Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

What drives some kids to push themselves relentlessly while others seem to lack motivation altogether?

In this episode, Andi explores what’s underneath both ends of the spectrum—overachieving and underachieving—and what parents might be missing.

Whether your child is racing ahead with academic goals or struggling to get started, this episode will help you understand the hidden executive functioning struggles that shape their behavior and what to do about it.

Key Takeaways

• Overachievement can mask underlying executive functioning struggles, especially in social, emotional, or sleep areas.
• Underachievement isn’t laziness—it often stems from overwhelm, fear of failure, or difficulties with initiation and planning.
• Asking curious, compassionate questions helps kids reflect and create flexibility in their goals and timelines.
• The “gap vs. gain” mindset shift (from Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy’s book) helps both parents and kids celebrate progress instead of chasing perfection.
• Progress looks different for every child—sometimes the slowest pace is the most meaningful.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction: Why kids may be overly driven or totally disengaged

[01:40] – A real-life story: A teen pushing for an associate’s degree before high school graduation

[03:00] – The missed question: Have we stopped to celebrate progress?

[04:00] – How executive functioning struggles can hide behind academic success

[05:30] – Challenges like inhibition, switching tasks, and sleep issues in high achievers

[06:00] – The opposite end: Kids with no drive and what’s behind the shutdown

[07:00] – A deeper dive into executive functioning (initiation, flexibility, planning, etc.)

[08:30] – Explaining the Gap and the Gain framework to kids

[10:00] – Guiding kids through flexible thinking with curious questions

[12:00] – Using short-term scenarios (like Lego or ice cream) to build long-term skills

[13:00] – Helping high achievers reflect, rest, and regulate

[14:30] – Using tools like health trackers (Whoop, Oura) to validate rest

[15:45] – Supporting disengaged kids through tiny wins and drive-by praise

[17:30] – Honoring their pace and effort over outcome

[18:45] – Questions for parents: Where is your child thriving on the surface but struggling underneath?

[20:00] – Modeling balance and rest as a parent

[21:15] – Final thoughts: Both drive and disinterest can hide deeper needs

Resources Mentioned

The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Executive Functioning Podcast...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kristina Rajes—homeschooling mom of four and the creator behind Phoenix Gems and Buy Some Love.

We talk about how gemstones unexpectedly became a key support tool for our kids’ emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence.

From skeptical teens to intuitive empaths, Kristina shares how each of her children uses different stones in meaningful ways—and how this tool complements the deeper work we do with stress, sleep, and executive functioning.

Key Takeaways

• Gemstones can act as emotional support tools—especially for sensitive or empathic kids who absorb others’ energy.
• Each stone has unique energetic properties that can help with grounding, courage, creativity, focus, and calm.
• Kids often choose the stones they need without realizing it—color and instinct often guide them.
• Tools like bracelets and gemstone routines are not about “fixing” kids but supporting them alongside emotional regulation work.
• It's okay if a child isn’t ready—these tools work best when chosen, not forced.
• Parents can benefit too—especially those who feel emotionally drained after public or social interactions.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Homeschooling with intention and personalization for each child

[00:03:30] How ChatGPT supports Kristina's multi-level homeschool planning

[00:05:00] Kristina’s unexpected shift from law to gemstone healing

[00:07:30] Why most of her business is in-person (and the importance of “feeling” a stone)

[00:09:00] How her empath daughter benefits from obsidian—and refuses all jewelry except that bracelet

[00:10:00] Kristina’s science-minded son and his surprising shift after wearing Carnelian

[00:13:00] The twin tiger’s eye story—two anxious kids conquering their fear of heights at rock climbing

[00:16:00] My own son’s struggles with creativity—and how his bracelet helped spark new ideas

[00:20:00] How to charge gemstone bracelets (easier than you think!)

[00:22:00] The bracelet stacks that changed my stress patterns—and what my health data shows

[00:26:00] What it means when a child “feels like a basketball is bouncing inside them”

[00:29:00] Which stones help with anxiety, courage, and creative thinking

[00:31:00] Customizing bracelets for fidget needs, essential oils, or comfort charms

[00:34:00] Why intention and resonance matter more than forcing a child to wear a stone

[00:35:00] How Kristina’s bracelet bar works at live shows—and the energy parents feel when choosing stones

[00:36:30] Right hand vs. left hand: giving vs. receiving energy through gemstones

[00:38:00] The evil eye charm and

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

Is your child refusing to start their homework, melting down when asked to pack a backpack, or avoiding simple tasks? It might look like laziness—but it’s not.

