Parenting Beyond Meltdowns | Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, Defiant, Build Connection, Emotional Regulation

23 | Encouragement for the Holidays: Why Presence Matters More Than Meltdowns

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!
 
Mama, Do Any of These Sound Like You?
Do the holidays leave you feeling emotionally drained instead of peaceful?
Does the pressure to “keep everyone happy” make you lose sight of what matters most?
Wish you could stay calm when meltdowns happen and actually enjoy your child in the moment?
Long for the reminder that your presence, not perfection, is what truly brings peace into your home?
Episode Highlights
In this heartfelt holiday episode, Amanda shares gentle encouragement for the mama whose holidays don’t look picture-perfect especially if you’re parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child is being defiant. The noise, the change in routines, and the expectations can feel like too much for both you and your child. But there’s hope.
In this episode, you’ll be reminded that peace isn’t found in perfect plans it’s found in presence. You’ll learn how to breathe through the chaos, invite Jesus into overstimulating moments, and anchor your heart in truth even when meltdowns happen. Amanda helps you see that your calm is more powerful than control, and your steady presence can create connection and safety in ways words can’t for your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ADHD, ODD, PDA, ASD).
If you’ve been craving rest, reassurance, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this season this short episode will feel like a deep breath for your heart.
 
Faith Anchor:“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
Even when the noise and chaos rise, His peace is already within you because His presence never leaves you.
 
Challenge of the Week:This week, when emotions run high, pause before reacting.Take one slow breath and whisper, “Emmanuel ...God is with me.”Let that truth reshape how you show up grounded, calm, and fully present.
 
Links & Resources
Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/insider-listInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/Email: amanda@amandacalfee.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
 

22 | 4 Ways to Protect Your Peace When Family Doesn’t Understand Your Neurodivergent Child

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide. 
Mama, Have you ever walked into a family gathering already bracing for judgment about your child’s behavior?
Do you find yourself explaining your parenting decisions again and again only to feel misunderstood or dismissed?
Wish you could protect your peace when others gossip, criticize, or just don’t “get” your neurodivergent or strong-willed child?
Are you praying for strength to forgive, move forward, and not let their opinions define your worth?
 
Episode Highlights 
In this episode, we’re getting real about what it feels like when family doesn’t understand your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ODD, PDA, ADHD, ASD) and how to protect your peace in the middle of that pain.
Amanda shares a personal story of family rejection and how God gently turned heartbreak into healing. You’ll learn how to stay grounded in truth, regulate your emotions when conflict rises, and rebuild connection in safe, faith-filled spaces.
Through heartfelt encouragement and practical emotional regulation tools, you’ll discover that being misunderstood doesn’t mean you’re unloved sometimes, it’s simply God’s protection over your peace.
If you’ve ever felt unseen, rejected, or weary from trying to make others understand your child, this conversation will remind you that your worth isn’t based on acceptance it’s anchored in identity.
 
Faith Anchor:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
When others push you away, the Father draws near. He sees your heart, your child, and your efforts even when others misunderstand.
 
Challenge of the Week:
If there’s a situation that still stirs up hurt, anger, or bitterness in your heart take it to the Father this week.
Set aside a few quiet minutes and tell Him exactly how you feel. Don’t filter it or tidy it up. Just be honest.
Then pray:
“Father, I come to you with a heart ready to give this pain. Can you please show me how to see this through Your eyes. Help me release the weight of what I can’t control and anchor my heart in You.”
 
