loader from loading.io

Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

Release Date: 03/27/2025

Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids show art Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

Today's episode is an extra special pep talk for anyone homeschooling—or considering homeschooling—neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever felt doubtful, heard wild myths, or just wanted some validation, this one is for you!   Episode Spotlight: Myth Busting Neurodivergent Homeschooling Have you heard these before? “Neurodivergent kids need experts, not parents.” “Homeschooled kids won’t be socialized.” “They’ll have too many gaps or fall behind.” “Homeschooling will make anxiety or emotional struggles worse.” “You have to do it alone.” We'll tackle...

info_outline
Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up show art Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up

Raising Lifelong Learners

Today's episode of the podcast, is all about building meaningful connections with your preteens and teens—especially as they start finding their independence. Colleen gets real about the challenges of staying connected as kids grow older and shares practical, heartfelt tips on how to keep those important bonds strong (even when everyone’s schedule is packed and the house is chaos!). Whether you’re navigating parenting differences with your partner, homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, or just trying to carve out some quality time with your teen, this episode is filled with...

info_outline
How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function show art How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function

Raising Lifelong Learners

On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners. As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is everywhere: in our backyards, kitchens, and local parks. Key Takeaways: Adventure Builds Resilience & Confidence: Trying new things (even small ones!) helps kids learn to fail, adjust, try again, and discover real-world bravery. Stronger...

info_outline
Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool show art Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something that might seem small at first glance but can create a massive ripple effect in your child’s life—celebrating wins! Whether your kiddo is neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply working hard on any kind of challenge, recognizing their progress is a simple and powerful tool to build confidence, resilience, and deeper connection. Key Takeaways: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on your child’s effort and growth—academically, emotionally, or socially—rather than on flawless outcomes or test scores....

info_outline
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool show art Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool

Raising Lifelong Learners

As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime. Key Takeaways: Connection Over Correction: Before jumping into discipline, prioritize building strong, trust-based connections with your kids. A safe and validating environment empowers children to openly share feelings and seek help when things get tough. ...

info_outline
Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s Spark show art Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s Spark

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week’s episode of the podcast is truly close to my heart. We dove deep into what it means to truly embrace our kiddos’ unique sparks and passions, especially for our neurodivergent learners. If you sometimes worry about your child being “too focused” on one thing, or wonder how to support their big interests when the world doesn’t always get it, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Why Intensity is a Feature, Not a Bug: It can feel overwhelming when your child hyper-focuses on trains, bugs, Minecraft, or musical theater. But that intensity?...

info_outline
The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids show art The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of connection and how it can transform your homeschool and family life. Homeschooling, especially with differently wired kiddos, comes with its set of challenges, and prioritizing connection over perfection is the key to a thriving environment where your children feel safe, seen, and valued.   Key Takeaways: The 'Why' Behind Connection: It's not just a nice-to-have; it's neurologically necessary, especially for our neurodivergent kiddos. Real-Life Connection Strategies: From morning cuddles to evening debriefs, we're sharing practical...

info_outline
Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling show art Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling

Raising Lifelong Learners

This week's episode is all about cultivating leadership skills in our kiddos, especially those amazing outside-the-box thinkers. We dive into a type of leadership that’s less about rallying a group and more about creativity, kindness, and empathy. We go over ways to nurture these qualities in your homeschool environment and everyday family life. This is part of our focus for the month in the Learner's Lab, where leadership takes center stage. Key Takeaways: Why Leadership Matters: Discover how leadership skills enhance problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability, crucial for every...

info_outline
Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids show art Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids. As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and talk practical strategies to support them in everyday scenarios. Key Takeaways: Create a Flexible Learning Environment: Shorter lessons with frequent breaks help cater to brains seeking novelty. Role-Playing Social Situations: Practice...

info_outline
Inspire a Love for Learning at Home show art Inspire a Love for Learning at Home

Raising Lifelong Learners

In today's episode, we dive into the concept of nurturing a lifelong love of learning for our children. It's all about cultivating curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, and guiding them through self-directed projects. You'll hear personal stories of fostering self-discovery and adaptability in kids, emphasizing the power of modeling this mindset ourselves. We explored practical ways to inspire an atmosphere of learning at home and how to balance structure and freedom. Remember, it's the process of learning that truly matters. Keep that curiosity alive! Tune in for more insights. ...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids.

As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and talk practical strategies to support them in everyday scenarios.

Key Takeaways:

  • Create a Flexible Learning Environment: Shorter lessons with frequent breaks help cater to brains seeking novelty.
  • Role-Playing Social Situations: Practice different responses to improve social impulse control.
  • Calm Down Spaces: Designate a quiet corner with sensory tools for emotional regulation.
  • Gamify Focus: Turn attention skills into a fun challenge to encourage progress.

 

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Don’t forget, The Learner’s Lab is also a fantastic resource for in-depth strategies, activities, and group coaching sessions that can further aid your journey in supporting your child’s development.

 

Get the Book

For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

 

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

 

Connect with Colleen
You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler