Real Parenting For Sensitive Moms

About Real Parenting For Sensitive Moms

Parenting while being Highly Sensitive is not for the weak of heart. And since sensitive moms often have sensitive kids, your house is probably filled with big emotions, everyone feeling everyone else’s feelings, strong-willed, gifted, deep-love-bucket kids… and sometimes it can be a lot. On top of that, you’re probably analyzing, noticing, and anticipating everyone’s moods and needs before they even realize how they’re feeling. It’s exhausting. It’s overwhelming. It’s frustrating. And your nervous system probably feels like it’s on overload most of the time. Add in overthinking, anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, and you’ve got a recipe for a burned-out, stressed-out mom trying desperately to do everything right, hold everything together, and make everyone happy, which, by the way, is an impossible standard. If this is you, I want you to know: you are not alone. And thank God you found this podcast. 😂 No, but really, we are so happy you’re here. I'm Adrienne Bishop, and as a parenting coach for highly sensitive families and a highly sensitive mom myself, I wanted a place where sensitive moms could feel seen, heard, and understood. So I started this podcast with my friend and fellow highly sensitive mom and therapist, Leah Andreoni, because we know you want answers. You want support. You want to understand yourself. The Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms podcast is here to help you realize you’re not crazy. We’re going to un-shame all the things you secretly shame yourself about. We’ll give you real tools that actually help with your sensitive kids. We’ll help you love your sensitivity. And we’ll help you feel connected to a community of moms who truly get it. WELCOME. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms)

Publisher

Adrienne Bishop and Leah Andreoni

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Oct 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   19. How to Handle the "After School Unload"

   Your child comes through the door and, within 60 seconds, the after-school meltdown starts - the crying, the snapping, the sibling fights, the total emotional unload. If you’re a highly sensitive parent, this episode gives you the exact reframe and practical rituals that help you survive that daily transition without absorbing the chaos. We break down why kids often hold it together all day and then fall apart with the person who feels safest. We explain why the “safe space” dynamic is actually a sign of secure attachment, even when it feels exhausting, and why the wrong questions, the wrong timing, or jumping straight into activities can make everything worse. You’ll discover: Why the first minute after school matters more than the rest of the evening The difference between a child who needs closeness, distance, movement, food, or silence How to create a simple after-school ritual that works for your whole family What to say instead of “How was your day?” when your child is already maxed out...and more!

2. 

   10 Jun 2026

   18. Emotional Contagion: Why you feel everything your kid feels

   In this episode, Leah and Adrienne explore the concept of emotional contagion and the impact of being a highly sensitive parent has on the parent's emotional regulation and response to their children's emotions. Takeaways Emotional contagion describes the unconscious process of automatically catching and absorbing the emotions and attitudes of those around you. Highly sensitive parents may experience a deeper and more impactful emotional response to their children's meltdowns, and it is important to recognize that this is a normal part of being highly sensitive. Repairing the relationship with the child after a challenging interaction is crucial, and it is important to practice tools and techniques to regulate emotions and respond more effectively in these situations. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

3. 

