 2, Megan talks about how much she's learned in the past few years about loving and accepting HERSELF, and how that has positively impacted how she views and parents her neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The concept of self-forgiveness
-Internalizing blame when comparing your life to that of other moms
-The stigma of therapy
-The challenges of hearing our children speak negatively about themselves
-PTSD and how it applies to moms raising neurodivergent kids
-The power of love and acceptance

Please shower Megan with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-I'm looking for moms to pilot my new program, Mothers Evolve. Sign up to save your spot at ontheharddays.com/pilot

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. It's not too late to join us in July!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 91 (Part 1) Mom Megan Pizarro on the Overwhelm and Shame of Being a People Pleaser & Perfectionist Raising a Child With Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: *Trigger Warning* This episode touches upon multiple losses, including that of a baby. This content is in the first 10 minutes of the actual conversation with Megan.

My friends, this is one heck of an episode - and it's only Part 1! Megan is a wonderful, amazing mom. I decided to split our chat into two episodes as Part 1 is focused on Megan's story and her family, and Part 2 will be focused on Megan's learnings and tremendous growth she went through and how she's inspiring other moms to do the same.

In this Part 1, Megan doesn't hesitate to be very vulnerable and forthcoming in her struggle to parent her neurodivergent child. I could really relate to so much that she said, and I have a feeling you will be able to as well. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-When there's trauma in the first year of the baby's life
-Does needing an evaluation mean you've failed as a parent?
-The shame that comes with raising a child with a mood disorder
-The sheer magnitude of how very hard this motherhood journey is
-Being a recovering people pleaser and "good girl"

Please shower Megan with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. It's not too late to join us in July!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 90 Mom Lindsey Furr on Fighting for Your Neurodivergent Child with Medical & Educational Traumas

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Lindsey is a fighter, and so is her son. She's been advocating fiercely for him since the day he was born, as he suffered from medical trauma and then eventually educational trauma. She's in full Mama Bear mode (as I know you all can relate to) and I'm grateful she came on the show to share her story. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-What medical trauma looks like for an infant: Hirschsprung's Disease, surgeries, and long-term stays in the hospital
-The struggle to get a 1 on 1 aide in the classroom
-Lack of communication with school on behaviors
-The ongoing fight for inclusion
-Losing adult friendships as you take care of your child

Lindsey welcomes you to reach out to her and say hello! She's on FB and her email is
lindseyfurr8180@gmail.com. Please shower Lindsey with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on July 1st!

-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 89 Mom Kristen Kollgaard on Accepting Dual Truths: When You Really Don't Like Motherhood, But You Really Love Your Kid

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: I'm so appreciative of the REALNESS Mom Kristen brings to this conversation. She tells it like it is, while simultaneously reminding us that it's okay to not enjoy this ride of parenting a neurodivergent child, and that things are REALLY, really hard. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-Am I imagining/exaggerating symptoms?
-When a diagnosis is validating
-Why do other people question your child's diagnosis?
-"If this feels harder than it should be, it probably is."
-Guilt for admitting that you don't enjoy this.
-Early signs of Autism

Kristen welcomes you to reach out to her and say hello! She's on IG @kkollgaard and email is: kristenkollgaard@gmail.com.
Please shower Kristen with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on July 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 88 Mom Marni Kammersell on How Homeschooling Allows Gifted Kids With Learning Disabilities to be Themselves

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Marni Kammersell is homeschooling her kids, and boy does she GET it. The way she thinks about gifted, learning disabled children completely resonated with me in our conversation, and I just know it will for you too. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:
-The "hyper-wiring" of gifted brains
-Can 2E kids thrive in a traditional school setting?
-Why IQ testing is a thing
-Is a label necessary for your kids when you're homeschooling?
-What it's like to be gifted with dysgraphia
-Playing to our kids' strengths in education

Marni Kammersell is a doctoral student at the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education. However, her greatest teachers are her three twice-exceptional children. Together, they've been living a self-directed learning lifestyle since 2009. As a homeschooling and neurodiversity consultant, Marni loves sharing the latest research in neuroscience. She enjoys helping families transition from traditional educational models into homeschooling in a way that works for their unique learners. You can find her at https://nurturingneurodiversity.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/nurturingneurodiversitycolorado
Please shower Marni with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 87 (Part 2) Mom Erin Yeschin on Finding "Mama Bear" Strength in Our Parenting Fears and Reframing a "Stuck" Mentality

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: It's Part 2 of my amazing chat with the one and only Erin Yeschin. And while Part 1 was so relatable and validating, Part 2 will lift you up and give you the gentle kick in the pants you need to feel empowered and motivated to keep going. Don't skip this one, my friends - there is such power in her words! Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-Reframing your relationship with your neurodivergent child
-The gift of advocacy
-How misunderstood neurodivergent people are
-Why society expects neurodivergent kids to grow out of their behaviors and challenges
-Reframing a "failure" mentality
-Talking to your kids about tough societal issues

You can find Erin on IG @hippocampusclubhouse as well as on her podcast, Hippocampus Clubhouse, and her website: hippocampusclubhouse.com.
Please shower Erin with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 86 (Part 1) Mom Erin Yeschin on Staying Positive Despite a Rough Motherhood Journey From the Very Beginning

Mon, 30 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Erin Yeschin's parenting story of raising her neurodivergent child was so good, we had a long enough chat for two episodes (or even more!) Erin is a ray of light, despite being knocked down again and again and again. From her own health problems to a rough pregnancy, to health issues for her little one, and then really challenging behaviors, hers is a story I bet you will be able to resonate with somewhere along the line. And here's my favorite thing about her - her willingness to be brave and vulnerable. Towards the beginning of our conversation, her child interrupted us and got upset. His reaction is all too familiar for so many of us, and Erin graciously allowed me to share that part in this episode. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-How a challenging pregnancy affects the motherhood journey
-When big emotions have to come out at some point, one way or another
-The first signs of giftedness
-Tantrums Vs. Meltdowns
-The stress of a public meltdown
-High functioning postpartum anxiety and what that looks like
-Being a highly sensitive mom

You can find Erin on IG @hippocampusclubhouse - please check out what she's doing over there, it's amazing!!
Please shower Erin with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!

-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 85 Mom Allison Kenny on Letting Go of Motherhood Perfectionism (Especially With a Neurodivergent Kid) & Creating Your Own Image of Love

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Allison Kenny brought me HOME to myself and gave me the therapy session I didn't know I needed! Wow. You've got to take a listen to this amazing mom and life coach, who, in raising her own neurodivergent child, had to re-wire her brain for different outcomes in motherhood than the way she grew up. You'll want a notepad handy to jot down some really amazing, stick-with-you-for-days takeaways. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed:

-The false narrative of what raising kids in our society looks like
-Moms' suffering mental health due to putting ourselves last
-The foster-to-adopt system and how it created a false illusion of preparedness
-"Survival wiring" - perfectionism and hustle
-Reactive Attachment Disorder
-"Shift Parenting" - What is it?
-The trauma and PTSD that comes with the tough moments of motherhood

You can find Allison on IG @allisonkenny_coach and on FB @ Allison Kenny.
Please shower Allison with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story!

MORE:
-For bonus episodes, monthly printables, Zoom hangouts, on-air shouts, and more (including the change to submit your family picture as the podcast cover art!) head to patreon.com/ontheharddays and sponsor the show.

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Ep. 84 (Replay) Lessons From a Frying Pan

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: I'm throwing it WAY back to episode 5 to tell the story of the frying pan. Yes, the pan we cook eggs on. We so often are caught up in the intense emotions of our neurodivergent kids that sometimes the answer is staring us in the face! Take a listen to this personal story of mine and let me know if it resonates!

Please SHARE this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 83 Mom Alicia DuBois on Learning How to Pick Your Battles and the Trial and Error of the Medication Process

Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Alicia DuBois and I got talking about a lot of very relatable topics in this week's episode. I love her matter-of-fact nature in that, it is what it is, so let's just move on sort of attitude! Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Working with your child to solve problems
-Being the mom you used to judge
-When strategies work one day and not the next
-How to let some behaviors go
-The ups and downs of trying new medications
-Is it giving in, or is it being flexible?

