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Raising Lifelong Learners

Colleen Kessler

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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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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation

Amanda Calfee - Christian Life Coach, Mama of Strong-willed & Neurodivergent Kiddos

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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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In 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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Parenting 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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Parenting 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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Parenting 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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This 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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Parenting 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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Parenting 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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Parenting 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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If 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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Struggling 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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Parenting 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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Parenting 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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In 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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This 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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Parenting 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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This 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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Parenting 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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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! If you’ve ever thought, “I’m a bad mom,” this episode is for you. I’m sharing why your child’s struggles don’t define you and how to break free from the shame and guilt that so many of us carry. I’ll give you practical ways to stand firm in your God given identity and remind y…
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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! Have you ever felt like your child is the problem? Like if they would just listen, stop melting down, or follow directions, everything would finally be better? Mama, you’re not alone. Those thoughts don’t make you a bad mom—they make you human. In this episode, we’ll explore a…
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Welcome to the very first episode of Parenting Beyond Meltdowns! I’m so glad you’re here. In this episode, I’m sharing my story and what led me to start this podcast for Christian moms raising neurodivergent or strong-willed kids. I’ll take you back to my rock-bottom season as a mom and the powerful way God began to show me a new way forward—starti…
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This week on the podcast, Colleen revisited one of the most common, sometimes thorny, and always essential homeschool topics: finding your people and creating a support system, especially when you’re parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent, gifted, or otherwise outside-the-box kiddos. After 17 years on this journey, she can assure you: you’re no…
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Mama, are you tired of meltdowns stealing the peace in your home? Welcome to  Parenting Beyond Meltdowns. I’m Amanda, a Christian life coach and mom of a strong-willed neurospicy teen. If you’ve tried everything... consequences, parenting books, crying out to the Father and still feel like you’re failing, you’re not alone. Inside this podcast, we’l…
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This week on the podcast, we dive into a topic close to the hearts of many parents and educators: helping neurodivergent kids build flexible thinking skills. Whether you’re parenting or teaching gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, or otherwise wonderfully-wired kiddos, you know that rigid thinking can turn even minor changes into big challenges. You’ll hea…
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This week on the podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that comes up all the time in our community: helping our neurodivergent kids make decisions. If you’ve ever watched your creative, outside-the-box thinker freeze up over choosing a research topic or panic trying to pick a co-op class, you’re not alone. Decision-making—something that seems so …
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Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to hit pause on the box-checking frenzy and really connect with our kids. In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive into one of my favorite topics: creating joyful, low-pressure family memories (without overloading your plate—or your calendar). Why Fun Matters (Even for Year-Round Homeschool…
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This week on the podcast, we get real about something we ALL feel at some point (or every day): OVERWHELM. If you’re juggling year-round homeschooling, multiple ages, neurodivergent needs, big summer transitions, and the regular chaos of life, this episode is for you. Here are some highlights and takeaways: Overwhelm is Normal—You’re Not Alone! Whe…
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Today's episode dives deep into the heart of something that’s foundational for our kids (and us too)—emotional intelligence, or EQ. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent kiddo, a gifted learner, or just want smoother sailing at home, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can use right away. Why EQ Matters Emotional intelligence is all …
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Today's episode is an extra special pep talk for anyone homeschooling—or considering homeschooling—neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever felt doubtful, heard wild myths, or just wanted some validation, this one is for you! Episode Spotlight: Myth Busting Neurodivergent Homeschooling Have you heard these before? “Neurodivergent kids need experts, not …
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Today's episode of the podcast, is all about building meaningful connections with your preteens and teens—especially as they start finding their independence. Colleen gets real about the challenges of staying connected as kids grow older and shares practical, heartfelt tips on how to keep those important bonds strong (even when everyone’s schedule …
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On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners. As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is every…
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