Links & Resources:Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-listInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/Email: amanda@amandacalfee.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas

21 | 6 Emotional Regulation Tips to Bring More Peace to the Holidays with Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3 % of Podcasts Worldwide!
Mama,
• Do the holidays leave you feeling more exhausted than joyful?• Wish you could stay calm when your strong-willed or neurodivergent child feels overwhelmed by the chaos?• Find yourself trying to keep everyone happy while ignoring what you and your child really need?• Long to protect your peace without disappointing your family or breaking traditions?
In this episode, we’re talking about what it really looks like to prepare for peace during a season that can feel anything but peaceful.
You’ll learn six practical emotional-regulation tips to help you and your child navigate holiday overwhelm with calm, connection, and confidence. We’ll explore how to identify triggers early, simplify your schedule, and let go of unrealistic expectations so that your family can enjoy meaningful moments without meltdowns.
If you’re parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child (who has ADHD, Autism (ASD), PDA, or ODD), these tools will help you build connection instead of conflict while anchoring your heart in faith and the Father’s peace.
Because true holiday joy doesn’t come from performance it flows from presence.
 
Faith Anchor + Reflection
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26 : 3 (NIV)
Peace isn’t something you have to create; it’s a promise you can receive when you fix your thoughts on the Father instead of the pressure.
 
Challenge of the Week
When holiday stress starts to rise, pause and ask:
“What would peace look like right now—for me and for my child?”
Take one deep breath, simplify one task, or say one “holy no” that protects your calm.Let peace not performance lead your home this week.
 
Links & Resources
Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
 

20 | For the Mama Rung Out by Life: Emotional Regulation for Hard Days

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!
 
Have you ever felt judged or misunderstood by someone who doesn’t truly know your heart or your child’s?
Do comments from others ever leave you questioning your worth as a mama, even when you know you’re trying your best?
Are you carrying emotional weight from people’s opinions, assumptions, or labels that don’t reflect who you really are?
Have you ever prayed, “Lord, help me release what others are placing on me,” because the pressure feels heavy?
In this episode, I’m coming to you from a very real, very tender place. This wasn’t the episode I planned to record today but after a long, emotionally heavy day filled with unexpected challenges and hurtful words, I felt led to show up exactly as I was. Not polished. Not prepared. Just honest. Because sometimes, life hits hard in ways that have nothing to do with meltdowns, defiance, or the strong-willed or neurodivergent child you’re raising and everything to do with circumstances completely outside your home.
In this raw and vulnerable conversation, I share the kind of encouragement I needed myself: grounding truth, emotional regulation reminders, and a faith-centered reset for the moments when someone else’s words shake you more than you expected. You’ll be reminded that other people’s judgments do not define who you are as a mama or your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ADHD, ODD, PDA, ASD).
In this episode, you’ll find a soft place to land a moment to breathe, release the emotional weight you’ve been carrying, and remember that the Holy Spirit meets you right in the middle of your worn-out, overwhelmed places.
My hope is that you walk away feeling seen, steadied, and anchored in truth on the days when life feels heavier than your heart knows how to hold.
 
Challenge of the Week:
Grab a journal and ask the Father to tell you who He says you are.Write down every truth He speaks to your heart.
Then, on another page, release the words or judgments that others have placed on you and ask Him to rewrite them with His truth.
Links & Resources
Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
 
 

19 | Holiday Emotional Regulation: You Don’t Have to Please Everyone to Have Peace

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!
Do any of these sound familiar?
Do you feel pressure to make the holidays look “perfect” for everyone else even when you’re running on empty?
Have you ever felt torn between keeping the peace and protecting your child’s peace?
Do you long to just enjoy the day without walking on eggshells, explaining your parenting, or managing everyone’s emotions?
Wish you could show up calm, grounded, and anchored in who you are in the Father  instead of trying to perform for others?
Episode Highlights
In this episode, we’re slowing down to talk about what it means to build connection while prioritizing peace over performance especially during busy family gatherings.
As a Christian mama raising a strong-willed or neurodivergent child, the holidays can bring joy… and pressure. You might face unsolicited advice, judgment, or tension around how your child behaves  and how you “should” respond. But friend, you don’t have to prove, perform, or please anyone.
You’ll learn how to regulate your emotions in the moment, focus on your child’s sense of safety and connection, and create a calm, grounded atmosphere anchored in the Father’s peace. Whether your child has ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, or simply big emotions, this episode will remind you that peace isn’t something you chase it’s something you carry through the Holy Spirit.
Take a deep breath, release the pressure, and remember: you’re not here to perform you’re here to love well.
Faith Anchor
“The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11 (ESV)
You already carry the peace of the Lord within you, mama. When expectations rise and emotions run high, pause and breathe His peace anchors you even in the noise.
Blessing:
Father as we walk into this Thanksgiving, fill our hearts with peace that steadies us when expectations rise.
Remind us that we don’t have to prove ourselves that our only job is to stay anchored in Your love.
When things feel heavy or hard, whisper to our spirit, “You and your child are safe with Me.”
Let Your presence bring calm, connection, and gratitude to our homes and environments today.
In Yahusha’s Mighty Name, Amen.
Links & Resources
Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
Final Encouragement
Peace isn’t found in doing everything “right.”It’s found in resting in the One who’s already made you whole.You are doing sacred work, mama showing up, loving your child, and reflecting His peace one moment at a time.
 

18 | Navigating Holiday Gatherings with Emotional Regulation: Building Connection and Protecting Your Peace with Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Kids

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!
Do you ever…
• Feel torn between keeping family happy and doing what’s best for your strong-willed or neurodivergent child?• Worry about how others will react to your child’s behavior at family gatherings?• Feel that quiet nudge from the Holy Spirit but doubt your strength to follow it when others push back?• Wish you could walk into the holidays grounded, confident, and at peace no matter what others say or expect?
Episode Highlights
In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to choose peace over pressure when family expectations collide with your child’s needs. You’ll hear a personal story about the tension between pleasing others and protecting your child’s peace and how to recognize that still, small voice guiding you toward what’s best. Together, we’ll walk through practical ways to set boundaries, build connection with your child, importance of emotional regulation, and anchoring your heart in truth when others don’t understand your parenting choices.
You’ll learn how to stay calm and confident even when family members question your approach, how to create emotional safety for your child with ADHD, Autism (ASD), ODD, PDA, or sensory challenges, and how to hold onto peace when the pressure to “keep everyone happy” starts to rise.
Whether you’re navigating meltdowns, managing defiant behavior, or simply craving a more connected, grace-filled holiday, this episode will remind you that you are the expert on your child and the Father’s peace is always stronger than people’s opinions.
This Thanksgiving, you can protect your peace, parent with compassion, and walk in confidence knowing you are led by love, not guilt.
Faith Anchor
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”  Proverbs 29:25
When you trust the Father’s guidance more than people’s expectations, you step out of fear and into freedom. True peace comes from knowing that your worth and your child’s isn’t determined by anyone else’s approval.
Challenge of the Week
This week, take time to pray over your plans before the holiday.Ask the Father to show you what peace looks like for your family this year.Write down one simple boundary that would help protect that peace maybe it’s saying no, stepping out for a break, or letting your child play in another room.
Then, ask Him to give you the courage to follow through when the pressure rises.
 
Remember, peace doesn’t always mean everyone’s happy sometimes it just means you stayed anchored in love and obedience to the Father.
Links & Resources
Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
 

17 | How to Build Connection After Emotional Regulation Takes a Backseat to Meltdowns

