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Beautifully Complex — Kids & Family
Beautifully Complex

Parenting a neurodivergent kid is one of the hardest things you will ever do. If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why nothing seems to work, this is the place for you.

I am Penny Williams, parenting coach, author, and mom who’s in the trenches alongside you. Each week on Beautifully Complex, I bring you honest conversations and real strategies for raising kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. Our kids aren’t broken, just wired differently.

My work is grounded in the SIGNAL Framework™, a nervous-system-first approach I developed around one core truth: regulation is required before any skill or strategy can take hold.

Every episode delivers insights you can actually use to reduce your stress, rebuild your confidence, and create a family life that feels good for everyone in it. I’ve helped thousands of families worldwide, and this community is here for you too.

New episodes drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex–6137613/support.

Copyright: © Copyright Penny Williams

Latest Episodes:

PAP 065: Success After High School for Students with ADHD, with Elizabeth Hamblet Jul 31, 2019

Show notes

"There needs to be a desire to go to college. Just sending somebody because that's what's expected is not going to be good for that student."
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 064: What Really Matters When Parenting Kids with ADHD Jul 26, 2019

Show notes

Our culture defines expectations of our parenting priorities. When we become parents, we latch onto those expectations and adopt them as our own. The problem is, those priorities were created for neurotypical kids and we are raising kids with differences. If our child is different, our parenting should be different too. That means that not everything that matters to our culture really matters for our special brand of parenthood. In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I outline what truly matters when raising kids with ADHD (and/or autism). "The rest of it is just noise that we need to start turning down." Resources in the Episode Nowhere to Hide, Dr. Jerome Schultz, The Insider's Guide to ADHD, by Penny WilliamsDr. Hallowell's Mirror Traits: Article or VideoHappy Mama Retreat Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 063: Helping Kids with ADHD Succeed in Athletics, with Susan Stout Jul 18, 2019

Show notes

There's no disputing that — especially team sports — can be a difficult environment for individuals with ADHD to naturally succeed in. It's not just developmental delays and social differences with peers that can make it tough. Things like emotional sensitivity and dysregulation, poor working memory, anxiety, and lagging executive functioning skills can also make it hard to meet peer and coach expectations, because they are set or neurotypicals. However, this doesn't mean that kids with ADHD cannot succeed and thrive in athletic endeavors. Join me as I talk with Susan Stout, founder of My Own Beat, about the challenging areas of athletics for those with ADHD and how you can help your child succeed in sports that are interested in and/or passionate about. Even if your child just plays Little League or Peewee Football, you can't miss this discussion. Listen now!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 062: Stress Management Techniques for Parents of Kids with ADHD/HFA Jul 11, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm diving into stress management for parents of kids with ADHD and/or "high-functioning" autism. I used to think I'd have to change the characteristics of my life and family — like give away my kids — to reduce my stress. Turns out, I just didn't know what real stress management was and how to apply it to a life that is inherently more chaotic, demanding, and stressful. Thank goodness I finally discovered how I could manage my stress. It's made a monumental difference in my physical, mental, and emotional health. I am so much happier. So much calmer. So much freer. And, even better, so are my kids and everyone else in my life. My stress management is one of my top strategies for effectively parenting kids with ADHD/autism. It changes everything. Listen in now to find out how to manage your stress and change your family for the better too. Resources in the Episode Happy Mama Conference & Retreat Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 061: Creating an Environment Where Kids with ADHD Can Thrive, with Lauren Pace Jun 07, 2019

Show notes

Parents can create an environment that empowers kids with ADHD and helps them thrive. It's about the relationships, perspectives, understanding, and compassion we have with our kids and how that affects behavior and grit.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 60: 28 Experts on ADHD Share Their Best Insights & Strategies May 24, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm filling you in on the upcoming FREE Parenting ADHD Summit. It's a free online conference with 28 experts on ADHD and parenting sharing a little of their wisdom with you to empower you to empower your child. In this podcast episode, I'm sharing clips from five of the sessions, including Dr. Edward Hallowell, Julie F. Skolnick MA, JD, Ross Greene, PhD, Jerome Schultz, PhD and Amanda Morin. There's valuable information just in these clips. Listen in and get new strategies for parenting your child with ADHD. Resources in the Episode Parenting ADHD Summit: Grab your spot here! Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 059: The Journey to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, with Ana Joanes May 16, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with documentary filmmaker, Ana Joanes, about the journey to becoming the parent you want to be. We discuss how our childhood experiences shape the parent we become, how those experiences change our neurological physiology, parent stress, the importance of self-compassion and self-care, and the fact that you are not alone. This episode will help you parent with intention and purpose, rather than just trying to get through each day. "You're not alone. We all have times when we don't like our child, when we reset their presence." Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.)Articles/Topics/Podcasts Mentioned: The experience of autism (and ADHD) is almost identical in the brain as trauma. A life with autism includes traumatic experiences. At the intersection of autism and traumaThe Life Recovery Method, by Robert Cox, LPC Radical self-careFar from the Tree, by Andrew Solomon Healing Program on WrestlingGhosts.comWatch Wrestling Ghosts My Guest Ana Joanes is a documentary filmmaker dedicated to inspiring conscious action and systemic change through film. Her previous works include Generation Meds, an exploration of our fears and misgivings about mental illness and medication, and Fresh, which celebrates the farmers, thinkers and entrepreneurs who are reinventing our food system. Before dedicating herself to filmmaking, Ana was a lawyer. She founded Reel Youth, Inc., a video production program for youth coming out of detention and other underserved youth. Ana is the mother of three children, and with Wrestling Ghosts, she hopes to contribute to a shift toward a more compassionate world. Where to Find Ana Website: wrestlingghosts.com Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @WrestingGhosts Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 058: Developmental Age and How It Should Guide Your Parenting May 09, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm tackling developmental age. ADHD is a development disorder. Very few people talk about it in that way but it's 100 percent a developmental disorder. Your child with ADHD is two to three years behind their same-age peers in a lot of ways. If you're child's functioning and skills are at a 7-year-old level, but he or she is actually 10, what is going to be more successful: expecting neurotypical 10-year-old behavior or 7-year old behavior? Your job and the success of your parenting hinge on setting appropriate expectations for the child you have. Listen in as I explain developmental age further, and how to set appropriate expectations for your child to succeed and thrive. Resources in the Episode Executive Function Age chart floating around social mediaRussel Barkley on his 30% Rule Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 057: Grit & Resilience: Teaching Kids with ADHD How to Overcome Obstacles, with Natalie Borrell & Alison Grant Apr 04, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with coaches Natalie Borrell and Alison Grant of Life Success for Teens. We discuss how to help kids with ADHD address and overcome challenges and obstacles. Learn how to help your kids build grit and resistance — the core aspects of being able to overcome challenges without falling apart or avoiding obstacles. "Sometimes it's easier to just give up." Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.)Articles/Topics/Podcasts Mentioned: Life Success for Teens My Guest Natalie Borrell is the Founder of Life Success for Teens. She coached high school and competitive cheerleading for 8 years and this is where she realized that she had a gift for connecting with teenagers and motivating them to be the best version of themselves. She has 11 years of experience working as a school psychologist in a public high school. Her areas of expertise include working with students who have ADHD, executive functioning weaknesses, and other learning differences. Natalie earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio State University in 2004, her masters degree in school psychology in 2006 from Michigan State University, and her Educational Specialist Degree in 2007 from Kent State University. She became a certified Academic Life Coach in 2015 and founded Life Success For Teens in 2016. When she is not coaching students, Natalie can be found traveling with her family, reading cookbooks, or binge-watching episodes of Friends. One of her favorite part of coaching is getting a text or email from her former students. Alison Grant joined the LSFT team with 15 years as a Family Consumer Science teacher at Willoughby South High School. As a teacher, Alison has advised groups including Student Council, Teen Institute and Class Officers. Alison has coached dance, cheer, and tennis and in 2011 was named Adele Knight Teacher of the Year. In recent years, she has been part of an initiative to develop a mentoring program that assists freshmen in the transition from middle school to high school. Alison earned her Academic Life Coach certificate in 2017 which allowed her to help students realized they can be successful inside and outside the classroom. Her favorite part of coaching is watching a student have a moment when everything clicks and their hard work has paid off! Alison earned her bachelor’s degree in vocational education from Kent State University in 2003 and her master’s degree in educational administration from Ursuline College as well as a masters in school counseling from John Carroll University. Alison lives in Willoughby, OH with her husband and two daughters Maggie and Gwyneth. When she is not spending time with her family, Alison enjoys crafting and taking snapshots of her family’s adventures! Where to Find Natalie and Alison Website: lifesuccessforteens.com Facebook: LSFTcommunity Listen In! Parenting #ADHD Podcast 057: Grit & Resilience: Teaching Kids with ADHD How to Overcome Obstacles, with Natalie Borrell & Alison Grant. #ADHD #LD #autismClick To Tweet Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

PAP 056: The Transformative Power of Calm in Your Parenting Mar 14, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm tackling a questions I get from parents all the time... how to stay calm when your child is having an outburst or a meltdown. There are a couple tricks that helped me gain control of how I stay calm and respond in these moments. I've shared both these fundamental pieces, as well the real transformational power remaining calm has for your child, for you, and for your entire family.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com. It's not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

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