Join parenting coach and mom-in-the-trenches, Penny Williams, as she helps parents, caregivers, and educators harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week she delivers insights and actionable strategies on parenting and educating neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities... Her approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity, and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with th ...
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Getting kids off the screen and into their imagination 🎉 Nurture Storytelling Skills 🌍 Introduce to Cultures ✨ Connect with Emotions Goop Tales is a favorite storytelling podcast among parents. Visit gooptales.com and discover over 100 original audio stories for kids filled with whimsy and wonder for young listeners ages 3 to 9, but fun for curious minds of any age! This podcast for kids is a great way to engage the other senses while escaping the screen zombies and experiencing entertainmen ...
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From Surviving To Thriving. I support parents becoming the parents that their kids need them to be and becoming the parents they may have always needed but never had so that you can give your best to yourself, your loved ones, and your dreams. We're not a podcast about information. We're a podcast about transformation. We're about taking unwavering action with the support you need to break the cycles and overcome the struggles that define you. Episodes are released every Monday consist of wh ...
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Fearless Mom wants to encourage EVERY mom by providing tools and teaching to help moms ENJOY life! No matter where you are in your mom journey… expecting your first baby, chasing toddlers and pre-schoolers, managing school-age kids, navigating life with teenagers, learning to live with step-children, or parenting adult children… Fearless mom is a judgment-free zone where you can connect with other moms and learn to be the mom God created you to be.
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282: Single Parenting with Neurodivergent Kids, with Dr. Gila
44:44
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Are you navigating the challenging, yet rewarding journey of single parenting a neurodivergent child? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by societal expectations, struggling with feelings of guilt and isolation, or simply looking for practical advice to foster a nurturing environment for your unique family? In this empowering episode of Beautif…
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281: Raising Healthy Gamers, with Dr. Alok Kanojia, MD MPH
35:01
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Are you tired of battling your kid over screen time and gaming habits, only to see your relationship suffer and the issues persist? In this episode of "Beautifully Complex," I welcome Dr. Alok Kanojia (aka, Dr. K), psychiatrist and President and Co-Founder of Healthy Gamer. As a recovering gaming addict himself, Dr. K offers a unique perspective on…
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280: Fostering Resilience in the Age of Uncertainty, with Tovah Klein, Ph.D.
29:21
29:21
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Are you struggling to help your child navigate the uncertainties of today's world? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m chatting with Tovah Klein, Ph.D., professor at Barnard College and director of the Center for Toddler Development, about fostering resilience in children during these challenging times. Dr. Klein emphasizes the importance o…
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279: You Might Also Like: In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently, from Understood.org
28:20
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This episode is a special collaboration with the "In It" podcast from Understood.org, dedicated to families with children facing challenges like ADHD and dyslexia. We’re diving into a topic that many parents find both essential and perplexing — encouraging kids to care about personal hygiene. In It hosts, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek, are joi…
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278: Helping Kids on the Spectrum Transition to Adulthood, with Shannon Urquiola
32:39
32:39
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32:39
Navigating the transition to adulthood with your neurodivergent child can be overwhelming and fraught with uncertainties. In this episode of Beautifully Complex, my guest, Shannon Urquiola and I explore the critical aspects of preparing kids on the spectrum for adulthood, addressing common pain points like guardianship, financial planning, SSI, and…
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277: Redefining ADHD for Neurodivergent Kids, with Elly Both
27:08
27:08
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27:08
Are you struggling to talk to your child about their ADHD diagnosis or seeking ways to reframe it positively? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I host an empowering conversation with Elly Both about her inspiring new children's book on ADHD. Elly shares her personal journey of being diagnosed later in life and how that revelation transformed …
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276: Executive Function Rundown, with Seth Perler, M.Ed.
32:44
32:44
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32:44
Feeling frustrated by your child's disorganization, falling grades, and struggles with time management? Tune in to this episode of Beautifully Complex, where Seth Perler, M.Ed. and I explore the crucial role of executive function skills in your child or teen's life. Seth likens these skills to learning guitar chords — they're not innate, but they c…
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275: Starting Scared, with Chrysty Lockhart
31:40
31:40
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Are you tired of letting fear hold you back? The key to moving beyond that is turning what you view as failure into stepping stones to success. And you can teach your kids the same. In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Chrysty Lockhart, who shares her transformative journey from fearful to learning to push forward despite the fear.…
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274 Looking at Behavior Both Inside and Out, with Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP
47:07
47:07
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Do you find it challenging to stay calm and mindful when your child is having a tough time in public? Gabriele Nicolet and I explore understanding kid’s behavior from both behavioral and neurophysiological perspectives. Gabriele, a seasoned speech therapist and parent coach, shares invaluable insights into decoding what behaviors signify about a ki…
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273: Getting Stuck in a Loop with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D.
