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

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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

In this inspiring episode, host Leanne Tran chats with Ashlee Bazley—parent of four neurodivergent children, proud ADHDer, and founder of Absolute Ability Support Services. Ashlee shares her powerful story, from the ups and downs of parenting to her journey of personal growth and professional advocacy for neurodivergent families.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The power of routines and why they matter
• Behaviour as communication: decoding what’s really going on
• Self-regulation tips for both parents and kids
• Building a flexible, evolving parenting toolbox
• Insights into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
• How to advocate for your child at school and beyond

Ashlee brings empathy, real-world experience, and practical advice for parents, carers, and educators navigating the neurodivergent journey.

🔗 Connect with Absolute Ability Support Services:
Website: www.absoluteabilitysupportservices.com.au
Facebook: Absolute Ability Support Services

Ready for more insight and support?
👉 Tune in now for a real, relatable conversation on raising and supporting neurodivergent children—with compassion, patience, and purpose.

Follow me on:

1. Instagram: @leannetranpsychology
2. Facebook: @Leanne Tran
3. Linked In: @leannetranpsychology
   
   

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au

Welcome to a fresh episode of Parent Like a Psychologist with Leanne Tran, psychologist and parent coach. Today, Leanne takes a deep dive into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them Theory”—the viral parenting idea about letting go of control and embracing emotional maturity.

But this isn’t your average book review. Leanne unpacks the theory with both heart and expertise, offering a real-world perspective for parents—especially those raising neurodivergent kids—who feel overwhelmed by outside expectations and unsure how to support their children authentically.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Clinical Insight Meets Real Life:
Leanne carefully examines “Let Them Theory,” highlighting both its strengths and its shortcomings. She connects Robbins’ ideas to established psychological practices like Stoicism, Radical Acceptance, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), showing where the theory is helpful and where it might fall short.

Ethics Over Hype:
With a professional lens, Leanne addresses the gap between catchy advice and genuine psychological responsibility. She calls out the overpromising language often found in pop psychology, but also shares how to take the useful parts and leave the rest.

Parenting Neurodivergent Kids:
This episode is especially valuable for parents of autistic or neurodivergent children. Leanne explains how “letting go” can empower kids when it’s adapted thoughtfully—offering guidance on low-stakes choices, gentle structure, and positive, neuroaffirming support.

Practical Tools You Can Use:
From homework battles to public meltdowns, Leanne gives specific, actionable examples of when to step back (“let them”) and when to step in (“let me”). You’ll get a toolkit of strategies to help you respond with calm, support, and intention.

Reducing Parental Pressure:
Leanne validates the guilt and stress so many parents feel. She encourages listeners to release unrealistic expectations and focus on what matters most: being present, connected, and authentic with their kids.

Key Takeaway:
Perfect parenting isn’t the goal—authentic, thoughtful parenting is. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is let go of control and lean into connection, honoring your child’s unique needs.

Tune in to:

• Set boundaries with confidence and less conflict
• Find peace and presence in your parenting
• Learn psychology-backed tools for neurodivergent kids
• Let go of guilt and unrealistic standards

Whether you’re in the thick of parenting challenges or just need a new perspective, this episode offers practical wisdom and a dose of empathy. Listen now—and give yourself permission to parent with more ease and less pressure.

Follow me on:

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

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the complex world of ADHD at school—and most importantly, what your child’s teacher needs to know to support them effectively. Whether you're navigating primary school or high school, the challenges are real—but with the right knowledge and scaffolding strategies, the journey can become smoother for everyone involved.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why school is harder than it looks for children with ADHD

• The core executive functioning struggles: attention regulation, working memory, and impulse control

• Common misunderstandings teachers may have (like “They just need to try harder” or “They’re being disruptive on purpose”)

• Practical, teacher-friendly strategies like chunking instructions, visual aids, built-in movement, and celebrating effort—not just outcomes

• How parents can partner with teachers to advocate without overstepping, using compassion and collaboration

This episode is grounded in real clinical experiences and includes specific, actionable tools that educators can start using right away.

Bonus Resource: Don’t forget to download the free fact sheet for primary school teachers to share with your child’s teacher:

Copy and Download here: file:///C:/Users/Admin/Downloads/ADHD%20for%20Primary%20Teachers.pdf

Let’s change the conversation around ADHD in schools—by equipping teachers, empowering parents, and supporting kids exactly where they are.

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

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we dive into a conversation that so many parents find themselves having: “Now what?” after receiving a diagnosis for their child. Whether it's autism, ADHD, a learning disorder, or another neurodevelopmental condition, a diagnosis can feel like both a lightbulb moment and a storm of new questions.

Bringing a candid, real-life tone (yes, complete with those “school pickup hustle” vibes), your host shares reflections from recent conversations with fellow parents and professionals about what a diagnosis does—and doesn’t—tell you about your child. Spoiler: it doesn’t come with a map.

You’ll hear about:

• The relief and confusion a diagnosis can bring

• Why the label is just one piece of a much larger puzzle

• The unique personality, strengths, and challenges your child has that don’t show up in any report

• The importance of moving beyond reactive parenting to responsive, empathetic support

• Why behavior charts and sticker systems aren’t the magic answer for every child

• How to notice your child’s patterns and support them in truly meaningful, individualized ways

• The importance of evolving strategies as your child grows—from primary school through to the teenage years

This episode encourages you to look deeper—past checklists and criteria—and begin noticing your child: their rhythms, their emotions, their brilliance, and their needs. You’ll walk away with permission to ditch the guilt, space to feel understood, and a gentle nudge toward building the skills and confidence you need to support your child in a way that works for your family.

If you’ve ever felt like a diagnosis answered some questions but left you with many more, this episode is for you. And if you're ready to move from chaos to calm, stay tuned to learn more about programs that can walk alongside you in your parenting journey.

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1. Instagram: @leannetranpsychology
2. Facebook: @Leanne Tran
3. Linked In: @leannetranpsychology
   
   

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au

In this powerful and insightful episode, transformational coach and children’s book author Lisa Watson joins the show to discuss how healing our inner child is essential to raising emotionally resilient children. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming childhood trauma and toxic relationships, Lisa shares how she developed the "reparent yourself" method to break generational cycles of emotional pain.

Listeners will learn why our early childhood experiences shape our belief systems, how unresolved emotional wounds affect the way we parent, and why self-awareness is the first step toward change. Lisa explains how children form core beliefs based on how they are treated and why nurturing environments are critical to healthy emotional development.

The conversation explores practical strategies for recognizing personal triggers, responding with compassion, and choosing conscious parenting over reactive habits. Lisa also emphasizes the importance of validating children's emotions, fostering emotional safety, and modeling healthy self-regulation. Special attention is given to the challenges parents of neurodivergent children face, and how to remain supportive and connected even when behavior doesn’t fit traditional expectations.

Lisa also shares her passion project: the Awaken the One children's book series, including upcoming titles like Courage Finds His Calm, which teach emotional regulation and mindfulness through storytelling. With a Kickstarter campaign launching to support the next books, Lisa offers resources and hope for parents who want to raise children in emotionally nurturing homes.

If you're seeking to parent with purpose, break harmful cycles, and raise a generation that doesn’t need to heal from their upbringing—this episode is a must-listen.

Follow me on:

1. Instagram: @leannetranpsychology
2. Facebook: @Leanne Tran
3. Linked In: @leannetranpsychology
   
   

Email me: hello@leannetran.com.au

Visit my website: www.leannetran.com.au