How much of parenting is made harder by all the expectations we carry? In this episode, Bridgette and Molly explore the “shoulds” they’ve let go of while raising neurodivergent kids. They also discuss the idea of delighting in our children: getting curious about the things they love, appreciating what makes them unique, and intentionally balancing out a world that often focuses on their struggles. It's a feel good conversation about letting go, celebrating the good, and finding more joy alongside the challenges of raising kids like ours.

Resources Mentioned

Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen

A compassionate guide to raising deep-feeling, strong-willed kids with practical strategies for staying calm, setting boundaries, and building a connected relationship.

Terms Mentioned

Delighting
Intentionally noticing, enjoying, and expressing genuine pleasure in who your child is—not just what they accomplish or how they behave. Delighting helps strengthen connection, especially during challenging seasons of parenting.

Body Doubling
A strategy where someone works alongside another person while they complete a task. The other person doesn't need to help—they simply provide a calming, motivating presence that can make it easier to get started and stay focused.

The "Shoulds"
The expectations we place on ourselves, our children, or our families about how parenting is supposed to look. Letting go of these expectations can reduce stress and make room for more joy and connection.

Yes Day
A planned day when parents say "yes" to as many reasonable requests as possible within agreed-upon limits, giving children an opportunity to lead and connect with their family.

We are not experts — just parents sharing what we're learning in real time. If any of these terms are new to you, you're not alone. We're learning too.