66. Gentle Parenting, ADHD, and Raising a Neurodiverse Kid Without Losing Your Mind
A Compassionate Look at Parenting a Neurodiverse Child
Parenting is a wild ride - equal parts heart-bursting love and ‘what the heck am I doing?’ moments.
And if you’re raising a neurodiverse kid, that ride comes with extra twists, turns, and unexpected detours. There’s no universal map, no one-size-fits-all guide. But that’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode of Chill Like a Mother.
We’re diving into gentle parenting - the kind that’s all over social media with soft voices and beautifully curated playrooms. But for many of us, especially those parenting ADHD or neurodiverse kids, it often feels like we’re navigating a different reality. If you've ever wondered why gentle parenting isn’t always as seamless in your home as it looks online, you’re not alone.
Our guest, Gabby, a mom and therapist, brings her personal and professional perspective on raising a neurodiverse child while keeping her sanity intact. She shares her journey of navigating gentle parenting with her son, Sage, and how she’s learned to separate the Instagram fantasy from real-life parenting—meltdowns, emotions, and all.
When Gentle Parenting Meets ADHD (and a Dose of Reality)
We get it: gentle parenting is about connection, emotional intelligence, and raising kids who feel safe expressing their feelings.
But what happens when your neurodiverse child has big emotions that feel impossible to manage?
What if your ADHD kid isn’t responding to your calm, level-headed approach?
This episode cuts through the noise and breaks down:
Why gentle parenting isn’t about perfection (or getting your kid to listen 100% of the time).
The emotional rollercoaster of raising a neurodiverse child—and how to stay regulated yourself.
How ADHD brains (yours or your kid’s) process emotions differently and what that means for parenting.
The myth of ‘bad behavior’ and why your kid’s meltdowns are actually communication.
Gabby shares her own moments of frustration, the social media traps that made her feel like she was failing, and the small mindset shifts that changed everything.
Rewriting the Parenting Script: Language, Creativity, and Connection
Words matter, and the way we talk to our kids can change everything. Gabby walks us through small language tweaks that help build emotional intelligence without making kids feel like they’re in trouble 24/7. Instead of asking, “Why did you do that?” try “Is there a reason you felt like that?” It’s a game-changer.
We also get into the power of creative expression—because sometimes, words aren’t enough. Whether it’s art, music, or good old-fashioned sensory play, creativity gives neurodiverse kids (and moms!) an outlet for big feelings. Parenting ADHD kids means thinking outside the box, and sometimes, a paint-covered kitchen table is exactly what’s needed.
Ditching the Social Media Guilt and Embracing the Messiness
If your feed is full of influencers making gentle parenting look effortless, it’s time for a reality check. Parenting is messy, especially when neurodiverse brains are involved. No one has it all figured out, and anyone who says otherwise is selling something.
This episode is your permission slip to:
Stop comparing yourself to curated Instagram posts.
Accept that meltdowns, big feelings, and tough moments are part of raising a neurodiverse child.
Trust yourself as a mom, even when it feels like you’re winging it.
Gentle parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. And that means embracing the chaos, getting creative, and learning alongside your child. Tune in to Chill Like a Mother for an honest, refreshing take on what it really means to raise a neurodiverse kid with compassion, boundaries, and a whole lot of patience.
Listen now, and let’s redefine what gentle parenting actually looks like—messy moments and all.
P.S. The newly polished Motherload Membership is here, designed with one thing in mind: helping you reconnect with yourself - the you who’s more than just “mom.”
This isn’t another mom group or a never-ending list of magical self-care shit thats supposed to make you feel better and lighter.
It’s a brave space where you can drop the mental load, get creative, and rediscover who you are—guilt-free, perfectionism-free.
Chill Like a Mother Podcast Guest:
Gabriella Rizkallah
I use art to help people learn more about themselves. I am a counselor and art therapist that primarily works with neurodivergent people, parents, LGBTQ+ and woman. I am a person who grew up with learning difficulties and didn’t understand my emotional needs, so art was my outlet.
As an adult, I reflect on how my personal experience helps me relate to the clients I work with now. Art is inherent in us, it’s subjective and personal to each person. You don’t need to be an “artist” to partake in art therapy, just willing to try the process.
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