In this powerful and insightful episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, Dr. Jari Evertsz unpacks one of the most common misconceptions in modern parenting — that teenagers are supposed to behave well all the time. Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experiences as a parent to a 14-year-old, Dr. Evertsz offers a compassionate and realistic view of adolescence, one that invites parents to stop panicking and start understanding.

As teenagers navigate hormonal changes, academic pressure, social media, peer influence, and intense shifts in brain development, it’s no wonder their behavior can seem unpredictable or challenging. But Dr. Evertsz reminds us: this isn't a sign of failure — it’s a sign of growth.

You’ll learn:

• Why parents are often shocked by teen behavior — and why that reaction is normal

• How to shift expectations when your child enters high school

• Practical strategies for responding to emotional volatility and defiance

• Why humor, boundaries, and emotional regulation matter more than ever

• How to support your teen’s development without escalating conflict

• The importance of focusing on long-term skills like resilience, empathy, and self-regulation

Dr. Evertsz also introduces key themes from her book, which includes real-world scripts, boundary-setting advice, and tools to help you respond when things go off the rails. Whether you're raising a teen who’s struggling with everyday challenges or navigating more serious issues like anxiety, behavioral concerns, or learning differences, this episode offers clarity, direction, and reassurance.

Parenting teens doesn’t have to feel like survival mode. With the right mindset and skills, you can parent with more confidence, less fear, and a deeper connection to your growing child.

Listen now to gain a fresh perspective on parenting teens — and learn why it’s okay that your teenager isn’t perfect.

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Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, educator and parenting coach Carolyn Aukafolau joins us to unpack the real challenges parents face—and how they can support their children without sacrificing their own well-being.

Carolyn brings years of experience working with families, children with additional learning needs, and school systems in Hong Kong. She shares why parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and how listening deeply, building trust, and embracing flexibility are essential for raising thriving kids.

Through powerful analogies like the “bucket-filling” concept and stories from her own life and career, Carolyn helps parents move from depleted to empowered. We explore why self-care is non-negotiable, how to navigate school transitions, and why trusting your instincts as a parent is vital.

Whether you're in the thick of toddlerhood, navigating school anxieties, or simply trying to reclaim your sense of self, this episode will leave you with tools, encouragement, and a sense of calm.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why self-care is critical (and not selfish) for effective parenting

• The "bucket" analogy: how to fill yours so you can fill your child’s

• How to navigate parenting advice without losing your own voice

• Building trust with school systems and professionals

• The power of routines, mindfulness, and small daily actions

• How to manage parenting burnout and recognize when you’re nearing it

• Tips for working through transitions and difficult seasons

• The hidden mental load of parenting—and how to unpack it

Mentioned in This Episode:

🔗 Carolyn Aukafolau's Website:
The Parent Oasis

📥 Free Resources from Carolyn:

• Morning Chaos to Calm Guide

• Mindfulness for Busy Parents Guide
  Download them here

Connect with Us:

💬 Love this episode? Leave a review and share it with a fellow parent who could use a boost!

Follow me on:

Instagram: @leannetranpsychology
Facebook: @Leanne Tran
Linked In: @leannetranpsychology

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au

Welcome back to Parent Like a Psychologist! In this special episode, I (Leanne—psychologist, parent, and your host) step into my parent shoes during school holidays to reflect on a powerful experience I had at the Yellow Ladybugs conference earlier this month.

This episode dives deep into the nuanced and often underrepresented experiences of autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals, focusing on how seemingly “small” daily stressors can compound into developmental trauma for neurodivergent kids—especially when misunderstood or unsupported in school environments.

We explore:

• Why trauma isn't just about one major event, but often about repeated invalidation, sensory overwhelm, and social challenges

• The concept of the "overflowing bucket" and how chronic stress can lead to meltdowns

• What schools often get wrong—and what parents tend to understand better—about their autistic children’s needs

• The cost of masking, perfectionism, and “perfect childing” on neurodivergent children

• How parents can foster resilience, model self-advocacy, and create authentic connection at home

You’ll hear reflections and key takeaways from two phenomenal speakers:

• Monique Mitchelson, autistic psychologist and founder of Divergent Futures

• Em Hammond, aka Neurowild, creator of beautiful and practical resources that empower families to understand and support their autistic children

Whether you're new to these ideas or well along your journey, this episode offers both compassionate validation and actionable strategies to help you be the safe base your child needs.

Resources & Links from this Episode:

🎗️ Yellow Ladybugs – An autistic-led, neuro-affirming organisation:
🔗 Website: https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/
📸 Instagram: @yellowladybugs_autism

Em Hammond – NeuroWild:
🔗 Instagram: @neurowild_
📚 Resources for parents & educators:
Em’s TPT Store – NeuroWild

✨ Recommended resource: Em’s guide to supporting autistic kids through self-advocacy, unmasking, and fostering emotional safety

Monique Mitchelson – Autistic Psychologist:
🔗 Instagram: @monique.mitchelson.nd.psych
🧭 Free downloads and supports:
Divergent Futures – Free Resources

Featured concept: “The Overflowing Bucket” – a powerful analogy for understanding how everyday stress builds in neurodivergent kids and what you can do to help prevent meltdowns and support recovery

Want to keep learning?
Stick around for the next few episodes, where I’ll share more reflections from the conference—covering topics like attuned parenting, neuro-affirming support, and helping our children build resilience through their strengths.

If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing, rating, or sharing it with someone who needs it. You’re not alone—and together we can change the way we support autistic kids, one family at a time.

Follow me on:

Instagram: @leannetranpsychology
Facebook: @Leanne Tran
Linked In: @leannetranpsychology

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au