The Wins That Matter: Strengths, Self-Esteem & Neurodivergent Parenting

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a textParenting in a neurodivergent family is many things. Boring is most definitely not one of them.In this episode, I reflect on a listener message from Carla Berlin that perfectly captures something so many of us live every day: the exhaustion, the unpredictability, and those incredible moments where our children completely amaze us. The wins that might seem small to others, trying a new food, speaking up, managing an environment they couldn’t before, can feel absolutely monumental in our families.I talk about why comparison to “typical” can so easily make us miss the brilliance right in front of us, and why our children’s strengths so often don’t fit neatly into the systems they’re expected to succeed in.I also share a more personal story, about my own experience of being late-diagnosed dyslexic, the lasting impact of school, and why focusing only on outcomes rather than effort can be so damaging. This leads into a wonderful email I received from a parent whose child’s future may have shifted simply because someone finally listened.This episode is about:Recognising and celebrating strengthsUnderstanding why forced pathways can harm mental healthAnd why those “small” moments are anything but smallIf you’re parenting in a neurodivergent family, this one is for you.Article mentioned in the episode: More Than Words —  you can click here to read itChapters:00:00 The Joys and Challenges of Neurodivergent Parenting03:00 Personal Experiences with Dyslexia07:19 Advocating for Strengths in EducationSupport the show