Join Kate Lynch and The Autism Mums for an inspiring talk on parenting, advocacy, and community support for parents of autistic kids.
I cried during this live chat with Victoria and Natalie, sisters sharing how they help parents feel less alone while raising autistic children.…
“It can be quite a lonely journey...we thought, why not do a podcast, so that other people can be supported?”
–Natalie
Timestamps:
00:00 Accessing Helpful Tips Easily
04:03 Most Angel Cakes Bought
07:54 Eating Habits Transformation
12:27 Unclear Support for Complex Needs
15:15 Challenges for Neurodivergent Parents
18:42 Choosing School or Homeschool Conflict
21:37 Staying with Inclusive School
23:15 Reflecting on Misunderstood Panic Attacks
26:34 Preschool Meltdown Comparison
A live, candid conversation with Parenting Pivot creator Patrick Weir on parenting special needs kids, ambiguous loss, and finding connection when you feel alone.
When you first notice something’s different — finding connection, clarity, and compassion through community.
Meet Patrick Weir, dad to a 10-year-old daughter with special needs.
Patrick shares the story behind Parenting Pivot — a passion project built to help parents feel less alone through honest conversations with both caregivers and experts.
We discuss the early days of realizing something was different, navigating evaluations, and the emotional terrain of ambiguous loss.
Together, they explore what it means to center parents’ voices while advocating for their kids.
This episode reminds us that no matter where you are in your parenting journey, you’re not alone — and community makes all the difference.
"Every episode, I want parents to feel seen and walk away with something useful.”
— Patrick Weir
"We don’t have to be perfect parents to be present ones.”
— Kate Lynch
Topics:
Why Patrick started Parenting Pivot
The moment parents realize something is different
Navigating the diagnostic process and finding a neuropsychologist
The concept of ambiguous loss and redefining expectations
Finding your people: community, compassion, and support for parents
What it means to put parents at the center of the conversation
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome and Introductions – Kate introduces Patrick and the Parenting Pivot Podcast
[02:45] Why Patrick Created Parenting Pivot – Turning pain into purpose
[08:30] The Parent’s Point of View: Centering Caregivers’ Stories
[13:10] From “Something’s Different” to Diagnosis: The Early Steps
[20:00] Ambiguous Loss and the Power of Community
[27:30] Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
All links at: Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents
Nicola Rose joined me for a chat about her latest film, "Magnetosphere," a family comedy about a 13-year-old girl with synesthesia. It's a fun and tender look at the intersection of synesthesia and puberty.
Welcome to Season 9, Episode 2 of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast!
There’s an element of bullying in the film, and the difficulty of making new friends as someone who is neurodivergent. These themes are sensitively handled and child-friendly.
“Magnetosphere’s connections to neurodivergence (synesthesia and otherwise) ultimately went even further. It turned out a number of the cast were neurodivergent. Shayelin Martin and Patrick McKenna both have ADHD, which I am certain influenced their performances.”
-Nicola Rose
Why did Nicola chose to treat this topic as a comedy?
“I think there's an inherent absurdity in a lot of life, and life is a lot of highs and lows and tragedy and comedy, and it seemed silly to depict adolescence without depicting the silliness and ridiculousness that goes with that time.”
-Nicola Rose
Learn more here:https://katelynch.substack.com/p/nicola-rose-magnetosphere-synesthesia
A kinder future for our kids begins with kindness toward ourselves.
00:00 Adolescence, Identity, and Synesthesia
03:55 Embracing Synesthesia's Unique Gift
08:18 Dance Moms Window Watching
11:58 Portraying Synesthesia and Self-Discovery
16:22 Film's Core Audience: Neurodivergent Families
19:36 Maggie's Subplot Character Connections
21:14 Finding "Magnetosphere"
Learn about a new resource for parents of neurodivergent kids!
Welcome to Season 9, Episode 1 of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast.
Patrick Weir is a dad of a 10-year-old special needs daughter. He’s got a new podcast out about raising neurodivergent kids. I asked him…What's special about Parenting Pivot?
“What's different about Parenting Pivot is, it's about the parent's point of view. It's not just like someone saying, this is what you have to do. It puts parents first."
“I'm learning very powerful lessons from these amazing women that I have interviewed. I also get the luxury not only of having an hour to talk with them, but then in the editing process, I practically memorize everything that comes out. And that gives me a really a deep understanding of… such hard-fought wisdom from each of these experts.”