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!
Ever replayed a moment after your child’s meltdown and thought, “Why did I do that again?”
Do you wish you could respond with peace instead of guilt after losing your cool?
Wonder how to rebuild connection when emotions run high for both you and your child?
Episode Highlights
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most healing, hope-filled parts of parenting strong-willed and neurodivergent kids — repair.
No matter how much you work on emotional regulation, you’ll still have moments when things don’t go as planned. But peace doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from reconnection.
Amanda shares what real repair looks like after a rupture, how to restore emotional safety, and how to rebuild trust and connection with your child, even when meltdowns, defiance, or sensory overload happen.
You’ll learn how to:
Recognize what’s happening inside of you before trying to fix what’s happening around you.
Use the 3 R’s of Repair — Regulate, Reconnect, Reflect — to restore safety and model humility.
Respond to your child with compassion and confidence, even when they’re overwhelmed by ADHD, Autism (ASD), ODD, or PDA-related challenges.
Apply the Creation Cycle to renew your mind and partner with the Holy Spirit in the middle of hard moments.
Because here’s the truth, mama it’s not the meltdown that defines your relationship, but how you reconnect afterward.
Faith Anchor
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”— Lamentations 3:22–23
Just like God’s mercies are new every morning, you get to mirror that same grace with your child. Every repair moment is a chance to show them what unconditional love looks like connection after chaos, mercy after rupture.
Challenge of the Week
This week, when a hard moment happens:
1️⃣ Pause and regulate yourself first.2️⃣ Return to your child and name what happened gently.3️⃣ Remind them of your love, even if they’re not ready to receive it yet.
Then, reflect on what shifted - not what went wrong, but how choosing repair created safety for both of you.
Links & Resources
Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
Final Note
You’re not called to perfect parenting you’re called to faithful connection.Every time you choose repair over shame, you’re reflecting the Father’s heart and modeling the kind of grace that changes generations.

16 | Meltdowns + Emotional Regulation: Becoming the Hero in Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child’s Story

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! 
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same cycle — your child melts down, you react, and afterward you think, “Why did I do that again?”
If so, this episode will speak straight to your heart.
We’re diving into a powerful concept called the Hero, Victim, and Villain lens and how it can completely change the way you approach parenting your strong-willed or neurodivergent child.
When meltdowns happen, it’s easy to slip into old patterns: feeling powerless (the Victim), trying to control (the Villain), or losing hope altogether. But what if you could step into a new story one where you become the Hero?
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Recognize when you’re parenting from fear, shame, or frustration
Understand how emotional regulation helps you respond instead of react
Rebuild peace and connection with your child, even during the hardest moments
Partner with the Holy Spirit to take your thoughts captive and renew your mind
We’ll walk through real-life examples like handling defiant behavior, PDA-style refusals, or emotional meltdowns common in kids with ADHD, Autism (ASD), or ODD  in a way that protects your peace and builds lasting connection.
Because here’s the truth: you can’t always control the chaos, but you can anchor yourself in calm.You can create emotional safety for both you and your child no matter how strong-willed, neurodivergent, or overwhelmed you both feel in the moment.
Mama, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about choosing peace, walking in grace, and remembering that with God’s help… you can be the calm in your child’s storm.
Listen now to learn:
The difference between reacting in fear and responding in faith
How to identify whether you’re in the Hero, Victim, or Villain role
What emotional regulation looks like in real-life parenting moments
How to rebuild trust and connection with your child when things go wrong
Faith Anchor:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23 
 
Challenge of the Week: 
This week, I want to challenge you to notice which story you’re living from when things get hard.
When your strong-willed or neurodivergent child has a meltdown, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
“Am I showing up as the Victim, the Villain, or the Hero?”
“What thought is driving my reaction right now?”
Then, take a deep breath and pray:
“Father, help me take this thought captive. Help me see my child — and myself — the way You do.”
Your only goal is awareness.You don’t have to get it perfect — just start noticing.
Because every time you pause, reflect, and invite God into the moment, you’re strengthening your emotional regulation and creating space for deeper connection with your child.
 
Links & Resources:
Join Insiders List:https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email:
amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
Megan Fate Marshman Quote
 
 

15 | The #1 Tool for Parenting Beyond Meltdowns with Strong-willed & Neurodivergent Kids: Building Connection Through Emotional Regulation

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! 
Do you ever feel like you’re living in constant reaction mode just trying to survive one meltdown, defiant moment, or emotional storm after another?
In this episode, we’re diving into The Creation Cycle — the #1 tool that will help you renew your mind, regulate your emotions, and rebuild connection with your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ASD, ADHD,ODD, PDA, Autism).
You’ll learn how your thoughts, feelings, and actions work together and how shifting your thoughts can change the atmosphere of your entire home.
This simple, faith-based framework will help you take your thoughts captive, calm the chaos, and parent with confidence and compassion even when big emotions rise.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
What the Creation Cycle is and how it helps you partner with God to renew your mind
The difference between un-captured/un-renewed (false self) and renewed (true self) thoughts
How to identify the patterns keeping you stuck in survival mode
How to process emotions with grace so you can respond from love, not reactivity
Real-life examples of what this looks like for moms of strong-willed, defiant, or neurodivergent kids
Faith Anchor
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” — Romans 12:2“Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
Encouragement for the Week
You don’t have to keep reacting from fear or frustration.You can renew your mind, regulate your emotions, and rebuild connection one faith-filled thought at a time.
Challenge of the Week:
This week, I want you to:
Do a Thought Download. Get every thought out of your head and onto paper.
Pick one thought or emotion that feels the most charged.
Run it through your Creation Cycle.
Then ask yourself:
“What do I want to believe on purpose?”
Write that new thought down every day and practice it until it becomes the truth you live from.
Thought: What am I thinking?
Feeling: What emotion does that thought create in me?
Action: What do I do when I feel that way?
Result: What does that action create in my life—internally and externally?
Links & Resources
Join Insiders List:https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email:
amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas
 

14 | Turning Thoughts and Feelings into Faith-Filled Action: Emotional Regulation for Moms of Strong-Willed & Neurodivergent Kids

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! 
Mama, what if your actions could tell you everything you need to know about your thoughts, your feelings, and even your true identity in Messiah?
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the choices we make—the ones that keep us stuck and the ones that move us forward—so you can step fully into being the mama the Father created you to be.
In This Episode
This week, we’re exploring the action part of the Creation Cycle—how your daily choices flow directly from your thoughts, emotions, and identity in Christ.
You’ll learn:
What buffering looks like (and how it keeps you stuck in survival mode).
How to recognize when you’re living from your false self (old man) instead of your true self (new man).
Why emotional regulation matters when raising a strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ADHD, ASD, ODD, PDA).
What it means to take faith-filled action—even when it feels uncomfortable.
How to let the Father renew your mind so your actions reflect who He says you are.
Faith Anchor
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”— Romans 12:2
Taking action in faith isn’t about striving harder—it’s about surrendering deeper.
When we act from our renewed identity, our choices begin to reflect love, patience, and connection instead of fear, frustration, or control.
Key Takeaways
Buffering (scrolling, snacking, overworking, etc.) is how we often avoid emotions—but awareness helps us face what’s really going on.
True Self vs. False Self: Your true self lives from love, grace, and abundance; your false self reacts from fear, lack, and self-protection.
Faith-Filled Action: Growth happens when we take imperfect action—when we show up with courage even in the middle of hard moments.
Emotional Regulation: You can’t control your child’s behavior, but you can control how you respond. This is what rebuilds connection and peace at home.
Challenge of the Week
Identify one area of your life where you’ve been buffering or numbing out—maybe through social media, food, or busyness.
This week, instead of avoiding the emotion, pause and allow it.Then take one small action that aligns with your true self—something that moves you closer to peace, presence, and connection with your child.
Ask yourself:
“Am I acting from fear, or am I acting from love?”
Every time you choose love, you’re becoming more of who the Father created you to be.
Favorite Quote from This Episode
“Your child doesn’t have to change for you to reclaim your peace. When you regulate your emotions and act from your true identity, you become the calm in your child’s storm.”
Listen & Connect
If this episode encouraged you, share it with another mama who’s walking through the storms of parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child.
Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other moms find Parenting Beyond Meltdowns and reminds them they’re not alone.
 
Links & Resources
Join Insiders List:https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/
Email:
amanda@amandacalfee.com
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas