episode forty-two: Relationships Part 4 - Bullying

Unfortunately, many of our differently wired loved ones have to deal with bullies.  In this episode, Heather & Jon begin to scratch the surface of the topic of bullies.  In it they discuss the myth that bullies have low self-esteem and introduce a few skills that our bullied kiddos can be taught.

episode forty-one: Relationships Part 3 - Family Structure

Oh families!  They are lovely and complicated and so much more when impacted by fringy-ness.  In this episode, Heather & Jon discuss the structures of families.  In particular, they respond to an article that has been circling the internet about the roles of children within a family.  Share your thoughts on the Fringy Bit Facebook page.

Mentioned in this episode:
     The Article

episode forty: Relationships Part 2 - Knowing Yourself

To be in any type of quality relationship, we first must know ourselves.  For our fringy kids, part of knowing themselves is knowing what makes them fringy.  In this episode, Heather and Jon talk about how to talk to your kids about how they're wired.  Whether your child is gifted, twice exceptional, has autism, sensory processing disorder, adhd, or any other type of difference, its important to talk to them about it.  Heather and Jon share their strategies, as parents, and as mental health professionals.

episode thirty-nine: Relationships

Relationships.  We all need 'em.  But they can often be complicated and difficult to navigate, and for our fringy kids (autism, gifted, twice exceptional, adhd, spd, etc), relationships can be extra complicated.  This episode is the first of a several part series in which Heather & Jon talk all things relational.  In this episode, we talk about the importance of relationships, finding your tribe, and staying true to yourself.

Mentioned in this episode:
     Brene Brown

episode thirty-seven: Love & Sibling Stuff

As if parenting a fringy kiddo isn't complicated enough, us fringy families often choose to have other kiddos to love and raise.  Sometimes these kiddos mimic fringy behaviors.  Sometimes these kiddos make it quite clear that the differing expectations feels incredibly unfair.  And always these kiddos need to be loved in their very own unique way.  In this episode, Heather and Jon talk about ways to meet each of our children's needs and how to normalize loving them each uniquely.

Mentioned in this episode:
     The 5 Love Languages
     SibShops
     The Sibling Slambook
 
    Views From Our Shoes   
 

episode thirty-six: What To Do When Your Younger Child Surpasses Their Older Sibling

When raising more than one fringy kid (gifted, 2e, autism, spd, adhd, etc), there's a strong likelihood that a younger sibling will become more advanced in a particular subject or area than their older sibling.  Here's how Heather and Jon deal with this potential problem.

Mentioned in this episode:

power poses - Amy Cuddy
Jason Silva - shots of awe
Ian Byrd - Curiosities & Puzzlements; byrdseed.com
Calm.com
The Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix comedy - be forewarned, it gets dark and somewhat gruesome)
Special Needs Homeschooling Facebook Group

episode thirty-five: Dyspraxia & Emotion Regulation Tools

Join Heather & Jon as we discuss a great resource for dyspraxic kiddos, and gather about a bazillion and one tools to help your differently wired (asd, spd, gifted, 2e, adhd, etc) child regulate their emotional and energy zone effectively!

Mentioned in this episode:
     Zoom Boom Kids
     Funpraxia
     Dyspraxia
     Zones of Regulation
    Sallie Borrink

episode thirty-three: Asking for Help

Having a fringy family (autism, spd, giftedness,adhd, differently wired, 2e) necessitates asking for help.  And yet, often it seems asking for help is extremely difficult to do.  Listen in as Heather & Jon talk about reasons we find it difficult accepting help and strategies to begin changing this.

 

Mentioned in this episode:
     Black Sails
     Amazon Prime & Kindle Unlimited
     Audible
     book - The Butterfly Garden

episode thirty-two: Identifying BIG Emotions

Anyone with a Fringy Kid (gifted, 2e, autism, spd, adhd, etc) know that emotions can get big and out of control very quickly and very intensely.  Join Heather and Jon in this episode, as they discuss a tool which has helped many children (and adults!) learn how to identify how they are feeling and gives a language for them to share how they are feeling.

Mentioned in this episode:
     Zones of Regulation

episode thirty-one: All Things IEP

Seeing as fringy kids are differently wired (gifted, 2e, ASD, SPD, etc), they often learn differently than more typical kiddos.  This can make navigating the public school system complicated.  Heather & Jon are excited to have Toni Chambers from Wisconsin Family Ties join us in this episode to explain the IEP (individualized education plan) process and provide tips for parents to utilize to garner effective working relationships with school while determining best strategies to help their fringy kid learn.