“You really have to find your people, because we've been there. You don't have to say ‘I'm sorry. This thing happened. My kid did this.’ You don't have to apologize. Just say what happened. ‘Cause we've all been there. You know, we're with you. We get it. It's hard to find that group of people. If you do, hold on to them tightly. Reach out, and don't be afraid to say, I’m really having a tough time.”
-Patrick Weir
https://katelynch.substack.com/p/parenting-pivot-podcast
A kinder future for our kids begins with kindness toward ourselves.
00:00 Parenting Pivot Podcast Launch
05:37 Powerful Lessons from Amazing Women
07:02 Putting Parents First
12:35 Seeking The Right Diagnosis
14:24 Improving Podcast Episode Content
19:30 Parenting Decision Reflections
Learn how self-regulation and visualization practices can enhance your relationship with your children.
Outside of crises, we can work on our relationships through meditation techniques, including guided visualization.
I’m Kate Lynch (she/her), a mindful parenting teacher on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future.
Widely known for my compassionate, nonjudgmental approach, I’ve supported thousands of highly sensitive parents internationally with self-compassion and mindfulness practices, so their families can feel more ease and joy.
Emphasizing the importance of creating new neural pathways of love and connection, I'll guide you to imagine ideal scenarios with your kids, fostering a sense of support and calm.
By visualizing the details of respectful interactions, you can build cooperation and trust with your neurodivergent kids.
Get comfy and join in to explore these methods that will help you to strengthen parental bonds and cultivate a nurturing family environment.
Read the transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog: https://katelynch.substack.com/
00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation and Visualization
00:43 Creating a Safe Space for Visualization
00:54 Imagining Support and Connection
01:46 Breathing Techniques for Relaxation
02:56 Visualizing Ideal Cooperation with Your Child
04:24 Deepening the Visualization with Sensory Details
06:51 Embracing Positive Emotions and Feelings
SPOILERS: Unpacking Netflix's "Adolescence" From a Peaceful Parenting Perspective With Sarah Rosensweet
Why are we scapegoating the symptom of social media when oppressive systems are the root cause of a disconnected generation?
As an artist obsessed with breaking generational cycles (while raising a budding filmmaker) the series had me riveted from the opening shot.
That’s why I was giddy when Sarah Rosensweet of Peaceful Parenting agreed to go live with me to talk about “Adolescence.” The insights that it raised for us both go far beyond hysteria about social media. Despite the sensational aspects of the story, the experiences depicted highlight real issues in raising and connecting with teenagers.
Sarah shared why it’s crucial to engage with teens even when they seem distant and how boosting their sense of self-worth can be super protective.
"What our kids need most from us is to feel lovable and worthy. Even if they're artists instead of jocks."
-Sarah Rosensweet
Raising Reflective Rebels
In our conversation, radical parenting felt to both of us like a glimmer of hope. This approach, influenced by Alfie Kohn, focuses on nurturing reflective rebels:
“Raising kids who won't be quiet if something's not fair, and will stand up and say something when someone's being bullied. This kind of parenting… starts at home, allowing your child to question you and talk back to you. And this is their practice for going out in the world and standing up for what's right.”
-Sarah Rosensweet
"Adolescence" serves as a powerful reflection on family dynamics and systems that perpetuate violence.
Cycle-breaking and mindful parenting are the most radical things we can do right now to protect our kids from those systems.
Through connection, acceptance, and supporting our children's uniqueness, we can navigate the complexities of modern parenting with hope and intention.
What Can Bluey and Lizzo Teach Us About Parenting, Burnout, and Creativity?
Another insightful conversation with Ryan Rose Weaver, a writer, educator, consultant, and parent of a twice-exceptional child. In this episode, we explore the vital role of creativity as preventative care for parental burnout, especially for parents of neurodivergent kids. We discuss the importance of finding fulfillment, community support, and mindfulness practices.
According to Ryan, Bluey is a show for grownups about parenting, and kids just happen to like it. She talks about an episode dedicated to creativity. Have you seen it? What’s your perspective? Where do you find inspiration within your parenting life? How do you acknowledge the moments of joy, no matter how small, amidst the chaos?
