The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps homeschooling parents encourage their differently-wired kids to learn, explore passions, cultivate creativity, and become fascinated by the world around them. Join host Colleen Kessler -- educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and speaker -- for interviews, audioblogs, tips, and encouragement to help your differently-wired kiddos become lifelong learners -- children who know that they can find the answers to anything they want to know i ...
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Neurodivergent Kiddos Podcasts
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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation
Amanda Calfee - Christian Life Coach, Mama of Strong-willed & Neurodivergent Kiddos
Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Do you feel like you’ve tried everything consequences, parenting books, well meaning parenting advice, crying out to the Father and still feel like you’re failing? Are you walking on eggshells, never knowing what will trigger your child’s next meltdown or shutdown? Have you felt dismissed or judged by church culture when your child didn’t behave the way they “should”? Do you find yourself yelling, shutting down, or spi ...
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Hey beautiful parents, welcome to the Parenting Collective Podcast! I am your host, Donna Moala and around here we believe it takes a village, so I have brought to you a village of experts who give you all the tools around anything parenting and beyond. Each episode, I invite brilliant minds in parenting, health, relationships, and beyond to share their knowledge and support you in creating calmer homes, stronger connections and more rested nights. Think of this as your weekly coffee date wi ...
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School Refusal, Neurodivergent Kiddos - How To Get Them To Love Reading
41:15
41:15
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41:15In this heartfelt chat, Donna sits down with learning specialist Emily Fogg from Wise Owl Education to unpack what life is really like raising and supporting our beautiful neuro-spicy kiddos. From ADHD and dyslexia to school refusal, big emotions, and the endless battle of bedtime we dive into why our kids struggle, how their brains work, and what …
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Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home
40:13
40:13
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40:13Icky Weather can throw off routines, especially for differently wired kiddos with sensory needs. When outdoor time isn't an option, you might notice more fidgeting, zoning out, or struggles with focus. But don't worry—in this episode of the podcast, you'll find simple, creative ideas to feed those movement needs, helping kids regulate and transitio…
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20 | For the Mama Rung Out by Life: Emotional Regulation for Hard Days
13:47
13:47
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13:47Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Have you ever felt judged or misunderstood by someone who doesn’t truly know your heart or your child’s? Do comments from others ever leave you questioning your worth as a mama, even when you know you’re trying your best? Are you carrying emotional weight from people’s opinio…
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19 | Holiday Emotional Regulation: You Don’t Have to Please Everyone to Have Peace
4:57
4:57
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4:57Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Do any of these sound familiar? Do you feel pressure to make the holidays look “perfect” for everyone else even when you’re running on empty? Have you ever felt torn between keeping the peace and protecting your child’s peace? Do you long to just enjoy the day without walking…
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18 | Navigating Holiday Gatherings with Emotional Regulation: Building Connection and Protecting Your Peace with Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Kids
12:17
12:17
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12:17Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Do you ever… • Feel torn between keeping family happy and doing what’s best for your strong-willed or neurodivergent child? • Worry about how others will react to your child’s behavior at family gatherings? • Feel that quiet nudge from the Holy Spirit but doubt your strength …
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Real Talk on Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids & How To Parent Them
42:58
42:58
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42:58In this heartfelt conversation, Donna Moala - @parentingcollective, sits down with family psychologist Ashleigh Warner - @raisinghumanskind, to unpack one of the biggest struggles for parents today, what to do in the heat of the moment when our kids lash out, melt down, fight with siblings, or show aggression and how to understand where the source …
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17 | How to Build Connection After Emotional Regulation Takes a Backseat to Meltdowns
9:49
9:49
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9:49Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Ever replayed a moment after your child’s meltdown and thought, “Why did I do that again?” Do you wish you could respond with peace instead of guilt after losing your cool? Wonder how to rebuild connection when emotions run high for both you and your child? Episode Highlights…
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Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
52:26
52:26
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52:26We know mornings can feel like a battlefield when sensory issues and clothing collide, leaving kids (and parents!) frustrated before the day even begins. That's why this week's podcast episode dives into the heart of sensory struggles with clothes. Colleen has packed this episode with real-life advice for families navigating tactile sensitivities. …
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Empowering New Mums: Finding Sleep Solutions
27:47
27:47
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27:47Hey beautiful Newborn mummas 👋💛 Do you feel like your newborn will never sleep unless they are on you? 😅 You are not alone. In this heartfelt chat, I sit down with beautiful new mum Dani (@danielle_jenkinson17), who went from contact naps, reflux, and sleepless nights, to calm, connected, and blissful sleep, all with nurturing, supportive & gentle …
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Raising Girls And Boys Who Like Themselves l Kasey Edwards, Bestselling Author
48:01
48:01
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48:01Donna Moala and bestselling author Kasey Edwards (@kaseyedwardswriter) unpack why your relationship with yourself is the foundation for calm, connected parenting. 💛 Together, they dive deep into how self-love builds confidence, connection, and calm, not just for mums, but for the whole family. You will hear real, evidence-based insights on raising …
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16 | Meltdowns + Emotional Regulation: Becoming the Hero in Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child’s Story
14:26
14:26
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14:26Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same cycle — your child melts down, you react, and afterward you think, “Why did I do that again?” If so, this episode will speak straight to your heart. We’re diving into a powerful concept called the Hero, Victim, and Villain lens an…
