Formerly the Parenting after Trauma podcast, internationally recognized children's mental health expert Robyn Gobbel decodes the most baffling behaviors for parents of kids with vulnerable nervous systems. If you're parenting a child who has experienced trauma or toxic stress or a child with a neuroimmune disorder, sensory processing, or other nervous system vulnerability, this show will let you know you are not alone. You can stop playing behavior whack-a-mole because Robyn offers you tools ...
…
continue reading
Robyn Gobbel is a writer, trainer, speaker, and educator dedicated to understanding why humans behave the way they behave.
…
continue reading
Welcome to 'The Unteachables Podcast'! I’m your host Claire English, a passionate secondary teacher and leader turned teacher mentor and author of the book 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management'. I am here because I am on a mission to transform classroom management and teacher support. Why I do this? It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was completely overwhelmed and out of my depth with behaviour, trying to swim, rather than sink. It too ...
…
continue reading
From babyhood to school age, through the teenage years and ultimately adulthood, Adoption: The Long View explores all aspects of the adoption journey with a variety of articulate and thought-provoking guests.
…
continue reading
The Journeys With PDA coffee chat podcast will be discussing and sharing all things Pathological Demand Avoidance autism profile and neurodiversity. Join Heather and Kerissa as we share our journey parenting our autistic PDA children. We will also share our experience in discovering our own neurodivergence! We will be discussing the authentic and honest reality that comes with supporting unique brains. There will be lots of laughs and even some tears.You will find connection, community and c ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
507: Robyn Gobbel on Dealing with Big Baffling Behaviors
52:30
52:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:30
One of the myths of adoption is the now debunked “blank slate” theory that if you get your baby early enough, they won’t have experienced any trauma. And therefore, you won’t be raising a child with a trauma history, and you won’t be dealing with big, baff...
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Vinnie Stars about the adult experience of PDA. Vinnie is a white queer Autistic / ADHD PDA, vision & hearing impaired survivor, speaker, coach and consultant who channels positive Autistic / Neurodivergent Identity by creating Liberatory Processing Spaces through their business…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
REPLAY: When Your Child Won't Talk About Their Watchdog and Possum Brain
52:25
52:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:25
This episode originally aired on November 7th, 2023 Does your child yell, scream, or otherwise refuse to talk about their owl, watchdog, or possum brain? They tell you it’s stupid or tell you to stop talking or get extra silly or just don’t talk? I hear this from a LOT of parents (and I experienced it a lot in the play therapy room). This doesn’t m…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#77: 3 common pieces of behaviour advice teachers get that do more harm than good
18:07
18:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:07
In this episode, I’m diving into three common pieces of behaviour and classroom management advice that teachers are often given and why we need to stop offering them—at least in the way they’re typically presented. These bits of advice are frequently thrown around without any meaningful support or practical steps, making them more harmful than help…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
REPLAY: Can I Teach My Child About Their Brain?
24:57
24:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:57
This episode originally aired February 17th, 2023 I’ve been listening for a while and the watchdog and possum brain ideas have really helped me. Is it OK to teach this to my kids too? I’m worried they’ll start using it as excuses. I get this question all the time! If we teach our kids about the watchdog and possum brain are they going to start sayi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#76: What to ACTUALLY say to calm students down. 4 steps to resolving bubbling behaviours quickly, so you can get back to teaching.
18:04
18:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:04
In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest challenges we face as teachers—how to manage a classroom full of students when dysregulated behaviours start bubbling up and escalating. I talk about the key things to remember when students are dysregulated and can’t reason with us, and share my CARE Framework—a practical approach for responding to …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 191: Helping Siblings with Verbal Aggression
42:28
42:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:28
Does your child with a vulnerable nervous system say mean, hurtful, taunting, or aggressive things to your other kids? You already know you can’t control what comes out of someone else’s mouth, so what do you do??? How do you help your kids deal with their sibling’s verbal aggression? In this episode, you’ll learn Steps to help increase your childr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#75: My top 4 classroom management tips for a strong start to the school year (and beyond!)