Engage with us and build a supportive community as we navigate raising neurodivergent kids together. Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at :
Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog:
https://katelynch.substack.com/
In Tending:
https://ryanroseweaver.substack.com/Don't forget to subscribe, follow, review, and tune in every two weeks for new episodes!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:12 Connecting Creativity and Parental Burnout02:17 Navigating Parenting Challenges03:05 Rituals and Milestones in Parenting04:08 The Concept of 'Eddying Out'05:31 Balancing Self and Caregiving07:28 The Importance of Community and Support18:31 Creativity as Preventative Care20:34 Navigating Shame in Creativity21:19 The Magic of Bluey22:14 Defining Creativity and Its Forms25:08 Flow State: The Joy of Creative Process27:31 Unlearning and Embracing Interruptions35:32 The Power of Community and Support41:34 Cherishing Parenting Moments43:33 Gratitude and Joy in Everyday Life44:25 Conclusion and Farewell
I wish someone had told me the advice Ryan gives parents worried about the IEP process.
When she said it in the interview, I almost cried.
Follow for more mindful parenting for neurodiverse families. An honest review helps other parents find this community, and I'm grateful for yours.
Ryan Rose Weaver is an educator and parent to a twice-exceptional child. In this episode, we talked about the challenges of balancing intensive caregiving seasons, and the importance of parental self-compassion. In particular, we focused on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
Ryan shared her personal story of navigating her child's struggles in a Montessori school setting. offering insights into how she balanced her own self-care through creative practices like movement and writing.
We also explored the importance of creating relational rituals, advocating for better communication between parents and teachers, and practical practices to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
The most impactful part of the conversation for me was Ryan’s perspective as a teacher conducting IEP meetings, and her advice and strategies for stressed out parents.
The episode wraps up with a guided mindfulness practice for parents, encouraging tranquility and resilience.
00:00 Introduction to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Podcast
00:43 Introduction to Ryan Rose Weaver
01:47 Challenges in Early Education
03:02 Discovering Sensory Integration Issues
04:30 Navigating the IEP Process
08:18 Creative Practices as Survival Instinct
08:59 Balancing Parental Identity and Self-Care
09:28 The Importance of Self-Tending
10:15 Challenges in the Education System
16:01 Teacher-Parent Relationships
17:02 Preparing for IEP Meetings
18:11 Advocating for Children in IEP Meetings
25:05 Creating Rituals for Self and Relational Care
27:54 Including Children in IEP Meetings
34:22 Mindfulness and Support Practices
41:45 Conclusion and Guest Information
Find Ryan on Substack and Instagram at Ryan Rose Weaver.
Want to give back? Your reviews are always a gift!
Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog: https://katelynch.substack.com/
Generational Autism: A Mom's Journey of Radical Acceptance and Connection with Julie M. Green
In this episode, listen in on an enlightening conversation with Julie M. Green, a writer and artist from Kingston, Canada. Julie discusses the nuances of parenting as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and the evolving narrative around autism and neurodivergence.
Explore generational autism, radical acceptance, and the importance of connection over fear.
Julie shares her personal parenting journey, coping mechanisms, and insights as well as the details of her autism diagnosis later in life... and how her autistic teen reacted to the news that they share a diagnosis.
Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog: https://katelynch.substack.com/
Balancing Joy and Sorrow: Parenting Neurodivergent Children with Shelley Karpaty.
In this heartfelt episode of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, host Kate Lynch engages in a deep conversation with Shelley Karpaty, a writer, meditation guide, and mental health advocate.
Shelley shares insightful stories from her journey parenting a child diagnosed with schizophrenia, the importance of self-compassion, and the challenges and strengths of balancing multiple roles as a parent. They discuss societal expectations and how to navigate the complexities of mental health within families. The dialogue weaves through themes of unconditional love, mindfulness practices, and the value of community support. Parents of neurodivergent kids will find solace and understanding here.
00:00 Introduction: Embracing Dual Emotions
00:34 The Heroine's Journey: A Mother's Struggle
01:03 Welcome to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents
01:44 Meet Shelly Karpati: Advocate and Author
02:45 Understanding Schizophrenia and Neurodivergence
05:23 Parenting Challenges and Triumphs
07:16 Support Systems and Community
09:20 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care
14:07 Mindfulness and Metta Practices
18:03 Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth
32:26 Final Thoughts and Resources
Navigating public spaces with atypical kids, overcoming stigma, and building an inclusive future!
In this powerful episode, I’m speaking with Jennifer Natalya Fink, Director of Disability Studies at Georgetown University and author of 'All Our Families: Disability Lineage and the Future of Kinship.'
Enter the Book Giveaway:
Subscribe to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog & comment “subscribed” below this post.
