Children, Parenting & Mental Health with Leanne Tran

If you're a parent, caregiver, teacher or just someone who cares about how kids grow up in a world that doesn’t always make room for them, this episode is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/leanne-tran

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire kicks off the first live Mental Health Monday interview of 2025 with psychologist Leanne Tran to talk about children, parenting, and mental health. Leanne brings years of experience working with families, especially those navigating autism, ADHD, and learning differences. She shares how her own physical disability gave her empathy for kids who feel different, and how that helped shape her career path.

Leanne emphasizes that behavior isn’t always a choice — especially in neurodivergent kids. A lot of parenting frustration comes from misunderstanding the why behind certain behaviors. For example, a kid with ADHD may not be “not listening” on purpose — they might genuinely be struggling to follow through. And when kids hear over and over that they’re “difficult” or “not trying,” that can become part of their identity in harmful ways. Leanne’s focus is on helping kids and parents find practical strategies that actually work, especially when the typical stuff falls flat.

She talks about how early support can change a child’s whole path. Without it, kids with ADHD or autism often develop anxiety or depression as secondary struggles. One major challenge? Access. Families in rural or underserved areas often wait way too long for help. That’s why Leanne creates online content and resources — to make support more accessible no matter where a family lives.

Another key piece of the conversation is about the difference in how kids act at school versus home. A lot of masking happens in classrooms, which means teachers might not see the same struggles parents deal with daily. Leanne urges collaboration between schools, professionals, and parents, especially when putting together individualized education plans. She also encourages parents to trust their gut and bring data — even just a list of behaviors — to professionals.

When it comes to building resilience, Leanne reminds parents to take it one step at a time. Support your kids just enough so they can stretch and grow without getting overwhelmed. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight — just focus on the next right thing.

Leanne also shares her favorite life hack, a quote she loves, and her passion for helping families avoid the generational trauma cycles so many of us grew up in. Her advice is clear: understanding your child and meeting them where they are isn’t spoiling them — it’s setting them up for long-term independence and happiness.

This was a warm, honest conversation full of practical advice and hope for parents trying their best. If your kid is showing signs of something different, or if you’re just feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and there’s help out there.