I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a therapeutic approach grounded in Stephen’s groundbreaking polyvagal theory. Stephen, a Distinguished University Scientist and originator of the polyvagal theory, has spent decades helping us understand how our nervous system shapes behavior, connection, and healing. Karen, who was instrumental in bringing SSP from the lab into clinical practice, has been a tireless advocate for expanding access to polyvagal-informed care around the world. In this episode, we dive into the origins of SSP, the science behind it, and what makes it such a powerful tool for supporting emotional regulation—especially for people navigating trauma and neurodivergence. Stephen and Karen share stories from real-life applications of the protocol, explain how co-regulation plays a central role, and highlight the many ways SSP can foster connection and resilience. Whether you’re new to polyvagal theory or already familiar, this is a hopeful and inspiring conversation about what’s possible when we work with the nervous system to support healing. About Dr. Stephen W. Porges Dr. Stephen W. Porges is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™. In collaboration with Anthony Gorry, he co-created a Sonocea® Enhanced acoustic technology, engineered to support homeostatic functions and embedded in the Rest and Restore Protocol™. With Karen Onderko, Deb Dana, and Randall Redfield, he is a cofounder of the Polyvagal Institute. He has authored several books, including the Polyvagal Perspectives: Interventions, Practices, and Strategies (2024). He has coauthored Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing (2025) with Karen Onderko. About Karen Onderko Karen Onderko is a passionate advocate for advancing the understanding and application of polyvagal principles to improve care, connection, and acceptance among people. She played an important role in bringing SSP from the laboratory to the clinical world, conducting the initial testing, developing the training, and supporting the SSP provider community.  Together with Dr. Porges, she has written a book about SSP titled Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach to Connection, Change and Healing. Regularly witnessing the transformative power of a polyvagal-informed approach, she is eager to support the promotion of education and access to PVT for people in diverse communities throughout the world. Karen is a founding board member of the Polyvagal Institute.​ Things you'll learn from this episode  How the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) draws on polyvagal theory to support nervous system regulation Why melodic voices and filtered music can help calm the body and mind How SSP offers a non-invasive, evidence-based option for individuals dealing with trauma and anxiety Why co-regulation is a key part of making SSP therapy effective How real-life case studies show powerful transformations when SSP is used, often alongside other therapies Why the ultimate goal of SSP is creating greater flexibility in the nervous system’s response to stress Resources mentioned Dr. Stephen Porges’ website Polyvagal Institute Karen Onderko (at PVI) Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing by Stephen Porges, PhD and Karen Onderko Polyvagal Theory: Current Status, Clinical Applications, and Future Directions Randall Redfield (at PVI) Doreen Hunt (at Unyte) Safe and Sound Protocol (at Unyte) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author, youth advocate, and co-founder of PEN (Parent Education Network) Dewey Rosetti talks about her new book, "Bright Kids Who Struggle in School" and teaching from a strengths-based approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in parenting spaces—neurodiversity-affirming nutrition. My guest is Naureen Hunani, a Montreal-based family nutritionist, pediatric dietitian, and mom of two who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this work. Naureen is passionate about helping families create a positive, shame-free relationship with food, using a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach that focuses as much on the feeding environment and language around food as on what’s on the plate. In our conversation, Naureen shares her personal journey and her model of neurodiversity-affirming care, which is rooted in inclusion, acceptance, and trauma-informed practices. We talk about the unique challenges neurodivergent children can face around feeding, how societal pressures can complicate the picture, and why trusting our children’s needs is such a powerful step. Naureen also debunks common myths and offers practical ways to support our kids—and ourselves—through a more compassionate, individualized approach to eating. About Naureen Hunani Naureen Hunani is a Montreal-based family nutritionist, pediatric dietitian, and proud mom of two incredible children. As both a professional and a parent, she understands firsthand the challenges of feeding kids and is passionate about offering practical, easy-to-follow nutrition and feeding guidance that builds parents’ confidence rather than triggering panic, guilt, or shame. With a deep belief that early experiences with food and the feeding environment shape lifelong eating habits, Naureen is dedicated to helping children and adults cultivate a positive relationship with food