In this episode, Andi Clark breaks down what’s really going on beneath procrastination. Hint: it’s not about effort or motivation. It’s about executive functioning struggles—and missing foundational skills most people don’t talk about.

You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your child’s behavior, insights on how to reduce shame and frustration, and actionable first steps to break the cycle of procrastination.

Key Takeaways:

• Procrastination is not laziness—it’s often a sign of overwhelmed executive functioning.
• Skills like initiation, working memory, time awareness, emotional regulation, and flexibility all play a role.
• Pushing harder or offering rewards won’t work unless the root cause is addressed.
• There is no one-size-fits-all solution—support needs to match your child’s specific gaps.
• Using the right scaffolding and starting with small wins can rebuild confidence and momentum.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Why procrastination isn’t laziness

[00:01:00] – What executive functioning really is

[00:03:00] – Real-life examples: Andi’s son and homework meltdowns

[00:05:00] – Breakdown of key executive functioning skills that affect procrastination

[00:08:00] – How time perception and emotional regulation influence task avoidance

[00:10:00] – Observing your child’s patterns and asking the right questions

[00:11:00] – The shame cycle of procrastination and how it snowballs

[00:12:00] – Why planners, timers, and charts often don’t work

[00:15:00] – The fire analogy: Flames, logs, and kindling in EF support

[00:17:00] – Questions to help identify where your child’s breakdown is happening

[00:18:00] – Why patching top-level behaviors won’t work without a foundation

[00:20:00] – How to offer real support: Start with one EF skill, build small wins

[00:22:00] – Reframing procrastination as a skill gap, not a character flaw

[00:23:00] – Next steps: Self-assessment, Support Circle, and 1:1 coaching options

You’re not alone in this—understanding what’s really behind your child’s procrastination is the first step toward creating more calm, connection, and progress at home.

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

What if your child’s refusal to brush their teeth, get dressed, or follow instructions wasn’t about defiance—but about survival?

In this episode, I talk with Amanda Preston—social worker, mom to eight neurodivergent kids, and expert in Autism, stress responses and misunderstood behavior. We explore what’s really going on when kids can’t do something that seems so simple and how the traditional approaches to parenting can actually make things worse.

If your child resists everyday tasks, melts down over small requests, or seems to need total control just to function… This conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Not all kids who "act out" are being oppositional—some are having a threat response to everyday demands.
• Many kids who seem "fine at school" and fall apart at home are masking their stress to get through the day.
• Standard parenting strategies often backfire with these kids—what they need is a low-demand, relationship-based approach.
• Diagnosis like autism can show up in ways parents don’t expect—especially when kids are bright, sensitive, and highly verbal.
• Understanding your child’s nervous system is more effective than enforcing rules or routines.

Episode Highlights

[00:02:00] – What “neurodivergent” really means and why so many parents misunderstand it

[00:04:00] – When everyday tasks feel threatening to your child’s nervous system

[00:06:30] – Why these kids often get misdiagnosed or misunderstood as “difficult”

[00:09:30] – Andi shares her personal experience of trying to get help (and the resistance she faced)

[00:11:00] – The four stress responses and how they show up differently in different kids

[00:15:30] – Why typical parenting tools (like consequences) make things worse

[00:18:00] – Real-life examples of low-demand parenting in action

[00:21:30] – Sensory struggles with food, clothes, and hygiene—and how to stop fighting them

[00:26:00] – What to know before seeking an autism assessment

[00:31:00] – Why even a thorough psychoeducational assessment can miss what’s really going on

[00:36:00] – Autism is a spectrum—and most people only recognize one tiny part of it

[00:40:00] – How to spot the “freeze” response that often gets mistaken for stubbornness

[00:44:00] – Amanda’s advice for schools, co-parents, and extended family

[00:49:00] – Small tools that help kids regulate—like snacks, bubble gum, or getting down to their level

Resources Mentioned

Amanda Preston’s websites

– Canada-Based Support:https://deercreektherapy.ca/

–

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why is nothing working?” when your child is melting down, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, Andi introduces the concept of Stress Animals—a powerful and accessible framework to help parents decode their child’s behavior in moments of emotional overwhelm.