24:24
24:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:24
The start of a new school year is always a mix of excitement and nerves (the Sunday scaries multiplied times over!!). As teachers, we’re not just thinking about lesson plans and curriculum—we’re setting the stage for a whole year of learning, growth, and relationships. What will our students be like? How will they get along? What will the dynamics …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 190: When Two (or more) Kids Are Dysregulated at Once!
41:09
41:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:09
What on earth should you do when you have more than one child dysregulated at the same time? You’re outnumbered, you’re overwhelmed. Now what? In this episode, you’ll learn The #1 step to take when more than one kid is dysregulated What to prioritize How to have realistic expectations for yourself Resources mentioned in this podcast: Child Always D…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#74: The start of school ice breaker activities that need to get in the bin, and what to do instead to build a positive, thriving, class community (no matter what time it is!)
18:11
18:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:11
How can you set the tone for an amazing school year without resorting to icebreakers that have your students eyes rolling? In this episode, you will learn how to foster genuine connections, and create a positive classroom environment that students are eager to be part of, any day of the school year. Listen in as I explore why typical icebreakers of…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 189: How to Help Siblings During a Meltdown
37:59
37:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:59
If you are a regular listener here on The Baffling Behavior Show, big, baffling behaviors and big meltdowns are no longer surprising in your home. Even if we can’t predict those moments of 'Back-Off or, 'Attack' Watchdog, "Shut Down' or, 'Play Dead' Possum, we can predict that it is going to happen again. You can create felt safety for the other ch…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#73: No space for a calm corner in your classroom? 4 practical tips for student self-regulation on the go!
17:14
17:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:14
Let’s talk calm corners. They are all the rage, and for good reason. When done right, they teach regulation skills and embed these as part of the classroom culture and shared language. When students understand more about their brains, they’re more likely to be empowered to manage their behaviours and self-regulate. Yes, even in secondary! Especiall…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Heather & Kerissa chat about an interesting phenomenon known as The Double Empathy Problem. The Double Empathy Problem suggests that when people with very different experiences interact, they will struggle to empathize with each other. This creates misunderstandings between Neurodivergents and Neurotypicals …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 188: Grief as the Sibling of a Child with Special Needs
40:29
40:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:29
Grief is hard to acknowledge and talk about. The truth is, there is grief involved with being the sibling of a child with a special need. In today’s episode, we’re exploring how to support the siblings of kids with a nervous system disability with behavior-based symptoms with all their feelings, especially grief. In this episode, you’ll learn How t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#72: Let’s have a heart to heart… How are you going? Plus, big news on how The Unteachables is changing.
23:15
23:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:15
Let me ask you a question, teacher friend... How are you, really? I have thought long and hard about how I view teacher wellbeing, what it is, how we get it, and there are so many factors that we need to consider: How much autonomy and trust you have. The support you’re getting from leadership. The culture of the school. How empowered you feel in y…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#71: Kids don’t learn off people they don’t like… but getting them to like you is sometimes easier said than done! How to reach and teach students with big behaviours.
15:54
15:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:54
Welcome back to another episode of The Unteachables Podcast, teacher friends! Today I delve into the final chapter of my book, It's Never Just About the Behaviour. If you want to listen to this series from the start, head back to episode 65! Yes, building relationships is important... but dang is it hard with some students! On today's episode I giv…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 187: Teach Siblings about Owls, Watchdogs, and Possums... Without Excusing!
39:37
39:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:37
One way we can support the siblings of kids with big, baffling behaviors is to teach them about owls, watchdogs, and possums (or some way to understand the brain and behaviors) as well as to teach them about nervous system vulnerabilities and ‘overactive’ watchdog and possum brains! In this episode, you’ll learn Steps to take when teaching siblings…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Special Guest: Clare Truman - PDA & Education
47:45
47:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:45
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Clare Truman. Clare Truman is an education consultant, author, PhD student, and big sister to an autistic young man. She specializes in supporting PDA children and young people to access education. She is the author of ‘The Teacher’s Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance: Essen…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#70: I truly didn't believe all of my students could succeed. Why this was diabolical for behaviour and engagement, and what I had to change.
