Calm Connection Parenting | Meltdowns, Neurodivergence, Emotional Regulation, DMDD, Autism, SPD, Defiance, Angry Behaviors

Jami Kirkbride LPC, Parenting Coach for Emotional Dysregulation and Executive Functioning
  • 4.9 (54)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

Ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally! Tired of walking on eggshells… dreading the next meltdown? Exhausted by big emotions. defiance, and disobediance? Wondering why “traditional" parenting advice backfires with your strong-willed child?   I’m glad you’re here. This podcast helps you understand what’s behind your child's behavior, so you can respond with calm, stop second-guessing yourself, and build real connection with your neurodivergent or uniquely wired child.    Hi, I’m Jami… a mom of seven, professional counselor turned parenting coach, speaker, and author. And yes, even with training, I found myself stuck in the same cycle so many parents live in: meltdown… reaction… guilt… repeat. I was doing all the things that were “supposed” to work… but they didn’t.    Everything changed when I stopped treating behavior like the problem and started looking underneath it. When I learned to understand my child’s unique wiring (personality, sensory processing, executive functioning, and emotional needs), I finally had a roadmap. I didn’t need more tips… I needed clarity and a plan. And that clarity changed things.    If you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and stop parenting in survival mode, you’re in the right place. We’ll talk meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, defiance, ADHD, DMDD, anxiety, and more… along with practical steps that help your family move from chaos to calm… one episode at a time.    So grab your coffee, find your quiet spot (if you have one), and let’s jump in.    Start here: Take the FREE Emotional Forecast Quiz at CalmConnectionParenting.org and find your next best step.

  1. 1d ago

    Holiday Gatherings With Neurodivergent Kids: Is Everyone Really Included?

    Holiday gatherings can be especially challenging for neurodivergent children with ADHD, DMDD, autism, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or auditory processing difficulties. But what happens when the family traditions meant to bring everyone together actually leave a child feeling misunderstood or excluded? Family pictures, crowded celebrations, unfamiliar expectations, and well-meaning relatives can create struggles that others may not recognize. And sometimes, what looks like defiance or unwillingness to participate is actually a child doing everything they can to hold it together. In this first episode of our special holiday series, Jami welcomes Ari, a fellow mom raising uniquely wired children, for an honest conversation about the lessons she's learned navigating holiday gatherings with extended family. In this episode, we'll explore: Why some holiday traditions can unintentionally leave neurodivergent children feeling excluded, even when everyone has good intentions.What one difficult family photo experience taught Ari about communication, expectations, and understanding her child's needs.How a little preparation and flexibility can make a surprising difference in family celebrations.What Ari wishes relatives understood about the invisible challenges her children experience—and a heartwarming perspective from one of her kids that might just change how you view your own holiday traditions.Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another family gathering, this conversation offers practical ideas, relatable experiences, and encouragement for helping your child feel understood, supported, and valued. Because there's a difference between having everyone together and helping everyone feel like they truly belong. Join us for a meaningful conversation about making room for the people we love, just as they are. And be sure to tune in for the rest of the holiday series.  Hit follow so you can be notified when the new episodes drop! Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

  2. Nov 4

    Parent-Teacher Conferences: 6 Tips to Advocate Effectively for Your Neurodivergent Child