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15 | The #1 Tool for Parenting Beyond Meltdowns with Strong-willed & Neurodivergent Kids: Building Connection Through Emotional Regulation
15:16
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15:16Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Do you ever feel like you’re living in constant reaction mode just trying to survive one meltdown, defiant moment, or emotional storm after another? In this episode, we’re diving into The Creation Cycle — the #1 tool that will help you renew your mind, regulate your emotions,…
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Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
59:08
59:08
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59:08This episode continues our sensory series, diving deep into the world of Sensory Sound, with actionable strategies for supporting sensitive kids wherever you go. Why Are Loud Spaces So Overwhelming? Colleen unpacks how unpredictable peaks in sound, bustling crowds, harsh lighting, and layered sensory inputs can overload sensitive nervous systems. W…
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14 | Turning Thoughts and Feelings into Faith-Filled Action: Emotional Regulation for Moms of Strong-Willed & Neurodivergent Kids
14:58
14:58
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14:58Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Mama, what if your actions could tell you everything you need to know about your thoughts, your feelings, and even your true identity in Messiah? In today’s episode, we’re talking about the choices we make—the ones that keep us stuck and the ones that move us forward—so you c…
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Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
52:01
52:01
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52:01In today's episode, Colleen breaks down what a sensory diet is (and isn't!), why it matters, and how to get started with simple, safe, and low-prep strategies that work in any space—even if your house is bursting at the seams. Here's what you'll find inside: A breakdown of the five key sensory systems: proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral moto…
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13 | 3 Emotional Regulation Secrets Every Mom Needs for Parenting Strong-Willed and Neurodivergent Kids Part 3
14:54
14:54
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14:54Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! If you have a child strong-willed or neurodivergent child with ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA you are in the right place! Mama, have you ever felt like you’re carrying emotional weight that never seems to go away? Like no matter how much you pray or think positive thoughts, it still s…
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Redefining Success: How to Find Fulfillment in Your Career After Motherhood
25:05
25:05
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25:05Ever felt stuck in your career after becoming a mum? You’re not alone. In this episode, Donna Moala chats with career counsellor Anna Black (www.strategiccc.com.au), who helps women and mid-career professionals rediscover what truly lights them up — and create a work life that fits who they are now. Together, they dive into: ✨ How motherhood shifts…
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12 | 3 Emotional Regulation Secrets Ever Mom Needs for Parenting Strong-Willed and Neurodivergent Kids Part 2
8:28
8:28
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8:28Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Ever feel like your emotions take over the moment your child melts down? You try to push them away, but they only come back stronger. In this episode, Amanda Calfee, Christian life coach and creator of The Anchored Mama Approach, teaches you how to allow emotions without being…
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Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line
37:11
37:11
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37:11Let's be honest: if your kiddos leave a trail of half-finished projects, open browser tabs, and idea explosions in their wake, you are SO not alone. Neurodivergent kids (and their amazing, multitasking moms!) can struggle with seeing things through—not because they're lazy or unmotivated, but because the finish line often feels fuzzy, overwhelming,…
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✨ From Corporate Burnout to Business Owner: A Journey Through Motherhood & Safety Culture ✨
22:12
22:12
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22:12Are you a career mum juggling work, family, and purpose? In this episode, join me and my very special guest, Amanda Amaral - @gotsafem - as we dive into the inspiring journey from corporate burnout to becoming a business owner and how motherhood sparked a mission to transform workplace safety culture. You’ll hear powerful insights on: ✅ Balancing c…
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11 | 3 Emotional Regulation Secrets Every Mom Needs for Parenting Strong-Willed and Neurodivergent Kids Part 1
8:43
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8:43Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Does it ever feel like your child’s meltdowns hijack your whole mood? One moment you’re calm, the next you’re snapping, and then comes the guilt. You’re not alone, mama — and you’re not broken. In this first part of our two-episode series, we’re unpacking the first step to emo…
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Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead
56:16
56:16
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56:16This episode is packed with real, practical strategies for getting (and staying) organized, especially for families homeschooling neurodivergent kids or anyone who simply bristles at traditional organization systems. We all know the struggle: out of sight = out of mind. Those neat folders and tucked-away systems might work for some, but for kids (a…
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10 | Have a Defiant, Strong-Willed, or Neurodivergent Child? Taking Your Captive Thoughts = Calmer Meltdowns
13:04
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13:04Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Have you ever felt like your thoughts are hijacking your parenting leaving you overwhelmed, reactive, and stuck in survival mode? In this episode, we’re diving into three powerful anchors for your thought life that will help you take your thoughts captive, so you can show up c…
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As part of the ongoing Executive Function series on the podcast, this week's episode dives into the essential (and often misunderstood) skill of working memory—how it impacts neurodivergent learners and what we can do to help. If your child loses track of multi-step instructions, forgets a task mid-way, or gets overwhelmed by routines, you're not a…
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Step-Parenting with Love: Navigating Blended Families & Conscious Parenting
48:21
48:21
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48:21Parenting is hard enough, but what happens when you’re navigating a blended family? In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the realities of step-parenting, co-parenting across two homes, raising teens and toddlers with love, boundaries and conscious parenting tools. Join host Donna Moala as she sits down with Kris Byrnes @insideoutwithkris a …
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9 | What if First Time Obedience Creates Defiant Kids Who Meltdown Instead of Build Connection?
