Parenting Bites
Welcome to Parenting Bites, a blog for you, if you’re the person that’s seeking relatable parent ranting embedded in research and personal thoughts…from me, a Mom of 3, raised in a dysfunctional 90’s household, that was both chaotic and colorful.
This place is all about digestible parenting bites, pieces of thoughtful, yummy, curious topics. Sometimes parenting really does bite; however, you should know that, for me, parenting has made me a better human.
I’m actually super into being curious about the imperfect process that is parenting and, for that matter, peopling. I’m in this space questioning generational cycles, reinventing my form of parenting, and being imperfect along the way. Join me!
topics of interest?
Summer Camps and Neurodiverse Parenting: A Therapist-Mom's Take
As winter fades and spring takes the stage, parents everywhere are hit with the realization—summer is coming. Cue the mix of excitement and mild panic. As a mom of three and a school psychologist, I’ve learned that summer planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I start with our family values, sandwich structure into the schedule, and, most importantly, let go of perfection. Whether it’s aligning plans with family visits, choosing camps based on real interests, or accepting that some refusals are inevitable, summer can be both meaningful and manageable. Deep breath—we’ve got this!
The 5 Biggest Mistakes ADHD Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Parenting a child with ADHD is a journey filled with trial, error, and plenty of deep breaths—especially if you're a neurodivergent parent yourself. From relying too much on reward systems to misunderstanding focus struggles, many of us fall into common traps while trying to ‘get it right.’ But here’s the good news: perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. In this blog, we’ll break down the five biggest mistakes ADHD parents make and how to avoid them with more grace, self-compassion, and strategies that actually work. Let’s embrace the beautifully messy process of raising a neurodivergent child together!
Renewal Versus Resolution
I’m not immune to the collective energy of a new year. The promise of newness, whether from conditioning or genuine excitement, is intoxicating. Every January, I embrace a familiar reset: healthier eating, abstaining from alcohol, and a no-spend challenge. These rituals offer me something valuable: the chance to slow down. But are they resolutions? By definition, a New Year’s resolution is a “promise to yourself to start or stop doing something at the start of the year.” So maybe they are. Yet, over the years, these practices have evolved into something more meaningful: self-renewal.
Preparing for the Holidays: Tips for Parents Supporting Neurodivergent Children
As parents—and really as people—the holiday season can stir up a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s a time filled with cozy, nostalgic moments: the smell of cloves, cheerful songs, and time with loved ones. On the other hand, it can bring a wave of overwhelm: stores glittering with lights, endless to-do lists, and sensory overload. It’s okay to feel both the stress and the joy of this time of year. With a bit of preparation, you can help create an environment where your neurodivergent child (and the whole family) can thrive and truly enjoy the season. Here are some strategies to guide you through.
Pencils, Paper, and Puberty Books
My go to puberty books in this parenting journey.
Running on fumes: Managing Parent Burnout
Parenting burnout is rampant. Here are a few tools that can be used to reduce burnout.
Getting ahead of behavior
Getting ahead of behavior is huge! When we become observers we begin to recognize theme that could be leading to the unwanted behavior. These are just a few ideas of how to get ahead of behavior.
Thoughts on behavior
The Routine aka third parent
Helping your child organize their morning and evening by using a routine chart can instill healthy habits and reduce the parent nagging. It’s a win, win!
positive parenting
Positive parenting and where to begin