   27 May 2026

   17. Managing Picky Eaters and ARFID with Jennifer Anderson, Kids Eat in Color

   Most parents feel powerless when their child refuses to eat, but the secret to turning mealtime stress into a positive experience is surprisingly simple. Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color and author of Feed Them Well, reveals the movement away from pressure, dieting, and rigid rules and towards playful, compassionate strategies that encourage healthy eating habits without the stress. If you're tired of tantrums and stress at the dinner table, this episode offers life changing insights to reshape your family’s relationship with food. Jennifer's personal experience with her own children’s picky eating, combined with her professional background as a registered dietitian with a Master of Science in Public Health from Johns Hopkins, fuels her mission: helping parents break free from outdated rules like "finish your plate" or "one polite bite" that often backfire. Instead, she advocates for a relaxed, play-based approach that reduces anxiety, promotes curiosity, and fosters genuine food enjoyment. You’ll discover how to shift the focus from control to connection, even in the face of extreme picky eating and ARFID; simple ways to make meals fun through visual tricks, modeling, and removing pressure; and how to use the powerful concept of "safe foods" to build trust with your child. Whether you’re currently experiencing feeding challenges or want to prevent future issues, these strategies create a kinder, more relaxed environment for everyone at the table. Listen now and discover how small changes in your mindset and routines can transform mealtime from a battleground into a place of connection and growth. Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian, CEO of Better Bites, and the author of Feed Them Well, coming September 8, 2026. With over 2 million followers on social media and a background in public health, she combines research, clinical experience, and parenting wisdom to revolutionize how we think about feeding our kids and ourselves. Connect with Jennifer: Instagram: @ (https://www.instagram.com/kids.eat.in.color/)kids.eat.in (http://kids.eat.in).color (https://www.instagram.com/kids.eat.in.color/) Tik Tok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@kids.eat.in.color?lang=en)tiktok.com/@kids.eat.in.color (http://tiktok.com/@kids.eat.in.color) Facebook: facebook.com/kids.eat.in.color (http://facebook.com/kids.eat.in.color) Top resources for Parents: Jennifer’s book, Feed Them Well, A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life (https://kidseatincolor.com/feed-them-well-book) is now available for pre-order. Wondering if your child is a typical picky eater or if it's more serious? Take the Pediatric Screener for ARFID and Extreme Picky Eating (PSA-Eat) (https://kidseatincolor.com/qsm_quiz/screener/) BetterBites (https://kidseatincolor.com/landing-pages/betterbites-arfid-extreme-picky-eating-programs/): Whether you are managing  ARFID, extreme picky eating, or a nutrition problem, our app-based programs give parents a research-backed path to change how their child eats, one step at a time. Connect with Adrienne @adriennebishopcoaching and Leah @leahandreoni on Instagram

4. 

   13 May 2026

   16. Why you're DONE by 3pm (hint: it's not because you're weak)

   You know that feeling when the kids walk through the door and you've already mentally clocked out? Or when your partner says "hi honey!" and you're like... please, not you too. In this episode, Adrienne and Leah get real about the 3pm wall: why it hits highly sensitive moms so hard, why you're not lazy or a bad mom, and what's actually going on in your nervous system when everything starts feeling like sandpaper on your brain. They cover the sneaky things draining your energy all day (yes, even your emotions count), why that afternoon coffee might be making things worse, and a bunch of quick tricks to reset, from cold water hacks to a 20-second hug that actually works. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

5. 

   29 Apr 2026

   15. People Pleasing and the Power of Saying No for the Family Life YOU want with Trina Stutzman

   As a highly sensitive mom, you may naturally want to have peace in the house and not cause conflict in your life. To achieve this, you end up saying yes to others and do things you don't want to do so that other people don't judge you. But what would happen if you stopped worrying what others thought (hello: your mom) or what others were doing (i.e. the neighbors) and instead listened to your intuition? What would it be like to create the family life that works best for YOU and YOUR family, no matter how counterculture? Would you be less burned out? Less exhausted? Happier? Well, we certainly think so, but it's so hard to do! You're in luck though! Help is here! In this episode, Leah and Adrienne sit down with Trina Stutzman, a recovering people pleaser, wellness coach, and author of 12 Steps to Overcome People-Pleasing, for a conversation about why so many women struggle to put themselves first. Trina breaks down what people pleasing really looks like, where it comes from, and why highly sensitive women are especially prone to it. We also explore the important connections between people pleasing and hormonal shifts, trauma responses, and the "shoulds" we absorb from culture, religion, and family and why it's so hard to listen to our instincts and do what is best for us and our families, no matter what everyone else is doing. From parenting boundaries to birthday party logistics, we get real about the guilt that keeps us stuck, the resentment that builds when we stay silent, and the small but powerful shifts that can help us start choosing ourselves, without adding yet another thing to the to-do list. Whether you're a burnt-out mom, a chronic over-giver, or someone who just can't seem to say no, this episode is your permission slip to stop performing and start living as your actual self. Topics covered: The 20 signs you might be a people pleaser Why sensitivity and people pleasing so often go hand in hand How hormones (hello, perimenopause) can shift your tolerance for self-sacrifice The role guilt plays in keeping us stuck Practical first steps from Trina's 12-step framework Why being "the world's okayest mom" might be a compliment How to live counter culture and have the family life YOU want. Find Trina at TrinaStutzman.com (http://TrinaStutzman.com) and grab her book 12 Steps to Overcome People Pleasing on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

6. 

