Calm Connection Parenting | Neurodivergent, Meltdowns, Emotional Regulation, DMDD, Tantrums, SPD, Defiance, Angry Behaviors

In this first episode of a three-part series, we begin an honest conversation about ADHD, DMDD, autism, anxiety, sensory needs, church hurt, painful church experiences, and the hope of creating more understanding inside faith communities. Church is supposed to be a place of hope, grace, encouragement, and belonging. But for many families parenting neurodivergent or emotionally dysregulated children, Sunday morning can feel like one of the hardest parts of the week. 
Many families come to church looking for support, but instead feel watched, judged, misunderstood, or alone when their child struggles with loud worship music, uncomfortable clothes, sitting still, children’s ministry, transitions, or social expectations. This episode is for parents who need to feel seen and for churches that want to listen, learn, and make room.
In this episode, we talk about:
 Why Sunday morning can be so hard for neurodivergent children and families, even when faith and church matter deeply 
 How painful church experiences can feel especially tender when families expected grace, support, and belonging 
 Why behavior is communication, even at church, and what children may be telling us through meltdowns, refusal, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or dysregulation 
 How parents and churches can begin moving from judgment to curiosity, from hurt to conversation, and from isolation to hope 
You’ll also hear a powerful post from Maggie Diemer, one of our summit panel speakers and a mom attending the Calm in the Chaos Mom’s Retreat, about what happens when a child does not fit the “church box” and why maybe the box needs to change.
For free resources, coaching information, and support for parenting kids with big emotions, challenging behaviors, and unique needs, visit calmconnectionparenting.org.
I recorded this episode twice, and both times, the thunder interrupted! LOL! I guess we will just think that was the heavens moving on our behalf! LOL!

Send a text and share your thoughts!
Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast Quiz
Visit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.
*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support.

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Just Believe

Summer can be fun, but it can also throw the whole family out of rhythm. When routines are off, schedules are inconsistent, activities are full, and emotions are running high, parenting a child with ADHD, DMDD, anxiety, autism, sensory needs, or emotional dysregulation can feel especially overwhelming.
In this short summer encouragement episode, Jami reminds parents that their own nervous system matters too. You’ll hear a simple reminder to prioritize emotional regulation, choose one small act of self-care, and revisit a few listener-favorite episodes that offer support for meltdowns, burnout, and big emotions.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
 Why summer can increase emotional dysregulation for kids and stress for parents 
 How to take one small step toward calming your own nervous system 
 Three listener-favorite episodes to revisit when you need extra support 
 A simple quick win for the week: choose one calming practice and one episode to listen to 
For free resources and more support, visit calmconnectionparenting.org.
And if you're looking for a little extra support, please check out the upcoming Calm Connection Parenting Mom's Retreat! Yes, taking place in Loveland, CO August 27-31. It's going to be a load of fun! Visit CalmConnectionParent.com/retreat2026
Send a text and share your thoughts!
Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast Quiz
Visit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.
*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support.

Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Just Believe

If you are parenting a neurodivergent child or a child with ADHD, autism, anxiety, DMDD, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, or big behaviors, vacation can bring up a lot of stress before you ever leave the driveway.
The packing. The car ride. The restaurants. The hotel. The transitions. The sleeping somewhere new. The waiting. The crowds. The change in routine. And sometimes, the judgment from others when your child struggles in public.
In this episode, we are talking about how to prepare for vacation in a way that supports your child and helps your family have more realistic expectations. You’ll learn how to think through transition points before they happen, build in downtime without guilt, give your child appropriate choices, pack comfort and sensory supports, and quietly notice the wins along the way.
Vacations with a neurodivergent child may look different. They may require more planning, flexibility, and breaks. But different does not mean bad. Your child can still enjoy the trip. Your family can still make memories. And you can still find moments of calm in the chaos.
In this episode, we talk about:
 How vacation transitions can trigger meltdowns or shutdowns
 Why downtime, alone time, and even a little TV time may help your child reset
 How giving your child small choices can reduce power struggles
 Why sensory tools, comfort items, and familiar snacks can make travel easier
 How to handle judgment from strangers, family, or people who do not understand
 Why noticing small wins can help your child feel seen and encouraged
For more support, free parenting resources, and information about the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program, visit calmconnectionparenting.org.
Send a text and share your thoughts!
Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast Quiz
Visit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.
*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support.

Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Just Believe

Are you preparing for an IEP or 504 meeting and wondering what to ask, what to document, or what to do if you feel dismissed by the school?
In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, Jami Kirkbride continues her conversation with Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, about how parents can advocate with more confidence and clarity at the IEP or 504 table.
If you have ever walked out of a school meeting feeling confused, rushed, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you just agreed to, this episode will help you understand how to stay focused on your child’s needs and take the next best step.
Karen Mayer Cunningham has been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. Her passion is training, educating, and empowering everyone who sits at the 504 and IEP table so children can have successful outcomes at school. Her advocacy journey began as she fought to get needed services for her own son, and along the way, she found a calling to educate, equip, and train families and educators to successfully navigate the special education system.
In Part 1, Karen helped parents understand where to begin when a child may need more school support. She explained the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP, how children can struggle even when their grades look okay, and why behavior may point to an unmet support need.
In this second part of the conversation, Karen helps parents think through what happens when they are actually at the table. How do you show up as part of the team without feeling powerless? What should you bring? What questions should you ask? What should you document? And how can you follow up after the meeting to make sure everyone is clear on what was decided?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What parents need to understand about their role at the IEP or 504 table
• How to show up as part of the team without feeling powerless
• What to bring to an IEP or 504 meeting so you feel more prepared
• What questions to ask when you are not sure the plan matches your child’s needs
• What to do if your concerns are dismissed, minimized, or met with “wait and see”
• Why documentation matters before, during, and after a school meeting
• How to keep the conversation focused on your child’s actual needs
• What to do after the meeting so everyone is clear on next steps
• How to check whether accommodations are happening without sounding like you do not trust the team
• One quick win if you have an IEP or 504 meeting coming up this fall
This episode is especially helpful for parents of children with ADHD, DMDD, autism, anxiety, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, challenging behaviors, or other school-related support needs.
This episode is also part of the special series leading up to the Mom’s Retreat, It Is Well… Finding Your Calm in the Chaos, happening August 27-31 in Loveland, Colorado.
The retreat is for moms raising emotionally intense, uniquely wired, neurodivergent, or struggling children. It is a small, personal retreat created to help moms step away, be encouraged, connect with others who understand, learn practical tools, and return home with more calm, clarity, and hope.
There are only a couple spots still available, and early bird pricing is ending soon.
Learn more or register here:
CalmConnectionParent.com/retreat2026
Join the Calm Connection Parenting Group and find free parenting resources at:
CalmConnectionParenting.org
Send a text and share your thoughts!
Send a text and share your thoughts!
Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast Quiz
Visit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.
*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support.

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Just Believe

Is your child struggling at school, but you are not sure whether they need an IEP, a 504 plan, accommodations, evaluations, services, goals, or a behavior plan?
In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, Jami Kirkbride talks with Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, about IEP and 504 help for parents who do not know where to start.
If you have ever wondered whether your child needs more school support, what the difference is between a 504 plan and an IEP, or how to begin advocating without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated, this conversation will help you take the next best step.
In this first part of a two-part conversation, Karen helps parents understand where to begin when a child is struggling at school. You’ll hear how to think about IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, accommodations, services, goals, behavior plans, and the parent’s role in the process.
This episode also speaks directly to parents raising children with ADHD, DMDD, autism, anxiety, sensory needs, emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, or challenging behaviors, especially when those needs show up at school in ways that may be misunderstood.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The first step parents can take when they suspect their child needs more school support
 • The difference between a 504 plan and an IEP in simple, parent-friendly language
 • Why behavior may be connected to an unmet support need
 • Why so many parents feel intimidated walking into an IEP meeting
 • What to do if you are afraid of being seen as difficult, pushy, or “that parent”
 
 This episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Karen Mayer Cunningham. In Part 2, we’ll talk more about how to advocate at the IEP table, what to do when you feel dismissed, what to ask, what to document, and how to keep the focus on your child’s needs.
This episode is also part of the special series leading up to the Mom’s Retreat, It Is Well… Finding Your Calm in the Chaos, happening August 27-31 in Loveland, Colorado.
The retreat is for moms raising emotionally intense, uniquely wired, neurodivergent, or struggling children. It is a small, personal retreat created to help moms step away, be encouraged, connect with others who understand, learn practical tools, and return home with more calm, clarity, and hope.
A few spots are still available, and early bird pricing is ending soon.
Learn more or register here:
 CalmConnectionParent.com/retreat2026
Join the Calm Connection Parenting Group and find free parenting resources at:
 CalmConnectionParenting.org
Send a text and share your thoughts!
Send a text and share your thoughts!
Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast Quiz
Visit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.
*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support.

Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 
Just Believe