Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast

Kate Lynch
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  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
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. SEASON 8, EPISODE 10 TRAILER

    Why This Podcast Season Will Change Your Parenting

    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: Dr. Matt Zakreski, Jamie Lynn Tatera, Jennifer Natalya Fink, Shelley Karpati, Julie M. Green, and Ryan Rose Weaver. 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!

    9 min

  2. FEB 28

    Be Curious, Not Furious: Writing the Playbook on Neurodiversity with Dr. Matt

    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: 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 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

    44 min

  3. 08/30/2024

    Building Confidence in Parenting: Strategies and Support for Neurodiverse Families

    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.

    14 min

  4. 08/16/2024

    Encouraging Neurodivergent Teens With Dr. Emily

    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

    40 min

  5. 08/02/2024

    5 Step Path From Overwhelm To Compassion for Parents

    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: Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog Compassion Club Private Podcast⁠

    23 min

  6. 07/12/2024

    Embracing the Mess and Finding Resilience

    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 https://mindfulinthemud.substack.com https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmominthemud/

    31 min

  7. 06/28/2024

    5 Water Safety Basics and the Benefits of Physical Activity for Atypical Kids

    "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: Floating  Breath control  Blow bubbles  Get to safety  Push off the bottom  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.

    32 min

  8. 06/14/2024

    A Truthful and Tender Father's Day Podcast With Ocean's Dad

    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

    20 min
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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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