   15 Apr 2026

   14. HS, ADHD or anxiety - Your Questions Answered with HS Expert Alane Freund

   If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling trying to figure out… Is this ADHD? Anxiety? High sensitivity? Sensory issues? Something else? — you are so not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Alane Freund and walk through real parent scenarios that will probably feel very familiar. We talk about a 4-year-old with intense, daily meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere… An 18-month-old who won’t separate or engage socially… A teen dealing with anxiety, OCD, and school refusal… And even what “inattentive ADHD” can look like in a highly sensitive kid who’s constantly in their own world. This is one of those conversations where you start to realize…it’s not as clear-cut as we’ve been told. Inside the episode, we get into: Why highly sensitive kids can look like they have ADHD (even when they don’t) How anxiety shows up in the body (nausea, headaches, shutdowns) and why it’s often misunderstood The concept of kids being “half their age” when they’re overwhelmed and how that changes how you respond Why tantrums aren’t something you fix in the moment (and what actually helps instead) What to do when your child refuses school, including options most parents don’t even realize they have The difference between temperament vs. diagnosis (and why that matters so much) Get Alane's FREE GIFT here: 10 Pillars of Resilience (https://alane-freund.mykajabi.com/10-pillars-of-resilience) https://alane-freund.mykajabi.com/10-pillars-of-resilience (https://alane-freund.mykajabi.com/10-pillars-of-resilience) Find Alane here: Alane Freund | Are You Highly Sensitive Links to events (https://www.alanefreund.com/events/) Learn about and join the Are You Highly Sensitive membership here (https://alane-freund.mykajabi.com/areyouhighlysensitive) Follow Alane on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/o/alane-freund-31061471871) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AreYouHighlySensitive/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AreYouHighlySensitive) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/areyouhighlysensitive/) Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

7. 

   1 Apr 2026

   13. Getting your Kids to Help you Clean up without the Power Struggles with Ann Dooley

   Clutter stresses me out, but getting my kids to actually help clean it up? That's a whole other battle. And if you've ever resorted to threatening screen time or bribing with dessert just to get the toys off the floor, first of all, same. But also, this episode is going to change the way you think about all of it. Leah and I sat down with Ann Dooley, founder of Simple Joy with Ann and creator of the Dooley Method, and I genuinely walked away from this conversation seeing things differently. Ann is a certified master level KonMari consultant, a parenting coach, and author, and her whole approach is about connection first, which honestly fits in perfectly with everything we talk about on this show. We get into why threats and bribes actually backfire, like, they're literally triggering your kid's fight or flight response, which explains so much. We also talk about how the home you grew up in shaped the way you deal with clutter today, whether you're the person who keeps everything or the person who throws it all away. Both extremes come with a lot of baggage, and a lot of us are just on autopilot repeating patterns we never even chose. Ann walks us through her SHINE framework — Seen, Heard, Independent, Nurtured, Engaged — and how using it helps kids actually build internal motivation to help around the house instead of just avoiding it. And she closes the episode with a guided meditation that I genuinely did not see coming but absolutely needed. If you've ever just done it all yourself because it felt easier than dealing with the meltdown, this episode is for you. It's one of those conversations that sticks with you. Guest: Anne Dooley | simplejoywithann.com (http://simplejoywithann.com) | @simplejoywithann Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

8. 

   18 Mar 2026

   12. EFT Tapping for Moms and Kids with Nicole Sabella

   You may have heard that in order to feel better and regulate your nervous system you need to "process" your emotions. But how the heck do you do that? Enter TAPPING - the easy, accessible tool that will help you process and release emotions, and feel better fast - and your kids can use it too! In this podcast episode we are talking with Nicole Sabella — dancer, wellness coach, and founder of The Nourished Dancer — to explore the transformative practice of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), also known as tapping. Nicole breaks down how tapping works using the body’s acupressure points to calm the amygdala, reduce cortisol, and help us process tough emotions — from anxiety and overthinking to parenting frustrations and performance stress. Whether you're a busy mom, a sensitive soul, or just navigating life’s daily overwhelm, tapping offers a simple, science-backed tool you can use anytime, anywhere. You’ll hear: - A step-by-step walkthrough of a tapping session (perfect for beginners!) - How tapping differs from talk therapy, mindfulness, and CBT - Real-life applications for moms and kids — from bedtime worries to sibling squabbles - Why it’s not about “fixing” emotions, but moving through them with self-compassion - Tips for introducing tapping to neurodivergent children and teens - And a powerful reminder: "The only way out is through." Nicole also shares how tapping supports emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and confidence — whether you're facing a big presentation, a tough conversation, or just the chaos of a school morning. Plus: practical advice for building a 5-minute tapping habit, when to work with a certified practitioner, and how to start small (even if you're skeptical!). 👉 Learn more about Nicole at https://thenourisheddancer.com (https://thenourisheddancer.com) or connect on Instagram @nicole.e.sabella. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

9. 

