Episode 123 - Aimee Kaufman - Parenting with Love: Aimee Kaufman on Raising a Child with ADHD, Unconditional Support, and Life Lessons

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Show (0:08)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks Barry Cohen for introducing Aimee to him and sets the stage for a discussion about life lessons and personal growth.
• Drew discusses the concept of linear life paths and how extreme circumstances can derail them, introducing the idea of three types of women: those with blind spots, those who see adversity as victimhood, and those who see adversity as a challenge.
• Drew identifies Aimee as Woman number three, who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth and invites her to share her defining moment that led to this mindset.

Aimee's Upbringing and Parenting Philosophy (2:25)

• Aimee Kaufman shares that her mother never criticized her, which influenced her parenting style, emphasizing unconditional love.
• Aimee recounts the challenges of raising her daughter Sam, who had ADHD, and how she resisted criticism from others to maintain her parenting philosophy.
• Aimee mentions reading the book "The Theory of Let Them Be" and how it validated her approach to raising Sam.
• Drew and Aimee discuss the importance of allowing children to learn from their mistakes and the impact of Aimee's mother on her parenting.

Aimee's Relationship with Her Mother (4:56)

• Aimee recalls her mother's supportive and loving nature, including a story where her mother turned a kitchen incident into a teaching moment for Sam.
• She shares a touching moment where she expressed her admiration for her mother before she passed away, and how her mother's death was symbolized by a doorbell ring.
• Aimee reflects on how her mother's influence shaped her parenting and the close relationship she has with her daughters today.
• Drew and Aimee discuss the impact of Aimee's mother's legacy on her family and her ability to handle her mother's passing.

Sam's ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment (7:58)

• Aimee describes the 10-year journey to diagnose Sam with ADHD, including the challenges of dealing with her behavior and the initial misdiagnosis of sibling rivalry.
• Aimee recounts the relief of finally getting a proper diagnosis and the positive impact of medication on Sam's behavior.
• Aimee shares how Sam's behavior improved with medication, allowing her to participate in activities like sleepaway camp and family gatherings.
• Drew and Aimee discuss the importance of understanding and managing ADHD, and how it affected Aimee's relationship with her husband, Barry.

Aimee's Career and Professional Life (18:26)

• Aimee talks about her career as a CPA