Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting — When the World Gets Too Loud

She Snippets for She Speaks Podcast Series 3 — Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting

Episode Overview

Fluorescent lights buzzing. Music blaring. Crowds pushing past. Trolleys clanging. Strong perfume. And somewhere in the middle of it all, your child is about to lose it—and honestly, so are you.

In this snippet, Delyse Clayden shares what it's really like to parent a child with sensory processing difficulties—and how to look after your own needs at the same time. From the music wars in the car to the minefield of the supermarket, Delyse offers practical strategies born from years of lived experience. This isn't about getting it perfect. It's about finding what works for your family, without shame.

This Episode

 We explore:

Why sensory responses aren't about 'getting their own way'—they're about fear of the unknown and anxiety

Creative workarounds at home: music schedules, letting children take control of what triggers them

The everyday sensory challenges: teeth brushing, socks, food textures, washing hair

Why staying calm yourself makes space for connection—like keeping everyone at the dinner table

Sensory-friendly shopping strategies: timing, lists, headphones, escape plans, and letting go of clothing battles

Permission to use screens for distraction when you need to—without shame

Quotable Moments

"I didn't make it a big deal. Because I stayed calm with it, it made my need of them being at the table with us come true." — Delyse Clayden

"You do what works for you. If you need to use a device for distraction, don't let anyone shame you for doing it." — Delyse Clayden

"It's okay for them to express how they're feeling—that's something they're trying to communicate with you." — Delyse Clayden

"Sometimes I go shopping, especially around Christmas time, that is too much for me. You spend an hour at the shops, then you need a half hour lie down." — Delyse Clayden

About Your Hosts

Professor Narelle Lemon is a researcher, educator, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing based at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Creator of She Speaks and the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist project, Narelle has dedicated over 25 years to one powerful belief: self-care is not selfish—it's essential.

Delyse Clayden is an experienced educator, disability advocate, and mother of three. Specialising in Anxiety, Autism, and working with siblings, Delyse brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. Her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent living alongside additional needs allows her to connect authentically with families.

Connect With Us

Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

Delyse Clayden — Disability Advocate

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences and practical strategies, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.

She Speaks Podcast was recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. We respectfully acknowledge our elders past, present, and emerging.