86: Who Decides What “Normal” Behavior is? [Parenting Neurodivergence Series]

Parenting can be a complex journey, especially when your child's needs differ from what you initially expected. In fact, many parents find themselves struggling with feelings of failure or inadequacy when their children don't fit into societal norms or expectations. Maybe you’ve experienced this yourself.

And who decides what “normal” is anyway?

This week, we’re looking at the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children and offering a fresh perspective on how to approach these unique situations. Because no one is alone in the challenges of parenting, and it’s time we meet every child and parent where they are.

This episode looks at the impact of societal expectations on parenting and explores the common negative beliefs parents may develop when faced with unexpected challenges. These beliefs not only affect parents but can also significantly influence their children's self-perception and behavior, which has a lifelong impact.

So what can we do about this? It’s a matter of reframing challenges and expectations and emphasizing the power of experimentation and flexibility in parenting. You’ll learn how in the episode! By adopting a more adaptable approach, parents can create a nurturing environment that celebrates their child's unique traits and supports their growth.

This episode provides insights for parents navigating raising neurodivergent children, offering a compassionate and practical approach to family dynamics. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance or a therapist working with families, let’s foster a more understanding and adaptive environment for all family members.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. By embracing flexibility and experimentation, you can create a family dynamic that works for everyone involved.

The Zero Disturbance podcast is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or individualized mental health or medical care.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Parenting Neurodivergence Resource Bundle: Get on the waitlist

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With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for over 20 years. As the Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, she created ease in complex systems, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a dedicated mom, therapist, and EMDR Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way. When she isn't podcasting or creating online courses, you can find Kambria playing with her twins on a beach in California.