22:39
22:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:39
Today, I dive into a strategy from Pillar 6 from my newly released book, 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour' which explores the essential connection between quality teaching, learning, and managing challenging classroom behaviours. In this episode, I explore two key reasons why teaching and learning is inextricably linked with classroom managemen…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 186: Helping Siblings Understand "Unfair" Parenting
46:17
46:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:17
Do you have kids who feel like the way you parent their sibling (the one with the worst behavior!!!) is unfair? We’ll be tackling different topics on how to support siblings over the next month. In this episode, you’ll learn The five things to consider when thinking about how to help siblings understand ‘unfair’ parenting Are you parenting all your…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
506: More Facets of Adoption Math with Adoptee Torie DiMartile (Part 2)
41:51
41:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:51
In this much anticipated episode, we resume our conversation with adoptee and adoption educator Torie DiMartile on adoption math that adoptees have to deal with, the worlds they must precariously straddle throughout their lives, the opposing emotions the...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 185: Setting Boundaries that Stick with Juliane Taylor Shore and Therapist Uncensored
1:03:32
1:03:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:32
Something new and unexpected here on The Baffling Behavior Show! This episode is actually from the Therapist Uncensored Podcast with Sue Marriott and Ann Kelley. Sue and Ann interviewed one of y'alls FAVORITES- Juliane Taylor Shore. Juliane was on The Baffling Behavior Show a long time ago, talking about psychological boundaries and verbal aggressi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#69: How to give instructions that students get (and follow!!). Avoiding classroom confusion and chaos by using the 'Get Ready, Get Set, Go!' strategy.
19:31
19:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:31
This week, I dive into Pillar 5 of "It's Never Just About the Behavior." In this episode, I emphasize the importance of clarity in your holistic classroom management approach, and provide practical strategies to ensure students understand and meet expectations. Today I discuss: The Importance of Clarity in Expectations: Why clear communication is c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 184: How to Not Care what Other People Think
49:34
49:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:34
Parents of kids with baffling behaviors are CONSTANTLY being judged by others. How do we get to a point where we don’t care as much about what other people think? In this episode, we’ll explore: Some of the most common judgments that parents of kids with baffling behaviors receive How it’s actually not possible to not care at all, but we can care L…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#68: Turning your classroom into an island of safety for every single student (oh, and for yourself as the teacher, of course)
18:06
18:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:06
Consistency in classroom management is more than just a routine; it’s a pathway to creating an "island of safety" for your students. From the moment students walk into the classroom to the way lessons are structured, consistency can significantly reduce anxiety and foster a supportive learning environment. In this episode, I delve into the fourth p…
…
continue reading
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” ~Carl Rogers You know, one of my favorite things about studying relational neuroscience is discovering the science that proves things we’ve known all along. Not everyone needs the science, and I know some think the science detracts from the powerful truths that peop…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 183: Is Watchdog and Possum Behavior Always Protective?
32:25
32:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:25
Do the Watchdog and Possum pathway only activate in protection mode? Are they always protective? NO! It is possible to have safe and connected Watchdog energy and safe and connected Possum energy! Why does this distinction matter? In this episode, you’ll learn What safe and connected watchdog energy feels like What safe and connected possum energy …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#67: So you want to move away from punitive discipline? Here’s where to start.
25:13
25:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:13
Welcome to today's episode where I dive deep into Pillar 3 of my upcoming book, "It's Never Just About the Behaviour." This pillar focuses on the importance of compassion in classroom management, but not in the way you might expect. I will explore actionable, compassionate pedagogy that moves beyond traditional exclusionary practices. In this episo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Special Guest: Donna Henderson- Is This Autism?