Mentioned in this episode:
     Wisconsin Family Ties
    Wisconsin Family Ties Facebook
     IDEA
     504 Plans
     Wright's Law
     WI Specific Information on IEP Process
     Ross Greene
     Book:  Tidying Up

episode thirty: Co-Parenting Part 2

Parenting is difficult.  Parenting Fringy Kids who are gifted, twice exceptional, autistic, or otherwise differently wired is super difficult.  Parenting Fringy Kids with a co-parent you like, is super duper difficult.  Parenting Fringy Kids with a co-parent you are no longer partnered with, is difficult beyond words!  Brian Burns joins us in this episode to give tips, tricks, and support for all of you who are doing the complex work of co-parenting with someone who isn't on the same page as you.

Mentioned in this episode:
     Dr. Gottman - contempt
     DEAR MAN - assertiveness (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindfulness, Act
                           Confidently, Negotiate)
     The Body Keeps the Score
     EFT

How to Reach Brian:
     Burns Family Consulting offices in Hudson, WI & Woodbury, MN; burnstherapy@gmail.com

episode twenty-nine: DIY Sensory Tools

Have you ever tried to find OT tools or equipment to allow your sensory dysregulated or intensely psycho-motor child to modulate themselves at home?  Aren't they ridiculously expensive?!?  In this episode, Heather and Jon share hacks and DIY strategies that they've used to create their very own indoor OT playground.  Perfect for gifted, ASD, SPD, even neurotypical kids!  Listen along as you learn ways to be kind to your wallet and still get the tools you and your child need.

BONUS!!  Leave us a review on iTunes and you'll be entered to win an Amazon giftcard to help gathering these tools and supplies a "BIT" easier.

Mentioned in this episode:
     Mr. Loverman by Shabba Ranks
     Destination Imagination
     Light Projector (this isn't the one we bought, so it may be better quality, but it's essentially the same type of thing)
     Spinny, Turny Hook Things
     Hammock Swing
     Net Hammock Swing
     peanut ball

And, stay tuned!  We're working on getting some pics of our creations up soon!

episode twenty-eight: interoceptive sense & co-parenting part I

In this episode, Heather & Jon begin to answer a few questions from the Bits.  First, more info about the interoceptive sense and a couple of things that may be helpful if your differently wired (gifted, Autism, SPD, 2e, etc) kiddo has mixed up interoception.  Also, a discussion about co-parenting, whether living apart or together, and the challenges of parenting together when each parent can be in a very different place with regard to the grief and acceptance process of having a differently wired child.

Mentioned in this episode:
     EMDR (see the brief info on Boorman Counseling.com or for more information or to find a certified EMDR therapist near you, check out emdria.org)

episode twenty-six: family gatherings

It's Thanksgiving 2016 here in the United States, which means there will be big family gatherings, big, big changes in schedules, and potentially big meltdowns.  In this episode, Heather & Jon share ways they're learning to manage these large family gatherings with fringy kids.  Whether your child is gifted, has autism, has spd, or is otherwise differently wired, we'll help you, and your child, survive these crazy times!

Mentioned in this episode:

     To learn about Nesel Packs, and hear our initial review, listen to episode thirteen

      To learn about Liev Schrieber here is his IMDB page http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000630/ 

 

episode twenty-five: education

In this episode, Heather & Jon discuss educating our Fringy Kids.  Gifted, special needs, children with autism or sensory processing disorder have unique needs throughout their lives, and their learning and education is no different.  

Mentioned in this episode:
     The Accountant

episode twenty-four: Sensory Intensity

In this episode, Heather & Jon discuss the hypersensitive sensory systems that many gifted individuals can experience.  We consider strategies to help regulate these crazy sensual experiences of our gifted kiddos and ourselves!

Mentioned in this episode:  
     Engelbert Humperdinck (& his songs - he's still singing!)

episode twenty-three: Sleep!

In this episode, Jon and Heather consider all the ups, downs, ins and outs of sleep!  Many of our Fringy Kids (gifted, ASD, SPD, etc) have sleep issues, which means many Fringy Parents have sleep issues, too.  Hopefully this episode will give you a few extra ideas on ways for everyone in the house to catch a few more zzz's.

Mentioned in this episode:
     Together 24/7 Podcast
     Relax Melodies App