42:32
42:32
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42:32
Have you ever felt helpless as your child gets stuck in repetitive behaviors or meltdowns, leaving you wondering how to help them break free? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D., to delve into the struggles and complexities faced by parents and kids, teens, and young adults when dealing with looped behaviors…
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272: What Does Anger Tell Us?, with Dr. Lori Desautels
27:41
27:41
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Do you often find yourself misinterpreting anger in your neurodivergent child, escalating situations unintentionally? Join me and Dr. Lori Desautels as we dive deep into understanding anger and what it truly signifies. Dr. Desautels, an expert in applied educational neuroscience, explains that anger often stems from a dysregulated nervous system, f…
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271: ADHD and Dads: Creating the Fatherhood You Crave, Larry Hagner
49:23
49:23
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49:23
Struggling to connect with your child who has ADHD can be incredibly challenging, leaving you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. In this insightful episode of Beautifully Complex (first aired 2020), I’m joined by Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge podcast and father of four boys, to explore how dads can create the fatherhood they crave. Larry div…
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270: 3 Steps to Empower Confidence in Your Teen, with Kristi Simons
31:17
31:17
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31:17
Feeling like your teen or young adult is struggling to find their confidence and navigate the ups and downs of life? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with teen life coach, Kristi Simons, to provide strategies to empower confidence in your teen. Kristi delves into the importance of allowing your teen to experience their own emotion…
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269: Reclaiming Community: Climate, Parenting, and Social Connections, with Bill Weir
33:15
33:15
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We’ve all but outright rejected the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” in American culture. We’re more fragmented and lonely than ever. Yet, there’s clear evidence that community and connection are key to happiness. It certainly takes a community to raise a happy and resilient child, even if “community” looks different in modern life…
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268: What to Do When Importance Doesn’t Create Motivation, with Penny Williams
19:45
19:45
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19:45
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re examining a topic that really hits close to home for many of us — what to do when importance doesn’t create motivation, especially for our neurodivergent kids. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get our kids started and keep them going on tasks that matter, but don’t necessarily excite them. …
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267: The Myth of Laziness, with Adam Price, Ph.D.
22:51
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Today, I'm so excited to be talking with Dr. Adam Price, a nationally known clinical psychologist and best-selling author with over 30 years of experience working with kids and adults. He's the author of "He's Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself" and "The He's Not Lazy Guide to Better Grades and a Great Life." In this episode, we’re…
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266: A Summertime Plan that Can Work for Everyone, with Penny Williams
23:46
23:46
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re focusing on making summertime rewarding and manageable for neurodiverse families. I’ll guide you through a summer plan that encompasses structured activities, personal growth, and meaningful connections. This episode is packed with strategies starting with how to create an adaptable visual plan using to…
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265: Strategies for Young Autistic Learners, with Tara Phillips, SLP
36:24
36:24
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In this episode, I’m joined by Tara Phillips, speech language pathologist and founder of Autism Little Learners. She shares some transformative tools and techniques which have significantly benefited her students, such as the use of visual supports and predictable routines. Together, Tara and I explore the importance of positive connections and a s…
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264: Handling Behavior Struggles with Dignity, with Wendy Snyder
28:11
28:11
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This time on Beautifully Complex, I'm exploring behavior struggles and conscious discipline with my guest, Wendy Snyder, a positive parenting educator and family life coach. We discuss how understanding behaviors as communication changes our perspective, helping us view challenges as signals of need and teaching opportunities. Join us as we dive in…
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263: Understood Explains IEPs from Understood.org
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The terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get. And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need. On this episode of Beautifully Comple…
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262: Emotional Support Animals, with Dan Maigler, LCSW
27:18
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In this episode, I'm chatting with my guest Daniel Maigler, about the transformative roles of emotional support animals. Dan's insights as a social worker and mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick reveal how emotional support animals can aid those facing mental health challenges. Dan shares the poignant story behind Paws for Patrick, emphasizi…
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261: Extreme Language Around Emotions, with Penny Williams
15:31
15:31
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I tackle why our kids and teens might use extreme language to express their emotions. We're recognizing that expressions like "I hate you" or phrases that include aggression or violence often aren't literal but signal an inability to articulate complex emotions. I talk about the importance of distinguishing b…
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259: Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience, with Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D.
