Harmony in

Neurodiversity

THE BLOG


Welcome to Harmony in Neurodiversity, a blog dedicated to exploring the profound impact of music and positive parenting strategies on the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Join Samantha, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy fellow and a passionate Positive Discipline Parent Educator, as she shares her expertise in leveraging the power of music and effective parenting approaches to support and empower neurodiverse communities.

In her blog posts, Samantha delves into the intricate connections between music and the brain. She explores how specific musical elements and interventions can enhance cognitive functions, regulate emotions, improve communication, and promote social interaction among neurodivergent individuals. Through insightful articles and case studies, she demonstrates how rhythm, melody, and lyrics can serve as powerful tools for therapeutic interventions, fostering growth and self-expression.

Positive Discipline Parenting Strategies:

Drawing from her expertise as a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Samantha sheds light on nurturing positive relationships between parents and neurodivergent children. Her blog offers practical advice, evidence-based strategies, and real-life anecdotes that empower parents and caregivers to cultivate respectful, encouraging, and effective parenting techniques. From setting clear boundaries to fostering a supportive environment, Samantha guides readers in navigating the challenges and joys of parenting neurodiverse children.

Exploring Intersectionality:

Samantha doesn't limit her discussions to singular approaches. Instead, she delves into the intersectionality of Neurologic Music Therapy and Positive Discipline Parenting, illustrating how these methodologies complement each other. Through her insightful content, she showcases how the harmonious integration of music-based interventions and positive parenting strategies can create holistic support systems for neurodivergent individuals, promoting their well-being and personal growth.

Community Engagement and Resources:

Additionally, Samantha fosters a vibrant online community where readers can engage, share experiences, and seek advice. She curates a wealth of resources, including recommended readings, workshops, and practical tools, empowering her audience to implement valuable insights into their lives effectively.

Positive Self-Talk

When Parenting Feels Heavy: How Positive Self-Talk Can Help

May 09, 20252 min read

Parenting my three neurodivergent kids feels heavy sometimes.

There are days when I get down on myself for mistakes I have made, especially when I lose my temper during hard moments.

On those days, it is easy to feel like a failure as a parent.

But over time, I have learned that how I talk to myself in those moments matters just as much as what happened.


One strategy that has truly helped me is
positive self-talk.

It is not just a feel-good exercise.

Positive self-talk is a real tool for emotional self-regulation, and it can change the entire tone of your home.

What Is Positive Self-Talk?

Positive self-talk means intentionally choosing encouraging thoughts instead of letting your brain spiral into negativity.

It sounds simple, but it is powerful. In hard moments, positive self-talk can ground you, helping you stay calmer and more connected to your child.

Some examples of positive self-talk include:

  • "I am patient and capable."

  • "I can handle hard moments with grace."

  • "This challenge is an opportunity for growth."

Positive self-talk reminds you that even when things feel chaotic, you are doing the best you can.

Why It Matters for Your Child

When you practice positive self-talk, you are not just helping yourself.
You are modeling
resilience, self-compassion, and optimism for your child.

You show them what it looks like to face mistakes with kindness.
You show them that emotions can be managed and that mistakes are a normal part of learning and growing.

This builds trust, emotional safety, and stronger relationships at home.

Need a Little Extra Support?

If parenting has felt extra heavy lately, I invite you to listen to Episode 99 of the Every Brain is Different podcast.

You will find simple self-talk strategies you can start using right away to feel more grounded and supported in your parenting journey.

Positive self-talkParenting neurodivergent childrenSelf-compassion for parents
blog author image

Samantha Foote

Samantha’s mission is to strengthen, guide, and empower parents, children, and adults to develop emotional awareness, improve social skills, and gain effective coping skills resulting in improved peer relationships, increased family harmony, and a calmer & more relaxed demeanor. She is a board-certified music therapist, a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a registered Music Together teacher. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and completed her Masters of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University. She is a Neurological Music Therapy Fellow and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed Music Therapist. When she is not working, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and extended family. They enjoy fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

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