    Parent-teacher conferences can feel intimidating, especially when you're raising a neurodivergent child with ADHD, DMDD, sensory challenges, or emotional dysregulation. How do you advocate for your child when the teacher sees behaviors you don't recognize, or when you feel like your parenting is being judged? Whether you're worried about hearing a list of problems, struggling to explain your child's unique needs, or wondering how to handle disagreements with teachers, this episode is your pep talk and practical plan for approaching conferences with confidence! Here we discuss  six helpful tips for turning potentially difficult parent-teacher conferences into opportunities for greater understanding, communication, and teamwork. In this episode, discover: Why parent-teacher conferences can leave BOTH parents and teachers feeling defensive, and how to change that dynamic.How to respond when your child's behavior is misunderstood without creating conflict.Why your child may behave completely differently at school than at home, and what that means for your conversations.Simple ways to advocate with confidence, encourage collaboration, and help teachers recognize your child's strengths.Plus, Jami shares a personal story about a coloring worksheet that reveals how easily a child's behavior can be misunderstood…and how one small shift in communication can make a big difference. You don't have to walk into parent-teacher conferences ready for a battle. Learn how to turn uncomfortable conversations into opportunities to work together and help your child succeed. Because advocating for your child isn't about proving someone wrong. It's about helping everyone understand your child better. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    Parent-Teacher Conferences: 6 Tips to Advocate Effectively for Your Neurodivergent Child

  3. Oct 28

    Helping Siblings Understand Neurodivergence: “Why Does He Get Away With Everything? It’s Not Fair!”

    Helping siblings understand neurodivergence can be hard, especially when one child needs more flexibility, support, attention, or a different response. In this episode, we talk about what to do when siblings say, “Why does he get away with everything?” or “That’s not fair!” You’ll hear about: Why fair does not always mean equal in a neurodivergent familyHow to validate a sibling’s frustration without turning one child into the problemWhat siblings should not be expected to carry or manageSimple ways to protect connection, space, and trust between siblingsIf one child’s needs seem to shape the whole household, this episode will help you explain the differences without dismissing anyone’s feelings. The goal is not to make everything look the same, but to help every child feel seen, supported, and understood. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    Helping Siblings Understand Neurodivergence: “Why Does He Get Away With Everything? It’s Not Fair!”

  4. Oct 22

    111. Feeling Defeated As A Parent of A Neurodivergent Child? Sometimes You Need to Feel It Before You Fix It

    Feeling defeated as a parent of a neurodivergent child can hit hard. In this episode, we  talk about the emotional exhaustion, discouragement, and pressure that can build when parenting feels like an unpredictable roller coaster…and why sometimes you need to feel what is hard before you try to fix it. You’ll hear about: Why parents sometimes need to function in the moment and process the emotions laterHow unaddressed stress can quietly pile up over timeWhy giving yourself space to feel does not mean getting stuck thereSimple ways to release some of the emotional pressure when you feel worn downIf you’ve had a parenting day that left you discouraged, embarrassed, exhausted, or wondering whether anything is really changing, this short episode offers permission to stop problem-solving for a moment, acknowledge what you’re carrying, and give your weary heart a little room to breathe. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    111. Feeling Defeated As A Parent of A Neurodivergent Child? Sometimes You Need to Feel It Before You Fix It

  5. Oct 14

    110. How to Reconnect With A Neurodivergent Child Who Pushes You Away: What Actually Builds Connection

    How do you reconnect with a neurodivergent child who seems to push you away? In this episode, we explore what connection can really look like after meltdowns, hurtful words, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, or everyday moments when your child seems distant or uninterested. You’ll hear about: Why pushing you away does not always mean your child doesn’t want connectionHow well-meaning attempts to talk, reassure, or fix things can sometimes add more pressureWhat small, everyday moments can help rebuild safety and connectionWhy space, shared interests, validation, and curiosity can sometimes work better than a big heart-to-heartIf you’ve ever wondered whether your child really wants closeness with you, or felt hurt when your attempts to connect seem to backfire, this episode will help you look at connection differently and find practical ways to meet your child where they are.   Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    110. How to Reconnect With A Neurodivergent Child Who Pushes You Away: What Actually Builds Connection

  6. Oct 8

    109. Why Good Parents Still Lose Their Cool and Get Angry: How to Repair After You Yell or Overreact

    Why do good parents still lose their cool, yell, or overreact...even when they want to stay calm? In this episode, we talk about parent anger, emotional regulation, common parenting triggers, and how to repair after a hard moment without getting stuck in guilt or shame. You’ll hear about: Why certain parenting moments can trigger such a strong emotional responseHow stress, exhaustion, and feeling powerless can quietly build toward an explosionWhy repair after yelling or overreacting can still teach something valuableHow to recognize your own warning signs before you reach the breaking pointIf you’ve ever thought, “I don’t like the way I’m handling my anger,” this episode will help you understand what may be driving those reactions, take responsibility without spiraling into shame, and find a more intentional way forward. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    109. Why Good Parents Still Lose Their Cool and Get Angry: How to Repair After You Yell or Overreact

  7. Sep 30

    108. What Neurodivergent Kids Wish Adults Understood About Shutting Down, Arguing, Defiance, and Meltdowns

    What do shutdowns, arguing, defiance, and meltdowns really mean for a neurodivergent child? In this episode, we talk about how parents can look beyond the behavior and better understand what may be happening inside a child’s brain and body. This episode is all about what your child may wish you knew...but may not yet have the words to explain. You’ll hear about: Why a child can know what to do and still struggle to access that skill in the momentHow sensory and emotional overload can change the way a child respondsWhy fewer words, more processing time, and a calmer environment can make such a differenceHow curiosity can help parents move from reacting to behavior toward understanding what it may be communicatingIf you’ve ever wondered whether your child is ignoring you, being defiant, or simply refusing to cooperate, this episode will help you consider what else may be happening beneath the surface, and how understanding can become a better starting point for growth and connection. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    108. What Neurodivergent Kids Wish Adults Understood About Shutting Down, Arguing, Defiance, and Meltdowns

  8. Sep 22

    107. Is It Permissive or Inconsistent Parenting? The Reality of Parenting A Neurodivergent Child

    Does parenting a neurodivergent child sometimes look too permissive, too protective, or inconsistent from the outside? In this episode, we talk about the reality of raising a child with ADHD, autism, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, executive functioning challenges, and other forms of neurodivergence...and why responsive parenting may not always look the same from one day to the next. You’ll hear about: Why a child may be able to handle something one day and struggle with the exact same thing the nextHow outside judgment can miss the invisible work and decision-making happening behind the scenesWhy explaining your child’s needs is not always the same as making excusesWhat parents and outsiders can both do to replace judgment with greater understandingIf you’ve ever questioned whether you are being too flexible, too protective, or not “consistent enough,” this episode will help you look at your child’s needs, capacity, and regulation with more clarity...and parent the child in front of you instead of parenting for the people watching. Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/  Just Believe

    107. Is It Permissive or Inconsistent Parenting? The Reality of Parenting A Neurodivergent Child
See All (114)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

Ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally! Tired of walking on eggshells… dreading the next meltdown? Exhausted by big emotions. defiance, and disobediance? Wondering why “traditional" parenting advice backfires with your strong-willed child?   I’m glad you’re here. This podcast helps you understand what’s behind your child's behavior, so you can respond with calm, stop second-guessing yourself, and build real connection with your neurodivergent or uniquely wired child.    Hi, I’m Jami… a mom of seven, professional counselor turned parenting coach, speaker, and author. And yes, even with training, I found myself stuck in the same cycle so many parents live in: meltdown… reaction… guilt… repeat. I was doing all the things that were “supposed” to work… but they didn’t.    Everything changed when I stopped treating behavior like the problem and started looking underneath it. When I learned to understand my child’s unique wiring (personality, sensory processing, executive functioning, and emotional needs), I finally had a roadmap. I didn’t need more tips… I needed clarity and a plan. And that clarity changed things.    If you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and stop parenting in survival mode, you’re in the right place. We’ll talk meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, defiance, ADHD, DMDD, anxiety, and more… along with practical steps that help your family move from chaos to calm… one episode at a time.    So grab your coffee, find your quiet spot (if you have one), and let’s jump in.    Start here: Take the FREE Emotional Forecast Quiz at CalmConnectionParenting.org and find your next best step.

Information

You Might Also Like