55:44
55:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:44
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Dr. Donna Henderson about digging deeper into the characteristics of autism that may be missed by traditional assessments. Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, partic…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
REPLAY: Scaffolding is a Form of Co-Regulation
52:07
52:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:07
What does my child need for their success to be inevitable? If I wanted to paint the top of a 20 foot wall, I’d rent some scaffolding. Scaffolding makes the floor higher and would get me as close to the top of the wall as I needed. The scaffolding would help make my success inevitable. It’s not the only thing I need to be successful (paint would co…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#66: Are you caught in the vicious cycle of reactive classroom management?
13:49
13:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:49
Welcome to this week’s episode! If you missed last week, head back and catch up, because this is week 2 of digging into pillars from my new book, It’s Never Just About the Behaviour, which is available for pre-order and will be released at the end of June/start of July. In this episode, I'll be focusing on Pillar 2: Be Calm. One of the most impactf…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 182: There Is Nothing Wrong With You! With Guest Janet Nordine
56:45
56:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:45
Janet Nordine is a registered play therapist, adoptee, and mental health activist working tirelessly to improve children’s mental health services, specifically in the state of Nevada. Janet has an important message for adoptees that I think is relevant to all kids and families who are supporting kids with vulnerable nervous systems: There is nothin…
…
continue reading
We all know from 1st grade math that a half plus a half equals 1. But for adoptees, the math doesn’t always add up the way we think it will. At one time I thought that if I could just incorporate my children’s first families into ours, then Tessa and Re...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
REPLAY: Co-Regulation Before Self-Regulation
36:44
36:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:44
Self-regulation is a crucial developmental milestone and I’m thrilled that we are turning our eyes toward self-regulation instead of staying focused on behavior modification through rewards and consequences. At the same time, we must remember that self-regulation is developed through repeated and regular experiences of co-regulation with an attuned…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#65: Redefining a strong approach to classroom management: It's about so much more than just the behaviour.
15:40
15:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:40
Welp… it’s happening. The past 670 days have led to me being able to say this next sentence…. NEXT MONTH MY BOOK, 'IT’S NEVER JUST ABOUT THE BEHAVIOUR’, IS FINALLY HITTING THE SHELVES!! It feels like a lifetime ago since I signed the contract above the title ‘author’. The imposter syndrome was real. Author? Me? How the hell am I going to pull this …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 181: What's the "Connected Response" to {Insert Specific Difficult Behavior Here}?
44:36
44:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:36
What’s the connected response to {insert difficult behavior here}?? How do I respond to {insert difficult behavior here} in a connected way??? I get some version of this question almost every day. So, let’s answer it here on the podcast! In this episode, you’ll learn What most parents are really asking when they ask ‘what’s the connected response’?…
…
continue reading
It’s normal and common for stress and dysregulation to cause kids to act younger than they really are. This happens to grown-ups too! Simply because it’s normal and common doesn’t mean it’s not very frustrating! In this episode, you’ll learn A neurosequential explanation for regression How to use regression as a cue or a clue about the state of you…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#64: Conquering the colossal to do-list, embracing imperfection, and being "more like Kerrie". Swimming, surviving, and thriving, with Ashley from Rainbow Sky Creations
44:02
44:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:02
In this episode of The Unteachables Podcast, I sit down with Ashley, a seasoned teacher with 18 years of experience and half of the wonderful Rainbow Sky Creation crew, to discuss practical strategies for managing the demands of teaching. Ashley shares invaluable tips that every teacher, especially those in their early years, can benefit from. From…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Special Guest: Robyn Gobbel- Big, Baffling Behaviors
1:09:25
1:09:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:25
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Robin Goebel, a former therapist and play therapist, about supporting children with big baffling behaviors and vulnerable nervous systems. Robin discusses her shift from focusing solely on trauma to a broader understanding of neurodivergent minds and the impact of the autonomic …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#63: Blame my brain! What's behind those big, bad, bold, and downright bloody baffling behaviours.