   4 Mar 2026

   11. Mental Load: Why Moms Burn Out and How to Teach Boys to Become Men that Share the Load

   In this episode, Leah and Adrienne dive deep into the invisible burden so many women carry, the mental load. From remembering school schedules to managing emotional climates at home, they unpack how women, especially highly sensitive and empathic moms, end up as the "default parent," often at the cost of their own well-being. They explore how hormonal changes during perimenopause, like declining estrogen and oxytocin, can make caretaking feel suddenly overwhelming, even impossible. When your brain fog thickens and your patience thins, it’s not failure, it’s biology. And yet, cultural expectations haven’t caught up. Why are we still told to “do it all” when our bodies and minds are signaling it’s time to share? Leah and Adrienne discuss: - The difference between helping and truly owning responsibilities (spoiler: your partner isn’t “helping”—they’re co-parenting) - Practical ways to redistribute the mental and emotional labor in your relationship - How burnout shows up, from irritability to “hospital fantasies”, and why naming it reduces shame - Strategies for raising boys who grow into emotionally attuned, capable men who co-create family life instead of just “pitching in” They offer actionable steps for couples, like weekly check-ins, assigning full ownership of tasks, and modeling shared care, to build a more balanced, sustainable family dynamic. Whether you're in the thick of parenting, entering perimenopause, or raising the next generation of caregivers, this conversation is a lifeline. It’s time to stop carrying it all, and start sharing it all. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (http://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

10. 

    18 Feb 2026

    10. Perimenopause and HS moms - Why Being a Mom Feels Different Now with Ashley Basilio

    Perimenopause doesn’t just bring hot flashes, it can quietly reshape everything about how you show up as a mom, partner, and person. And for highly sensitive moms, the emotional intensity, brain fog, and shifting energy levels can feel especially overwhelming. In this honest, empowering conversation, Ashley Basilio, midlife wellness advocate, talks with Adrienne and Leah about her own perimenopause journey and how it collided with parenting teens, burnout, and identity shifts. As a certified menopause health coach and founder of the Strong Her Together community, Ashley blends science, warmth, and lived experience to help women understand what’s really happening, and how to respond with kindness, not guilt. We dive into: What perimenopause actually is (and why it’s not just about reproduction) How hormonal shifts impact mood, memory, and parenting capacity Why highly sensitive women may feel these changes more deeply The surprising upsides of this life stage Practical tools for self-care, boundary-setting, and hormone support Whether you're in perimenopause or preparing for it, this episode is a lifeline for any HS mom navigating change with grace and strength. 🧠 Recommended Resources 📘 The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi 🌐 menopause.org (https://www.menopause.org/) – Find a certified menopause provider near you 🙋♀️ Where to Find Ashley Website: getfitwithashley.com (https://getfitwithashley.com/) Community: Strong Her Together (https://getfitwithashley.com/strong-her-together) Podcast: Stronger Voices (on all platforms) Instagram: @getfitwithashley We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

11. 

    4 Feb 2026

    9. Anxiety in HS moms - Tools for Relief and LIVE Hypnosis session!

    Anxiety is incredibly common for highly sensitive moms, especially after becoming a parent. In this episode, Adrienne and Leah have an honest, grounded conversation about how anxiety actually shows up in sensitive motherhood and why parenting can intensify it so much. They explore how anxiety often lives in the body, not just the mind, and how it can look like hypervigilance, overthinking, people pleasing, perfectionism, difficulty resting, and feeling responsible for everyone else’s emotions. They also talk about how overstimulation, lack of solitude, and constant emotional attunement to kids can keep sensitive moms stuck in survival mode. This episode goes beyond awareness and into support. Adrienne and Leah share practical, nervous-system-based tools to help regulate anxiety, including grounding, breathing, co-regulation, somatic practices, temperature regulation, tapping (EFT), and hypnosis techniques designed to interrupt anxious patterns and create new neural pathways. You’ll also hear a live hypnosis example that shows how anxiety can shift when you work with the body instead of against it. DOWNLOAD the FREE Hypnosis tools Cheat Sheet here (https://www.getdrip.com/forms/58694008/submissions/new)! We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

12. 