29:35
29:35
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Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D. is joining me for a conversation on Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience. His expertise in social psychology shines a light on the intricate dance between aggression and resilience — especially in the lives of our neurodivergent kids. In this episode, you'll hear stories close to my heart, includin…
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GT130 Sketcher and the National Gallery of Armenia
32:30
32:30
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Hello Goopies! In this Goop Tale Sketcher sketches a magical portal that leads him straight to a marketplace in Armenia. In the marketplace he befriends a very kind cloth doll who has been sitting on a shelf for years. His friendship doesn't last for too long because he gets bought by a spoiled young boy named Albert who takes him to the Armenian N…
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260: Navigating Life Challenges with Purpose and Progress (not perfection), with Shari Leid
31:46
31:46
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have the pleasure of talking with Shari Leid of An Imperfectly Perfect Life. Together, we’re talking about purposeful living and parenting and celebrating gradual progress over the pursuit of perfection. Shari shares her deep insights on the value of recognizing and fostering the inherent strengths in our c…
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258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny Williams
16:07
16:07
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Let's talk about what to do when your kid isn't listening. Remember, they might be processing your words in non-traditional ways, so it's important to find alternative approaches to help them focus, process, and follow through. From recognizing distractions to accommodating slow processing speeds, I offer practical advice to help parents navigate t…
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257: The Control Trap, with Penny Williams
26:12
26:12
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the detrimental effects of trying to control kids, emphasizing the importance of a humanistic approach to behavior. After watching the recent documentary series on Netflix called "The Program," I was both horrified by the trauma that the “troubled teen industry” causes and inspired to talk about the…
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256: Breaking Down Motivation: Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Their Path to Success, with Melanie McNally, Psy.D.
28:22
28:22
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28:22
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I sit down with Dr. Melanie McNally, a clinical psychologist and brain coach who specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults. Together, we explore the struggles that many young adults face in finding motivation and direction. Dr. Melanie shares her expertise on helping young adults…
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255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams
20:17
20:17
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20:17
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I tackle the topic of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and provide 7 essential steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. I share insights on recognizing signs of RSD in kids and teens, fostering open communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thought patterns, teaching …
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254: How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Parent or Teacher, with Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC
35:19
35:19
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In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC is back and we're unpacking what it means to be a neuro-affirmative parent or teacher. We explore the pressures that neurodivergent kids face, especially the expectation to camouflage their true selves. Emily, with her dual expertise in education and counseling, is sharing invaluable insigh…
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253: Beyond the Power Struggles, with Richard Selznick, Ph.D.
27:42
27:42
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Today, I get to talk to the incredible Dr. Richard Selznick—a renowned psychologist specializing in dyslexia and learning disabilities. We dive into the traps parents often fall into when communicating with their children, especially those with neurodivergent needs. Dr. Selznick emphasizes the importance of giving our kids choices. It's eye-opening…
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252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny Williams
30:14
30:14
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about a challenging experience with my son and the valuable insights it brought us regarding challenging behavior and supporting our neurodivergent kids. Through sharing this experience, I emphasize the need for flexibility and understanding in dealing with challenging beha…
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251: Impact of Parental Confidence and Social Pressure on Parenting Complex Kids, with Anouk Briere-Godbout
32:58
32:58
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have a candid conversation with Anouk Briere-Godbout about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children. Our discussion focuses on the impact of societal pressure on parental confidence and the importance of finding supportive communities for parents facing similar struggles. Anouk shares personal ex…
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GT129 - Colorina and Chemistria and the Sequoia Tunnels
32:29
32:29
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Hello Goopies! In this Goop Tale Colorina and Chemistria, two adventurous Goop sisters, dive into a magical journey inside a mysterious Sequoia tree. When they encounter frozen creatures trapped in the 'between' by trolls, they must use their unique powers of color and chemistry to set them free. But when the menacing troll Knotty threatens their e…
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250: Recognizing Children's Unique Love Languages, with Emily Hamblin
32:49
32:49
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m talking with Emily Hamblin about the unique ways neurodivergent kids might show their love for you. Emily shares her personal journey of recognizing and appreciating her children's unique love languages, discussing the impact of neurodivergent traits on their communication of love and care. The conversati…
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249: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults, with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke
23:50
23:50
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23:50
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke, an expert in ADHD coaching and cognitive psychology. We discuss how to support neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the unique challenges they face, such as feelings of isolation, academic pressures, and emotional struggles. …
