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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 055: Supporting Your Child’s Learning Challenges with Technology, with Susan Schenk Feb 21, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with occupational therapist, Susan Schenk, about learning challenges. Susan shares her story of growing up and finding success with learning challenges. Then we dig into how to help our own kids who are struggling with learning disabilities through tools, strategies and technology. Listen in for inspiration from Susan's story as well as resources to help your challenged learner. "Tap into the part of the brain that goes on fire to tackle the challenges."
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 054: You Are Not Alone: The Power of Finding Your Parenting Tribe Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I have a very important message for you. You're not alone. You're not alone in this special brand of parenthood. There are millions of parents raising challenging kids. The fact that your parenthood is different isn't your fault, and you're not the only one with these challenges. You must find your tribe. Having a tribe around you who "gets it" is everything. Let me tell you why...
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 053: IEPs, 504 Plans & School Advocacy, with Amanda Morin Feb 07, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking IEPs and 504 Plans with former teacher and educational advocate, Amanda Morin. We're defining IEPs and 504 plans, and the differences between them. In addition, learn how to determine what services and accommodations your child may need in school, and how to go about securing them. We also answer questions like, should my child come to school meetings? And we're busting some myths around the rights of kids with special needs at school.
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 052: How to Advocate for Your Child with ADHD at School, with Meg Flanagan Feb 01, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, teacher and education advocate, Meg Flanagan, and I discuss taking a collaborative approach to working with teachers and advocating for your child at school. To achieve an effective working relationship with the school, parents need to approach teachers and school staff with the attitude of working together, as allies instead of adversaries. Sometimes it's tough to strike a balance between being a strong advocate for your child and seeming confrontational. Meg and I discuss strategies for this and more during this episode. Listen in 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 051: Identifying and Understanding Behavior Triggers with ADHD Jan 24, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I outline different behavior triggers that are common with ADHD and/or "high-functioning" autism. Within this list are developmentally lagging skills, but also differences in how a child's brain functions when they have ADHD. Recognizing these and other triggers in your child will help you improve behavior and reduce the instances of outbursts and meltdowns. This knowledge will also help you understand your child better and remain a calm parent.
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 050: Raising Emotionally Healthy and Happier Kids, with Maureen Healy, PhD Jan 20, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with Maureen Healy, author of The Emotionally Healthy Child, about cultivating emotional health, which creates happier children. Emotional balance is key, and it's more challenging for kids with ADHD and/or autism. Maureen outlines strategies to help your child recognize, work through constructively, and control their own emotions. "It's like an onion. There are many layers to emotional health. We must cultivate emotional health."
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 049: The Isolation of Raising Kids on the Spectrum, with Ana & Curt Warner Dec 21, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm honored to have talked with Ana and Curt Warner about the challenges and isolation of raising kids with autism. They've shared their experiences raising twin boys with "low-functioning" autism in their new book, The Warner Boys: Our Family’s Story of Autism and Hope, and they've graciously shared a glimpse of their parenting experiences here with us. While your child may not have autism, the struggles and triumphs of this parenthood are much the same. I promise, you'll be moved by their story. “It wasn’t ever the pressure or exhaustion that was most troubling to us; it was the realization that our boys were in a kind of pain we couldn’t understand. For some unknown reason, everything was so hard for them.” — Ana Warner, The Warner Boys
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 048: How to Stop Battling with Your Child with ADHD Dec 13, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking about how to finally stop battling with your child. Day in and day out, the challenging behaviors, the impulsivity, the seeming argumentativeness feel like we are battling with our kids. Sure, most of the triggers are symptoms of their ADHD and/or autism, but that doesn't make it any easier or any less painful to accept these battles. But, the thing is, you don't have to accept these battles — you can stop battling with your child. I'm not saying that you just don't engage, although that's a little part of it. I'm saying there's a way to end the battles, most of them, and have a lot more calm and joy in your family. Listen in to learn more.
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 047: The Importance of Building Emotional Intelligence, with Angela Pruess, LMFT Dec 06, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with licensed child therapist, Angela Pruess, about emotional intelligence. Building emotional intelligence skills is an important part of raising kids with ADHD, kids who are often dysregulated emotionally and struggle with interactions with others. We discuss emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and how emotional intelligence plays a role in relationships with others and social interactions. Listen in to learn how to assess your child's current emotional intelligence and then work on building skills where there are gaps. "They need to be able to handle the highs and lows in life. Emotional intelligence skills will enable us to see that our kids thrive."
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 046: Find Ways to Say Yes More Often: The Whys & The How Nov 29, 2018

Show notes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I was inspired this week to talk to you about saying yes more often. As parents, we are programmed to say no automatically, but we need to find ways to say yes. Our kids already get messages that they “can’t” more than anything else, so they need more yeses, more positives in their day-to-day lives. There are other good reasons to start saying yes more often, too. When everything is no, kids stop asking. Saying no also limits discussion and building and practicing problem-solving skills. Automatic no's often create power struggles, which no one wants. And, lastly, our kids need to feel like they have some control in their lives, and finding ways to say yes to them helps with that. I explain that and how to say yes more without "giving in" in this episode. Enjoy!
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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