Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting — In the Eye of the Storm

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

Episode Overview

When your child is in crisis, your primitive brain kicks in. You might feel angry, frightened, embarrassed, or frustrated. You might want to lecture, reason, or retaliate. These are normal reactions—but they won't help.

In this snippet, Delyse Clayden walks through what to actually do when you're right in the middle of it. Four clear strategies: connect before you correct, keep everyone safe, help them shift gears, and reduce stimulation. This is the practical episode—what to do with your body, your voice, your words, and your presence when everything is falling apart.

This Episode

Delyse shares four strategies for navigating meltdowns as they happen. We explore:

• Connect before you correct
• Keep everyone safe (move and remove)
• Help them shift gears
• Reduce and remove stimulation

On judgment from others:

•       "My child has autism and is overwhelmed" often shifts bystanders from judgment to understanding

•       Or simply: "We need a moment"

•       You don't have to justify yourself to anyone—the most important person is your child and your connection to them

Quotable Moments

"The child is having a problem, not being a problem." — Delyse Clayden

"When they're in the middle of a meltdown, you are not teaching them anything. You are getting them calm first." — Delyse Clayden

"Safety isn't negotiable, but your tone can remain calm and caring while you're still setting physical boundaries." — Delyse Clayden

"Ignoring other people's judgments is very liberating." — 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

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.