and their bodies. She takes a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and health, focusing not only on the food itself but also on attitudes toward food, the eating environment, and the language we use around it. She encourages investing time in meal preparation and involving children in every step—from grocery shopping to cooking. A member of l’Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec, Naureen continually expands her expertise through seminars, workshops, and advanced courses. She also takes pride in mentoring and training other professionals in the field. When she’s not working, Naureen enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to audiobooks, and exploring nature on long walks. Things you'll learn from this episode How Naureen’s personal parenting experiences shaped her neurodiversity-affirming approach to nutrition Why neurodivergent children often face hidden or misunderstood feeding challenges How acceptance, community, and unlearning societal pressures can support healthier family food dynamics Why respecting each child’s unique relationship with food is critical to avoiding harm and confusion How neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive care benefits all children, not just those with diagnoses Why trusting children’s communication about their needs is essential for building positive food relationships   Resources mentioned Naureen Hunani’s website RDs for Neurodiversity A Conversation with Zoe Bisbing About ARFID and Neurodivergence (Full-Tilt Parenting) Zoë Bisbing’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fitness instructor, ADHD counselor, and author Gabriel Villarreal talks about how exercise is "medicine" for kids with ADHD, autism, and more, and how to get kids motivated to exercise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Parent Lean In episode, Debbie is joined by parent coach Margaret Webb to answer a listener's question about a challenge so many parents face—when your child seems to hold it together at school, only to fall apart at home. We get into what might be going on under the surface, including masking, the toll it takes, and how things like routines, 504 plans, and even spoon theory can help. We also explore ways to support smoother transitions from school to home and share ideas for helping your child conserve and replenish their energy throughout the day. In this special Parent Lean In episode, I’m talking with Margaret Webb about a question I hear often—how can we support our neurodivergent kids in connecting with neurotypical peers, especially when social skills don’t quite align? We unpack one listener’s situation with her sweet, social autistic son and talk about managing our own worries as parents, scaffolding playdates so they feel more successful, and finding the right playmate fit. It’s all about creating safe, supportive opportunities for connection—without putting too much pressure on anyone involved.   Things You'll Learn from This Episode:  Why understanding the unique challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent kids is essential for developing flexible, responsive parenting strategies How tools like 504 plans and consistent routines can support smoother transitions and reduce stress for neurodivergent children Why introducing concepts like spoon theory and early conversations about neurodiversity helps children better understand and advocate for their needs How recognizing and supporting your child’s masking behaviors can lead to greater emotional safety and authenticity Why identifying flow activities and creating simple transition rituals can help children regulate and recharge throughout the day How encouraging experimentation in parenting and promoting self-advocacy in kids fosters resilience and long-term independence Resources Mentioned: Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain Body Parenting (Tilt Parenting podcast) Autum Romano on the Safe & Sound Protocol (Tilt Parenting podcast) Safe and Sound Protocol Autism Level Up The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, I talk with child behavior and adoption expert Bryan Post about how trauma, stress, and fear can shape the way our kids behave—and how we respond as parents. Bryan shares powerful insights about what’s really going on beneath the surface when kids are acting out, especially in families with adopted or foster children. We dive into the difference between parenting from love versus fear, how oxytocin plays a role in connection and regulation, and what it takes to break out of reactive cycles and create a more peaceful, nurturing home.  About Bryan Post Bryan Post is a leading expert in child behavior, adoption trauma, and love-based parenting. A former foster child himself, Bryan has dedicated over two decades to helping families heal through connection, compassion, and regulation. He is the founder of Fear to Love, LLC, Bondify.ai, the Post Institute for Family-Centered Therapy, and the nonprofit Leaf Wraparound. His pioneering “Fear to Love Method” and the “Stress Model” empower parents to respond to challenging behaviors with understanding rather than fear or punishment. Bryan’s approach blends neuroscience with timeless spiritual principles, particularly the teachings of Jesus, to address trauma and attachment disruptions in children. He has authored several influential books, including From Fear to Love, The Great Behavior Breakdown, and Parenting Softly, and co-authored the bestseller Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control. Through media appearances, live seminars, online trainings, and digital platforms, Bryan has impacted thousands of adoptive, foster, and biological families worldwide. His AI-powered parenting app, Bondify.ai, offers real-time, trauma-informed support, making expert guidance accessible to parents everywhere. Bryan’s central message is simple yet transformative: all behavior is communication, and true healing begins with love. Learn more at www.feartolove.com and www.bondify.ai. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why understanding trauma gives parents the insight needed to respond to behavior with empathy rather than punishment How stress and fear often drive challenging behaviors, especially in neurodivergent children Why love and emotional safety are essential ingredients for healing and building strong parent-child relationships How self-regulation and simple tools like breathing help parents stay grounded and co-regulate more effectively Why unexpressed grief in children can surface as disruptive behavior and needs compassionate attention How connection, oxytocin, and community support create the foundation for lasting change—even if you're starting late in the game Resources mentioned Bryan Post’s Fear to Love website Bryan’s YouTube Channel Bryan on LinkedIn Bryan on Instagram Fear to Love on Facebook The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life by Joseph Ledoux Dr. Herbert Benson / Benson-Henry Institute Tiffany Field / The Touch Institute ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self by Allan Schore Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life by Dr. Stuart Shanker Dr. Stuart Shanker on the Brain Science Behind Self-Regulation & the Impact of Stress (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parent coach, Washington Post columnist, and author of "Parenting Outside the Lines" Meghan Leahy talks about embracing imperfection and vulnerability in our parenting lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Kline for a deep dive into motivational interviewing—an approach to communication that helps parents move from fixing and convincing to connecting and collaborating. We talk about how to have hard conversations (think: hygiene, responsibility, and independence) in a way that respects our kids’ autonomy and actually opens the door to change. Emily brings nearly 20 years of experience working with families, has taught at Boston University and Harvard Medical School, and is the author of The School of Hard Talks. She shares practical, compassionate insights that any parent navigating the teen and young adult years will find incredibly useful. About Dr. Emily Kline Dr. Emily Kline is a clinical psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and families in community mental health settings. She has held faculty positions at Boston University and Harvard Medical School and led research studies focused on early course psychosis, adolescent and young adult mental health, and parent-focused interventions. Dr. Kline is the author of The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids and the creator of The School of Hard Talks Online. She has published dozens of articles appearing in a range of peer-reviewed scholarly journals, textbooks, and popular magazines, and she has spoken with audiences all over the world about mental health and communication. Dr. Kline completed her bachelor’s degree at Haverford College, her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her clinical and post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School. She lives in Boston with her family. Things you'll learn from this episode Why motivational interviewing is a powerful communication tool that can improve family dynamics How fostering a sense of control in children leads to more thoughtful and responsible decision-making Why validating a child’s feelings and using reflections helps deepen understanding and connection How open-ended questions encourage more meaningful conversations and reveal what’s beneath the surface Why advice lands better when it’s offered after establishing trust, empathy, and true understanding How practicing these skills in low-stakes moments builds confidence for navigating harder conversations Resources mentioned  Dr. Emily Kline’s website Free e-course on motivational interviewing The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids by Emily Kline, PhD The Self-Driven Child with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson (Full-Tilt Parenting) Dr. William Miller / Motivational Interviewing Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers Dr. Stephen Rollnick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Licensed family therapist and international consultant on high sensitivity Alane Freund explains what high sensitivity is, how it shows up in children, teens, and adults, and gives her insights on how parents can help a highly sensitive child flourish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m talking with clinical psychologist and author Alissa Jerud about her new book, Emotion Savvy Parenting. We get into how parents can better understand and manage their own emotions—especially in those intense, in-the-moment situations—so they can show up more effectively for their kids. Alissa shares her ART tools (Accept, Regulate, Tolerate), and we talk about strategies for staying grounded during emotional storms, including the ones that hit in very public places.  