Finding Harmony as a Parent of a Neurodivergent Child

Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey filled with unique joys and challenges. From managing therapy appointments to navigating meltdowns, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming. As parents, we often focus all our energy on supporting our children—but what about supporting ourselves?

This week on the Every Brain is Different podcast, Lauren and I interviewed Russ Solomon. Russ helps successful, heart-centered, spiritually minded parents of neurodiverse kids eliminate stress and overwhelm so they can show up in a healthy place for their family and lead with love rather than frustration and overwhelm.

The Root of Stress Isn’t What You Think

It’s easy to believe that the source of our stress lies in the chaos of daily life—whether it’s aggressive behaviors, therapy schedules, or the endless pile of paperwork. But Russ challenged us to dig deeper.

According to him, stress doesn’t stem from external challenges. Instead, it often arises from within when we’re not aligned with ourselves. Being “in tune” means your energy is clear, focused, and grounded, allowing you to approach parenting with calm and love rather than frustration.

Two Steps to Reclaim Your Peace

Russ outlined two powerful strategies to help parents find their center, even in the most chaotic moments:

1. Make a Deep Decision for Peace
   This might sound simple, but it’s foundational. Choosing peace over struggle isn’t about magically making life easier; it’s about committing to a mindset shift. Even if the path forward isn’t clear, the decision itself sets the stage for transformation.
   
   

2. Practice Peaceful Letting Go
   Letting go of things you can’t control is more than a mantra—it’s a skill. Russ teaches a quick and effective technique for releasing stress in real time, so you can stay regulated and present for your child.
   
   

Chaos vs. Harmony: What Works for You?

During the conversation, we explored an interesting idea: some people thrive in chaos. For those who find energy in busy, unpredictable environments, the goal may not be peace and calm. Instead, it’s about self-regulation—being intentional with your energy so it serves your goals rather than derails them.

If you thrive in the noise of life, that’s okay! But if the chaos feels overwhelming or you’re craving a sense of balance, consider whether your current approach is truly working for you.

The Importance of Boundaries

Setting boundaries is another crucial piece of finding peace. Whether it’s asking family members to respect your parenting choices or saying no to commitments that drain your energy, boundaries are essential.

Parenting a neurodivergent child is a marathon, not a sprint. To show up as the best version of yourself for your family, you need to nurture your own well-being. Whether that’s through self-reflection, learning new techniques, or simply giving yourself grace, every step you take matters.

To listen to Russ’ full interview check out episode 75 of the Every Brain is Differerent podcast here.