BONUS ENTRIES:
Review Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents on Apple Podcasts, then comment “reviewed” below this post. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Share anywhere. Comment “shared” below this post for another BONUS ENTRY!
We will choose a WINNER by April 13.
Jennifer shares her insights on viewing disability as an identity rather than a deficit and emphasizes the importance of community and cultural understanding for disabled individuals and their families.
This episode is a must-watch for parents, educators, and advocates who are on a journey to create a kinder, more inclusive world.
Timestamps:
00:00 Positive Disability Identity and Community with Jennifer Natalya Fink
01:21 Introduction to Jennifer Natalya Fink
02:42 Understanding Disability as an Identity
06:14 Exploring Disability Lineage
12:29 Public Perception and Disability
14:50 Building Community and Identity
17:22 Empowering Disabled Children
20:59 Looking Towards the Future
23:39 Embracing Disability: Challenges and Acceptance
24:30 Affirmations and Prepared Language
27:42 Building Community and Seeking Support
30:39 Creating Meaningful Connections
32:17 The Importance of Routine and Commitment
34:14 Cultural and Social Identity
36:12 Personal Growth and Enlightenment
38:08 Legacy and Parenting Memories
40:24 Final Thoughts and Resources
Self-compassion helps parents and their neurodivergent children to feel more resilient.
In this episode of Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Podcast, I’m interviewing Jamie Lynn Tatera, a mindfulness and self-compassion teacher and author of 'Mindfulness and Self Compassion Workbook for Kids’. (As an amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
3 Ways To Enter the Book Giveaway:
Subscribe to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog & comment “subscribed”below this post.
BONUS ENTRY: Review Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents on Apple Podcasts, then comment “reviewed”below this post. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Share anywhere. Comment “shared”below this post for another BONUS ENTRY!
We discuss the importance of self-compassion for both parents and their neurodivergent children, sharing personal stories and practical strategies.
The conversation delves into resilience habits, some of the ups and downs we’ve had raising our neurodivergent kids, and the role of mindfulness in navigating the challenges.
Jamie Lynn shares breathing exercises and introduces animal characters to help children and parents recognize and manage emotions. The episode will encourage you to grow your mindfulness and self-compassion skills yourself, while showing you fun and relatable ways to share them with your kids.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Resilience Habits
00:22 Welcome to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Podcast
00:59 Meet Jamie Lynn Teterra
02:29 Discovering Self-Compassion
03:36 Parenting Neurodivergent Children
05:00 The Role of Self-Compassion in Parenting
09:51 Practical Self-Compassion Techniques
12:44 Empathic Distress Breath Practice for Highly Sensitive Kids
16:55 Using Animals to Teach Kids Mindfulness
23:00 Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses
31:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Exciting New Season of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast!
Introducing the highly anticipated eighth season of the Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast!
Discover new episodes featuring insightful discussions with experts like:
Learn about book giveaways, resilience practices, positive disability identity, mental health, and self-compassion. Engage with us and build a supportive community as we navigate raising neurodivergent kids together.
Don't forget to subscribe, review, and tune in every two weeks for new episodes!
00:00 Introduction to the New Podcast Season
02:48 Upcoming Guests and Topics
04:07 Mid-Season Highlights
05:18 Engaging with the Community
07:29 Breathing Exercise and Conclusion
Thanks for listening to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast!
Essential skills for parenting neurodivergent children, from managing expectations to dealing with discomfort.
In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist, founder of the Neurodiversity Collective, and co-host of the Nerding Out on Neurodiversity Podcast.
We’re sharing personal stories and expert advice on managing expectations and finding community support.
Dr. Matt introduces his book, 'The Neurodiversity Playbook,' aimed at helping parents and neurodivergent individuals navigate a neurotypical world.
3 Ways To Enter the Book Giveaway:
We will choose a WINNER by March 16.
Timestamps:
00:00 Understanding the Brain's Default to Self-Blame
00:35 Introduction to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Podcast
01:18 Meet Dr. Matt: Expert in Neurodiversity
02:12 Challenges of Parenting Neurodivergent Children
05:49 The Importance of Community and Support
08:24 Curiosity Over Fury: A Parenting Strategy
12:19 The Role of Mindfulness in Parenting
19:52 Giftedness and Neurodiversity: Definitions and Misconceptions
24:59 The Pressure of Perfectionism
25:38 Gifted Kids and Society's Expectations
26:05 A Personal Story of Burnout and Happiness
27:19 Introducing the Book: Theory and Practice
28:22 Understanding Neurodivergence
29:40 The Flash and Neurodivergent Kids
33:17 Helping a Dad Connect with His Son
39:05 Core Values and Parenting
41:36 Sensory Needs and Authentic Parenting
42:50 Conclusion
Listen in on an intimate conversation between myself and one of my beloved private parent coaching clients. She's building confidence and compassion while raising her neurodivergent kid. Learn how self-compassion plays a crucial role in mindful parenting. Building Confidence in Parenting: Strategies and Support for Neurodiverse Families
Discover:
-the power of a judgment-free coaching relationship.
-the simplicity of self-regulation techniques.
-the value of connecting deeply with your child.
Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast helps parents feel less alone. Kate interviews parents and experts who share her mission to co-create a more inclusive future.
Join us in this insightful interview where we're discussing parenting with compassion, empathy, and boundary-setting.
This episode delves into my client's goals, including safety, mindful spending, balancing screen time, fostering open communication, and developing self-compassion as a parent.
Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog: https://katelynch.substack.com/
Witness the transformation and growth in a parent-child bond through practical exercises and mutual understanding.
00:00 Introduction to Mindful Parenting
00:55 Starting the Coaching Journey
02:02 Setting Boundaries and Expectations
02:58 Self-Regulation and Empathy
04:55 Screen Time and Activities
09:58 Building Confidence and Self-Compassion
11:42 Collaborative Problem Solving
12:18 Celebrating Wins and Bonding
13:25 Final Reflections and Gratitude
Explore the 3 ways I offer coaching:
Private Parent Coaching Package of 6 Sessions $445.
Founding Supporter 1-1 Voxer Coaching 3 months $150.
Community Monthly Mindful Parent Coaching for all paid Substack subscribers, starting at $5/month.
How to Balance Support and Independence in Neurodivergent Teens
Raising neurodivergent teens requires us to walk the razor's edge between offering support and encouraging independence...
...it's a balance that can sometimes feel elusive.
I'm Kate Lynch, and the other day I discussed this with Dr. Emily W. King, a child psychologist with a wealth of experience working with neurodivergent kids.
Before she became a parent, Dr. Emily was a licensed psychologist. Despite all her academic knowledge and training, having her own kids and working with her clients provided the real education. Nothing prepares you for the emotional experience of parenting. Knowledge helps, but understanding how our brains and bodies work together—in vastly different ways—comes from lived experience. As Dr. Emily put it, “Lived experience is just as valuable as any letters we have behind our name.”
Every child is different, and each family figures out what work best for them. For instance, my son is now comfortable taking the subway to school, although that journey had its challenges. He has navigated train disruptions, struggled with confusion, and yet persisted, growing more independent over time.
Dr. Emily noted that our kids are on their own timelines, and traditional age-based developmental milestones don’t apply to neurodivergent kids. Trusting the process, allowing for those inevitable challenges, and seeing them as growth opportunities are critical. Understanding and accepting this can alleviate some parental anxiety.
Sometimes, teens might feel they no longer need certain therapies, even when their parents think otherwise. Emily suggested a collaborative approach: understanding the child’s perspective, discussing their goals, and finding compromises that respect their feelings while ensuring they get the support they need.
One particularly touching moment Dr. Emily recalled was when her son unexpectedly grabbed her hand in a crowd, a simple yet profound reminder that there’s a last time for everything—we just don’t know when it will be.
By sharing experiences and learning from each other, we can help our neurodivergent kids feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow.
Join the Movement! Come Together to Create a More Inclusive World for Our Kids, One Parent at a Time...
If you’re anything like other parents I talk to, you’re seeking 3 things:
Connection with other parents who get it.
Support, empathy and guidance through the rough spots.
Resources to help your children.
I’m committed to providing all three for you here at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents!
Get access to monthly Mindful Parent Community Coaching by subscribing at any paid tier.
Starts at only $5 a month!
+PLUS: “Founding Supporter” tier members will have access to 3 months of my 1-1 asynchronous parent coaching pilot program!
"Kate did a great job creating a safe space and bringing relevant topics to the group."
https://katelynch.substack.com/p/back-to-school-support-special
When you're suffering and searching for self-compassion, you may be thinking, "But I'm already feeling so vulnerable! I can't take it. I need to numb out. This is too much!!!"
Right over that hill you can't quite see beyond, self-compassion is waiting for you.
The other day during a vulnerability hangover, I recorded an especially helpful audio meditation for the Compassion Club Private Podcast.
