The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps homeschooling parents encourage their differently-wired kids to learn, explore passions, cultivate creativity, and become fascinated by the world around them. Join host Colleen Kessler -- educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and speaker -- for interviews, audioblogs, tips, and encouragement to help your differently-wired kiddos become lifelong learners -- children who know that they can find the answers to anything they want to know i ...
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Neurodivergent Kiddos Podcasts

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation
Amanda Calfee - Christian Life Coach, Mama of Strong-willed & Neurodivergent Kiddos
Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 5% of Podcasts Worldwide! Do you feel like you’ve tried everything — consequences, parenting books, well meaning parenting advice, crying out to God — and still feel like you’re failing? Are you walking on eggshells, never knowing what will trigger your child’s next meltdown or shutdown? Have you felt dismissed or judged by church culture when your child didn’t behave the way they “should”? Do you find yourself yelling, shutting down, or spiral ...
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8 | Strong-Willed or Something More? Why Regulation and Connection Matter More Than a Label
15:33
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15:33Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally! Mama, Is your child just strong-willed, or could something deeper be going on... In this episode, we’ll unpack the difference between a strong-willed child and a neurodivergent child, and why the distinction matters—but not in the way you might think. Because at the end of the…
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Understanding Task Initiation in Neurodivergent Homeschoolers
56:36
56:36
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56:36If you tuned into this week’s episode, you know we’re in the thick of our executive function series—and this time, we took a deep dive into a challenge so many neurodivergent kiddos (and their parents!) know all too well: getting started. Task initiation can feel impossible for kids who are gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, anxious, or jus…
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Morning Routines That Work: Flexible Approaches for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
50:11
50:11
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50:11Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You’re not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: …
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7 | Not a Mistake: Why You’re the Exact Mom Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child Needs
9:51
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9:51Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally! Have you ever wondered if maybe God gave your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ASD, ADHD, ODD, or PDA) the wrong mom? That you’re not enough, not equipped, or too overwhelmed to handle what they need? Mama, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—convinced I was failing, carry…
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6 | Have Your Fears Become Reality? Why Moms of Strong-willed and Neurodivergent Need Kids Need Emotional Regulation
12:10
12:10
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12:10Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally! As a mama of an ASD, ADHD, ODD, or PDA child have you ever caught yourself speaking your fears out loud—only to watch them unfold in your child’s life? I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story of how my own unregulated emotions and words began shaping min…
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Finding the Sweet Spot – Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Homeschool
45:35
45:35
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45:35In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let’s be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn’t for the faint of heart! This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here’s a peek at what we covered: Structure is Comforti…
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Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
43:55
43:55
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43:55This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We’re Unpa…
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5 | 4 Ways to Build Connection with God While Raising a Child with ADHD, Autism, ODD, or PDA
13:56
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13:56When you’re raising a child with ADHD, Autism, ODD, or PDA, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. So often, we run to books, podcasts, or parenting strategies before we turn to God. But what if true peace and wisdom are found first in His presence? In this episode of Parenting Beyond Meltdowns, we explore four simple but powerf…
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Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
33:09
33:09
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33:09This week’s episode of the podcast is all about executive function—what it is, how struggles in these skills show up in homeschoolers, and, most importantly, what you can do at home to support your child as they grow. Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or has a neurodivergence like ADHD or autism, these ideas are for you. Here are som…
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4 | How to Build Connection When Your Neurodivergent Child's Defiant Behavior is Out of Control
13:51
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13:51If you’ve tried being the “nice mom” and the “strict mom” and neither has worked, you’re not alone. I used to think connection came after compliance—that once my child listened, obeyed, or calmed down, then we could connect. But I’ve learned the hard way that connection isn’t the reward…it’s the foundation. And without it, everything else falls apa…
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3 | You Are Not a Bad Mom - Even When Your Child Has Meltdowns
5:53
5:53
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5:53If you’ve ever thought, “I’m a bad mom,” this episode is for you. I’m sharing why your child’s struggles don’t define you and how to break free from the shame and guilt that so many of us carry. I’ll give you practical ways to stand firm in your God given identity and remind you of the truth about who God says you are as a mom. Because you are not …
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2 | Feeling Stuck? 3 Questions to Help Moms of Neurodivergent Kids Find Peace.
6:13
6:13
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6:13Have you ever felt like your child is the problem? Like if they would just listen, stop melting down, or follow directions, everything would finally be better? Mama, you’re not alone. Those thoughts don’t make you a bad mom—they make you human. In this episode, we’ll explore a gentle shift that can bring more peace into your home. I share how I beg…
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1 | When Traditional Parenting Fails Your Neurodivergent Child: My Story
9:51
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9:51Welcome to the very first episode of Parenting Beyond Meltdowns! I’m so glad you’re here. In this episode, I’m sharing my story and what led me to start this podcast for Christian moms raising neurodivergent or strong-willed kids. I’ll take you back to my rock-bottom season as a mom and the powerful way God began to show me a new way forward—starti…
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Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids
50:52
50:52
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50:52This week on the podcast, Colleen revisited one of the most common, sometimes thorny, and always essential homeschool topics: finding your people and creating a support system, especially when you’re parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent, gifted, or otherwise outside-the-box kiddos. After 17 years on this journey, she can assure you: you’re no…
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Mama, are you tired of meltdowns stealing the peace in your home? Welcome to Parenting Beyond Meltdowns. I’m Amanda, a Christian life coach and mom of a strong-willed neurospicy teen. If you’ve tried everything... consequences, parenting books, crying out to the Father and still feel like you’re failing, you’re not alone. Inside this podcast, we’l…
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Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
22:37
22:37
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22:37This week on the podcast, we dive into a topic close to the hearts of many parents and educators: helping neurodivergent kids build flexible thinking skills. Whether you’re parenting or teaching gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, or otherwise wonderfully-wired kiddos, you know that rigid thinking can turn even minor changes into big challenges. You’ll hea…
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Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help
37:44
37:44
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37:44This week on the podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that comes up all the time in our community: helping our neurodivergent kids make decisions. If you’ve ever watched your creative, outside-the-box thinker freeze up over choosing a research topic or panic trying to pick a co-op class, you’re not alone. Decision-making—something that seems so …
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Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning
42:05
42:05
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42:05Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to hit pause on the box-checking frenzy and really connect with our kids. In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive into one of my favorite topics: creating joyful, low-pressure family memories (without overloading your plate—or your calendar). Why Fun Matters (Even for Year-Round Homeschool…
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Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility
45:26
45:26
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45:26This week on the podcast, we get real about something we ALL feel at some point (or every day): OVERWHELM. If you’re juggling year-round homeschooling, multiple ages, neurodivergent needs, big summer transitions, and the regular chaos of life, this episode is for you. Here are some highlights and takeaways: Overwhelm is Normal—You’re Not Alone! Whe…
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Easy Ways to Boost Emotional Intelligence During Your Homeschool Day
35:35
35:35
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35:35Today's episode dives deep into the heart of something that’s foundational for our kids (and us too)—emotional intelligence, or EQ. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent kiddo, a gifted learner, or just want smoother sailing at home, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can use right away. Why EQ Matters Emotional intelligence is all …
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Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
34:56
34:56
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34:56Today's episode is an extra special pep talk for anyone homeschooling—or considering homeschooling—neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever felt doubtful, heard wild myths, or just wanted some validation, this one is for you! Episode Spotlight: Myth Busting Neurodivergent Homeschooling Have you heard these before? “Neurodivergent kids need experts, not …
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Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up
43:01
43:01
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43:01Today's episode of the podcast, is all about building meaningful connections with your preteens and teens—especially as they start finding their independence. Colleen gets real about the challenges of staying connected as kids grow older and shares practical, heartfelt tips on how to keep those important bonds strong (even when everyone’s schedule …
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How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
28:01
28:01
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28:01On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners. As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is every…
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Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool
30:24
30:24
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30:24This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something that might seem small at first glance but can create a massive ripple effect in your child’s life—celebrating wins! Whether your kiddo is neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply working hard on any kind of challenge, recognizing their progress is a simple and powerful tool to build …
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Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool
38:22
38:22
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38:22As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime. Key Takeaways: Connection …
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Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s Spark
26:04
26:04
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26:04This week’s episode of the podcast is truly close to my heart. We dove deep into what it means to truly embrace our kiddos’ unique sparks and passions, especially for our neurodivergent learners. If you sometimes worry about your child being “too focused” on one thing, or wonder how to support their big interests when the world doesn’t always get i…
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The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
34:12
34:12
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34:12In this episode, we dive deep into the power of connection and how it can transform your homeschool and family life. Homeschooling, especially with differently wired kiddos, comes with its set of challenges, and prioritizing connection over perfection is the key to a thriving environment where your children feel safe, seen, and valued. Key Takeaway…
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Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling
28:04
28:04
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28:04This week's episode is all about cultivating leadership skills in our kiddos, especially those amazing outside-the-box thinkers. We dive into a type of leadership that’s less about rallying a group and more about creativity, kindness, and empathy. We go over ways to nurture these qualities in your homeschool environment and everyday family life. Th…
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Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
28:16
28:16
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28:16We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids. As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and t…
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In today's episode, we dive into the concept of nurturing a lifelong love of learning for our children. It's all about cultivating curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, and guiding them through self-directed projects. You'll hear personal stories of fostering self-discovery and adaptability in kids, emphasizing the power of modeling this mi…
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