#170 - A Conversation Around Parenting & Neurodiversity with Megan from On The Hard Days

Raise your hand if you’re raising a neurodiverse child. Now, raise your hand if this experience has ever made you question your abilities as a parent. 

You are not alone! Even if it feels that way sometimes. When you finally talk to another parent who gets it, it can be a powerfully validating experience, which is why today’s guest has created a special resource for moms raising out-of-the-box kids, where they can find support and encouragement from others who are going through the same thing. 

The On The Hard Days podcast and community was created by Megan Champion, a mother of three, educator of 14 years, and supporter of struggling moms everywhere. As an introvert and recovering perfectionist, she strives to unite mothers all over the world who share parenting challenges and many hard days. 

In this episode, Megan opens up about her own parenting challenges and why she is doing what she does. We also talk about neurodiversity, the importance of finding positives on the hard days, and continuing to thrive, even when you don’t feel like you can. Tune in today to hear all this and so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Find out why Megan started a blog and then a podcast and how it has evolved over the years.
• She shares a bit more about her children and her journey of raising a neurodiverse child. 
• Early signs of her son’s sensory processing challenges, ADHD, anxiety, and sensitivity.
• How Megan struggled with knowing what was “normal” and where and how to seek help.
• The mental health challenges of raising neurodiverse kids that isn’t often acknowledged.
• The importance of identifying and focusing on your child’s strengths.
• How connecting with your children on a personal level builds trust, makes your kids feel valued, and makes you feel capable.
• Megan shares why she uses the term ‘out-of-the-box’ for neurodiverse kids.
• Some strategies that have been successful for Megan’s son, including medication.
• Why neurodiverse children often struggle with making friends at school.
• Professionals are amazing, but nobody knows better than you; how to advocate for your child.
• Learn more about Megan’s podcast and her support group community, Mothers Together

Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at  Harkla.Co/Podcast.

Brought To You By Harkla

This podcast is brought to you by Harkla.  Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. We accomplish this through high-quality sensory products, child development courses, & The Harkla Sensory Club.

Podcast listeners get 10% off their first order at Harkla with the discount code "sensory". Head to Harkla.co/sensory to start shopping now.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Megan Champion on Instagram
On the Hard Days
On The Hard Days Facebook Community
Mothers Together Support Group Community
The Explosive Child
Harkla
All Things Sensory on Instagram
All Things Sensory on Facebook