Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

Sometimes the child who seems “fine” — quiet, cooperative, and academically strong — is actually the one silently struggling.

In this deeply personal episode, Andi shares what she recently discovered about her one son's hidden stress responses and executive functioning challenges, despite being the so-called “easy” kid of her two kids.

She walks through the emotional rollercoaster of guilt, the importance of slowing down, and how “doing well” on paper doesn't always mean everything is okay underneath.

Key Takeaways

• Just because a child is quiet, compliant, or “gifted” doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling emotionally or cognitively.
• The turtle stress response (shutdown, avoidance, compliance) can hide significant executive functioning challenges.
• It’s easy to skip foundational skills when we’re anxious to “fix” the problem — even when we know better.
• Support begins with understanding where your child is truly struggling, not just reacting to behavior.
• Academic success doesn’t automatically reflect emotional regulation or executive functioning strength.
• Slowing down and building skills step-by-step is the real shortcut to lasting change.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] – What it means when the “good kid” isn’t actually fine

[00:03:00] – The gifted child who won the “Silent but Deadly” award — and what it masked

[00:05:00] – Signs of executive functioning struggles hiding beneath compliance

[00:07:00] – When guilt kicks in: The parenting moment Andi didn’t expect

[00:09:00] – Why compassion and collaboration beats punishment

[00:10:00] – Learning ladders: Meeting kids where they’re actually at

[00:13:00] – Helping kids in school when executive functioning is the issue

[00:15:00] – Real-life changes that helped Andi’s son thrive

[00:17:00] – Reframing school as executive functioning training

[00:20:00] – A focus tool from Peak Mind by Amishi Jha that actually worked

[00:21:00] – Letting go of grades as the only measure of success

[00:23:00] – Why helping your child succeed means seeing what’s really going on

Resources Mentioned

Book: Peak Mind by Dr. Amishi Jha – A science-based guide to improving focus and attention: https://amishi.com/books/peak-mind

Self-Assessment Form – Understand hidden executive functioning and emotional struggles: Click here to access: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

When your child struggles with homework, meltdowns, or falling behind—especially when they’re bright—the issue may not be academic at all.

In this episode, Andi sits down with Allie Bourke, owner of Oxford Learning in Waterloo, Ontario, to talk about how executive functioning shapes everything from learning and memory to focus, flexibility, and frustration tolerance.

Allie shares insights from her 19+ years supporting kids through cognitive and academic assessments—and explains why understanding how your child learns is often more important than what they’re learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Why executive functioning struggles often show up as academic issues, behavior challenges, or emotional outbursts
• How standard report cards miss critical learning and cognitive skill gaps
• The difference between the school system and individual teachers—and how to build collaborative support
• How to help your child when they “know it” but can’t show it
• Why some kids shut down over homework even when the material is “easy”
• The role of flexibility, memory, inhibition, and self-monitoring in learning success
• How parents can advocate more effectively (and when to bring in outside support)

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] – Andi introduces Allie and her background in child psychology and education

[02:00] – Why so many kids struggle in school even when they’re bright

[05:00] – What executive functioning looks like in everyday classroom behavior

[07:30] – Real-life examples of cognitive inflexibility and how they impact learning

[10:00] – The homework meltdown: why it’s not just about the math

[12:00] – Executive functioning vs. academic level—when your child knows the answers but can’t get them on paper

[15:00] – How Oxford Learning uses both academic and cognitive assessments to get a full picture

[19:00] – Dysgraphia, working memory, and why testing format matters

[24:00] – Why some parents shouldn’t be their child’s teacher—and how to recognize when to step back

[30:00] – Talking to schools when expectations don’t match your child’s current ability

[35:00] – What to do if your child is always chasing “perfect marks” but losing confidence

[42:00] – Helping kids build self-awareness, pause before reacting, and choose recovery

[45:00] – Final thoughts from Allie: don’t wait if you suspect something’s off

Resources Mentioned:

FREE Dynamic Assessment (Reg. $275):

Oxford Learning Waterloo is offering a free academic + cognitive assessment to Kids With Big Emotions podcast listeners!

Offer expires May 31, 2025.

Available in-person only at the Waterloo, ON location.

👉 To book:

📧 Email: waterloo@oxfordlearning.com

📞 Call: 1-519-725-3577

📍 Mention you heard about it on the Kids With...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

What if your child’s “too muchness” is exactly what the world needs?

In this episode, Andi explores how children who are sensitive, intense, passionate, or deeply curious are often misunderstood, redirected, or told to tone it down—and how this can quietly create lasting emotional wounds. She breaks down the subtle, invisible forms of trauma kids experience when the world isn’t ready for their gifts and offers tools for helping your child celebrate who they are instead of shrinking to fit in.

