Beautifully Complex
Join parenting coach and mom-in-the-trenches, Penny Williams, as she helps parents, caregivers, and educators harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week she delivers insights and actionable strategies on parenting and educating neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities... Her approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity, and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with the tools to help you understand and transform behavior, reduce your own stress, increase parenting confidence, and create the joyful family life you crave. Penny has helped thousands of families worldwide to help their kids feel good so they can do good. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
Episodes
January 8, 2025 • 28 mins
Do you find yourself asking, "Why is this happening to me? Why my kid?" It’s okay to feel this way, and I’m here to tell you that you have the power to transform these frustrations into opportunities for joy and growth.
In this episode I will guide you through the journey of shifting your mindset to make room for joy in your life and in your child’s. From being overwhelmed by a sense of victimhood to reclaiming your narrative, I sha...
In this episode I will guide you through the journey of shifting your mindset to make room for joy in your life and in your child’s. From being overwhelmed by a sense of victimhood to reclaiming your narrative, I sha...
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January 1, 2025 • 25 mins
Are you exhausted from navigating the emotional storms and meltdowns that come with raising a neurodivergent child? Do you sometimes feel like every traditional parenting strategy has led you to a dead-end, leaving you worried about your child's future and overwhelmed by the daily chaos? You're not alone.
In this episode, I'll share my personal and professional journey as a parenting coach and a mom of a neurodivergent kid. I've spe...
In this episode, I'll share my personal and professional journey as a parenting coach and a mom of a neurodivergent kid. I've spe...
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December 18, 2024 • 41 mins
In this episode, I sit down with Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D. to discuss the unique challenges of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and offer heartfelt guidance and practical strategies to help you and your child thrive.
Key Topics Covered:
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding PDA and why conventional parenting methods often fall short.
- How to separate yourself from societal judgment and trust your instincts.
- Building a supportive and neuro-affirming environme...
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December 11, 2024 • 29 mins
Do you worry that your neurodivergent child might not see themselves represented in the stories they love? If you’ve ever felt this way, this episode of Beautifully Complex is just what you need.
I'm Penny Williams, your host and fellow parent navigating the beautifully complex world of neurodivergence. In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Farmer Kris to discuss the heartfelt and eye-opening representation of neurodivergent char...
I'm Penny Williams, your host and fellow parent navigating the beautifully complex world of neurodivergence. In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Farmer Kris to discuss the heartfelt and eye-opening representation of neurodivergent char...
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December 4, 2024 • 28 mins
Welcome to episode 291 of the Beautifully Complex podcast, where we’re discussing Teaching Your Kid to Harness Their Brain with early childhood education consultant and mental health clinician Anna Housley Juster, Ph.D., LICSW.
In this episode, we’re getting to know the amygdala — that small but mighty part of the brain that plays a crucial role in our kids’ anxiety and stress responses. Together, we'll explore:
In this episode, we’re getting to know the amygdala — that small but mighty part of the brain that plays a crucial role in our kids’ anxiety and stress responses. Together, we'll explore:
- Understanding the...
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November 20, 2024 • 30 mins
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed and worry that your neurodivergent kid isn’t getting the support they need? On this week's episode of Beautifully Complex, join me, Penny Williams, as I chat with Ann Dolin, M.Ed., about practical strategies to reduce school stress and promote independence in our children.
From managing executive function difficulties to handling emotional ups and downs, we cover it all. Key topics include:
From managing executive function difficulties to handling emotional ups and downs, we cover it all. Key topics include:
- Balan...
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November 13, 2024 • 42 mins
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daily struggles and emotional rollercoaster of parenting a neurodivergent teen? Do you find yourself torn between nurturing their independence and managing your own worries and emotions? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and this episode of Beautifully Complex is just for you.
In this heartfelt episode, I'm joined by the incredible Gabriele Nicolet, a seasoned speech-language pathologist a...
In this heartfelt episode, I'm joined by the incredible Gabriele Nicolet, a seasoned speech-language pathologist a...
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November 6, 2024 • 27 mins
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant need to control your child's behavior, only to find it leads to more frustration and distance? That it isn’t making anything better? You're not alone. Welcome to episode 288 of the Beautifully Complex podcast, where host Penny Williams, a parenting coach and author, dives into the core of these common parenting pitfalls.
In this enlightening episode, Penny unravels the five compelling reas...
In this enlightening episode, Penny unravels the five compelling reas...
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October 30, 2024 • 30 mins
Are you exhausted from the constant emotional ups and downs, the frustration of trying to connect with your neurodivergent child, and the worry about saying the “wrong” thing? You’re not alone, and there is hope. In this warm and supportive episode of Beautifully Complex, host Penny Williams dives deep into the transformative power of skill-building through everyday life experiences, the crucial role of emotional validation, and ho...
