Advertise on podcast: SEND Parenting Podcast

Sleep problems are one of the most overlooked — and misunderstood — parts of ADHD. In this episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast, Dr Olivia Kessel breaks down the science behind ADHD and sleep, explaining why up to 70% of children with ADHD struggle with sleep, and why this is not behavioural, it is biological. Drawing on research and lived experience, Dr Olivia explains how delayed melatonin release and circadian rhythm disruption affect the ADHD brain, and why many children are simply not biologically ready for sleep at conventional bedtimes. This episode was created after a conversation inside the ADHD Warrior Mum community, where a mum shared that her child was still full of energy at bedtime — and that her doctor questioned the evidence behind melatonin. That question prompted a deep dive into what the research actually shows. In this episode, you will learn: Why sleep difficulties are so common in ADHDHow melatonin works (and what it does not do)What the research says about safety and effectivenessWhy addressing sleep can transform emotional regulation, focus, and family lifeDr. Olivia also shares her personal journey navigating over a decade of severe sleep disruption with her daughter — and how understanding the biology changed everything. 🎧 Recommended resource: Dr. Olivia references research and clinical insights from Dr Russell Barkley, including his YouTube talk on ADHD and sleep. 👉 Link to Dr Russell Barkley’s YouTube video on ADHD and sleep 📘 Free resource: Download the free 30-Day Sleep Guide at www.SENDParenting.com/Sleep 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

Why do children with ADHD seem exhausted by the end of the day?  Why do meltdowns often hit after school?  And why does it feel like they are constantly craving sugar? In this episode, adapted from a live masterclass inside the ADHD Warrior Mum community, Dr. Olivia Kessel is joined by Lucinda Miller, founder of NatureDoc and author of Brain Brilliance, to explore how brain fuel affects energy, focus, emotional regulation, and behaviour in children with ADHD. We discuss: Why the ADHD brain uses more energy than a neurotypical brainHow blood sugar crashes drive dysregulation and meltdownsWhy breakfast matters more than most parents realiseHow nutrition can support ADHD medication and sleepPractical, low-pressure strategies that work in real familiesThis is not about perfect diets or restriction.  It is about understanding your child’s brain and supporting steadier days. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

Applying for an EHCP can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and emotionally draining — especially when your child is already struggling. In this episode, Dr. Olivia Kessel is joined by Dr Abigail Fisher and Eliza Fricker, co-authors of The Essential EHCP Guide for Parents and Carers, to gently demystify the EHCP process and remind parents of one crucial truth: You are not failing. The system is hard. Together, we break down what an EHCP really is, when to apply, and the common myths that delay support — including the belief that you need a diagnosis before starting. We explore how to advocate for your child without burning out, what makes an EHCP meaningful (and what makes it ineffective), and how parents can protect their own mental health while navigating a deeply flawed system. This is not just a conversation about paperwork and plans.  It is about trust, instinct, advocacy, and hope. If EHCPs are part of your life — or you are wondering if they should be — this episode will help you feel less alone, more informed, and more empowered. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

In this powerful and honest conversation, I am joined by Michael McLeod, internationally recognised ADHD and executive function specialist and founder of GrowNOW ADHD, to unpack what ADHD really is and why so many children and families are being failed by outdated models of support. We explore why ADHD is best understood as a developmental executive function disorder, with emotional regulation at its core — not laziness, defiance, or lack of willpower. Michael explains why traditional approaches like talk therapy, worksheets, and constant verbal prompting often make things worse, and what actually helps children build the skills they need for life. In this episode, we discuss: Why emotional dysregulation is one of the most overlooked signs of ADHDThe four pillars of executive function and how delays show up at home, school, and sociallyWhy screens are so dysregulating for the ADHD brain — and why “balance” is often unrealisticHow parenting language, structure, and boundaries can either escalate or reduce meltdownsWhy executive function predicts long-term success more than grades or academic performancePractical strategies parents can use immediately, including reducing verbal prompts and creating more structure at homeThis is a deeply validating episode for parents who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning whether they are doing something wrong. It reframes ADHD with clarity, compassion, and evidence — and offers a way forward that feels realistic rather than punitive.  📘 Michael’s book The Executive Function Playbook  🌍 Grow Now ADHD Website   ▶️ Russell Barkley YouTube 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

Christmas is often sold as magical and restorative. For many mums of neurodiverse children, it is exhausting. In this honest, deeply personal episode, Dr Olivia Kessel shares a raw Christmas Eve moment that reveals the hidden burnout so many mothers carry. This is a conversation about emotional regulation, guilt, shame, and the invisible labour of neurodiverse parenting. If you made it through the holidays feeling drained, snappy, or empty, this episode is for you. Burnout is not a failure. It is a sign you have been giving more than you have. You are not alone. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

