Struggling with power struggles or meltdowns at home? This episode shows parents how to shift from conflict to connection using simple communication strategies that work with both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids.
Our guest is Jeanine Mouchawar, certified life coach and Stanford graduate, who specializes in helping parents of teens replace conflict-driven approaches with calm, collaborative communication.
What you’ll learn
• How to replace rules and punishments with connection-based parenting
• Why focusing on your child’s needs reduces meltdowns and conflict
• A three-step framework to get kids talking and problem-solving with you
• How the same strategies apply to parenting autistic and neurotypical children
• Ways to reframe behaviors as missing skills you can help build
• Practical shifts that turn daily struggles into opportunities for growth
Chapters
0:00 Welcome to Season 2 & brain health framing
2:35 Why traditional parenting creates power struggles
10:40 Jeanine’s journey parenting a child with ADHD
21:18 Structure vs connection explained for parents
29:00 From meltdowns to meeting needs (autism parallels)
39:15 Reframing behaviors as missing skills
50:24 The 3-step parenting framework explained
53:20 Parenting grief, normalcy, and hope
1:05:26 Final encouragement for parents
Resources
• Learn more about sensory enrichment: https://www.mendability.com
• Connect with Jeanine Mouchawar + free parenting guide: https://www.jeaninemouchawar.com
Next: Watch our episode on helping your child feel safe and reduce daily meltdowns.
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