About Alissa Jerud, PhD Alissa Jerud, PhD is a mom of two kids, a licensed clinical psychologist, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection. In her private practice, Dr. Jerud specializes in highly effective, exposure-based treatments for anxiety-related disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. Additionally, she specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training and particularly enjoys helping other parents learn research-backed strategies for accepting, regulating, and tolerating their emotions, as well as their children’s. Dr. Jerud also trains other clinicians in exposure-based treatments and frequently gives workshops on anxiety, stress, mental health, parenting, and social support to companies large and small. Things you'll learn from this episode Why understanding the purpose of emotions matters for helping kids (and ourselves) live more fully and authentically How emotion-savvy parenting begins with our own emotional experience, not just managing our child’s behavior Why acceptance is a powerful first step toward emotional regulation and meaningful change How mindfulness helps us observe emotions without judgment, so they don’t take over our actions Why developing the skill to tolerate intense emotions can help us navigate parenting challenges with more calm and clarity How the cognitive triangle—linking thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—offers a helpful framework for understanding emotional reactions and building awareness Resources mentioned Dr. Alissa Jerud’s website, The Art & Science of Emotions Emotion=Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection by Dr. Alissa Jerud Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clinical psychologist and co-developer of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dr. Adele Lafrance, talks about her new book, What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work, a practical guide for parents and caregivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by beloved Australian parenting expert and author Maggie Dent to explore what it really takes to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens in today’s ever-changing world. Drawing on her experiences as a high school teacher, mother of four boys, and trusted voice in the parenting space, Maggie shares practical, compassionate guidance for navigating adolescence with insight, humor, and heart. We dive into the realities of the teenage brain, how the digital age is reshaping childhood, and why curiosity, connection, and unconditional love are more important than ever in building strong, supportive relationships with our kids. About Maggie Dent Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors, educators and podcasters. She has a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience, and is an undisputed ‘boy champion’. Maggie’s experience includes teaching, counselling, and working in palliative care/funeral services and suicide prevention. Maggie is an advocate for the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. She is a passionate, positive voice for children of all ages. Maggie is the host of The Good Enough Dad podcast and hosted six seasons of the award-winning ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. In 2025, she appears in the genre-bending ABC TV series about the challenges of parenting modern tweens/teens, The Role of a Lifetime. She is the author of 10 major books, plus several other e-books and a prolific creator of resources for parents, adolescents, teachers, early childhood educators and others who are interested in quietly improving their lives. Her books include the 2024 release Help Me Help My Teen: supporting our teens through tough times, Girlhood: Raising our little girls to be healthy, happy and heard, Parental As Anything (a book based on her podcast released in 2021), and her bestselling boys’ books From Boys to Men and Mothering Our Boys.  Maggie is the proud mother of four wonderful sons, and an enthusiastic and grateful grandmother. She lives in the South Coast region of NSW with her good bloke Steve Mountain and their dear little dog, Mr Hugo Walter Dent.   Things you'll learn from this episode Why the changing world requires parents to adapt, even though the core needs of children remain the same How the teenage brain’s pruning and remodeling process impacts memory, emotional regulation, and impulse control Why understanding gender-based differences in brain development can help parents better support behavior and learning How compassion, curiosity, and unconditional love create a secure foundation for teens during turbulent developmental stages Why being a steady “lighthouse” presence helps teens feel safe while learning to make their own choices How approaching tough conversations with calm curiosity opens the door to deeper trust and connection Resources mentioned Maggie Dent’s website Maggie Dent’s YouTube Channel Help Me Help My Teen: Supporting Our Teens Through Tough Times by Maggie Dent The Good