When Something Feels “Off” (and Google Isn’t Helping)
Happy Friday! (you know some weeks are just like that 😉) You made it!
Few things send a parent’s stomach dropping faster than that quiet whisper of something’s not right. Maybe it starts early — a gut feeling in the hospital that your baby isn’t quite like the others. Maybe it shows up when developmental milestones seem to drift further away, when your younger child starts passing their older sibling, or when the teacher pulls you aside after class with that look. Sometimes it’s not a single moment at all — just a slow, growing sense that something is off and you can’t quite name it.
Cue the late-night Google searches:
“Why won’t my child make eye contact?”
“Is it normal for a 7-year-old to have daily meltdowns?”
“What’s the difference between ADHD and anxiety in kids?”
We spiral through articles, online forums, and TikTok therapists, trying to decode what’s happening. Then comes the overwhelming part — figuring out where to turn next. Pediatrician? Occupational therapist? Psychologist? Speech pathologist? Who even goes first when you’re not sure what you’re looking for?
So many parents find their way to me at this exact point — exhausted, confused, and ready for a roadmap that actually helps. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, exploring neurodivergence, or just trying to understand your child’s behavior, you don’t have to do it alone. Parent coaching isn’t about “fixing” kids; it’s about helping families function better together.
Real World Strategy:
Whether your child is neurotypical, neurodivergent, or what I lovingly call “neuro-spicy,” the goal isn’t to make them someone else — it’s to make your home a safe, connected place where everyone can thrive. Through coaching, we focus on building understanding, improving regulation and communication, and creating more calm moments in between the chaos, because when our homes feel like havens, growth comes naturally.
🌊Want to dive deeper? To learn more about neurodivergent parenting, check out Parenting in the Real World: Neurodivergence/Mental Health — Neurodivergent Parenting (Level 3, Course 3, Section 1).
📚TWO Resources of the Week:
➡️My friend and colleague Nikki Sammet wrote a guide for parents that holds your hand through ten essential steps to take after your child’s autism diagnosis. From choosing trusted providers to building a roadmap of support, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more confident as you navigate this new journey. Nikki is the brains behind Oak and Hive Consulting, which empowers parents of autistic children by providing neuro-affirming guidance and resources that bridge the gap after diagnosis.
➡️If you haven’t read this yet, it’s one of the best explanations of what “the spectrum” really means, and it might just shift your perspective: 🔗 “It’s a Spectrum” Doesn’t Mean What You Think
💬 Join the Conversation:
Find me where the slightly overwhelmed, curious parents gather: Bluesky / Instagram/ Tik-Tok
💌Newsletter Archive:
Missed a good one? Want to revisit past nuggets of wisdom? Find them all here.
👋 Need More Support?
If you’re feeling lost in the maze of labels, specialists, and next steps, reach out here. Parenting doesn’t have to be this hard.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
Cari
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