The holidays can be magical… and completely exhausting when your child has ADHD. Late nights, travel, sugar, screens, unfamiliar beds, and heightened emotions can quickly undo even the most carefully built sleep routine. If your child’s sleep falls apart during the holidays, you are not failing. This is genuinely harder for ADHD brains. In this episode, Dr. Olivia Kessel shares practical, realistic strategies to help you protect your child’s sleep during the festive season and gently reset routines when January arrives. In this episode, you will learn: Why holidays are especially disruptive to ADHD sleepHow overstimulation, routine changes, and emotional intensity affect regulationWhat to pack in a holiday sleep toolkitHow to protect wind-down time without becoming the “fun police”When and how to manage sugar and screen timeWhat to do if sleep completely falls apartHow to reset sleep routines calmly in the New YearThis episode is for parents who are juggling family expectations, disrupted routines, and a child who struggles to switch off. You will leave feeling reassured, supported, and better prepared. 👉 Download the free Holiday Sleep Survival Guide  Thank you for being part of the SEND Parenting Tribe. You are not alone in this. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

December promises twinkly lights and cosy moments, yet many parents feel like they’re sprinting through a minefield. I open up about the invisible load that spikes stress during the holidays—noise, judgment, lost routines, sensory overload—and explain why your nervous system interprets it all as danger. When the body tips into fight, flight, or freeze, calm isn’t a choice you’re failing to make; it’s a state you can learn to access with fast, reliable tools. We unpack the zones of regulation for parents—blue, yellow, red, and green—and walk through a relatable holiday scenario to show how we slide from steady to overwhelmed in small steps. Then I share a three-step reset you can use anywhere: notice, name, navigate. You’ll learn a one-minute breath pattern to switch off threat mode and a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding sequence to anchor back in the present. From there, we get practical about hotspots: setting boundaries for family gatherings, using code words and pre-planned exits, lowering the bar to get out the door, and choosing “good enough” bedtime routines after big days. The heart of this conversation is a reframe: you’re not a bad mum; you’re a tired human carrying a load most people can’t see. Perfection is brittle, but presence is resilient. Trade the Instagram script for small, humane choices that protect your energy and your child’s regulation—leave early, say no, order takeaway, let the outfit go, and pick connection over performance. If you’re craving steady ground, join the Seven-Day Calm Parent Challenge. For £10 you’ll get daily guidance, audio support, a private community, and a live Q&A to help you map triggers, practise resets, set boundaries, and release guilt. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more parents find these tools. Let’s choose present over perfect together. 👉 Join the 7-Day Keeping Calm Challenge (£10) 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

If parenting your child feels like a constant battle—and every strategy you have been told to use only makes things worse—you are not alone. Many families live this struggle daily without realising there is a name for what they are seeing: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). In this episode, we speak with Rachel Crutcher and Sarah Stewart from the PDA Society, two experts who have walked this path both personally and professionally. Together, we uncover why everyday demands trigger such intense anxiety, why rewards and consequences backfire, and how a calm-first, collaborative approach can finally bring relief. You will hear the early signs many parents miss—demand avoidance even for things a child usually loves, the need for control, and the familiar pattern of fine at school, meltdown at home. Once you understand PDA through a can’t-not-won’t lens, everything begins to make sense. Your guides walk you through the practical steps that transform family life:  • How to lower demands without lowering expectations  • How to spot the hidden “micro-demands” that drain your child before the day has even begun  • How humour, choices, and written prompts make requests feel safe  • Why treating a PDA child like a “mini adult” (explaining the why, asking permission, collaborating) reduces anxiety instantly We also tackle one of the biggest pain points for PDA families: school. You will learn how masking works, which adjustments truly help, and what flexible, trauma-aware practice looks like in real life. If your school’s ethos is rigid, we help you recognise when it is not the right fit—and where to turn for support and SEND-law guidance. For families with siblings, we share a simple principle that reduces resentment and restores harmony: use collaborative, low-demand strategies with everyone. It is fair. It is kind. And it works. Finally, we show you where real, ongoing help exists—through the PDA Society’s free guidance service, moderated parent communities, self-paced learning hub, professional training, and bespoke school consultations. If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure what to try next, this episode will give you both clarity and hope.  You can understand your child. You can reconnect. And things can get better. If this conversation supports you, follow the show, share it with your community, and leave a review—your story may be the encouragement another parent needs. PDA Society  PDA Society Link Tree 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

So many parents of neurodivergent children lie awake at night wondering the same thing:  “What will happen when my child enters the workplace?” In this episode, Dr. Olivia sits down with Jenefer Livings, HR consultant, workplace needs assessor, and mother to a neurodivergent child, to demystify what neurodiversity at work really looks like. Together they explore how shifts in workplace culture, flexible working, and better understanding of executive functioning are transforming what is possible for neurodiverse adults. You will learn: Why traditional school subjects do not predict your child’s future career successHow to identify strengths—not just struggles—in your teenagerWhat reasonable adjustments and Access to Work actually meanHow parents can support teens to self-advocate with confidenceWhy the right workplace can unlock your child’s brilliance (and how to spot the wrong one)The rising opportunities in self-employment and entrepreneurship for differently wired mindsThis is a hopeful, practical conversation for any parent wanting to help their child step into adulthood with confidence, clarity, and a sense of possibility. Click here for Silk Helix 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

You are not imagining it.  Pregnancy, birth, and early parenting are more overwhelming for many neurodivergent mums — and no one tells you why. In this eye-opening episode, doula and neurodiversity advocate Alix Myers joins Dr Olivia to unpack the hidden challenges that make the perinatal journey feel so intense. If you ever wondered why you struggled more than other mums, this episode finally gives you the answers, validation, and tools you deserve. ✨ What You Will Learn 🧠 Sensory Overload in Pregnancy Why hormonal shifts amplify sensory sensitivities — and how to make your body feel safer and calmer. 🏥 Creating a Neuro-Safe Birth Plan How lighting, sound, communication style, and advocacy can completely change your birth experience. 🤐 The Hidden Danger of “Masking” in Labour Why so many neurodivergent women go quiet under stress, and how this leads to medical teams missing signs of distress. 🍼 Feeding Without Overwhelm Practical guidance for breastfeeding, chest feeding, or bottle feeding — without sacrificing your mental health. 🧩 Executive Function in Postpartum Why everything feels 100 times harder, and how simple systems can reduce chaos and protect your wellbeing. 🤝 How Partners Can Truly Support You From non-verbal cues to boundary-bouncing — what your partner really needs to know. 💛 Why This Episode Matters If pregnancy or early motherhood felt harder than it “should,” this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and solutions. You will walk away feeling understood, supported, and far less alone. Contact Alix Myers Virtual Doula  💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

Many neurodivergent children struggle to make and keep friends — not because they do not care, but because they experience the world differently. In this episode, Dr Olivia speaks with Kirsten, founder of Uncommon, a unique online community that helps neurodiverse children build friendships and confidence through shared interests like gaming, art, and creativity. Kirsten shares her personal journey to an autism diagnosis, why traditional social spaces often fail neurodivergent kids, and how Uncommon’s mentoring model is transforming lives. Together, they explore what true belonging means — and how finding your tribe can change everything. Whether your child is shy, anxious, or struggling to connect, this episode will give you hope, practical insights, and a new perspective on social growth for neurodiverse children. 🌐 Learn more about Uncommon   💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

What if the problem isn't your child—it's the system? If school mornings feel like a battlefield and your child is shrinking under constant pressure, this episode offers hope. Dr. Olivia sits down with Cassie Olguin—homeschooling mother of three (including neurodivergent twins) and Outschool education lead—to explore what learning looks like when you step outside the traditional classroom. Cassie's Journey: From early motor delays and night terrors to navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, Cassie shares the messy, real path many families walk. You'll discover how labels became tools for changing the environment—not verdicts on her daughter's potential. What You'll Learn: ✨ Charter homeschooling demystified – How oversight works without rigid timetables ✨ Personal pace over grade levels – Why your child doesn't need to "keep up" ✨ Practical strategies that worked – Delaying reading until readiness, reframing maths as everyday numeracy, using interest-led classes ✨ Outschool's magic – Live sessions with expert tutors (think: veterinary science with a practicing vet, maths through Minecraft, virtual history escape rooms) ✨ Redefining success – Why standardised tests don't measure intelligence, creativity, or resilience The Twin Perspective: Perhaps most moving: Cassie's twins are taking completely different educational paths through adolescence. One thrives with college-level work; the other flourishes at a gentler pace. Different tracks, equal worth. Key Takeaways for Parents: Start without decision paralysis—you don't need to figure it all out at onceFind your support network and share resourcesOutsource subjects you don't love (yes, really!)Mastery-based learning vs. arbitrary grade levelsSmall online classes that respect sensory needs and attention spansIf your child is struggling, this conversation offers relief, clarity, and a roadmap forward. 💡 Subscribe to never miss an episode  💬 Share this with a parent who needs hope  ⭐ Leave a review to help more families find practical, compassionate support Click here for Outschool Coupon Code: SEND40 Terms: Offer expires 12/31/25 at 11:59 pm PDT. Registered Outschool account required. Enter code at checkout for $40 USD off a new membership. $40 off membership only valid for first-time memberships. Limited to the first 500 users. Cannot be combined with another offer. Subject to Outschool's Terms of Service 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

Half-term chaos, slammed doors, sharp words—if that sounds familiar, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr Olivia Kessel sits down with teen expert Kim McCabe to unpack why your once-snuggly child suddenly bristles at “How was your day?” and how to respond without losing your cool or your connection. From the teenage brain’s rebuild to the unique load neurodiverse teens carry, we explore what is really happening under the surface—and the simple shifts that can change everything at home. Kim explains why after-school meltdowns often land on parents, how masking drains emotional capacity, and what co-regulation looks like in real life. Together, we cover how to use short validating phrases instead of lectures, hold boundaries that reflect your core values, and create safe outlets for big feelings that do not harm anyone. You will hear why permissiveness can feel like indifference to teens, how to choose a few non-negotiables, and when to step back so your young person can save face and recover their balance. We also share low-pressure ways to rebuild closeness: monthly parent–teen “dates,” visiting their world first—whether that is gaming, football, memes, or TikTok—without judgment, and narrating your own self-regulation to model coping. Whether you are parenting girls or boys, mums or dads, neurotypical or neurodiverse, the principles hold true: be the parent, team up with other adults, and protect your own capacity. Calm and loving is your superpower—but it needs fuel. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a parent who needs a boost, and leave a quick review so more families can find these tools. And if you are ready for deeper support, check the show notes for details on the Recharge and Connect SEND Summit—join us in person or via live stream. 💬 Resources Mentioned in This Episode If today’s conversation with Kim McCabe resonated with you, you can find out more about her work at Rites for Girls , where she supports parents and teens through the transitions of adolescence. Explore her brilliant book, From Daughter to Woman: Parenting Girls Safely Through Their Teens , and discover her Weekend Retreat for Mothers of Daughters — a beautiful space to reconnect, reflect, and parent with greater awareness and ease. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

Burnout has a way of making even the smallest task feel impossible. We open with a lifeline for parents raising neurodivergent children, then sit down with campaigner and founder Agnes Agyepong to trace how postnatal depression and isolation became the spark for two powerful vehicles of change: the Glow Mama Awards and a research-led movement tackling maternal and SEND inequalities. Agnes shares the surprising role social media played in her recovery—authentic posts, wry humour, and micro-moments of solidarity that made her feel seen. That insight grows into Glow Mama, a people’s choice awards platform celebrating the creators who keep mothers going at 3 a.m. From there, Agnes dives into the Black maternal health crisis and the environmental factors that stack the odds against families long before labour begins, culminating in the Black Child Clean Air Report and cross-sector partnerships. The throughline is clear: these are public health problems that show up in clinics, classrooms, and on our streets. We dig into SEND inequity with lived experience. Agnes talks about being treated with suspicion when her son was self-harming, becoming a school governor to be heard, and the way adultification bias and rigid behaviour policies fast-track exclusions before support arrives. We challenge the outdated, industrial model of schooling and argue for personalised education that works for every brain. Practical guidance runs throughout: why a Year 3 screening won’t secure legal protections, how an Educational Psychologist’s report unlocks exam access and durable support, and how to build an evidence trail that proves whether a school can meet need. If you want clear next steps, we’ve got them: back petitions so policymakers see the data, write your MP so SEND rises in local triage, connect with specialist groups for Education Other Than At School pathways, and join community networks that share tactics without gatekeeping. Neurodivergent thinkers are not problems to be fixed; they are the innovators we need. Subscribe, share with a caregiver who needs hope, and leave a review to help more families find real tools and real change. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.

 What if the problem was never your child—but the system itself? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Olivia sits down with Esther Jones, mindfulness teacher, mother of three, and author of The Parent’s Handbook to Unschooling Yourself, to explore what happens when we let go of the ‘shoulds’ that weigh parents down. From daily battles over school refusal to the pressure of academic milestones, Esther shares her family’s journey into unschooling—a path that focuses on curiosity, connection, and trust rather than control. Together, they unpack how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform not just how our children learn, but how we parent. Whether you are curious about alternatives to traditional education or simply looking for a way to bring more calm and joy into your home, this episode will help you see that the first step to helping your child thrive might just be learning to “unschool” yourself. Author & mindful parenting coach Book: The Parent's Handbook to Unschooling Yourself Podcast: The Unschool Space Website: www.esther-jones.com 👉 Join ADHD Warrior Mum: The Recharge Station  Join Dr. Olivia Kessel and leading SEND experts at the Recharge and Connect Summit on 11 November 2025 at Phyllis Court, Henley-on-Thames (also livestreamed). A day to recharge, connect, and gain practical tools for raising neurodiverse children. 💛 👉 sendparenting.com/event 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve as you navigate this journey. 📩 Contact Me If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at [email protected] I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.