I'd like to share it with my community here because I appreciate you! It's going to be especially helpful for those of you who are ready to tread the transformative path from all-out resistance and overwhelm, through vulnerability, to self-compassion.
Listen now | 20 Min Meditation:
Self-compassion for the days you have a vulnerability hangover.
I share a bit of my personal process in this meditation to show an example of being in the mess and befriending my protective parts.
Learn the 5 steps so you can apply them to your next moment of suffering.
Remember, you're not alone.
Links:
How to Find Peace in the Mess of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids
Join us as my guest Kathryn Barbash, PsyD, a mom of four and a clinical psychologist, shares her experiences and strategies for parenting neurodivergent children. Kathryn discusses the importance of flexibility, the pitfalls of striving for perfection, and the concept of resilience.
Hear her personal stories, including the hilariously chaotic 'flour fiasco,' and gain insights on how to manage morning routines and emotional outbursts with kindness, creativity, and self-compassion.
This episode is a rich resource for parents seeking support, connection, and practical advice for their unique parenting experiences.
00:00 Morning Struggles and Parenting Challenges
00:43 Introduction to Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids
01:18 Meet Kathryn Barbash: Psychologist and Mom
03:33 The Flour Fiasco: Embracing Parenting Messes
08:00 The Second Arrow: Understanding and Managing Parental Guilt
16:46 Morning Routines: Tips and Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids
22:11 Collaborative Parenting: Working with Your Kids
26:21 Core Values and Joyful Parenting Moments
29:11 Conclusion and Where to Learn More
Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast helps parents feel less alone. Kate interviews parents and experts who share her mission to co-create a more inclusive future.
Our podcast is a baby, and it needs your love to grow.
If you appreciate the strategies, connection, and support here, please help it reach other parents by leaving us a review.
Read the transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog: https://katelynch.substack.com/
Connect with Kathryn - Links:
https://open.substack.com/pub/mindfulinthemud/p/flour-fiasco-i-am-not-a-calm-mom
"My mission is to expand access to aquatics for neurodivergent individuals."
-Nina Sporn
Nina Sporn teaches swimming and tennis to children and young adults, particularly neurodivergent individuals and children with emotional sensitivities that make athletics challenging.
She wants to make sure that people stay safe by learning basic swimming skills, and to consider swimming as a great way to be physically fit. Nina encourages kids to develop confidence through swimming and athletics. "All children are great at something...building a child's self-esteem and self-worth is crucial."
"I have had students who overcame incredible fear of the water and significant sensory issues, who have found the courage to ultimately 'let go' and swim freely. It brings me joy every time!"
-Nina Sporn
Some of the benefits of swimming:
Self esteem
Safety
Strength
Stamina
Gross motor mastery
Overcome fears
Sensory soothing
Outlet for anxiety
Great exercise
Fun with friends
Contact with other children
Nina sees the opportunities for physical activity for atypical kids as woefully inadequate. "Neurodivergent kids can gain confidence and fitness through sports, and swimming is about the best skill one can have. My mission is to expand access to aquatics for neurodivergent individuals."
5 Water Safety Basics:
Other things we discussed: My riptide story: Why we position ourselves near lifeguards. A little fear of the ocean is a good thing. Drowning is a very quiet thing. We lose skills when we can’t practice regularly.
Nothing takes the place of a parent’s attention. No one watches your child like you. Spend time with your kids in the water. Make it fun.
Belly Button Blowhole Breathing
Therapeutic benefits of silliness, especially after a micro trauma.
Nina's last word: "Have fun and wear sunscreen!"
Connect with Nina: nsporn@nyc.rr.com
Your comments, ratings and reviews mean a lot to me, and help other parents find our community.
As we approach Father's Day, I had the privilege of recording a special podcast episode with my husband, John Andrejack. This is a message of hope!
John is not just the father of our amazing atypical child, Ocean, but also an educator and a Parkinson's Disease advocate. This episode delves into parenting, coping with chronic illness, and the beauty of seeing our children thrive despite obstacles.
00:29 Meet John Andrejack: Educator and Parkinson's Advocate
01:15 John's Journey with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease
02:23 Parenting Challenges and Philosophies
05:10 Memorable Parenting Moments
06:13 A Walk on Water: Surf Therapy for Ocean
10:35 Parenting Mistakes and Lessons Learned
13:52 Core Values and Reflections on Fatherhood
18:08 Final Thoughts and Father's Day Wishes