Enough Dad Podcast Parental As Anything Podcast From Boys to Men: Guiding Our Boys to Grow into Happy, Healthy Men by Maggie Dent Mothering Our Boys: A Guide for Mums of Boys by Maggie Dent Girlhood: Raising Our Little Girls to Be Healthy, Happy and Heard by Maggie Dent Parental As Anything: A Common-Sense Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids from Toddlers to Tweens by Maggie Dent No Matter What posters on Maggie’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, talks about the relationship between ADHD and sleep challenges, and offers strategies for children struggling with sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, I talk with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Naomi Fisher about self-directed education, and why it can be such a powerful approach for neurodivergent kids, especially those with a PDA profile. Naomi shares why agency is so important in learning, how traditional school can chip away at a child’s self-worth, and what it looks like when we truly support demand-avoidant kids in ways that work for them. We also get into the challenges parents face when stepping outside the norm and why keeping the parent-child relationship at the center is key. About Dr. Naomi Fisher Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, autism and alternative education. She is the author of several books including When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse and the Teenager’s Guide to Burnout. She runs webinars for parents and more of her work can be found at www.naomifisher.co.uk Things you'll learn from this episode Why agency in learning is essential for neurodivergent children to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and stay engaged How self-directed education supports children—especially those with PDA—by minimizing pressure and honoring their natural pace Why respecting a child’s right to say no is foundational for creating a safe, trust-based learning environment How understanding the cycle of demand avoidance helps reframe “bad behavior” as a response to overwhelm, not defiance Why shifting away from rigid definitions of academic success can open the door to more authentic growth and capability How prioritizing the parent-child relationship and finding community support helps families confidently navigate less conventional paths Resources mentioned Dr. Naomi Fisher’s website Naomi Fisher on Substack A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher Eliza Fricker Talks About Parenting a Child with PDA (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Eliza Fricker’s website The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker Eliza Fricker / Missing the Mark on Facebook Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning by Naomi Fisher What Can We Do When School’s Not Working: An Illustrated Handbook for Professionals by Naomi Fisher Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special mini-episode, Debbie reflects on the Tilt Parenting revolution nearly 10 years after it began and invites listeners to complete a short survey to help assess what’s working and what still needs to change for families raising neurodivergent kids today. This is your chance to help shape the future of the movement to shift the parenting paradigm and ensure it continues to create more ease, possibility, and joy for neurodivergent children and their families. Please share this episode and the survey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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This week I’m joined by Zach Morris for a thoughtful conversation about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent teens who are approaching adulthood. We dig into a listener question about an almost-18-year-old who’s still really struggling, despite years of support. Zach and I explore the pressures parents face, the grief that can come up, how to hold boundaries with empathy, and why we need to rethink what success and failure actually mean. We also talk about the importance of understanding each child’s unique developmental timeline—and how to give ourselves and our kids space to pause, regroup, and keep going.   About Debbie: Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. A regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, and the author of more than a dozen books for children and teens, Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. About Zach Zach Morris is a thought leader in education who is committed to helping people increase compassion, collaboration, and learning. Zach supports individuals, families, and organizations who aim to develop a greater sense of safety and empowerment in themselves, in their relationships, and in their communities. Gently guiding humans through the resistance they encounter is at the core of Zach’s work. Learn more about Zach here   Things You'll Learn from This Episode Why parenting neurodivergent teens near adulthood requires extra patience, flexibility, and a long-view approach How societal expectations can increase stress and make it harder to trust our child’s unique path Why processing grief is a necessary part of coming to terms with unmet expectations and ongoing struggles How setting and holding clear, compassionate boundaries helps support both safety and autonomy Why redefining success and failure can reduce