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October 23, 2024 • 34 mins
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless clutter, frustrated by your child's attachment to their possessions, or worried about creating a clean, organized space for your neurodivergent child or teen? You are not alone, and help is here!
In our latest episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Caroline Thor, a professional organizer and KonMari consultant with firsthand experience raising neurodivergent kids. We dive deep into t...
In our latest episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Caroline Thor, a professional organizer and KonMari consultant with firsthand experience raising neurodivergent kids. We dive deep into t...
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October 23, 2024 • 55 mins
Do you ever feel like you're caught in the eye of the storm? Trust me, you're not alone. Join Penny Williams in this profoundly personal episode of Beautifully Complex where she shares her experience living in Asheville, NC through the devastation Hurricane Helene brought, including the trials and triumphs of navigating this challenging time, both literal and metaphorical.
Inside This Episode:
Inside This Episode:
- Community Resilience and Support: He...
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October 2, 2024 • 28 mins
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daily challenges of raising a neurodivergent child? Do you worry about how to motivate your kid and help them succeed, or perhaps you’re frustrated with the constant misunderstandings surrounding their unique needs? You are not alone, and there is hope.
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, Dr. Wendy Grolnick and I dive into some myths about motivation that society often perpetuates.
We discuss:
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, Dr. Wendy Grolnick and I dive into some myths about motivation that society often perpetuates.
We discuss:
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September 25, 2024 • 23 mins
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to support your child or teen through their anxiety? You’re not alone. As parents, we often face sleepless nights worrying: Are we doing enough to help them feel safe? Are we equipping them with the tools they need to conquer their fears?
In this heartfelt episode, I shine a light on the often unsaid struggles parents face. Drawing from both personal insights and the latest expert advice, ...
In this heartfelt episode, I shine a light on the often unsaid struggles parents face. Drawing from both personal insights and the latest expert advice, ...
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September 18, 2024 • 44 mins
Are you navigating the challenging, yet rewarding journey of single parenting a neurodivergent child? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by societal expectations, struggling with feelings of guilt and isolation, or simply looking for practical advice to foster a nurturing environment for your unique family?
In this empowering episode of Beautifully Complex, join host Penny Williams and special guest Dr. Gila — an experienced psy...
In this empowering episode of Beautifully Complex, join host Penny Williams and special guest Dr. Gila — an experienced psy...
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September 11, 2024 • 35 mins
Are you tired of battling your kid over screen time and gaming habits, only to see your relationship suffer and the issues persist? In this episode of "Beautifully Complex," I welcome Dr. Alok Kanojia (aka, Dr. K), psychiatrist and President and Co-Founder of Healthy Gamer. As a recovering gaming addict himself, Dr. K offers a unique perspective on how to address and understand your child's gaming behaviors, with a particular focus...
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September 4, 2024 • 29 mins
Are you struggling to help your child navigate the uncertainties of today's world? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m chatting with Tovah Klein, Ph.D., professor at Barnard College and director of the Center for Toddler Development, about fostering resilience in children during these challenging times. Dr. Klein emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting your child as they are, particularly when it comes to t...
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August 28, 2024 • 28 mins
This episode is a special collaboration with the "In It" podcast from Understood.org, dedicated to families with children facing challenges like ADHD and dyslexia.
We’re diving into a topic that many parents find both essential and perplexing — encouraging kids to care about personal hygiene. In It hosts, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek, are joined by ADHD and Executive Function Coach Brendan Mahan, to explore practical strategie...
We’re diving into a topic that many parents find both essential and perplexing — encouraging kids to care about personal hygiene. In It hosts, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek, are joined by ADHD and Executive Function Coach Brendan Mahan, to explore practical strategie...
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August 21, 2024 • 32 mins
Navigating the transition to adulthood with your neurodivergent child can be overwhelming and fraught with uncertainties. In this episode of Beautifully Complex, my guest, Shannon Urquiola and I explore the critical aspects of preparing kids on the spectrum for adulthood, addressing common pain points like guardianship, financial planning, SSI, and vocational rehabilitation. You'll gain insights into crucial legal processes and the...
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August 14, 2024 • 27 mins
Are you struggling to talk to your child about their ADHD diagnosis or seeking ways to reframe it positively? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I host an empowering conversation with Elly Both about her inspiring new children's book on ADHD. Elly shares her personal journey of being diagnosed later in life and how that revelation transformed her perspective. We explore how to harness ADHD traits like hyperfocus and creativity...
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August 7, 2024 • 32 mins
Feeling frustrated by your child's disorganization, falling grades, and struggles with time management? Tune in to this episode of Beautifully Complex, where Seth Perler, M.Ed. and I explore the crucial role of executive function skills in your child or teen's life. Seth likens these skills to learning guitar chords — they're not innate, but they can be developed with consistent practice. He offers heartfelt, practical advice for p...
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