Complicated Kids

"Listening is fixing: what anxious teens wish their parents knew." In this episode of Complicated Kids, I talk with therapist and author Sophia Galano about what teenage anxiety actually looks like—and why it's so easy for even the most caring parents to miss. Sophia explains that teens are not expert communicators; their distress often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, "attitude," or "teen angst," and can be brushed off as a phase when it's really a cry for help. We dig into the difference between everyday worry and clinically significant anxiety, and how to look at both how often anxiety shows up and how much it impacts daily life: school, sleep, friendships, appetite, and basic functioning. From there, we explore one of the core traps for parents—rushing in with solutions ("Have you tried meditating?" "Just go for a walk.") instead of sitting with their teen's feelings. Sophia offers a gentle but powerful reframe: active listening is not doing nothing. It's an intervention that helps teens feel seen instead of "fixed." We also talk about parents' distress tolerance—how hard it is to watch your child suffer, and how quickly that can push you into fix-it mode for your relief, not theirs. Sophia shares why parents need (and deserve) their own support, how to model boundaries ("I want to hear this, but I'm too fried right now—can we talk at X time?"), and why that kind of honesty teaches teens to care for their own capacity too. Finally, Sophia walks through holistic supports—from sleep, movement, and time outside to different therapy modalities beyond traditional talk therapy—so families can build a web of support around their anxious teen. Key Takeaways: Anxiety is a natural human emotion—it becomes a problem when it shows up frequently and starts to interfere with daily life (school, friendships, sleep, basic functioning). Teens are not expert communicators. Their anxiety often looks like irritability, withdrawal, "attitude," or "teen angst," and can easily be misunderstood or dismissed. When you're trying to figure out "Is this anxiety a problem?", look at both how often it happens and how much it affects their quality of life. Parents are often right that strategies like sleep, exercise, or meditation would help—but leading with solutions can make teens feel dismissed or unseen. "Listening is fixing." Validating and staying with your teen's feelings is not passive; it's an active intervention that reduces shame and builds trust. A lot of "I need to fix this now" energy comes from the parent's own distress. Your anxiety about their anxiety is real—and deserves its own care and support. It's okay to set boundaries around capacity: "I really want to hear this, and I also need 30 minutes so I can be fully present with you." That models healthy self-respect for your teen. Not all therapy has to look like sitting in a room talking. Teens may connect more with art therapy, drama therapy, movement-based work, coaching, or body-based modalities. Beyond therapy, it's important to consider sleep, nutrition, movement, time outside, and screen habits as part of an anxious teen's support plan. Parents don't need to be perfect. Self-compassion, repair after hard moments, and willingness to keep showing up are more important than getting it "right" every time. About Sophia Galano Sophia Galano, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and author who has spent over a decade working with teens and adults across residential, inpatient, outpatient, medical, and educational settings. Now in private practice, she specializes in anxiety and supports both adolescents and the caregivers who love them. In addition to her clinical work and supervision of associate therapists, Sophia is a certified yoga instructor and Master Reiki Practitioner, bringing a holistic, mind-body perspective to healing. Her first book, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope With Worry, published October 7, 2025. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com 📅 Schedule a free intro call: https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 👾 Grab Tell the Story (anti-anxiety tool for kids): https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story ➡️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet ➡️ Facebook: https://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 🌺 Free "Orchid Kid" Checklist: https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ Enjoying the show? If Complicated Kids has been helpful, the best way to support the podcast is to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. It helps other parents find the show—and it means a lot. If there's a topic you'd love to hear covered on a future episode, you can always reach out at [email protected]. I love hearing what's on your mind and what would support your family. Thank you for being here. 💛