14:48
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14:48Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! What comes to mind when you hear the word obedience? For many mamas, it feels tied to pressure, rules, and the belief that if our child doesn’t obey instantly, we must be failing. But what if that way of thinking is actually breaking connection with your strong-willed or neuro…
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8 | Strong-Willed or Something More? Why Regulation and Connection Matter More Than a Label
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15:33Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Mama, Is your child just strong-willed, or could something deeper be going on... In this episode, we’ll unpack the difference between a strong-willed child and a neurodivergent child, and why the distinction matters—but not in the way you might think. Because at the end of the…
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Understanding Task Initiation in Neurodivergent Homeschoolers
56:36
56:36
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56:36If you tuned into this week's episode, you know we're in the thick of our executive function series—and this time, we took a deep dive into a challenge so many neurodivergent kiddos (and their parents!) know all too well: getting started. Task initiation can feel impossible for kids who are gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, anxious, or jus…
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Morning Routines That Work: Flexible Approaches for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
50:11
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50:11Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You're not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Ditch the "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach: …
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7 | Not a Mistake: Why You’re the Exact Mom Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child Needs
9:51
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9:51Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Have you ever wondered if maybe God gave your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ASD, ADHD, ODD, or PDA) the wrong mom? That you’re not enough, not equipped, or too overwhelmed to handle what they need? Mama, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—convinced I was failing, carry…
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6 | Have Your Fears Become Reality? Why Moms of Strong-willed and Neurodivergent Need Kids Need Emotional Regulation
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12:10Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! As a mama of an ASD, ADHD, ODD, or PDA child have you ever caught yourself speaking your fears out loud—only to watch them unfold in your child’s life? I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story of how my own unregulated emotions and words began shaping min…
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Finding the Sweet Spot – Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Homeschool
45:35
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45:35In this week's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let's be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn't for the faint of heart! This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here's a peek at what we covered: Structure is Comforti…
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On this week's episode, I wanted to dive into talking about toddlers....... Picture this - It is bedtime in your house, and it feels like a full-blown circus. Does your toddler pull every trick in the book, from needing one more drink, to a last-minute wee, to suddenly discovering they are scared of the dark? Mumma, you are not alone. In today’s ep…
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Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
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43:55This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We're Unpa…
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5 | 4 Ways to Build Connection with God While Raising a Child with ADHD, Autism, ODD, or PDA
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13:56Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! When you’re raising a child with ADHD, Autism, ODD, or PDA, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. So often, we run to books, podcasts, or parenting strategies before we turn to God. But what if true peace and wisdom are found first in His presence? In this…
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Every Woman Deserves A Seat at The Financial Table
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33:55
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33:55On this week's episode, I am excited to share with you Amber Dawson from @Mummysmoney. As a mum of 4 (twins included) and a Certified Financial Planner, I believe every woman deserves a seat at the financial table, and the confidence to speak up once she’s there. I help women ditch the fear, confusion, and “I’ll deal with it later” mindset around m…
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Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
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33:09This week's episode of the podcast is all about executive function—what it is, how struggles in these skills show up in homeschoolers, and, most importantly, what you can do at home to support your child as they grow. Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or has a neurodivergence like ADHD or autism, these ideas are for you. Here are som…
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4 | How to Build Connection When Your Neurodivergent Child's Defiant Behavior is Out of Control
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13:51Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! If you’ve tried being the “nice mom” and the “strict mom” and neither has worked, you’re not alone. I used to think connection came after compliance—that once my child listened, obeyed, or calmed down, then we could connect. But I’ve learned the hard way that connection isn’t …
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