Please shower Alicia with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on June 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 82 Mom Tiphany Kane on Shifting the Dreams We Have For Our Neurodivergent Kids - But Dreaming Nonetheless

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Tiphany Kane is a friend and a wonderful mother. I loved how positively she spoke of parenting, while also describing so many really hard moments. Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Shifting and Growing WITH Our Children
-Letting go of parental expectations
-Quieting the judgmental voices in our heads

More About Tiphany!
Tiphany Kane, M. Ed. is known as “The Heck
Yes! Coach”. She spent two decades in public
education and specializes in professional
development, training professional adults, and
public speaking. She is also an entrepreneur
and writer, who brings her passion for the art
of the spoken word to people who need help
finding their voice. Tiphany is passionate about
coaching women to turn life's painful “no's” in
life & business into empowered opportunities to
find the “YES!”. Tiphany’s mission is to empower
and educate women to elevate their voice and
story through podcasting, writing, and other
media. Tiphany is the co-founder of KaSa Media
productions as well as the host of 2 podcasts;
Radical Audacity and Mastering the Podcaster
Mindset.

CONTACT
tkane@tiphanykane.com
www.tiphanykane.com
IG, Twitter, LinedIn:tiphanykane
FB:Tiphany Kane Coaching
Pod: Radical Audacity in Love & Life
Pod: Mastering the Podcaster Mindset

Please shower Tiphany with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on May 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 81 (Replay) Mom Patricia Sung on Understanding ADHD in Neurodiverse Kids and Their Parents

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

*This week, I'm bringing back the MOST downloaded interview-based episode I have since starting the show in January of 2021. If you've heard it once, it hasn't been enough! Keep a notepad handy!

About This Episode: Patricia Sung is just the person I needed to talk to. She has ADHD and understands its nuances to a fault. She has her own podcast, Motherhood in ADHD, and is a featured guest speaker in my support group community, Mothers Together. In this episode, she was able to answer so many of my questions. We could've talked for hours longer! Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Postpartum anxiety and the tie to ADHD
-The hyper vigilance in recognizing the same diagnosis in our kids as we have
-How everyone's ADHD looks different
-Building up your ADHD child
-Supporting undiagnosed kids by looking for behavioral patterns
-Tantrums vs. meltdowns
-ADHD and setting parental boundaries

You can find Patricia at https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast
Please shower Patricia with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next group starts on May 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 80 Mom Erika Boudreau on Being a Pseudo-Mom (yet a Full Time Caretaker) to a Neurodivergent Child

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Erika is a powerhouse, telling a story that honestly, I would have a hard time telling. After unexpectedly and suddenly becoming a foster parent to her niece, she now is an amazing advocate and caretaker for her. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Lack of control as a foster parent
-Giving your whole self to someone else's child
-Parenting a family member's child
-Changing your family's culture to help your child fit in
-When you didn't plan to foster
-Neurodivergence or trauma?

Please shower Erika with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Head over to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up. Our next groups start on May 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 79 Mom Amy Smith on Mentally Accepting Aggressive Treatment for Severe OCD in a Young Child

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Amy is one of the strongest, most positive moms I know with one of the toughest stories I've ever heard. Her son suffers from severe, life-altering OCD. She had to accept help from multiple hospitals and the most aggressive treatment, despite her child being a young age. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What is "just right" OCD?
-What it's like to hospitalize your child
-When inpatient hospital stays come with a waiting list
-How ECT saved her son
-Keeping a marriage intact during a rough time

Please shower Amy with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 78 Mom Danielle Reiff on Balancing a Career and Motherhood, & Celebrating All Our Neurodivergent Kids Have to Offer

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Danielle was such a wonderful, knowledgeable person to talk with. For one thing, she has the coolest job! But what happens when your career and identity don't mesh with the needs of your child? Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Supporting kids with PDA
-Traveling and experiencing new places with neurodivergent kids
-Lack of resources in other countries
-The importance of stability and secure attachment with our kids
-When neurodivergent behaviors (unsupported) turn into trauma

Please shower Danielle with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 77 Mom Lorin Pahlua on Holding Space & Being a "Grief Keeper" for Neurodivergent Children With Trauma

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Lorin's conversation left me speechless more than once. Her vulnerability in sharing her innermost worries about raising her neurodivergent, adopted children just completely blew me away. Chatting with her was such a gift - this episode is not to be missed! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-The trauma of adoption and inconsistent caregivers
-Interracial adoption
-What if kids didn't want to be adopted?
-Taking care of yourself in order to take care of your kids
-Primal wounds of adopted children losing their first parents and first culture
-Is it neurodivergence or trauma?
-Being selfless but still holding space for yourself

Please shower Lorin with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 76 Mom Roxanne Ferber on What Education Could Be: Connection First, Trauma-Informed, & Nature School

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Roxanne is a breath of fresh air. Not only did she and I have a TON of similarities in our stories, but I was taken aback by her casual yet firm commitment to meeting her children's needs. If only she was in charge of education, all of our children would be thriving. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Educators have no neurodivergency training
-Connection before correction
-All behavior is communication
-The need for trauma-informed response training
-What is nature school?
-Collaboration between parents and teachers

Please shower Roxanne with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 75 Mom Natasha Croff on Advocating For Our Kids to Get a Fighting Chance in School

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Mom Natasha is a force to be reckoned with and I'm so thankful to have had the chance to chat with her. The way she advocates for her child with kindness yet firmness is inspiring. All children deserve the right to succeed. She nails it out of the park. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Fighting for an IEP that supports our kids
-Finding doctors who will listen to you
-Listen to your intuition
-What our kids internalize about themselves from the comments they hear
-Stigma against students who are neurodivergent
-Being your kid's strongest advocate
-The lack of understanding in schools about neurodivergent kids' behaviors
-Why we need to remove the phrase, "What did you do?"

Please shower Natasha with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up! Our next groups start on April 1st!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 74 Mom Charity Howard on Consistently Modeling Positivity, Despite the Hardships in Raising Neurodivergent Kids

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Charity SO inspired me with her consistent positive and optimistic thinking, despite a really challenging life in raising four neurodivergent kids. She was honest and vulnerable, yet so moving! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-What is DMDD?
-Trauma of parenting explosive children
-Setting tiny goals to get through each day
-Showing weakness as a mom to help others learn kindness
-The stigma around asking for help
-Modeling positive thinking

Please shower Charity with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 73 Mom Marjorie Ludwig on the Gifted/Autism Overlap and the Difficulties in Meeting Academic Needs

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: This is one of those episodes where, if you're raising a neurodivergent child, you'll be constantly nodding your head in awe as you listen. It's SO relatable. Mom Marjorie shares the struggles she and her family face with raising their son - especially with regards to being both gifted and Autistic, and how to meet his needs academically. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Lesser known Autism symptoms
-Gifted vs. Autism vs. ADHD
-The gray area between different types of neurodivergence
-Inflexible thinking
-Masking in school - even with Autism
-Finding the right schooling for your child

Please shower Marjorie with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 72 Mom Jill Matsumoto on Viewing Giftedness Through the Lens of Neurodivergence

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Jill's child reminded me SO much of my own. Yet I love how Jill holds space for him to just be who he is! This conversation was a wonderful reminder to love our kids for who they are, despite the challenges.