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248: Successes Change Everything, No Matter How Small, with Penny Williams
19:54
19:54
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In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m exploring the profound impact of successes on our neurodivergent kids (and all of us humans). I discuss how experiencing successes contributes to building confidence, motivation, and a positive mindset, all through the lens of brain science. I also offer practical ways for parents and educator…
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Goopies, the wait is over! Our beloved Goop Story Kit is finally here and available on Amazon. There is so much love and effort put into this beautiful Goop Story Kit for you to enjoy it and create the most amazing stories from your bright imagination. There are no limits to your phantasy in this kit! No rules. Only guidance on your way to create y…
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247: Listening Isn’t a Behavior You Can See, with Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, SLP
36:21
36:21
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I'm thrilled to bring you another compelling episode of Beautifully Complex. For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Sautter, MA, CCC-SLP for a truly eye-opening discussion about the often wildly misunderstood concept of listening and showing that you’re listening. Elizabeth, a speech language pathologist and social cogn…
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246: Make this the Year of Connection and Collaboration, with Penny Williams
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23:53
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23:53
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, we’re setting achievable intentions for the new year, with a strong focus on nurturing connections and fostering collaboration with our neurodivergent kids and teens. As always, I’m challenging the traditional authoritarian parenting/educating approach and advocate for a collaborative relationship…
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GT128 - Neverwait and the Rolls Royce Ultra Fan
32:09
32:09
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Welcome to a new Goop Tale adventure! In this episode Neverwait, the reliable Goop that loves getting things done but just can never wait, stumbles upon an extraordinary adventure within the intricate world of the Rolls Royce Ultra Fan. What might be awaiting him there? Well, give it a listen and find out! Create your own Goop Story with our Goop S…
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245: Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Kids with Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP
30:38
30:38
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP to discuss the emotional impact on neurotypical siblings of neurodivergent children. Learn about the importance of acknowledging and accepting diverse emotions, creating intentional time for the siblings, and seeking support from networks and family members. This episo…
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244: Is It Can’t or Won’t?, with Penny Williams
21:27
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In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m taking a deep dive into the concept of "can't versus won't" when examining a child's behavior. It’s important to understand that the majority of the time, when a child is struggling, it is a "can't" rather than a "won't," even when it feels like an undoubtable won’t. I cover the complexities i…
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243: Strategies to Strengthen Your Family, with Brent Crandal, Ph.D.
31:19
31:19
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In today's episode,I have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Brent Crandal, a clinical psychologist and children's book author. Join me for this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Crandal about practical ways to build mindfulness and connection within families. From fostering gratitude to promoting a culture of hope, this episode presents valuable in…
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242: 5 Ways to Boost Your Teen’s Confidence, with Penny Williams
22:05
22:05
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22:05
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I outline five strategies to boost the confidence of neurodivergent teens and young adults. I emphasize the importance of leaning into a strengths-based approach, fostering a growth mindset, providing opportunities for talents, interests, and passions, making "time in" a part of the family culture…
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241: Building Habits Using Emotional Rewards, with Leslie Josel
34:28
34:28
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, Leslie Josel and I explore the crucial role of emotional rewards in building habits and fostering positive behavior in neurodivergent children. We highlight the significance of specific praise, genuine curiosity, and active listening in reinforcing routines and solidifying relationships. The conversation also…
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GT127 - Manipulata and the Uyuni salt flat mirror
31:20
31:20
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To flip through the photos that go with this Goop Tale visit gooptales.com/manipulata Get ready for giggles with Manipulata, the playful Goop girl! A wacky science experiment sends her to the breathtaking Uyuni salt flats, where she meets Vangelis, a wise flamingo teaching her about the importance of genuine feelings. Hold on tight when Manipulata'…
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240: Navigating Childhood OCD: A Parent’s Journey, with Brendan Mahan
47:05
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, join host Penny Williams as she delves into the topic of childhood OCD with guest Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS. Brendan opens up about his personal journey raising a child with OCD and the challenges his child and family faced, and continues to face, along the way. From the early signs of OCD in his son to the im…
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239: How to Address 5 Common Behavior Challenges at School, with Penny Williams
31:41
31:41
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m diving into behavior challenges at school. We'll discuss the common struggles faced by children with ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays, and explore effective strategies to help them navigate these challenges. From poor frustration tolerance and off-task behavior to big emotions and argumentativ…
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238: Music as Medicine, with Luke Williams
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re discussing the incredible power of music for those who are neurodivergent with Penny’s son, Luke. Luke shares his personal journey with music, starting from using it as a tool to assist his focus and mental clarity beginning in fourth grade. He also delves into his experience with creating digital music…
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