You’ll learn how to spot the early signs of dysregulation, understand your child’s stress response, and most importantly, how to shift your own energy so you can help your child return to calm.

Key Takeaways:

• Every child has a unique stress response—and it’s not about bad behavior, it’s about nervous system overload.
• The Stress Animal framework (Dolphin, Shark, Turtle, Clownfish) helps parents identify how their child reacts to stress—and how to support them accordingly.
• Your own stress animal matters too. The way you react can either soothe or escalate your child’s stress state.
• You can’t connect through correction. Lasting change happens when you meet your child’s stress with the kind of connection they need.
• Regulation before resolution: Problem-solving comes after calming the nervous system—never during a meltdown.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction – What to expect & why this matters

[02:00] Why traditional strategies fail with dysregulated kids

[05:00] The biology of stress – nervous system states explained

[06:45] Introducing the Stress Animals:

Dolphin – The regulated, connected state

Shark – Explosive, reactive energy

Turtle – Shut-down, withdrawn, retreating energy

Clownfish – Anxious, people-pleasing, over-worrying

[11:00] How your stress animal impacts your child’s response

[13:30] Why we don’t want to be in dolphin all the time

[14:00] Matching your response to your child’s stress animal

[15:00] Real-life examples: what worked, what didn’t, and why

[20:00] Supporting the nervous system through grounding tools

[21:00] One family’s story: shifting from Clownfish to quiet presence

[22:00] Final thoughts – Why this approach changes everything

✨ You’re not expected to get this right every time. But every step toward understanding helps build the connection your child needs to feel safe and supported.

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

Parenting isn’t just about raising our kids—it’s also about healing ourselves. In this powerful conversation, Jenn Abbatiello shares her journey from perfectionism and high achievement to learning how to parent with connection, grace, and calm. Together, we dive deep into how generational patterns shape our parenting styles, how to navigate grief and guilt in motherhood, and what it really takes to build a joyful, connected family—without losing yourself in the process.

Whether you're feeling burnt out, stuck in old ways, or unsure how to support your child without repeating the past, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and ready for change.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting often brings us to our breaking point—but it’s also an opportunity for transformation.
• Grief is a natural part of parenting—especially when letting go of our “old life.”
• You can love your children and miss the life you had before. Both can be true.
• Punishment and disconnection aren't the only tools. Understanding leads to true change.
• Kids don’t need us to be perfect—they need us to be regulated and real.
• We can’t support our children in becoming their true selves if we haven’t done the work ourselves.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Meet Jenn Abbatiello: Her story of shifting from corporate success to parenting transformation

02:00 – What it feels like to lose joy in motherhood—and why it’s so common

04:30 – Mourning your old life and learning to live in the and

06:15 – The “stoic badge of honor” and how emotions come roaring in with motherhood

10:15 – Why gentle parenting gets misinterpreted—and how to define consequences with compassion

12:30 – A real-life example of consequences vs. punishment with Jenn’s child

14:00 – Andi’s story about her son, Pokémon, and helping him take ownership

16:00 – What schools miss: Executive functioning, stress, and the root cause of meltdowns

17:45 – What to do during a meltdown vs. after a meltdown

20:30 – Why your child’s behavior triggers you—and what that means for your healing

22:00 – Jenn’s story of colic, control, and generational expectations

25:30 – The parenting puzzle: So many pieces, and why healing yourself matters

27:00 – Letting your child be themself—and why that requires your own growth

30:00 – Living someone else's dream vs. letting your kids follow their own

34:00 – Childhood programming, identity, and subconscious stories

36:00 – Andi’s IFS story: How one childhood memory created a lifelong belief

39:00 – Why self-care isn’t selfish—and how to do it in your current season

42:00 – Jenn’s encouragement for parents feeling stuck or overwhelmed

Resources Mentioned

Jenn Abbatiello’s free email series:

• Name: 3 Critical Steps to...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

If your child has ever been labeled as dramatic, difficult, or lazy… this episode is for you. Andi breaks down the most common behaviors reported by over 60 parents who filled out the Kids With Big Emotions Self-Assessment—and reveals what’s really going on underneath.