Could a common gene variant be quietly clogging the system for you or your child? In this episode of Complicated Kids, I sit down with holistic academic coach Elyse Dworin to talk about the MTHFR gene—what it is, what it does, and why it matters for neurodivergent kids and their parents. Elyse explains, in plain language, how this gene helps the body process folate, manage toxins, and regulate inflammation—and what can happen when a mutation plus a modern "enriched" diet start to overload the system. We get into her personal story of brain fog, gut issues, anxiety, and years of "IBS" labels before testing finally revealed toxic levels of heavy metals, sky-high folic acid, and an MTHFR mutation. From there, we talk about what families can actually do: shifting away from processed and fortified foods, choosing methylated vitamins, supporting detox with a knowledgeable provider, and paying attention to how our bodies respond. We also zoom out to the bigger picture—how food, sleep, movement, medications, environment, and nervous system sensitivity all weave together. And because this is Complicated Kids, we talk about what this looks like in real life with real kids: the Halloween candy, the Goldfish, the push-pull of autonomy, and how to work toward balance without turning food into a power struggle. Key Takeaways: The MTHFR gene is involved in repairing DNA, managing homocysteine, recycling antioxidants, and helping the body process toxins and allergens. There are common MTHFR variants; when present, especially alongside high folic acid intake, they can contribute to issues like brain fog, anxiety, ADHD-like symptoms, and mood challenges. Folic acid (synthetic) is not the same as folate (naturally found in leafy greens), and people with MTHFR mutations may not process folic acid well. "Enriched" or "fortified" on ingredient labels usually means folic acid has been added—common in many flours, cereals, and boxed foods. Over time, unprocessed folic acid and toxins can "clog the drain," leading to overload in the system rather than smooth detox and regulation. Testing with a holistic or functional provider can help identify MTHFR mutations, heavy metal loads, and vitamin/mineral imbalances. Detox protocols should always be done under medical supervision, because releasing too many stored toxins at once can overwhelm the body. Practical support often includes shifting toward whole foods, adding leafy greens, and using methylated B vitamins instead of standard multivitamins. Behavior is communication—sometimes emotional, sometimes physical—and can be a clue that something in the body isn't working well. With kids, especially tweens and teens, education, moderation, and collaboration usually work better than restriction and force when it comes to food. Learning to tune into your own body (and helping kids tune into theirs) is a powerful lifelong skill that supports focus, mood, and resilience. About Elyse Dworin Elyse Dworin is the founder of Elevated Learning Solutions, a holistic academic support practice that helps students thrive by understanding not only how they learn best, but also what supports their bodies and brains to function at their best. Drawing on her strong background in math and dual degrees in Special Education and Exceptional Learners, she blends academic instruction with metacognition, executive functioning support, study skills, and social-emotional strategies. Elyse also coaches parents to better understand their child's learning profile and build realistic, compassionate supports at home. She lives in Germantown with her husband and two young children. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com 📅 Schedule a free intro call: https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 👾 Grab Tell the Story (anti-anxiety tool for kids): https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story ➡️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet ➡️ Facebook: https://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 🌺 Free "Orchid Kid" Checklist: https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ Enjoying the show? If Complicated Kids has been helpful, the best way to support the podcast is to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. It helps other parents find the show—and it means a lot. If there's a topic you'd love to hear covered on a future episode, you can always reach out at [email protected]. I love hearing what's on your mind and what would support your family. Thank you for being here. 💛

What happens when parenting doesn't end when your child turns 18? In this special episode of Complicated Kids, I sit down with my friend Dr. Sarah Wayland to talk about "forever parenting"—those situations where parents remain deeply involved in their child's life and care well into adulthood, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Sarah shares three common paths into forever parenting: children whose developmental differences are clear early on; kids who look "on track" until they hit a wall in college or young adulthood; and those whose lives change suddenly through accident, illness, or serious mental health conditions. Across all three, there's a shared theme of uncertainty: is this forever, or just for now? And how do you plan a life around not knowing? We talk about grief—not as a one-time event, but as a companion on this journey. Sarah walks through the familiar stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and meaning-making, and how they show up for parents of disabled and neurodivergent adults. We explore why big feelings serve a purpose, what happens when we suppress them, and why letting yourself "wallow" for a bit can actually be healthy. We also dig into emotional regulation for both parents and adult children: the rumble–rage cycle, safety planning when meltdowns are intense or even dangerous, and why compliance-based approaches often crumble as kids grow. Instead, Sarah emphasizes relationship, co-regulation, and telling ourselves more truthful, less terrifying stories about what's happening. Finally, Sarah shares her vision for the Forever Parenting project and invites listeners into the process. She's actively gathering stories, hard-earned wisdom, and real-life questions from parents, professionals, and disabled adults themselves—so that families navigating lifelong care don't have to do it in the dark or alone. Key Takeaways: "Forever parenting" describes parents who remain significantly involved in their child's life and care well into adulthood, sometimes for life. There are many paths into forever parenting, including early-identified developmental disabilities, late-identified neurodivergence with young-adult burnout, and sudden changes due to accident, illness, or serious mental health conditions. You often don't know whether a situation is "forever" or "for now," which means learning to live with ambiguity while still planning ahead. Grief in this context is ongoing and cyclical; parents may move in and out of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and meaning-making over time. Big emotions like anger and sadness serve a purpose; noticing and feeling them (instead of shoving them down) is part of staying emotionally well. Emotional regulation and the "rumble–rage" cycle matter for both parents and adult children—especially when safety is a concern. Compliance-focused approaches tend to break down over time; relationship, co-regulation, and nervous system awareness are far more sustainable. Legal, financial, and practical planning (benefits, guardianship, housing, medical decision-making) are key parts of the forever parenting landscape. Parents need permission to tell the truth about how hard this can be—and support that doesn't judge their feelings. Sarah's Forever Parenting project aims to collect stories, strategies, and resources so families don't have to navigate lifelong parenting alone. About Sarah Wayland Dr. Sarah Wayland is a parenting coach, advocate, and founder of Guiding Exceptional Parents, where she supports families raising neurodivergent kids and young adults. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Brandeis University, is a certified RDI® consultant, and co-author of Is This Autism?. Sarah also co-leads The Behavior Revolution's online programs for parents and is currently developing the Forever Parenting project to better support families who are providing lifelong care. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com 📅 Schedule a free intro call: https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 👾 Grab Tell the Story (anti-anxiety tool for kids): https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story ➡️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet ➡️ Facebook: https://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 🌺 Free "Orchid Kid" Checklist: https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ Enjoying the show? If Complicated Kids has been helpful, the best way to support the podcast is to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. It helps other parents find the show—and it means a lot. If there's a topic you'd love to hear covered on a future episode, you can always reach out at [email protected]. I love hearing what's on your mind and what would support your family. Thank you for being here. 💛