Whether your child is being told they’re “too loud,” “too sensitive,” “too smart,” or “too intense,” this episode will help you reframe those messages and support them in developing confidence, connection, and self-awareness—without ever having to change who they are.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma isn’t just big events—it’s anything that feels like too much, too soon, too fast, or too long.
• Many neurodiverse kids internalize subtle redirections and dismissals as proof that something is “wrong” with them.
• Kids who are deeply curious or emotionally intense may feel misunderstood unless we celebrate their “too much” instead of trying to fix or mute it.
• Teaching kids how to use a “dial,” not a mute button, helps them adjust to different environments without losing their identity.
• Supporting kids through their sensitivities and passions builds resilience and helps them develop a strong sense of self.

[00:00] – Opening reflection: Why kids are told they’re too much—and what it does to them

[02:00] – Personal story: How a whiteboard and math at dinner challenged expectations

[03:00] – Trauma redefined: Not just big events, but how experiences shape nervous systems

[05:00] – The impact of being misunderstood or redirected as a child

[06:00] – How feeling others’ emotions can be overwhelming—and how to manage it

[07:00] – Breaking down trauma: too much, too soon, too fast, too long

[08:30] – Academic mismatch: When a child’s intellectual level doesn’t match emotional readiness

[10:00] – Sensory sensitivity: The real impact of smells, sounds, and environment

[12:00] – Practical examples: Why 20 questions on a test might trigger a meltdown

[14:00] – Personal school story: Being accelerated without emotional preparation

[16:00] – The hidden trauma of chronic stress, boredom, or masking

[18:00] – Supporting your child: Let them voice how they feel about being brushed off

[19:00] – Creating safe spaces where “too much” is celebrated

[21:00] – Teaching the concept of the emotional and behavioral “dial”

[22:00] – Self-awareness vs. self-rejection: Supporting authenticity with boundaries

[24:00] – Helping kids find their people and communities where they belong

[26:00] – Mourning what we thought parenting would look like—and leaning into who our child really...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

In this powerful episode, Andi sits down with Courtney Hobbs, the heart behind MotherTelling, to explore how the simple act of sharing our motherhood stories can be deeply healing—not just for ourselves, but for others too. From NICU beginnings to stage-worthy stories, Courtney shares how storytelling builds connection, creates understanding, and reminds us we’re never alone.

• Your silence isn’t protecting you—it's keeping you isolated. Sharing your story invites connection and support.
• You don’t have to have the same experience to relate. Emotional truths like doubt, fear, and hope are universal.
• Telling your story helps others understand your world—especially in settings like school advocacy for your child.
• Stories are more impactful when told from a scar, not an open wound. Healing creates space for meaningful connection.
• Daily moments matter. Tracking even the tiniest memories can lead to powerful stories down the road.

[00:00] Meet Courtney Hobbs and the origin of MotherTelling

[03:00] Why silence can make motherhood feel lonelier than it is

[05:30] How shared stories create deep understanding across different experiences

[07:00] The importance of using language others can relate to—especially when discussing neurodiversity

[09:00] Tips for identifying jargon in your story and rewording it to connect with more people

[11:00] Storytelling for advocacy: how to describe your child’s needs in a way schools can understand

[14:30] What behaviors might look like at school and how parents can offer insights to teachers

[18:00] Parents are the experts on their kids—don’t underestimate the knowledge you have

[21:30] The impact of screens and the shift in focus and attention in the classroom

[24:00] Helping kids use tech as a tool, not just a distraction

[27:00] Movement and creativity in the classroom—and why they matter so much

[28:30] Healing through storytelling: how the 10-week journey supports moms in finding their voice

[33:30] Sharing from a scar, not an open wound: why timing matters in storytelling

[40:00] The Daily Momment Challenge: capturing story-worthy “mom”ents from everyday life

[42:00] Why collecting small memories can shift your mindset and preserve your legacy

• 🌟 Courtney’s Daily Momment Challenge – A 7-day guided journey to help you capture meaningful moments in your motherhood story: https://mothertelling.myflodesk.com/dailymomentschallenge
• 📓 MotherTelling Journals (Coming soon on Amazon!) – Sentimental and funny guided journals to help you keep track of story-worthy moments
• Oh they are available now
• https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=courtney+hobbs&crid=39IDBAT0MRBZU&sprefix=courtney+hobbs%2Caps%2C93&ref=nb_sb_noss_1...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

When kids struggle in school, testing is often recommended to figure out how to support them. But what happens when the test results don’t match what you see in your child every day?

In this episode, we’re diving into the limitations of standardized tests—especially for neurodiverse kids—and how they often miss key aspects of a child’s intelligence, learning style, and executive functioning. You’ll also learn how to supplement school testing to get a more complete picture of your child’s strengths and struggles.

