Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast

Kate Lynch
Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast

Welcome to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, a neurodiversity-affirming podcast for parents of neurodivergent kids of all ages. I’m Kate Lynch, a mindfulness coach on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future. If you're navigating the joys and struggles of raising your unique kids, follow us here for grounding mindfulness practices, relatable stories, and empowering strategies. Subscribe to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Blog: a community that understands your experience and reminds you that you are never alone.

  1. 13 JUN

    Netflix "Adolescence" - Beyond Hysteria is Help and Heart

    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.

    23 min
  2. 30 MAY

    Preventing Parental Burnout through Playful Creative Flow

    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

    47 min
  3. 16 MAY

    Navigating the IEP Process with Compassion: A Conversation with Ryan Rose Weaver

    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/⁠

    42 min
  4. 28 MAR

    3 Ways Positive Disability Identity Helps Create a Better World with Jennifer Natalya Fink

    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

    43 min
  5. 14 MAR

    How Atypical Kids Can Build Self Compassion with Jamie Lynn Tatera

    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

    33 min

Trailers

About

Welcome to Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, a neurodiversity-affirming podcast for parents of neurodivergent kids of all ages. I’m Kate Lynch, a mindfulness coach on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future. If you're navigating the joys and struggles of raising your unique kids, follow us here for grounding mindfulness practices, relatable stories, and empowering strategies. Subscribe to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Blog: a community that understands your experience and reminds you that you are never alone.

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