    21 Jan 2026

    8. Mom Rage: A Message, Not a Meltdown with Nicole McNelis

    Have you ever found yourself snapping at your kids and then feeling awful about it afterward? You’re not alone. In this episode of Real Parenting for the Sensitive Mom, we talk with perinatal mental health therapist and researcher Nicole McNellis about mom rage — what it is, why it happens, and why it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom. We explore how overwhelm, resentment, unrealistic expectations, and nervous system overload can build up and spill over, especially for sensitive, deeply caring moms. You’ll also learn simple ways to understand what your anger is trying to tell you and how to respond with more compassion for yourself. We unpack: The build-up → explosion → guilt cycle so many moms experience How resentment, overload, and unrealistic expectations fuel rage Why highly sensitive, perfectionistic, and people-pleasing moms are especially vulnerable The difference between outward explosions and internalized rage And what your anger is trying to tell you about your needs, boundaries, and support what coping skills work to help you feel better Contact Nicole McNelis: nicolemacnellis.com and on Instagram @therapistmomcollective We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

13. 

    7 Jan 2026

    7. ADHD vs Highly Sensitive, What's the Difference? with therapist Avery Wasmanski

    What if the overwhelm you’ve always blamed on anxiety or “being too sensitive” is actually ADHD… or both? In this episode of Real Parenting for the Sensitive Mom, Adrienne Bishop and Leah Andeoni sit down with licensed, trauma-informed therapist Avery Wasmanski to unpack the complex and often confusing overlap between high sensitivity, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma in motherhood. With both professional expertise and lived experience as a mom with ADHD, Avery helps us explore why so many women are diagnosed late (or not at all), how ADHD shows up differently in moms, and why executive functioning, emotional regulation, and rejection-sensitive dysphoria can make parenting feel impossibly hard. Together, we talk about: The key differences and overlaps between high sensitivity and ADHD Why anxiety and burnout are so common in undiagnosed moms Executive functioning struggles vs. sensory overwhelm Emotional reactivity, impulse control, and parenting under stress Rejection-sensitive dysphoria and how it impacts moms and kids The role of trauma in amplifying ADHD symptoms Why self-compassion and understanding your brain are essential (not optional) Small, realistic steps to feel more empowered and less overwhelmed If you’re a mom who feels like your brain never shuts off, you’re exhausted from masking, or you’re wondering whether ADHD might be part of your story, this conversation will help you feel seen, validated, and less alone. Avery's contact information: https://averywasmanskilpctherapy.com/ (https://averywasmanskilpctherapy.com/) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

14. 

    10 Dec 2025

    6. Positive Discipline - the parenting style that actually WORKS for your highly sensitive child

    Connection Before Correction - GET YOUR FREE POSITIVE DISCIPLINE CHEAT SHEET HERE (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/positive-discipline-parenting-tools-for-hs-kids)! Parenting a highly sensitive child while being a sensitive parent yourself? We see you. In this episode, Leah and Adrienne dive deep into how Positive Discipline can transform your parenting journey — especially when traditional methods just don’t work. What You’ll Hear: Why sticker charts, timeouts, and yelling backfire with sensitive kids What makes highly sensitive kids tick (hint: their nervous systems are wired for depth) Real-life examples of how connection calms the chaos Tools you can use TODAY to build cooperation without shame Why Traditional Discipline Fails Sensitive kids experience correction as threat Their brains flip into fight/flight/freeze — no learning happens Punishment = shutdown. Safety = growth. What Positive Discipline Offers Instead Connection before correction Teaching through empathy, not control Emotional safety that leads to real cooperation Tools We Talk About: Connection First: “You’re upset the tower broke. You were so upset that happened. What can you do to make things better?" Curiosity Questions: “What’s your plan for finishing homework?” Choices Within Limits: “Do you want to brush your teeth before or after pajamas?” Natural & Logical Consequences: “You spilled juice — let’s clean it up together.” Encouragement Over Praise: “You must feel proud of how hard you worked.” Modeling Repair: “I yelled earlier. I’m sorry. I was overwhelmed.” “When you choose curiosity over control, you teach connection over fear.” FREE CHEAT SHEET! GET YOUR FREE POSITIVE DISCIPLINE CHEAT SHEET HERE (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/positive-discipline-parenting-tools-for-hs-kids)! 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: 👉 Which tool do I want to try this week? 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com) for more support. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

15. 