pressure and create space for authentic growth How taking breaks, leaning on support, and staying attuned to our child’s timeline can nurture long-term resilience  Resources Mentioned The Self-Driven Children with William Stixrud and Ned Johnson (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Dan Peters on The Teen Years & Preparing to Launch (Tilt Parenting Podcast) The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff A Conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff About Autistic Burnout (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, I talk with neuropsychologist Lisa Rappaport about the realities of living with dyslexia—something she knows firsthand. We get into what dyslexia really is (and isn’t), how awareness and support have evolved, and why early diagnosis and strong advocacy matter so much. Lisa shares insights from both her personal and professional experience, and we talk through ways parents can support their kids with dyslexia at home and in school.    About Lisa Rappaport, PhD Lisa Rappaport, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Manhattan with a specialty in working with and diagnosing learning disabilities. She has extensive training and experience in treating adults and children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and anxiety disorders. In addition to her private practice, Dr.Rappaport is also on the faculty at the Rose F. Kennedy Center Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She lives in Manhattan. Things you'll learn from this episode Why early diagnosis and intervention are essential to support dyslexic children’s learning and confidence How parental advocacy can play a powerful role in securing school accommodations and support Why stigma and misunderstanding around dyslexia can negatively impact self-esteem—and how to counter it How gaps in teacher training contribute to delays in recognizing and addressing dyslexia in the classroom How consistent support at home and school can help dyslexic children thrive academically and emotionally Resources mentioned Dr. Lisa Rappaport’s website Parenting Dyslexia: A Comprehensive Guide to Helping Kids Develop Confidence, Combat Shame, and Achieve Their True Potential by Lisa Rappaport, PhD and Jody Lyons, MEd Parenting Dyslexia on Hachette Author Micki Boas on Advocating for Dyslexic Students (Full-Tilt Parenting) One in Five: How We’re Fighting for Our Dyslexic Kids in a System That’s Failing Them by Micki Boas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Psychotherapist and author Tina Payne Bryson talks about what showing up for our kids looks like and the theory of secure attachment and how it affects our children on a neurological level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Markham to unpack the often messy world of sibling dynamics—especially when one or more kids are neurodivergent. We talk about why peaceful parenting starts with connection, how to handle those inevitable "it's not fair!" moments, and how to repair after conflict. Laura shares thoughtful, practical strategies for supporting each child’s unique needs while nurturing more positive sibling relationships, even when things feel really hard. About Dr. Laura Markham Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How To Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life, and The Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook: Using mindfulness and connection to raise resilient, joyful children and rediscover your love of parenting. Dr. Laura Markham earned her PhD in clinical psychology at Columbia University and has worked as a parenting coach with countless families across the world. Over 170,000 moms and dads enjoy Dr. Laura’s free weekly coaching posts via email. You can sign up on any page of her website, Peacefulparenthappykids.com, which serves up Aha! Moments for parents of babies through teens. Dr. Laura’s aspiration is to change the world, one child at a time, by supporting parents. The proud mother of two thriving young adults who were raised with her peaceful parenting approach, she lives with her husband in New York. Things you'll learn from this episode Why parenting that prioritizes connection over strategy lays the foundation for healthy sibling dynamics How self-regulation in parents shapes the emotional tone and effectiveness of conflict resolution between siblings Why it’s important to embrace sibling conflict as a normal and teachable part of growing up, while guiding repair and emotional processing How acknowledging each child’s unique needs and avoiding comparison fosters a sense of fairness and individual worth Why modeling compassion, calm, and appropriate behavior teaches kids how to navigate conflict and build emotional intelligence How recognizing the goodwill in children and validating their feelings helps strengthen sibling bonds, even during tough moments Resources mentioned Dr. Laura Markham’s Peaceful Parent Happy Kids website Raising Peaceful Siblings with Tools to Ease Jealousy and Build Connection (Free Guide) Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Dr. Laura Markham Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life by Dr. Laura Markham Dr. Laura Markham on Facebook Dr. Laura Markham on Instagram Self-Compassion for Tough Moments Printable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices