Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition

Episode 9: Parenting With ADHD: Community, Self-Advocacy & Embracing Imperfection with Trina Haynes

Parenting with ADHD can feel overwhelming, isolating, and full of invisible challenges—especially when you’re navigating neurodivergence without a roadmap. In this episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, host Vida Carey is joined by Trina Haynes, MyLadyADHD, for a deeply honest conversation about parenting while living with ADHD. Together, they explore late diagnosis, the daily realities of neurodivergent motherhood, and how community, self-advocacy, and self-trust can radically change the parenting experience. This episode is a reminder that you’re not failing—you’re parenting in a world that wasn’t built for neurodivergent families. What We Talk About in This Episode: • How ADHD impacts daily life, routines, and parenting  • Navigating late diagnosis and identity shifts  • Letting go of internalized shame and perfectionism  • Trusting your instincts as a neurodivergent parent  • Teaching kids self-advocacy by modeling it yourself  • Recognizing and celebrating small parenting wins  • Building community and support for neurodivergent families  • Embracing imperfection and redefining parenting success Key Takeaways: • ADHD shapes parenting—but it does not define your worth  • Many parenting struggles stem from neurodivergent traits, not failure  • Community is essential for neurodivergent parents  • Self-advocacy is a vital parenting skill  • Parenting wins don’t have to be big to matter  • Open communication builds resilience in children  • Imperfect parenting can still be deeply connected and successful

Ep 8: Parenting as a Team — Supporting Children Through Understanding, Not Control with Suzanne Sophos

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood, Vida Carey is joined by Suzanne Sophos for a powerful conversation about redefining traditional parenting approaches. Suzanne shares her transformative journey as a parent and the moment she realized that traditional parenting methods simply didn’t work for her child. Together, they explore what it looks like to shift from control and compliance to support, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Suzanne reframes parenting as a partnership—seeing children not as adversaries, but as teammates navigating life together. This episode offers deep insight into child development, emotional regulation, and how understanding a child’s struggles can completely change the parent-child dynamic. This conversation is especially meaningful for parents raising neurodivergent or emotionally sensitive children and anyone questioning whether “conventional” parenting advice truly fits their family. Key Takeaways * Traditional parenting methods don’t work for every child—and that’s okay. * Understanding a child’s struggles can shift how parents respond and connect. * Parenting is more effective when it’s a team effort, not a power struggle. * Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in healthy parenting. * Children often act out because they are overwhelmed or struggling internally. * Supporting children through challenges builds trust and long-term resilience. * Rethinking the parent-child relationship can lead to better emotional outcomes. * Collaboration fosters safety, growth, and mutual respect. * Parenting requires adaptability, curiosity, and compassion. Keywords: parenting support, child development, parenting styles, emotional intelligence, supportive parenting, neurodivergent children, parent-child relationship, collaborative parenting

Ep 7: The Transformative Power of Education, Action, and Hope with Jon Foote

In this impactful episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, Vida sits down with Jon Foote, high school English teacher, parent, and mental health advocate, for a raw and relatable conversation about therapy, depression, and the power of taking proactive steps toward healing. Together, they unpack the challenges neurodivergent individuals face when seeking support, the importance of mental health education, and why even the smallest proactive action can be transformative during depressive episodes. Jon shares his personal experiences with therapy, loneliness, and motivation, offering insight into how hope—no matter how elusive—can be the anchor that pulls us forward. This episode is a reassuring reminder that therapy is worth the investment, knowledge is power, and reaching out for help can change everything.  Takeaways * Therapy is consistently worth the emotional and financial investment. * Knowledge empowers neurodivergent individuals to better understand themselves. * Being proactive is crucial—especially during depression when motivation is low. * Finding the energy to take action can feel impossible, but small steps matter. * Hope is a powerful motivator, even when it feels out of reach. * Believing in your ability to improve is essential to mental wellness. * Therapy offers structure, insight, and validation that many neurodivergent adults were never given. Keywords therapy for neurodivergent adults, mental health tools, depression support, motivation during depression, hope and healing, proactive mental health strategies, benefits of therapy, mental health education, neurodivergent mental wellness, Jon Foote interview

Ep 6: Hacking Hypermobility, Generational Diagnosis, and The Importance of Community with Luna Hande

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode, Vida sits down with Luna Hande—comedian, creator, co-host of the Hacking Hypermobility podcast, and the beloved “Luna the Zebra Mom” across social media. Luna shares her late-diagnosis journey with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), autism, ADHD, lipedema, dysautonomia, and what it’s like parenting a neurodivergent teen while navigating disability, medical gaslighting, and generational trauma.  This conversation is full of honesty, humor, science, lived experience, and heart—especially for neurodivergent parents who are fighting to advocate for both their children and themselves.   In This Episode We Discuss:  ✨ Luna’s Story & Late Diagnosis  * Her journey to discovering she had hypermobile EDS, autism, ADHD, and other comorbid conditions in her 40s * How her daughter’s 10-month intractable migraine led to uncovering their shared genetic conditions * Navigating complex comorbidities: lipedema, dysautonomia, chronic pain, fatigue, OCD, anxiety & depression ✨ Neurodivergent Parenting & Identity   * Why parenting as a neurodivergent person is both uniquely challenging and uniquely powerful * Raising neurodivergent teens to advocate for themselves—without abandoning our own needs * The reality of sensory differences inside the home and how they impact parent-child dynamics ✨ Community, Culture & System Barriers   * Why neurodivergent and disabled families need community—not self-sacrifice * What past generations had (community) that many parents today are missing   Who This Episode Is For ✔ Neurodivergent parents ✔ Parents raising autistic/ADHD teens ✔ Anyone exploring late diagnosis ✔ People with chronic illness, pain, or hypermobility ✔ Caregivers navigating medical bias ✔ Anyone seeking compassion, humor, and validation About Luna Hand Luna Hand is a comedian, creator, hypermobility educator, and co-host of the Hacking Hypermobility podcast. Known online as Luna the Zebra Mom, she uses humor and research to bring awareness to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurodivergence, and the complexities of disability. Find Luna on TikTok & Instagram: @LunaTheZebraMom Listen to the Hacking Hypermobility Podcast wherever you get audio. Connect With Us   Follow Vida for more conversations on neurodivergent parenting, advocacy, and living authentically. Have questions about coaching, parenting, raising kids, or interested in being a guest? Connect with me on socials or send me an email. TikTok @theneurodivergentteacher Instagram @the.neurodivergentteacher Email Vida@theneurodivergentteacher.com

Ep 5: Rethinking Parenting: A Neuroaffirming Conversation with Dr. Jessica Myszak

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, host Vida Carey — a neurodivergent parent and educator — sits down with Dr. Jessica Myszak, a neuroaffirming psychologist, for an insightful and compassionate conversation about the realities of parenting while neurodivergent. Together, they explore the unique challenges and triumphs that come with neurodivergent parenting, from managing parent guilt to learning how to set healthy boundaries and reparent the inner child. Dr. Myszak shares expert insights on how parents can support neurodivergent children with patience, understanding, and authenticity while also supporting themselves. This heartfelt episode reminds listeners that there’s no such thing as perfect parenting — only growth, creativity, and resilience. By embracing imperfection and leaning into community, neurodivergent parents can find healing, balance, and deeper connection with their children and themselves. Key Takeaways * Parenting is challenging for everyone, but especially for neurodivergent individuals. * Community and mutual support are vital for neurodivergent parents. * Perfection isn’t the goal — authenticity is. * Healthy boundaries create space for balance and calm. * Reparenting your inner child can lead to healing and growth. * Supporting neurodivergent children requires empathy and patience. * Self-compassion helps manage parent guilt and burnout. * Letting kids experience failure helps them build confidence and resilience. * Neurodivergent parents bring unique insights, creativity, and strengths to their families. Keywords: neurodivergent parenting, community support, parent guilt, setting boundaries, reparenting, neuroaffirming care, resilience, creativity, embracing imperfection, supporting children