    26 Nov 2025

    5. How Physical Sensitivity Impacts Moms & Kids and What to Do About It

    Leah and I are back this week for podcast. We’re diving into something most people have never heard of: the 8 sensory systems that shape how highly sensitive kids (and their moms!) experience the world (and cause meltdowns). If you’re parenting a highly sensitive child while being sensitive yourself, you know how overwhelming life can feel. This episode is your roadmap to understanding physical sensitivity and how it influences behavior, emotions, and even meltdowns. When I found out that there were 8 senses, not just the basic five, I finally understood why I am the way I am. It was incredibly freeing. So today, we’re breaking down all eight sensory systems that impact sensitivity: Tactile (Touch) Auditory (Sound) Visual (Sight) Olfactory (Smell) Gustatory (Taste) Vestibular (Balance & Movement) Proprioception (Body Awareness) Interoception (Internal Signals) What Actually Helps - Sense by Sense General Principle: Accommodate when you can, build tolerance gradually when needed Use calming sensory input (especially proprioceptive) to regulate Prevent overload rather than manage meltdowns Tactile Solutions: Sensory-friendly clothing Let kids cut tags out themselves Sensory-Friendly Clothing Brands Smartknit Kids - seamless socks specifically designed for sensitive kids Primary - tagless, soft basics with flat seams Target's Cat & Jack line - affordable tagless options with sensory considerations Noise Management: Loop earplugs - discreet noise reduction for kids and adults Calmer earbuds by Flare Audio - reduce overwhelming frequencies Noise-canceling headphones - Puro Sound or Muted brands for kid Visual Solutions: Dimmer switches Sunglasses indoors if needed Olfactory Solutions: Unscented products Kitchen exhaust fans Gustatory Solutions: No pressure eating Gradual exposure through food chaining Vestibular Solutions: Don't force playground equipment Car sickness accommodation Proprioceptive Input Heavy work activities (pushing, carrying, climbing) Weighted blankets (brands like Gravity, YnM, SensaCalm) Tight hugs (if welcome) Chewing gum or crunchy We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

16. 

    12 Nov 2025

    4. Postpartum for the Highly Sensitive Mom: When it’s Harder than you Expect

    The postpartum period is one of the most transformational times in a woman’s life. She is changing from the inside out - from brain changes to cellular changes and it can be very overwhelming for the sensitive mom. During pregnancy and after giving birth, drastic hormonal shifts occur and you are expected to manage all of this with elegance, grace, looking good and enjoying every moment.  That is not the reality for most moms, and these expectations can cause a host of problems during motherhood, including postpartum disorders. In this episode, we explore how highly sensitive moms uniquely experience the postpartum period. We discuss what the symptoms of postpartum anxiety, depression, and postpartum OCD look like and how to take care of yourself during this tumultuous and beautiful time. Recognizing symptoms of a postpartum disorder early is key, and in this episode we talk about how to know what those symptoms are and when to seek professional help. Management of these symptoms, whether on the normal spectrum or a disorder may include therapy—especially cognitive behavioral therapy—medication like SSRIs, and strong support systems. We also talk about how lifestyle changes such as better sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness help immensely to keep you emotionally healthy. We’ll talk about: Why sensitivity amplifies emotional and physical challenges What to do when symptoms become overwhelming How to create a smoother, more supportive postpartum experience Even if you're past this phase of motherhood, this podcast will be so healing for you as a senstiive mom, because, let's be honest, you never stop being "postpartum" and it may even help you feel like you weren't crazy for feeling the way you felt or having the struggles you had. What Helps Highly Sensitive Moms Thrive during postpartum and how can you prepare? Gentle support systems: Empathetic friends, family, or therapists who validate and listen Quiet time and boundaries: Guilt-free space to recharge and protect emotional energy Mindfulness and grounding: Practices that soothe the nervous system and reduce overstimulation Professional help: Therapy, medication, or support groups tailored to postpartum mental health If you or a highly sensitive mom you know is pregnant, or you are in your 4th trimester, this episode is for you! Professional Resources: Postpartum Support International: postpartum.net (http://postpartum.net) Perinatal Partners Network: perinatalpartnersnetwork.com (http://perinatalpartnersnetwork.com) Postpartum Stress Center: postpartumstress.com We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

17. 

