Ep. 88 — ADHD Parenting, Emotional Regulation, and Self Compassion for Complex Kids and Adults: "Adulting is Just Parenting One's self"

ADHD parenting, emotional regulation, and self compassion take center stage as Megan and Michelle unpack The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids by Elaine Taylor-Klaus. This conversation bridges two worlds at once: helping kids who are wired differently and learning how to “parent” our own neurospicy adult selves. You’ll hear practical reframes for rules and "shoulds," why consistency beats perfection, how to use curiosity and repair when emotions spike, and what it looks like to build family culture that supports complex brains. It’s warm, funny, and real life, with takeaways you can use today whether you’re raising a kid, re-raising yourself, or both.You’ll also hear sister-level honesty about loneliness in parenting and adulting, the invisible load of “fitting in,” strategies for grounding during meltdowns, and how shredding "shoulds" can unlock more calm mornings, kinder self talk, and better connection. If you’ve ever lost a sock, your patience, or your place in the plan, pull up a chair.favorite line from the episode: “Adulting is just parenting one’s self.”[00:00:00] welcome and why this parenting book applies to adults with adhd too[00:04:30] what “complex” really means and why fixing isn’t the goal[00:09:10] emotional regulation basics and why gifted kids can be hardest to teach[00:15:40] the rule problem: shoulds, fairness, and living in a neurotypical world[00:23:15] quick grounding for kids and grownups: notice five things, narrate the room, breathe[00:26:20] mornings are a logistics trap and why slowing down can speed up the day[00:31:30] siblings, shame, and building a family culture of curiosity and repair[00:38:45] tapping out without guilt and letting community help[00:45:20] repair beats perfect: how to circle back after hard moments[00:52:10] shred the shoulds: choose core values over invisible rulebooks[00:55:20] adulting as self parenting and permission to do what actually worksIf you’re new here, follow or subscribe on your favorite app. "If you’re a returning spicy brainer, a quick rating or review helps other neurodivergent listeners find us.keywords: adhd, adhd parenting, emotional regulation, self compassion, complex kids, adulting, self parenting, neurodiversity, gentle parenting, curiosity and repair, shred the shoulds, sensory needs, routines, adhd tips, adhd women