Instead of saying, "The test is wrong," try this approach:

"Here’s what the standardized test says, and here’s additional testing that helps us understand why there was such a difference between some of the scores. Can we look at both to build the best support plan?"

• Standardized tests don’t always reflect your child’s true abilities because they measure only certain skills in a controlled, one-size-fits-all way.
• Neurodiverse kids—especially those who are gifted, autistic, ADHD, or have executive functioning struggles—may not perform well on tests designed for “typical” learners.
• A single test score doesn’t define your child’s intelligence or potential. Understanding their executive functioning skills can reveal their actual strengths and needs.
• Parents should trust their observations and use additional assessments to get a fuller picture of their child’s abilities.
• How to advocate for your child in school and present a more complete picture of their learning needs.

• [00:00] Welcome & Introduction – Why testing is often recommended and why it doesn’t always tell the whole story.
• [01:30] The Limitations of Standardized Testing – Why tests are designed the way they are and why they often don’t capture neurodiverse thinking.
• [04:50] The "Broken Microphone" Analogy – How tests only measure what they are designed to measure, and why that can be misleading.
• [06:30] Gifted Testing & Executive Functioning Challenges – How gifted kids can be overlooked or misdiagnosed due to uneven test results.
• [08:45] Autism, ADHD & Learning Disabilities in Testing – How testing environments can impact results, and why context matters.
• [10:30] The WISC Test & What It Measures – Breaking down the different categories, including verbal comprehension, working memory, and processing speed.
• [14:15] The Swiss Cheese Brain vs. The Smooth Surface – Why kids with uneven skills struggle in school and how schools often don’t know what to do with them.
• [18:30] Why Gifted Kids Still Struggle in School – The reality of executive functioning struggles, even in highly intelligent children.
• [21:45] Why Schools Rely on Standardized Data – The system’s limitations and why parents must take a proactive role in advocating for their child.
• [24:00] How to Supplement Standardized Testing – The importance of executive functioning assessments and how to find professionals who understand these skills.
• [26:30] Resources for Executive Functioning Assessments – Recommendations for finding the right support and assessments outside of school.
• [28:15] How to Advocate for...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Parenting, work, and self-care—how do we balance it all? In this episode, I sit down with executive life coach Amy Ballantyne to talk about the constant juggle that parents face. Amy shares powerful insights on managing stress, overcoming the inner critic, and shifting our mindset to create a more aligned and fulfilling life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough or that burnout is inevitable, this conversation will leave you feeling seen and empowered.

• You are enough. The pressures of parenting and work can make you feel inadequate, but recognizing your worth is the first step toward balance.
• Everyone struggles. The thoughts of “I’m not a good enough parent” or “I’m failing at work” are far more common than we realize.
• Self-awareness is key. Learning to recognize stress, triggers, and emotional patterns can help you respond rather than react.
• Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. Many parents only seek help once they hit a breaking point—learning small mindset shifts can prevent this.
• Judgment—both internal and external—can drain your energy. Freeing yourself from worrying about others’ opinions allows you to focus on what truly matters.
• Small steps lead to big changes. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight—start with one small shift in how you think, act, or respond.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction – How Andi and Amy first connected and why this conversation is so needed.

[00:02:00] Meet Amy Ballantyne – Amy’s journey as a coach, her expertise in mindset work, and how she helps parents and professionals find balance.

[00:04:00] The Inner Critic & Common Parent Struggles – Why so many parents feel like they’re failing, and how to shift those thoughts.

[00:07:00] What is "Normal" Anyway? – Challenging the idea of what a ‘normal’ family routine looks like.

[00:09:00] Burnout & the ‘Push Until You Break’ Mentality – How parents often don’t seek help until they are completely overwhelmed.

[00:13:00] Small Steps to Shift Your Mindset – Why gradual, manageable shifts in thinking make lasting changes.

[00:16:00] Handling Big Emotions in the Moment – Practical ways to stay calm when your child is melting down.

[00:21:00] The Power of Repair & Role Modeling for Your Kids – How acknowledging mistakes and modeling emotional regulation helps your child grow.

[00:29:00] Overcoming Judgment & Letting Go of Guilt – Strategies to stop worrying about what others think and focus on your own growth.

[00:35:00] Shifting Societal Expectations Around Parenting – Why traditional parenting beliefs don’t always serve today’s kids.

[00:38:00] Final Thoughts & Encouragement – Amy’s biggest message for parents: You are enough.

• Amy’s Website: https://ballantynecoaching.com
• Amy’s NEW TEDx on Simple Tips for Work-Life Balance: https://bit.ly/Tedx2-AmyB
• Amy’s Mindset Workbook (Free Download):

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Welcome to the Kids with Big Emotions Podcast! This is our 100th episode—a huge milestone! Thank you for being part of this journey. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: Why anxiety in kids is skyrocketing like never before.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you’ve probably noticed that children today seem more anxious than ever. Even compared to past generations who lived through wars and economic crises, today’s kids are struggling at an unprecedented level.

But why is this happening? In this episode, Andi explores the hidden drivers of anxiety, how they impact brain development, and practical strategies to help kids navigate this complex digital age.

• Anxiety is not just a mindset issue—it has deep physiological and neurological roots.
• Social media and screens are rewiring kids’ brains, making it harder for them to self-regulate and focus.
• The gut and nervous system play a critical role in anxiety—imbalances in gut health can directly impact mood.
• Environmental toxins in everyday products are disrupting kids’ hormones, further exacerbating stress and anxiety.
• It’s not about banning screens altogether, but about teaching kids healthy tech habits.
• Supporting kids with anxiety requires a holistic approach, not just telling them to “calm down.”

[00:00] - Celebrating 100 episodes! The importance of understanding childhood anxiety today.

[02:00] - Addressing common myths: It’s not just about “kids being soft” or “social media being the problem.”

[04:00] - The science behind anxiety: How screens, stress, and environment impact the nervous system.

[05:00] - Insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—how smartphones are rewiring kids’ brains.

[07:00] - A personal story: How unchecked screen time led to depression and anxiety in my own child.

[10:00] - Screens and addiction: Why kids struggle to stop gaming or scrolling.

[15:00] - The “whiteboard effect” in the brain: How screen overload reduces focus and executive function.

[20:00] - Executive functioning and screens: Why kids struggle with transitioning between tasks.

[27:00] - The nervous system in overdrive: How constant stress rewires kids’ ability to self-regulate.

[32:00] - Gut health and anxiety: Why digestion and serotonin production matter.

[35:00] - Environmental toxins: How synthetic fragrances, plastics, and household products affect anxiety.

[42:00] - Comparing today’s anxiety crisis to past generations—why modern stressors are different.

[44:00] - How to help kids develop digital resilience instead of banning screens completely.

[47:00] - Introducing the Support Circle—a community to help parents navigate anxiety, screens, and stress management.

Resources Mentioned

📖 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – Explores the impact of screens on brain development -

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Parenting kids with big emotions is no easy task, especially when explosive outbursts, school struggles, and executive functioning challenges are part of daily life.

In this episode, Andi is joined by Shauna B, a life reinvention and motivation coach for single and divorced moms, who shares her powerful journey of raising children with intense emotions.

Together, they discuss the long game of emotional regulation, how to navigate school challenges, and the importance of self-care for parents.

Shauna shares her personal experience of parenting through meltdowns, school battles, and behavioral struggles, and how she found effective strategies to help her kids develop emotional resilience.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or searching for practical tools, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered in your parenting journey.

✔️ Big emotions aren’t just behavior problems – They often stem from executive functioning struggles, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or emotional regulation difficulties.

✔️ The school system often doesn’t understand emotional regulation struggles – IEPs can be helpful, but they often serve as band-aids rather than addressing the root of the challenges.

✔️ Homeschooling and alternative education can be game-changers – Finding a learning environment that meets your child’s needs may require thinking outside the traditional school system.

✔️ Self-care for parents isn’t optional—it’s essential – The more you recharge, the more you can help your child through their emotional struggles.

✔️ Every child needs different strategies – What works for one child may not work for another, so flexibility and patience are key.

✔️ Success is in the long game – Helping kids regulate emotions takes time, persistence, and a strong support system.

📍 [00:02:00] Meet Shauna B – Single mom of three, life reinvention coach, and advocate for parents navigating big emotions.

📍 [00:04:00] Recognizing the signs – Shauna shares how she noticed the first signs of emotional struggles in her kids, including volcanic outbursts, impulsivity, and challenges with self-regulation.

📍 [00:07:00] The long game of emotional regulation – Why parenting kids with big emotions requires patience, persistence, and a mindset shift.

📍 [00:10:00] The challenges of parenting different kids with different needs – How Shauna had to adjust her parenting approach between her two sons, one with explosive outbursts and another with aggressive behaviors.

📍 [00:15:00] Schools don’t always get it – How executive functioning struggles impact emotional regulation, and why IEPs and traditional school interventions often fall short.

📍 [00:20:00] The decision to homeschool – Shauna’s journey to pulling her son from school, homeschooling, and eventually finding an online program that worked for him.

📍 [00:27:00] The power of reducing overwhelm – How breaking tasks into smaller steps helped Shauna’s son regain confidence and manage his schoolwork.

📍 [00:38:00] Modeling emotional regulation...