Please shower Jill with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 71 Mom Barbara on the Struggle to Find Answers for Your Child in Uncommon Diagnoses

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Barbara is raising a neurodivergent child whose story was VERY much like my own. However, where she lives, answers on certain diagnoses are hard to come by, making the journey that much more lonely. Despite this, she stays so positive and accepting of who her child is. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Sensory Processing Disorder and the U.K.
-Doctors' office questionnaires miss the subtle things!
-Primitive Reflexes - when your child is missing them!
-Awkwardness of asking family and friends to accommodate your child's needs

Please shower Barbara with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 70 Mom Melissa Ayres on Feelings of Inadequacy and Being Constantly In Tune to the Needs of Our Children

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Melissa is such a rockstar of a mother, yet she doesn't often believe it. With the never-ending needs of her children, Melissa explains vulnerably how she constantly feels like she's dropping the ball. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Gentle parenting a neurodivergent child
-Blaming yourself for your child's struggles
-Mom-guilt because you can't do all the things!
-Finding those little moments and underrated strengths

Please shower Melissa with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 69 Mom Marisa Humbracht on Holding Space and Giving Grace to Neurodivergent Kids Through Goal Setting and Family Values

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Mom Marisa is an inspiration. Her kids range in age from preschool to adulthood, including foster children and. The way that she shows her out-of-the-box children to love and value themselves just blew me away. You're going to want a notepad for this one, because she gives a TON of "start now" tips and strategies. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-When "good enough" is perfect
-How to open the lines of communication
-Sticking to a tight schedule
-Teaching kids how to protect their hearts
-Politeness, manners, and simple decency

You can find Marisa via email: Marisajanovsky@gmail.com

Please shower Marisa with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 68 Mom Avril Brown on Doing the Work of Internal Healing in Order to Love Our Neurodivergent Kids Unconditionally

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Okay, my friends - if you've never listened to an episode of On The Hard Days before - THIS episode is a great place to start. I have never personally felt more seen and heard than after chatting with the amazing Avril Brown. She gets it. Moment after moment of our conversation is filled with insight into accepting ourselves in order to truly accept our kids. So many lightbulb moments. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:

-Being triggered by your child's intense emotions
-Guilt from lack of joy in motherhood
-Unconditional love - even during challenging times
-Prioritizing yourself as a mother
-Motherhood perfectionism and rage
-Practice the pause

You can find Avril on FB under her name, Avril Brown.

Please shower Avril with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 67 Mom Laura Petix on Accepting Our Anxiety Around Our Kids' Big Emotions

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: What a validating conversation I had with Laura, aka The OT Butterfly. She and I view parenting our neurodiverse kids in a similar light, and I truly loved hearing about her mindset shift around how to handle a meltdown. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Balancing motherhood and being a professional in the field of neurodiversity
-Meltdowns will happen - stopping the behavior is not the goal!
-Difference between tantrums and meltdowns
-Generational differences in emotional regulation

You can find Laura on IG @theotbutterfly. She's also launching a FREE masterclass called the Sensory Meltdown Masterclass for Parents - check it out at www.theotbutterfly.com/masterclass. Please shower Laura with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 66 Mom Ellenia Lyons on Bringing Awareness to Severe Mental Health Struggles in Children Through Honesty and Advocacy

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

*Trigger Warning* Mention of Child's Suicide Attempts
About This Episode: Wow - this mom, Ellenia Lyons, is a powerhouse. She and her family have had to endure a lot of trauma and struggles - including dropping her then 9-year old off at a psychiatric facility. Instead of shying away, Ellenia is here to discuss how she consistently shows up for her kids through honesty and advocacy. This one is not to be missed. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Finding the right treatment in the right setting
-Raising a child with OCD and intrusive thoughts
-Medication-sensitivity in kids
-Supporting the whole child
-Ending the stigma around mental health

Please shower Ellenia with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 65 Mom Sharon Gordon on Being a Steady Ship in Our Kids' Stormy Seas

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: What an episode to kick off a new year! Oh MY this conversation with mom Sharon Gordon is freaking amazing. SHE is amazing and inspired me many different times. We zigzagged on different topics, but a few of my favorite parts came at the very end - so make sure you listen to the whole thing! Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Early signs of neurodiversity and ADHD
-Fear of being judged by others and yourself
-Switching your mindset around having a neurodiverse child
-What angry anxiety looks like
-Finding clarity in your own authority
-Frontloading your child to plan for success
-Filling in the educational gaps and a reason to send our kids to school

The best way to shower Sharon with love and support is by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 64 The One Thing That Changed Me as a Mom in 2021

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: I can't believe this is the last episode of 2021! What a ride. In this episode, I'm reflecting on the changes I've made as a mother and sharing a few tips with YOU!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 63 Top 5 Most Popular Episodes of 2021 - Who Were the Guests?

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: I can't believe we're at this point! These are the Top 5 most downloaded episodes this year - and honestly, they're some of my favorites. If you haven't listened to them all - you are truly missing out. I'll link them all right here for easy access! Happy listening!

1) Ep. 1 My Rock-Bottom Parenting Moment

2) Ep. 54 Mom Patricia Sung on Understanding ADHD in Neurodiverse Kids and Their Parents

3) Ep. 48 Mom Nancy Golumbia on Trusting the Developmental Process of Your Neurodiverse Child and Accepting Them for Who They Are

4) Ep.51 Mom Ilana Grostern on Helping 2E Kids Understand and Accept Themselves Through Their Bodies

5) Ep.33 Mom Abigail Cram on Shedding the Fear of Raising an Out-Of-The-Box Child

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up, or click the link!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 62 Moms Blakeley, Laura, and Ashley on Finally Finding Needed Support (in Mothers Together)

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Oh MAN this is a special episode! Blakeley, Laura, and Ashley are all raising neurodiverse children. They are also all in Mothers Together (in 3 different support groups!) - and they joined me live on IG a few days ago to chat about all things Mothers Together. I couldn't have imagined a better testimonial from these amazing moms and I'm truly grateful.

Finding your people is about letting your guard down. It's about sharing the truth of how hard it is to raise the children we have. It's about friendship and deep connections. It's really the best - it fills my cup everyday!

*I apologize for the bad audio quality at times - I was recording on my computer from the IG live. I'm sure there has to be a better way - anyone know?

Mothers Together is now accepting new members for the January support group - please visit ontheharddays.com/motherstogether or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. We can't wait to meet you!

MORE:
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep. 61 Mom Salka Sanden on How Accepting and Understanding Your Child is Easier When You Are Neurodivergent, Too

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: This week I'm talking with Salka, an amazing mother in Sweden. She and her son were diagnosed at the same time with Autism, and I was amazed at her level of comfort in understanding her child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Supporting her son through his identity shift
-Throwing traditional parenting techniques out the window when they don't work
-Feeling stress as a trauma response
-Did you know homeschooling is illegal in Sweden?!

Please shower Salka with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.60 Mom Megan Carranza on Finding Joy and Acceptance, Despite the Grief, After Autism Diagnosis

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: This week I'm talking with Megan, who is raising a non-verbal child with Autism. One of my biggest takeaways was how, despite the grief, she found joy and positivity in the diagnosis of her child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-What are the early signs of Autism?
-Speech delays - what is normal?
-Hearing the diagnosis: The tone of delivery
-ABA therapy
-Different, not less
-Flexing the muscle of advocacy

You can catch more of Megan on her podcast, Adventures in Autism, and on IG @adventuresinautism.
Please shower Megan with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.59 Mom Wassima Ben Salah on the Cultural Pressures of Raising a Gifted Child

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: This conversation with Wassima was unlike any I've had before. As a Turkish citizen, she is open and candid about the challenges she faces in raising her son. "Lack of support" really doesn't do it justice, and I'm so grateful to her for coming on and sharing her story. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-The meaning of "giftedness" in Turkey
-How people focus on the wrong thing in gifted children
-When moms are made to feel like they're exaggerating
-Lowering our expectations of gifted kids
-Lack of focus on emotional health of gifted children
-Can a child have too much empathy?
-Single parenting a gifted child

Please shower Wassima with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.58 Mom Stacy Spensley on Seeing a Faulty System Rather Than a Faulty Neurodiverse Child

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Oh man, this episode is AMAZING. Stacy drops so many nuggets of wisdom, it was almost hard to keep up. Yes, it's a long one, but it's worth every minute of your time. Take the whole week to listen to it in spurts - but make sure you get to that ending! Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Dropping "good" and "bad" behavior labels
-Having a diagnosis doesn't change the issues
-Identifying a skill is more important than manipulating a behavior
-Parenting with ADHD

You can find Stacy at semicrunchymama.com and on IG and FB!
Please shower Stacy with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.57 Mom Jody Warshawsky on Facing the Unknown in Raising a Neurodivergent Child

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: Jody has gone through a long list of emotions in raising her daughter, who has Autism and a seizure disorder. She's changed her motherhood mindset recently around how to parent her - keep in safe in a little bubble? Or let her experience the world? Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Separating parenting strategies from our inner voice
-The mistake in fantasizing about types of children we hope to have (like a mini-me, for example)
-Don't ignore your intuition!
-Let your child be who they are

Please shower Jody with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.56 Mom Maria Fuller on Loving Yourself as a Mother Enough to Accept and Advocate for Your Neurodiverse Child

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Maria is a powerhouse mom of neurodivergent children. Her inner strength and the clarity in her voice was inspiring - especially when she talked about education! Make sure you listen to the whole thing, because the ending is SO powerful. I've never felt more compelled to homeschool after chatting with Maria! Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-Setting boundaries around your self-care
-Importance of communication with your partner
-How behaviors come from unmet needs
-Finding the right educational fit
-Choosing the homeschool life
-Fostering kids' curiosities at home

You can find Maria at www.raisingapowerfulgirl.com, through her podcast of the same name, and on IG/FB!
Please shower Maria with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.55 Mom Jennifer Dunn on How Finding the Right Team for Your Special Needs Child is Crucially Important

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Jennifer Dunn is the amazing mother of a child with severe Autism. She's vocal about advocating for her child and chatted with me about the hardships of raising her kid. Above all else, I was struck by the amount of people in her life who *dropped the ball*. Here are just some of the things we discussed:

-When medication makes behaviors worse
-Schools and educators - when they don't take care of your child
-Finding the right therapists
-Is Autism a gift?
-For some, "self-care" is a luxury.

You can find Jennifer at keepingupwithkya.com or on FB and IG!
Please shower Jennifer with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.54 Mom Patricia Sung on Understanding ADHD in Neurodiverse Kids and Their Parents

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Patricia Sung is just the person I needed to talk to. She has ADHD and understands its nuances to a fault. She has her own podcast, Motherhood in ADHD, and is a featured guest speaker in my support group community, Mothers Together. In this episode, she was able to answer so many of my questions. We could've talked for hours longer! Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Postpartum anxiety and the tie to ADHD
-The hyper vigilance in recognizing the same diagnosis in our kids as we have
-How everyone's ADHD looks different
-Building up your ADHD child
-Supporting undiagnosed kids by looking for behavioral patterns
-Tantrums vs. meltdowns
-ADHD and setting parental boundaries

You can find Patricia at https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast
Please shower Patricia with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.53 Mom Kris Livingston on Raising a Neurodiverse Child Through Tragedy and Heartache (And With Endless Advocacy and Love!)

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

About This Episode: Okay my friends - I don't know how else to put this, but you MUST listen to the whole thing. I don't care if it takes you a week! Kris is one of the bravest mothers I know, and she REALLY puts it all out there in this conversation. She's raw, she's vulnerable, and she speaks the truth about raising out-of-the-box kids. You will laugh. You will cry. And please feel free to SHARE this episode far and wide - she deserves all the love! Among other topics, we discuss:

-The extra anxiety being raised by one parent
-Isolation after a tragedy
-Profoundly gifted kids in a school setting
-How giftedness = special education
-Why do kids need to comply in school?
-The pressure of being your child's "person"
-Modeling endless love with no judgement

Kris mentions the Safe and Sound Protocol - find out more HERE.
And again, please shower Kris with love and support by SHARING this episode with your mom friends and groups!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.52 Mom Cara Maclean on Maintaining a Connection With Neurodiverse Teenagers (And Your Partner, Too)

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In This Episode: Cara Maclean's tone is full of steadfast resolve in our conversation - she gets it. Not only that, but she's made a commitment to helping other parents, especially moms, in the challenges of raising out-of-the-box kids. We also talk about:

-Difference in parents in helping their kids and the disconnect in couples
-Education for gifted kids - and how neurotypical children should have the same experience
-Lack of education on neurodiversity for educators
-Blurred line between giftedness and ADHD

If you're interested in sharing your experience for Cara's upcoming book, please click below for the online survey:

https://form.jotform.com/210206793130041

Cara can be found at:
https://www.caramaclean.com
IG: @carajmaclean
FB: @caramacleancoaching

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.51 Mom Ilana Grostern on Helping 2E Kids Understand and Accept Themselves Through Their Bodies

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0400

In This Episode: Such a good episode with Ilana! We had an in-depth conversation about giftedness, asynchronous development, and how our kids need to be in touch with themselves (and we do too!) Don't miss this eye-opening chat - my mouth dropped open several times. Be sure to listen to the WHOLE episode - the ending is fantastic!

-The flip side of giftedness in 2E
-Existential depression
-Mindfulness in our kids (it's not what you think!)
-Seeing our kids as "whole" and helping them to do the same.

Ilana can be found at www.ilanagrostern.com and on all social media platforms with the same name!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.50 Mom Eileen Lamb on Accepting Autism Differences in Her Children (And Herself)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In This Episode: This was an eye-opening conversation with Eileen Lamb, the mother behind the social media handle The Autism Cafe. Her two sons are autistic (one severely) and she herself is also on the spectrum. Here are some things we discuss:

-Understanding your child with the same diagnosis as you
-How getting an autism diagnosis leads to better services
-The stigma of autism in other countries
-Lack of media attention on people with severe autism
-The struggles with non-verbal autism and not being able to communicate

Eileen can be found @theautismcafe and has also published two books: All Across The Spectrum and Be The One.

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.49 Mom Crystal Dorothy on Using Our Platforms to Teach Others About Neurodiversity

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In This Episode: Crystal Dorothy is the woman behind Not So Supermom Vs. Society. A mom of two neurodiverse children, she's using her voice and platform to educate others about raising kids who don't fit in the box. Here are some of the things we discuss:

-DMDD vs. ODD
-Aggressive children - sometimes feels like an abusive relationship
-The stigma around autism
-When kids take on the persona of others
-Advocating for your kids when traveling to new places

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.48 Mom Nancy Golumbia on Trusting the Developmental Process of Your Neurodiverse Child and Accepting Them for Who They Are

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0400

In This Episode: OH my goodness, the episode is AMAZING. There is NO way, after listening to it, that you won't feel something in in your gut about the message Nancy is spreading. She drops gold again and again with detailed talk about acceptance and letting your child just "be". Whether you listen all in one sitting or break the episode up over the week - make sure you listen to the WHOLE THING. Here are some things we discuss:

-Setting expectations that are actually reachable and that will boost your child's self-esteem and happiness
-Parenting from the gut. You know your kid best!
-Focusing on our kids' strengths rather than their lagging skills
-Completely accepting your child for who they are

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.47 I Worry That I Become an Angry Mom When My Kid Struggles in Public

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

...but the anger I feel towards my child is really directed at myself, for feeling guilty that I care so much what others think. If I can only shed that guilt and accept imperfection, maybe I won't be so angry...

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is the fear of being judged. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.46 I Worry That I Forget What Works Best For My Kid When I'm In Public

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

...because I'm so caught up in what works best for other people, that I lose sight of my own intuition.

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is the fear of being judged. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.45 I Worry What People Think of My Parenting

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Is there a hidden truth to this? What if it's more about what I think of my parenting? I need to accept MYSELF as a parent - and only then will other's opinions of my mothering not matter.

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is the fear of being judged. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.44 I Worry What People Think of My Child

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

However, I can't control what people think. What I CAN control is what I think of my child. And if I accept who he/she is, and I accept who I am - then there's nothing to worry about.

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is the fear of being judged. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.43 Mom Katie Dalbey on Sharing Power and Control With Our Kids

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In This Episode: Katie is a wonderful mom who has worked really hard at understanding and supporting her child's development. Kids need to feel safe and supported, and that means sometimes we have to share the control and power with them. We also talk about:

-Balancing the needs of a career with the needs of neurodiverse kids
-How to check yourself to meet your own needs
-The difference between kindness and politeness

You can find more information and support from Katie by going to fiveminutemeltdownmagic.com or keystokindness.com

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.42 Setting (and Keeping) Boundaries is Harder With Neurodiverse Kids

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

...it's just a fact. If you have a friend with neurotypical children and she sets and keeps boundaries like a boss, maybe it's because of the fact that - her children are neurotypical! So cut yourself some slack - you're doing an amazing job.

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is boundaries. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.41 It's okay to bend your boundaries around the needs of your child.

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

...Isn't that what parenting is all about, anyway? Meeting the needs of your child? Sometimes, that has to be on their terms, not yours.

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is boundaries. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.40 Forgive Yourself For the Boundaries You Set That You Don't Hold

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

...because we're all human, and if someone acts like they stay firm in every parenting decision they make, they're lying.

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is boundaries. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.39 You Get To Decide What Your Boundaries Look Like

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

...AND you get to decide if you hold them!

The theme for our mini-episodes this week is boundaries. Each day, I'll touch upon a way I view this topic that has helped me understand and accept myself as a mother of a neurodiverse child. Thank you so much for tuning in.

Does this episode resonate with you today? Please reach out and send me a DM on Instagram, or email me at ontheharddays@gmail.com. I'd LOVE to hear from you. Have a suggestion for a topic I should cover in the future? Let me hear it!

Ep.38 Mom Charlotte Wilkinson on How Advocating For Your Neurodiverse Child in School Becomes a Full-Time Job

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

*Special Introduction: Mothers Together re-opens on September 1st! This is the place you can't find anywhere else on the internet - a judgement-free community with small support groups for moms like us, raising neurodiverse kids. Head to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up!

In This Episode: Charlotte is a mom who, just like the rest of us, fights fiercely for her child. We discuss at length how the education system often doesn't understand our children - especially with issues like field trips, inclusion, behavior struggles, etc. Charlotte not only is an advocate, but she has really great, innovative ideas for helping teachers and staff get to know our kids. We also talk about:

-What inclusion could look like for children with challenging behaviors
-Lack of equality in the classroom
-When "bad" behaviors = assumptions about the child's ability to learn
-The need for open communication between teacher and parent

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.37 Mom Amy Nielsen on Taking a Systematic Approach to Building Your Village

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400

*Special Introduction: Mothers Together re-opens on September 1st! This is the place you can't find anywhere else on the internet - a judgement-free community with small support groups for moms like us, raising neurodiverse kids. Head to ontheharddays.com/motherstogether to sign up!

In This Episode: Amy is a caregiver coach, a parent advocate, an author, and the mom of a neurodiverse child. In this episode, she unpacks the need for every mom to have their village - but not just any village. She takes a systematic approach to building a team who understand the needs of out-of-the-box kids. It's a different way of thinking about finding your people - and her step by step ideas make total sense. We also talk about:

-Comparing raising neurotypical kids to neurodiverse kids
-Ditching the "traditional" approach to parenting
-Listening to your mama gut instinct.

You can find out more about Amy and what she does on her website, Big Abilities.

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.36 Mom Mathilde Cerioli on Taking a Playful, Inconsistent Approach to Parenting Neurodiverse Kids

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

What an episode! Mathilde not only has neurodiverse children, but she herself has ADHD. She also has a doctorate in neuroscience and is the co-founder of Fly Little Dragon (see more below!) In this great conversation, we touch on:

-Using PLAY techniques to help with executive functioning struggles
-Rethinking how we get our kids to do tasks they hate (such as chores)
-Giving ourselves permission to CHANGE our parenting styles and techniques to find what works (consistently inconsistent!)
-Strategies for picky eaters
-ADHD in girls
...and much more!

Check out her site, Fly Little Dragon, which provides printables and other resources for moms raising neurodiverse kids. It's a fantastic support for us!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.35 Appreciation & Gratitude, Even On The Hard Days

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 22:00:00 -0400

If you follow me on IG, you know I've been quiet the last week or so. We've had an unexpected, tragic death in our family - completely altering our lives. In this mini-episode, I talk more about that, a funny story about Mr. 5 and how he's processing grief, and a neighbor whose words brought me back to the microphone. It's an 11 minute update on appreciating this life - even on the hard days.

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support group Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to join the waiting list!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.34 Community in The Darkest Motherhood Moments

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Guys, I'm switching things up on you this week! Today's episode is...just ME! I have a lot to talk about, including:

-What happened AFTER the rock-bottom parenting moment (see Episode 1!)
-The difference between Level 0, 1, or 2 Support
-Launching my support group community, Mothers Together.

Ready to sign up for Mothers Together? Click THIS LINK.

Ep.33 Mom Abigail Cram on Shedding the Fear of Raising an Out-Of-The-Box Child

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Abigail hit on SO many truths about raising our neurodiverse kids - especially when it comes to education and giftedness. She talked about the fears we have, as moms, in meeting our kids' out-of-the-box needs, but if we push past them and lean in to who our kids truly are, we will meet their needs and ours.

Abigail's son makes an appearance in this episode (more than once!), really bringing to life the concepts she talks about. Don't miss this wonderful, real conversation with Abigail!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my new support groups? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.32 Mom Chrystal on the Cycle of Trauma in Raising a Neurodiverse Child

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Chrystal is an active military wife and mom - and this is important because every time she moves (and it's quite often), she loses her entire support system! Her child has struggled immensely, and Chrystal does a beautiful job of explaining the system of traumas (both little and big) that she goes through in her motherhood.

One of the most real and raw conversations I've had yet on the show, this one isn't to be missed.

MORE:
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Please leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.31 As a Mother of an Out-Of-The-Box Kid, Do You Feel SUPPORTED?

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

What we've all been missing is - support. After months of talking with so many of you about how YOU feel in raising your neurodiverse child, it's clear that you're not getting the support you need - the comradery, the solidarity, the understanding without judgement.

Until I met you guys, neither was I.

In this bonus mini episode, I'm giving you guys an inside look into my brain. I feel there's an open space for mothers like us to come together - and I have an idea.

Ep.30 Mom Stephanie Smith on Normalizing Asynchronous Development in Gifted Kids

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Stephanie Smith has a gifted, learning-disabled child. Relatable? Twice Exceptionality is the focus of our talk, as Stephanie brings just the right amount of blunt realness to make you vigorously shake your head and say - "That's my kid!" (Or at least I did that, multiple times.)

We talk ALL about raising 2E, neurodiverse kids. Specifically, we focus on:
-Recognizing the gifts in neurodiverse people
-Society has set the parameters for "normal" - but it doesn't have to be that way
-High intelligence may only be in certain areas, and that's okay
-"Find the gold in your kid!"

MORE:
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.29 Dad(!) Chef Kibby on How Cooking Creates a Connection for Kids With Challenging Behaviors & Trauma

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Ep.28 Mom Kimberly Heilig on How to Mother Emotionally Gifted, 2E Kids With Positive Authority

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Guys. I struggled to find the right title for this episode, because Kim dropped so many golden nuggets - how could I possibly represent all that she said in one sentence?

We talked ALL about raising 2E, neurodiverse kids. Specifically, we focused on:

-The importance of being an authority to our 2E kids (but in a positive way)
-How being inconsistent as a mom is often better than consistency
The importance of getting the PROPER help for your child - as sometimes the wrong kind of help is more damaging!
-How 2E kids have so many layers to them that the way we parent may benefit one layer and hurt another. It's all about balance.
-Our neurodiverse kids are often emotionally gifted - but just because they hold onto so much conscience-ness doesn't mean they SHOULD.

MORE:
-Bonus episodes of my motherhood journey come out every Thursday! Access them HERE: patreon.com/ontheharddays.
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.27 Mom Delphine Rule on the Importance of Advocating for Your Neurodiverse Child at School

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

If you have a neurodiverse child in school, you'll know that our society's system of education doesn't often meet their needs. Delphine Rule is a special education teacher and an advocate for parents raising out-of-the-box kids. In this important episode, we discuss how and why parents need to advocate for their kids in a school setting.

-Bonus episodes of my motherhood journey come out every Thursday! Access them HERE: patreon.com/ontheharddays.
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.26 Mom Kendra Rogers on Viewing Neurodiverse Children Through the Lens of Their Gifts

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

I really, really love this episode. This was one of those where I continued to think about it, days after recording. Kendra Rogers has four neurodiverse children. Four. If anyone understands being deep in the trenches of tough motherhood moments, it's her. But in our conversation, she's excitedly telling me all about her children's STRENGTHS. Because not only does focusing on their gifts help guide them to be successful and happy people, but it changes the way YOU see them, despite the challenges they might face. This episode truly hit home for me, and I hope it does for you as well.

-Bonus episodes of my motherhood journey come out every Thursday! Access them HERE: patreon.com/ontheharddays.
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.25 A Day In The Life - Miss 7 Wrote Me A Note.

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to my first bonus episode of the ongoing series, "A Day In The Life". I'm excited to start bringing you weekly content that goes back to sharing my journey in raising a neurodiverse child.

After today's episode, all future "A Day In The Life" episodes will be featured on my Patreon. You can find that at patreon.com/ontheharddays. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Ep.24 Mom Alessandra Rosa on the Lack of Support for Out-Of-The-Box Preschoolers

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Does your out-of-the-box child feel misunderstood at school? Listen to the story of Alesssandra Rosa, whose son was kicked out of MULTIPLE preschools and has led her on a mission of advocating for the education of not only her own child, but of asynchronous kids everywhere. This one may just hit home!

-Support the show (and get bonus content like exclusive episodes and Zoom calls with me!) by going to patreon.com/ontheharddays.
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.23 Mom Jasmine Turner on Trusting Your Mother's Intuition and Discovering Your Inner Voice

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

What does your inner voice tell you about yourself as a mother? In this episode, the wonderful Jasmine Turner discusses the power that mothers have, the importance of tapping into the true "you", and trusting your gut. It was such a powerful episode that I continued to think about it for days after we recorded! I hope it does the same for you!

-Support the show (and get bonus content like exclusive episodes and Zoom calls with me!) by going to patreon.com/ontheharddays.
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.22 Mom Jennifer Hepton on Understanding Yourself to Better Understand Your Kids

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

*Trigger Warning*: The first 16 minutes of this episode discuss the topics of infertility and pregnancy loss.

"It's shifting from that old paradigm of that harsh discipline, of like, the child is an extension of us, and the fixing, and the behavior-based, and the time-outs, and the rules, and the achievement-based - it's more like just that processing it together, living it together. It's needs-based, it's about listening. It's no shaming, no fixing."

Why do you parent the way that you do? In this episode, the amazing Jennifer Hepton, Conscious Parenting Coach, walks you through the process of 1) understanding your triggers and where they came from, and 2) forgiving yourself for them. In this, she focuses on meeting your children where they are without the need to shame or "fix" them. It's truly a life-giving episode and cannot be missed!

-Support the show (and get bonus content like exclusive episodes and Zoom calls with me!) by going to patreon.com/ontheharddays.
-Be showcased as a "Mom of the Week" through my weekly newsletter "Mothers Together", which also features resources for raising out-of-the-box kids and a personal blog post. Sign up at ontheharddays.com!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. Be sure to leave a review to spread the word to other moms around the world!

Ep.21 Mom Sandra Mikulic on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Limited Thinking by Putting Mental Health First

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

*Warning: There is swearing in this episode. Do not listen with kids around!*

"We talk about mental health being important, but what's important is being open to what you have, and being open to the fact that it's gonna be a journey to heal. And actually, what's crazy? What's crazy is the journey never ends."

Ep.20 Mom Kelly van Rooyen on Holding Space for Your Kids Despite Challenging Behavior

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"Respecting that your child's emotions are different to yours, and giving them space to have them - and a safe space. Giving them the knowledge that, no matter how you feel, 'I love you, my love is unconditional, I don't love you more when you're quiet or well-behaved or listening to me. I love you all the time. So much so, that you are screaming at me right now but I'm going to sit with you and love you through it.'"

Ep.19 Mom Meredith Redmon on Letting Go of Perfectionism and High Expectations

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"But I think when you have this idea of how things are gonna go, and they don't meet those expectations, it can be really difficult as a mother....When I started seeing [rage], I had no idea that could be a symptom of anxiety. I thought I was just mean now. And that makes me so sad to say! Am I just not a nice person anymore? Do I have no patience, no tolerance? But it's anxiety because everything around you feels out of your control."

Ep. 18 Mom Lina Forrestal on Identifying Intrusive Thoughts and When To Seek Help

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"I played out a whole scene in my head. Those are intrusive thoughts and I didn't know this at the time, I thought this was normal. I knew I was a worrier, but that's all I knew." "So that's not normal?" "That's anxiety. That is anxiety. I don't even like the word 'normal'. What is normal? It's not that it's not normal. But it is anxiety."

Ep. 17 Mom Ashley Powers on Finding Yourself Down the Long Road of Self-Acceptance

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"I fell in love with changing people's lives. It fills my cup. It makes me happy. You know, being a stay-at-home mom, you're in this constant rut of doing the same things every day. You're doing dishes, you're doing laundry, you're cleaning, you're vacuuming, it's everything constantly. You're doing all their needs, which is great and I love them, but I wasn't fulfilling something that was empty within me."

Ep. 16 Mom Kelsey Brown on Meeting Highly Sensitive Kids' Needs With Sensory Play

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"In my experience, what I've found is more of a gentle parenting, respectful parenting approach seems to work best. And really helping them build that feeling vocabulary, and helping them manage their emotions through the use of strategies. So really ultimately what we want is these kiddos to be able to get to a place of internally managing their emotions like we do as adults, but of course, developmentally appropriate."

Ep. 15 Mom Cadie Grayson on Postpartum Rage, Anxiety, and Normalizing Medication

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"And it's like, 'Give me a SECOND. I need to go to the bathroom. What part of that do you not understand?' And it goes into this like, 'Who Am I?' Like, I cannot recognize who this person is speaking and it's like I'm standing outside of my body, staring at this person yelling, being like, 'What are you doing?' But I have zero control over it."

Ep. 14 How an act of kindness led to a day of gratitude

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

"What if we all told everyone what we were feeling? Especially when it's a good thing - so maybe not everything. But what if every time we thought something kind, we just said it out loud? It sounds simple enough, but yet, we don't."

Ep. 13 What's Next For The Podcast

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This podcast is heading to Season 2! I could not be more excited. It's going to have two main features: A weekly motivation for you to show up as you ARE for your child, not for who you think you should be, and a weekly REAL MOM chat, featuring an amazing mother who is, like you and me, also in the trenches of motherhood.

Ep. 12 Stop Mom-Shaming Yourself!

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

"I think mothers carry this invisible burden of perfectionism. Mom-shaming yourself means judging yourself. It means shaming yourself into thinking, 'I messed up today. I have done something wrong. I'm going to forgive myself, but I've done something wrong.' When you Mom-Shame yourself, you're essentially holding yourself to this absolutely unrealistic expectation of perfection."

Ep. 11 It's Time For a Therapist

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

“I need a therapist who totally understands that. If I end up with a therapist who is 100% play based therapy, where I think Mr. 7 will have a grand time playing - but he’s not going to open up. You can’t trick him. You can’t trick him with Playdoh and trucks and all of a sudden he’ll tell you…I just think it’s going to have to be an out-of-the-box approach for an out-of-the-box kid.”

Ep. 10 Finding My Mom-Strengths (A Spaghetti & Meatballs Story)

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0500

If you're anything like me, you often fill yourself with unnecessary Mom-Guilt. You know, the way you feel when you're rushing out the door, or you forgot to pack your child a snack, or you raised your voice when you wish you hadn't. Mothers are "on the job" 24/7 - and yet we rarely forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Instead, we hyper-focus on all the things we do WRONG. In this episode, I'm going to share one SIMPLE strategy for finding your "Mom-Strengths".

Ep. 9 A Rough Night

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Megan recounts a recent meltdown from Mr. 7. The incident leads to a discussion about apologizing - and more importantly, empathy. Whether or not you agree with apologizing, you'll be able to relate to this story of managing a strong-willed, out-of-the-box child's rough night.

Ep. 8 What Does Being Gifted Actually Mean?

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:00:00 -0500

What do you think of when you hear the word "giftedness"? Megan breaks down the stereotypes and needs of gifted children, and takes a deep dive into the concept of "filling your child's cup". Whether or not you have gifted children, this episode will make you think twice about how you meet your child's needs.

Ep. 7 A Tribute To My Daughter

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

One episode just wasn't enough. Megan gives appreciation to Miss 7 and discusses her gift (and also her curse) - her desire to please other people. Megan especially points to two incidents that tell the story of who Miss 7 is, and how Megan can best meet her needs. It's a true reflection of who our kids really are and how we can support them in the ways that they need.

Ep. 6 What About The Siblings?

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Raising a challenging child? If you have other children, you might often feel guilty - for what they see, hear, and the way your attention is often diverted elsewhere. Megan shares this guilt, and in this episode, she takes a closer look at the relationship between her twins. Has she done enough for the other children in their home? Time will only tell.

Ep. 5 Lessons From a Frying Pan

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 22:00:00 -0500

When you're parenting a challenging kid, you often get lost in the moment of a meltdown and can't think of the obvious solution that could just solve the problem. Megan recounts a hilariously ridiculous story with her son, and learns a life lesson along the way. She challenges other moms to participate in the #onelessmeltdown challenge.

Ep. 4 I Don't Always Enjoy My Child

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 16:00:00 -0500

Megan walks through a recently challenging day for Mr. 7. Challenging kids are often very inflexible, and he struggled to find and utilize solutions to the day’s issues. After a good vent, Megan turns her mindset around, offering a simple way to celebrate our children, no matter how tough they can be.

Ep. 3 The Discipline Debate

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:00:00 -0500

Megan discusses the societal pressure mothers face to “discipline” children in a certain way. She recounts different strategies she tried over the years, only to find more frustration and no change in behavior. Megan concludes with finding your OWN voice and parenting strategies, based on what works for you and your child.

Ep.2 Is It Me, Or Is It My Child?

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Megan recounts the early years with her son, analyzing his behaviors to figure out if she was doing something wrong as a mother. As his challenges intensified, he acted out - but only at home. Finally, she took him to a psychologist at age four and he was given a diagnosis.

Ep. 1 My Rock-Bottom Parenting Moment

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:00:00 -0500

About This Episode: In this very first episode, you'll hear a recount of one of my worst parenting moments involving my neurodiverse, out-of-the-box child when he was just three years old. By the amount of you who've listened in (this is the most popular episode to date!), I'm guessing this story resonates! And honestly - that feels great. We aren't alone, my friends!

MORE:
-Want to be a part of my support group community, Mothers Together? Send me a message on IG or FB and I'll tell you how to sign up!
-Subscribe to On The Hard Days via Apple, Spotify, or however you get your podcasts. *Please leave a review* to spread the word to other moms around the world!

On The Hard Days

BONUS: Ep. 214 All Things 'Community' With The Ladies of "Moms Talk Autism"!

Ep. 213 Mom Jen on Becoming Empowered to Learn How to Advocate For Her Gifted Child - How She Fought For Services and Won (the Second Time)

Ep. 212 Mom Lisa on Finding Time to *Care* About Herself Through a Very Unique Journey to Motherhood

Ep. 211 Mom Emily on Implementing the "Spoon Theory" Into Her Child's Day, and How Curiosity & Research Has Helped Her Grief & Acceptance

Ep. 210 Mom Sarah on Re-Imagining & Re-Shaping Her Life to Understand How to Support Her ND Kids

Ep. 209 Mom Dalynn on Putting in the Work on *Herself* to Lead Her Family With Love & Understanding, Instead of Yelling & Anxiety

Ep. 208 Mom Stephanie on the "Survival of Self" While Getting Divorced & Helping a Struggling Teenager Who Doesn't Want Help

Ep. 207 Mom Sandi on Helping Her PDA Child Come Out the Other Side of Severe Burnout (and What She Learned About Herself Along the Way)

Ep. 206 Mom Becky on Learning to Understand Her Neurodivergent Kids Through the Joy of Support

Ep. 205 Mom Dorothy on Accepting Your *Lack* of Control, Being Realistic About Hope, and Using Your Master Negotiation Skills To Get Help

Ep. 204 Mom Amanda on Being an "Action Taker" While Pursuing *All The Things* to Help Her Family Thrive

Ep. 203 Mom Emily on Managing *Caregiver Burnout* When There's No End in Sight

Ep.202 Mom Chantelle Stieghan on Facing Motherhood Struggles With Humor & Rolling With the (Literal) Punches

Ep.201 Mom Felicia Watkins on Stopping the Cycles of Self-Gaslighting and Judging How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kids

Ep.200!! Celebrating 200 Episodes With Megan Through Vulnerability & Validation

Ep.199 Mom Stephanie Fluger on Asking For Help: Learning to Let Go of Control, Shed Guilt & Anger, and Actually Take Care of Yourself

Ep.198 Mom Cathy Shields on Acceptance & Understanding of a Neurodivergent Young Adult

Ep.197 Dad Rob Gorski on the "Sudden Detour" of a Massive Regression & Parenting the Kid, Not the Diagnosis

Ep.196 Mom Taylor Alexander on Surviving & Prioritizing What's Important When Managing a Whole Family With ADHD

Ep.195 On The Hard Days is BACK! Here's The Update!

Ep.194 (Replay): Dad Brent Nohl on How Therapy & Meds For YOU Help Your Neurodivergent Kids Become the Best Versions of Themselves

Ep.193 Mom Courtney Welsh on How Working Through Post-Natal Depression Helped Shape a Positive Mindset to Raise Her Neurodivergent Child

Ep.192 Mom Hannah Mira on How Learning About & Understanding *Herself* Through a Late Autism Diagnosis & Therapy Has Changed How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kid

Ep.191 Mom Caroline on Adjusting Your Expectations as a Military Spouse & Facing Your Own Mental Health Diagnosis as a Mental Health Professional

Ep.190 Mom Vanessa Dittman on Living a Life of Daily Triage & Trauma With a Medically Complex, Neurodivergent Child With Behavioral Challenges (Even With the Support of a Service Dog)

Ep.189 Mom Brittney Smith on Managing Her Stress Levels In Helping Her Child With Extreme Sensory Needs & Food Struggles

Ep.188 Mama Monday: Mom Jeannie Ewing On Shifting Expectations, Accepting Regressions, And Riding The Rollercoaster Of Emotions As A Parent Of Neurodivergent Kids

Ep.187 Mama Monday: Mom Whitney Price on How Finding The Right Community, Educational Fit, and Therapies Make All The DIfference in Raising a Neurodivergent Child

Ep.186 Mama Monday: Mom Lisa Candera on "Sanity Management" and Redirecting Our Brains Away from Worrying & Catastrophizing About Our Neurodivergent Kids

Ep.185 Mama Monday: Mom Lauren Goeke on the Brokenness of the Educational & Medical Systems, Lack of Holistic Approaches to Treating Neurodivergent Kids, and How This Motivates Her to Keep Going

Ep.184 Mother's Day Special: It's Okay To Grieve & Feel Disappointed In This Day

Ep.183 Mama Monday: Mom Breanna Akers on Taking Care of Your Mental Health & Staying True to Your Identity When Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Ep.182 Mama Monday: Mom Lahren Rogers on How Standing Your Ground, Setting Boundaries, AND Cultivating Relationships Are the Keys to Successfully Advocating For Your Neurodivergent Child

Ep.181 Mama Monday: Mom Brittney on Managing the Mental Load Of Meeting Your Kids' Needs While Finding Your Own Voice At The Same Time

Ep.180 Mama Monday: Mom Christie Dilks on Learning How to Advocate, Not Just For Your Neurodivergent Child, But For Their Siblings & Yourself

Ep.179 Mama Monday: Mom Melissa Schoenherr on Her Rock-Bottom Parenting Moment With Her Neurodivergent Child and What She Learned About *Herself* From It

Ep.178 Mama Monday: Mom Molly Kellogg on Managing Anger & Emotional Intensity With an Intellectually Gifted Child

Ep.177 Mama Monday: Mom Kahrissa Taylor on Forced Resilience in Survival Mode - When Taking Care of Yourself Isn't an Option, Vulnerability is Key

Ep.176 Father Friday: Dad Benjamin Wiles on Prioritizing Your Relationships With All Your Children & Trusting Your Intuition in Decision-Making

Ep.175 Bonus: Mom Gabriele on Raising Multiple Neurodivergent Kids Under 5 and How Connection & Community Helped Her See Them In A New Light

Ep.174 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Estelle Emond on Dealing With Clutter, Balancing Everyone's Different Needs, and Practicing "Instant Forgiveness"

Ep.173 Father Friday: Dad Andrew McPherson on Making a Conscious Decision to Give 'Consistent Grace' to Your Partner, Yourself, and Your Neurodivergent Child

Ep.172 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Estelle Emond on Constantly Being Dismissed About Your Child's Struggles, and Finding the Key to Family Success

Ep.171 Father Friday: Dad Stephen LupPlace on Accepting the "New Normal" of Life With a Neurodivergent Child & Focusing on Putting One Foot in Front of the Other

Ep.170 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Bethany Hoath on Taking Care of Ourselves Physically as Mothers and Women, One Choice at a Time

Ep.169 Father Friday: Dad Austin Bowden on Dreaming Big, Staying Positive, & Finding Little Miracles With Your Neurodivergent Child

Ep.168 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Bethany Hoath on Identifying the Amount of Trauma That We (As Moms) Carry Everyday - And How to Invest In Our Own True "Self Care"

Ep.167 Father Friday: Dad Kellen Hamrah on Making Happy Memories With Your Neurodivergent Child In Ways You Never Expected & Redefining What "Advocating" Looks Like As Part of a Team

Ep.166 Mama Monday: Mom Carly Ely on Accepting Your Own Neurodivergence to Model Using Coping Strategies With Your Kids

Ep.165 Father Friday: Dad Don Andrews on Just "Letting Them Be" and Verbalizing to Our Neurodivergent Kids How Deeply We Love Them

Ep.164 Mama Monday: Mom Anna McArthur on Setting Boundaries With Her Neurodivergent Child In Order to Preserve Her Mental Health

Ep.163 Father Friday: Dad Jake Gilbreath on Going From Skeptical to "All In" When Accepting a Child's Diagnosis and Normalizing Discussions About How Hard the Journey Can Be

Ep.162 Mama Monday: Mom Kelly Edwards on the Emotional, Mental Load of "Caregiver Fatigue" - And How to Avoid It - When Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Ep.161 Father Friday: Dad Pablo Chavez on Rethinking How to Parent Your Neurodivergent "Mini-Me"

Ep.160 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Kim Jones on Changing Your Parenting Approach to Truly See Your Neurodivergent Child as an Individual

Ep.159 Father Friday: Dad Sean Martin on How Hard It Was (And How Long It Took) To "Drop the Ego" and Undo the "Male Narrative" Around His Pre-Conceived Definition of Fatherhood

Ep.158 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Church Community Isolated My Family Based On Their Lack of Understanding of Neurodiversity"

Ep.157 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Kim Jones on Finding Your Role as a Step-Parent of a Neurodivergent Child & Shifting Your Idea of "Normal"

Ep.156 Father Friday: Dad John Marton on Keeping (Somewhat) Cool in the Hard Moments & Learning How to Accommodate Your Kid's Needs As You Go

Ep.155 In Your Own Words: "The Time When Humor Changed My Outlook On A Tough Situation At The Doctor's Office"

Ep.154 In Your Own Words: "The Time When I Reframed My Sadness About My Child On The Basketball Court"

Ep.153 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Child's Aggressive Behaviors Told Me It Was Time To Seek Help"

Ep.152 Mama Monday: Mom Nicole Tra on Managing Your Neurodivergent Child's Needs When There Are No Answers But "Everything Fits"

Ep.151 My Turn: A (Re)Introduction To Megan, Her Family, & The Importance of Validation For Moms' Mental Health

Ep.150 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Child's Misdiagnosis Led to Self-Harm and Hospitalization"

Ep.149 In Your Own Words: "The Time When a Hard Decision About My Son's Hair Led Me to Trust My Gut Despite Questioning From Others"

Ep.148 In Your Own Words: "The Time When A School Director's Hurtful Comments Towards My Child Lit a Fire Inside Me"

Ep.147 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Michelle Bubier on Using "Out of the Box" Parenting Strategies to Meet Neurodivergent Kids Where They Are - No Matter What Other People Think

Ep.146 In Your Own Words: "The Time When My Neurodivergent Child's Massive Meltdown Seemed Impossible For Others to Believe"

Ep.145 In Your Own Words: "The Time When We Faced 'Casual Cruelty' From a Stranger About Our Autistic Child - On a Playground!"

Ep.144 In Your Own Words: "The Time When a School Counselor Suggested That My Neurodivergent Kid Switch Schools"

Ep.143 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Michelle Bubier on Finding Her "Chill" With Her Gifted, Autistic Child & Rolling With The (Literal) Punches

Ep.142 Reflecting on My 2022 Motherhood Journey - I'm "Doing it Messy"

Ep.141 Mama Monday: Mom Liza Blas on How Chronic Illness Impacted Her Neurodivergent Kids' Mental Health Struggles

Ep.140 Father Friday: Dad Will Simons on Accepting Your Own Limitations In Order to Better Connect To Your Neurodivergent Child

Ep.139 Mothers Together Moms Steph, Nancy, & Lacey on Getting Support When You Have an Older Child & the Power of True Friendships For Our Mental Health

Ep.138 Mothers Together Moms Meghan & Katrina on Celebrating the *Small* Wins With Other Moms Who Get It

Ep.137 Mothers Together Moms Julia & Erin on the Importance of Taking Care of Our Mental Health When Raising Neurodivergent Kids

Ep.136 Mama Monday: (Replay) Mom Lorin Pahlua on Holding Space & Being a "Grief Keeper" for Neurodivergent Children With Trauma

Ep. 212 Mom Lisa on Finding Time to Care About Herself Through a Very Unique Journey to Motherhood

Ep. 209 Mom Dalynn on Putting in the Work on Herself to Lead Her Family With Love & Understanding, Instead of Yelling & Anxiety

Ep. 205 Mom Dorothy on Accepting Your Lack of Control, Being Realistic About Hope, and Using Your Master Negotiation Skills To Get Help

Ep. 204 Mom Amanda on Being an "Action Taker" While Pursuing All The Things to Help Her Family Thrive

Ep. 203 Mom Emily on Managing Caregiver Burnout When There's No End in Sight

Ep.192 Mom Hannah Mira on How Learning About & Understanding Herself Through a Late Autism Diagnosis & Therapy Has Changed How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kid

Ep.179 Mama Monday: Mom Melissa Schoenherr on Her Rock-Bottom Parenting Moment With Her Neurodivergent Child and What She Learned About Herself From It

Ep.138 Mothers Together Moms Meghan & Katrina on Celebrating the Small Wins With Other Moms Who Get It

Ep.121 (Bonus!) Mentors Speak: Kim Heilig on Befriending Yourself After Years of Disconnect & Trauma

Ep. 97 (Part 2) Mom Tahira Benevelli on Doing the Internal Work to Discover Our Own Missing Needs Before Meeting the Needs of Our Neurodivergent Kids