19:05
19:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:05
In today's episode, we're diving deep into understanding behaviours driven by the stress response. This foundational knowledge is crucial for any teacher looking to transform their classroom into an island of safety for their students which nurtures connection, reduces anxiety, and promotes growth. In this episode, I discuss: 1/ The stress response…
…
continue reading
I’m sure you often feel like ‘getting your kid regulated’ is a very important goal! But- is it? Is regulated the goal? And is it possible to even consider these kinds of questions when we are parenting very dysregulated kids with very dangerous behaviors? In this episode, you’ll learn The difference between a moment of being regulated and having a …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 178: EVERYONE Has A Watchdog And Possum Brain!
38:03
38:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:03
Believe it or not, we don’t want to get rid of our kids’ watchdog and possum brains! We want to help their watchdog and possum brain rest so they aren’t working so hard. Their watchdog and possum brains are overworked and overactive. In this episode, you’ll learn Why we must remember that everyone has a watchdog and possum brain How gratitude and a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#62. 'Apathetic' teenagers, post-pandemic classrooms, and finding all the glimmers with Dr Lori Desautels
51:08
51:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:08
On today's episode I speak to the brilliant Dr Lori Desautels to answer one of the big behaviour questions I am often asked... What's going on with apathetic teenage behaviour?! As well as this, we speak about: Neuroplasticity and why it is crucial for teachers to have an understanding around. How we can transform the experiences and education of o…
…
continue reading
When I work with parents whose child spends a lot of time on the possum pathway, I warn them that sometimes possum kids become watchdog kids before the finally have a nice, strong owl brain. Because watchdog behaviors are often more intense and scarier than possum behaviors, this can feel like your child is ‘getting worse.’ It’s actually a sign of …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#61. “Make me a sandwich”. How we can address the alarming misogyny present in our classrooms.
23:53
23:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:53
Download the guide: Addressing misogyny in the classroom In the wake of recent events sparking renewed conversations about gender-based violence, the imperative for educators to address misogyny in the classroom has never been more pressing. Samantha Schulz's article, "Make me a sandwich," sheds light on a disturbing reality: the behaviors and lang…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
504: 22 Years of Lessons Learned from Two Moms in One Open Adoption
48:15
48:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:15
The moment you become a parent, time seems to stop and you can’t see beyond the sweet baby or toddler you have before you, looking up at you with those big eyes that say you are everything. Those days of full dependence on you feel like they may go on fore...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
REPLAY: Self-Compassion Keeps you Regulated
30:41
30:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:41
This episode originally aired on December 22, 2020, episode 8 ::: I love love love talking about self-compassion for two main reasons. #1- Self-Compassion is solidly anchored in the relational neurosciences- and you know how much I love...and need...for things to be anchored in science. #2- Self-compassion has tenacity. There's no way out. Self-com…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EP 176: Feel Better, Even If Nothing Changes
42:00
42:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:00
Is it possible to feel better even if your child’s behavior doesn’t change? Even if the stress doesn’t change? Theoretically, yes. Your chronic watchdog or possum state means you are in chronic protection mode. Is it possible to shift out of protection mode before the chaos in your life changes? That’s exactly what we address in today’s episode! In…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#60. Students not taking accountability for their behaviours? Here's what to do.
16:56
16:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:56
Click here to download all 71 behaviour response prompts! Tell me if this sounds familiar, teacher friend... You have struggled to get through even a minute of teacher-led instruction because of one student who is cutting you off at every turn. It has a knock on effect, causing other students to become disengaged and dysregulated. You become increa…
…
continue reading
This episode originally aired on September 20th, 2022 Another important piece of understanding what is underneath your child's big, baffling behaviors is the Stress Response System. Our Stress Response System plays a huge role in our children's behaviors and also how we perceive those behaviors. In this episode, you’ll learn: What stress is and how…
…
continue reading