This isn’t just about behavior. It’s about root causes, hidden struggles, and executive functioning challenges that often get missed in schools and misunderstood at home.

Key Takeaways

• Behavior is the tip of the iceberg—executive functioning is often what’s underneath.
• Kids aren’t being difficult on purpose. They’re often overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsupported in key areas of brain development.
• Sensitivities to sound, clothing, and transitions may be signs of deeper processing challenges or superpowers that need support to shine.
• Many kids labeled as lazy, disorganized, or disruptive actually have struggles with working memory, attention, or impulse control.
• Shifting from judgment to curiosity helps uncover patterns and truly support your child’s needs.
• The self-assessment form is a powerful first step to uncover what’s going on beneath the surface.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & overview of the parent self-assessment results

[02:00] What 66 parents revealed—140 out of 180 average checkmarks

[03:00] Big emotions, meltdowns, impulse struggles—what the numbers say

[04:00] Why behavior-based discipline often misses the real problem

[05:00] Sensory sensitivity as a superpower—and why it needs support

[06:45] Trouble learning from mistakes? This might be why.

[08:00] Why schools often miss what’s really going on

[09:15] From behavior to brain: what to look for underneath

[10:30] Start tracking patterns—what triggers overwhelm or shutdowns

[12:00] Writing struggles, masking, and misunderstood learning differences

[13:30] Why executive functioning assessments matter

[14:30] What to say instead of “Why didn’t you do this?”

[15:15] Helping your child feel understood and supported

[16:00] Speaking the language of executive functioning in IEPs

[17:00] Concrete examples: working memory, impulsivity, perception

[18:00] Tools, links, and next steps for parents ready to dig deeper

Resources Mentioned

Kids With Big Emotions Self-Assessment: Click here to get the form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Executive Functioning Podcast Series

• Ep. 85 Perception: Emotional Regulation

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

In this heart-opening conversation, I’m joined by an early childhood expert, parent coach, and grandma Rose Couse. With over 40 years of experience supporting kids, educators, and families, Rose shares powerful insights on parenting through grief, the true meaning of self-care, and how to shift from judgment to compassion in your parenting journey.

We talk about the invisible load parents carry, the guilt that often surrounds taking time for ourselves, and how small, daily moments of awareness can help us better connect with our kids—and ourselves.

Key Takeaways

• Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for parenting with presence and compassion.
• Awareness of your internal experience is key to helping your child regulate theirs.
• Regulation is contagious—your nervous system affects your child’s.
• Grief, stress, and trauma show up in parenting in subtle and powerful ways.
• You’re doing better than you think. Shifting your inner dialogue can change how you show up.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome and guest intro

02:00 – Rose’s journey from early childhood educator to parent coach

04:00 – The biggest surprise of parenting: It’s not just about the kids

06:30 – Why parents need self-awareness to parent well

08:15 – Parenting through grief and the invisible fear of not doing “enough”

10:45 – Breaking generational patterns of putting yourself last

12:30 – Why we admire others’ strength but struggle to see our own

14:45 – The healing power of community and connection

17:30 – What real self-care looks like (hint: it’s not bubble baths)

20:15 – Understanding the “body budget” and parenting under stress

23:30 – Why breathing for 12 minutes a day changes your brain

27:15 – Simple grounding tools in the middle of chaos

30:00 – Modeling emotional awareness for your kids

32:30 – Joy as a parenting practice

36:00 – The importance of celebrating small wins

39:00 – Helping kids notice their own body signals and emotions

42:00 – Three questions to ground yourself in hard parenting moments

44:00 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Rose

Resources Mentioned

• Rose’s blog + parent coaching: http://www.rmcouse.ca/
• Robin Gobbel – trauma-informed parenting educator: robingobbel.com
• Amishi Jha’s work on attention and focus – including her breathing practice research
• Lisa Feldman Barrett’s “body budget” concept – from How Emotions Are Made
• Rick Hanson’s “Velcro vs. Teflon” idea – from Hardwiring Happiness

If this episode...