Have you ever wondered why your child's behavior feels so personal? Why does your child's behavior set off such a strong reaction—even when you understand what they're struggling with? In this powerful episode of Complicated Kids, I talk with clinical psychologist Dr. Debra Brause about what's really happening inside us during those intense parenting moments. We explore why kids trigger old wounds, how shame gets unconsciously passed around, and what it looks like to shift from reacting to responding. Debra offers a grounded, compassionate framework that helps parents understand their emotional experience without blame—so connection becomes easier, calmer, and more sustainable. If you've ever wondered why certain behaviors from your child hit you harder than others, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Key Takeaways Kids absorb our emotional signals—not just our words. Parental triggers often originate in old wounds or unmet needs. Shame gets passed around until someone notices they're holding it. Awareness—not perfection—is the beginning of breaking cycles. Your child's behavior is communication, not an evaluation of your parenting. "Junky" feelings are cues to look within, not at your child. Neurodivergent kids often stir up intense emotions because they challenge old patterns. Self-regulation is a precursor to co-regulation. Even small shifts in awareness change the parent-child dynamic. Connection, not control, is the pathway to healing. About Debra Brause Dr. Debra Brause is a clinical psychologist who works from a neuro-affirming perspective with parents raising neurodivergent children and autistic adults. She earned her Doctorate in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and completed advanced training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, diagnostic assessment at UCLA, and community mental health. She has taught Human Development at Alliant International University, supervised clinicians at multiple counseling centers, and regularly presents seminars on neurodiversity. Before becoming a psychologist, she spent a decade working in television and entertainment—experience that now informs her work helping clients move through emotional and creative blocks. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com 📅 Schedule a free intro call: https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 👾 Grab Tell the Story (anti-anxiety tool for kids): https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story ➡️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet ➡️ Facebook: https://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 🌺 Free "Orchid Kid" Checklist: https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/ Enjoying the show? If Complicated Kids has been helpful, the best way to support the podcast is to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. It helps other parents find the show—and it means a lot. If there's a topic you'd love to hear covered on a future episode, you can always reach out at [email protected]. I love hearing what's on your mind and what would support your family best. Thank you so much for listening and for being part of this community. 💛

Could small changes at home make a big difference in your child's education? In this week's episode of Complicated Kids, I talk with Chris Linder, a hybrid homeschooling advocate and founder of Homeschool Remix, about what hybrid homeschooling really looks like—how it bridges the gap between traditional school and home learning, why it's a powerful option for neurodivergent kids, and how parents can get started without burning out. We explore what hybrid homeschooling is (and isn't), why parents are more qualified than they think, the realities of state requirements, and how to avoid the overwhelm that often comes with taking a more active role in learning at home. Chris shares simple, realistic strategies that help parents supplement school in meaningful ways, nurture their child's interests, and create learning environments that actually fit their kids. If you've been curious about homeschooling or wondering how to support your child beyond traditional school hours, this conversation is full of clarity and encouragement. Key Takeaways Parents are their child's first and most natural teacher. Hybrid homeschooling blends school structure with home-based flexibility. It's especially supportive for neurodivergent kids and kids with strong interests. You can start small—one subject or a few hours a week. Homeschooling doesn't have to be expensive. "Deschooling" helps prevent burnout and resets routines. Teaching critical thinking is more important than memorizing curriculum. Both secular and religious homeschooling options exist. Community makes a big difference—no one has to do this alone. Many parents say they wish they had started sooner. About Chris Linder Chris Linder is the founder of Homeschool Remix, where he helps families design hybrid homeschool systems that honor their values, their child's needs, and their real-life schedules. He works closely with parents, educators, and co-ops to make flexible, personalized education accessible to all families. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links 🌎 www.gabrielenicolet.com 📅 Schedule a free intro call: https://calendly.com/gabrielenicolet/free-15-minute-1-1-session 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@complicatedkids/featured 👾 Grab Tell the Story (anti-anxiety tool for kids): https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/tell-the-story ➡️ Instagram: http://instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet ➡️ Facebook: http://facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielenicolet/ 🌺 Free "Orchid Kid" Checklist: https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/orchid-kid-check-list-sign-up/   Enjoying the show? If Complicated Kids has been helpful, the best way to support the podcast is to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. It helps other parents find the show—and it means a lot. If there's a topic you'd love to hear covered on a future episode, you can always reach out at [email protected]. I love hearing what's on your mind and what would support your family best. Thank you so much for listening and for being part of this community. 💛