    29 Oct 2025

    3. Motivating Your Child the Way They’re Wired: Using the 4 Temperaments

    How many of us have struggled to motivate our kids to cooperate? Or just get stuff done? In this episode of Real Parenting for the Sensitive Mom, Leah and Adrienne explore how understanding your child’s temperament can transform the way you motivate them. Drawing from Kathleen Edelman’s book A Grown-Up’s Guide to Your Kids’ Wiring, they break down the four temperaments—Sanguine, Choleric, Phlegmatic, and Melancholic—and how each one responds to different types of encouragement, expectations, and communication. Parenting is 80% trying to get your kids to do things—and it’s hard. But when you understand how your child is wired, everything changes. Leah and Adrienne share personal stories, practical tips, and mindset shifts that help you stop pushing your wiring onto your kids and start parenting the child you actually have. Key Takeaways Motivation becomes easier when you stop expecting your child to act like you. Each temperament thrives under different conditions—fun, control, connection, or clarity. Adjusting your language and expectations can unlock cooperation and confidence. Understanding your own temperament helps you navigate parent-child dynamics more gracefully. The best parenting happens when we honor who our kids truly are—not who we wish they were. Resources Mentioned A Grown-Up’s Guide to Your Kids’ Wiring by Kathleen Edelman Temperament quiz for kids (available in the book) Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/) - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

18. 

    15 Oct 2025

    2. Real Self-Care for HS Moms: Not Just Another Thing on Your To-Do List

    Are you struggling to find time for self care? Does it feel like just one more thing on your to-do list that you're failing at? In this episode, Adrienne and Leah explore what self-care really looks like for highly sensitive moms. From sensory-friendly environments to emotional wellness and creative outlets, they offer practical, bite-sized strategies to help you feel more grounded, supported, and seen. This isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about shifting how you care for yourself in a way that honors your sensitivity. Key Takeaways Self-care is a lifestyle, not a checklist Small changes can have a big impact on your nervous system Connection and solitude are equally important Creativity and movement help release emotional tension Sleep hygiene and nourishment are foundational to resilience 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

19. 

    1 Oct 2025

    1. What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Mom and Why it is Important to Know

    Do you feel overwhelmed as a mom more than others? Are you anxious about your parenting? Do you feel your kids feelings and want to fix them to feel better? You may be highly sensitive. In this episode, Adrienne Bishop and Leah Andreoni explore what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and why understanding this trait is crucial for moms and their children. Adrienne, a parenting coach and integrative hypnotist, shares her personal journey as a sensitive mom raising three sensitive kids. Leah, a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist and Family Therapist, brings her clinical expertise in supporting sensitive women across the motherhood spectrum. Together, they unpack the D.O.E.S. framework—Deep processing, Overstimulation, Emotional reactivity, and Sensory sensitivity—and how these traits show up in everyday life, from strong reactions to noise and touch to emotional exhaustion and empathy overload. Key Takeaways: HSPs make up 15–20% of the population; it’s a temperament, not a disorder. Sensitivity in moms can lead to overstimulation, emotional intensity, and heightened reactions to sleep deprivation, clutter, and social pressure. Sensitive kids may show signs like separation anxiety, perfectionism, sensory aversions, and emotional shutdowns that are often misunderstood. Recognizing sensitivity helps reduce shame, improves emotional health, and allows parents to respond to root causes rather than just behaviors. This podcast offers validation, practical tools, and community for sensitive families navigating parenting with empathy and intention. Don’t forget to rate and review Real Parenting! 🌐 Connect With Us ⁠@adriennebishopcoaching | ⁠@leahandreoni ✨ Get's Adrienne's FREE guide - 5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Driving you Crazy! - https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/5-ways-to-stay-calm/ *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice. We love to hear feedback about the show! Send us a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2541502/open_sms) 📲 Share this episode with another sensitive parent 🌐 Visit www.adriennebishopcoaching.com (https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com) or risingsuntherapy.com (http://risingsuntherapy.com/) for more support. *DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for therapeutic or medical advice.

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