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

What if SAT prep wasn’t just about getting a better score—but about helping your child see their worth, trust their process, and feel empowered to handle hard things?

In this conversation, Andi sits down with coach and educator Josh Aronovitch, who’s known for helping kids not just improve test scores—but deeply reconnect with their own strengths. From supporting neurodiverse kids with test anxiety to helping students find the college path that fits who they are, Josh brings a perspective that goes far beyond academics.

Whether your child is preparing for high school, college, or still figuring things out, this episode is packed with emotional insight, practical wisdom, and the kind of hope parents need.

Key Takeaways

• Test-taking is a skill, not a reflection of intelligence. Many kids know the material—they just haven’t been taught how to take tests in a way that works for their brain.
• Your child’s nervous system matters. Emotional regulation, mindset, and even breathwork play a bigger role in performance than most people realize.
• Standardized tests are flawed—but can be a powerful opportunity. With the right tools and perspective, even students who struggle can thrive.
• Success doesn't come from doing it right the first time. The journey—mistakes and all—helps kids build grit, confidence, and the ability to handle life’s curveballs.
• College planning should start with who your child wants to be—not just what job they’ll have.

Episode Highlights

[00:03:00] – Do SATs still matter? Josh explains how “test-optional” doesn’t always mean optional—and why test scores can still open doors.

[00:05:30] – Why kids struggle with testing (and it’s not what you think): From psychological spirals to perfectionism, Josh breaks down what really gets in the way.

[00:08:30] – Helping a student go from 720 to 1190: How a 2-year journey transformed not just scores—but self-belief.

[00:10:45] – Test prep as emotional growth: Why learning to pause, breathe, and “get off the wrong train” changes everything.

[00:16:00] – Understanding before memorizing: Why high-achieving kids often get stuck in math—and how to teach it differently.

[00:21:00] – The truth about multiple choice and second-guessing: Josh shares how depth of thinking can actually backfire—and how to help.

[00:28:30] – Finding the right college path: Josh flips the question—starting with how your child wants to feel, then working backwards.

[00:35:30] – The power of failure: Why kids need safe experiences with mistakes in order to grow.

[00:41:00] – A client story: 7 SATs, a perfect score in math, and med school dreams

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

If your child seems to flip from calm to chaos without warning, this episode will change the way you see those outbursts.

What if their “bad behavior” isn’t defiance—but a sign their nervous system is overloaded?

In this foundational episode, Andi introduces Step 1 of the CARE5™ Framework: Changing the Lens.

You’ll learn why traditional discipline often backfires, how to recognize stress signals in your child, and what’s really happening beneath those emotional explosions.

Using the Coke bottle analogy and real-life examples, Andi helps you shift from guilt and frustration to clarity and compassion—so you can begin responding instead of reacting.

Key Takeaways:

• “Misbehavior” is often a stress response—not manipulation or disrespect.
• Emotional outbursts tend to happen when a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed.
• The first step to supporting your child is changing how you interpret their behavior.
• Our nervous systems react faster than logic—especially under chronic stress.
• You can’t co-regulate your child until you first regulate your own nervous system.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Welcome + what the CARE5™ Framework is and how it helps

[00:03:00] Common mismatch between adult expectations and child capacity

[00:04:30] Story: Pokémon night meltdown and uncovering the hidden stress

[00:07:30] What happens in the brain and body when a child feels unsafe

[00:10:00] Reframing defiance as an overwhelmed nervous system

[00:11:00] Coke bottle analogy: how stress builds invisibly before it explodes

[00:13:30] Why home becomes the safe place where meltdowns happen

[00:16:00] The life vest metaphor: why discipline isn’t what they need

[00:18:00] Small stressors that shook my son's Coke bottle that day

[00:19:00] Recap: Step 1 of the CARE5™ Framework – Change the Lens

[00:21:00] Preview of Step 2: Stress Animals (listen to Episode 110)

Resources Mentioned:

• 🎧 Episode 110 – Understanding Your Child’s Stress Animal: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vlnDR2iEqZ8K57YxJ5xU7?si=lCs7WKO6TUubNAUpMP_AyQ

Ready to see your child’s behavior through a new lens?

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

In this powerful episode, Melissa McIntosh—former Educational Assistant turned mindfulness mentor—shares her journey from burnout in the school system to building Mindful Kids Inc.

Her mission? Helping families reconnect through simple, effective mindfulness practices that truly support emotional regulation.

We explore why mindfulness isn’t just for kids, how parents can model regulation, and what it really means to build a calm home from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness is a lifestyle, not a technique – It’s about consistent, bite-sized practices that shift the family dynamic over time.
• One size doesn't fit all – Each child has unique tools that work for them; helping them discover what fits is the magic.
• Academics aren't the foundation – Emotional awareness must come first for real learning and connection.
• You are the expert on your child – Trusting your intuition, even when it goes against the system, is critical.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] – Meet Melissa: Her transition from education to mindfulness, and why she followed her gut.

[03:45] – The moment she realized the system wasn’t working—for kids, for families, or for herself.

[06:30] – Why her husband’s calm energy opened the door to mindfulness—and how it changed everything at home.

[10:15] – The missing piece in schools: involving parents and seeing the whole child, not just academics.

[14:00] – Why mindfulness must start with parents before it can help their children.

[18:15] – How kids can learn to filter outside energy, like “Steve’s nosebleed,” through a calm lens.

[22:00] – The Mind Jar explained: how a simple tool helps kids settle their thoughts and feelings.

[26:00] – What it looks like when kids start teaching mindfulness at home—and why that’s the real win.

[30:00] – Mindfulness as a superpower that grows with your child over time.

[33:45] – What to do when kids are dysregulated and the tool doesn’t “work.”

[36:00] – The moment you realize: it’s working.

[38:00] – Why gratitude is part of mindfulness—and how it changes the emotional tone of a family.

Resources Mentioned

Mindful Kids Inc. – Melissa’s mindfulness-based programs for kids and families:

https://www.mindfulkidsinc.com

Follow Melissa on

• Instagram: @mindfulkidsinc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulkidsinc

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend who’s raising a child with big emotions.

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

What drives some kids to push themselves relentlessly while others seem to lack motivation altogether?

In this episode, Andi explores what’s underneath both ends of the spectrum—overachieving and underachieving—and what parents might be missing.

Whether your child is racing ahead with academic goals or struggling to get started, this episode will help you understand the hidden executive functioning struggles that shape their behavior and what to do about it.

Key Takeaways

• Overachievement can mask underlying executive functioning struggles, especially in social, emotional, or sleep areas.
• Underachievement isn’t laziness—it often stems from overwhelm, fear of failure, or difficulties with initiation and planning.
• Asking curious, compassionate questions helps kids reflect and create flexibility in their goals and timelines.
• The “gap vs. gain” mindset shift (from Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy’s book) helps both parents and kids celebrate progress instead of chasing perfection.
• Progress looks different for every child—sometimes the slowest pace is the most meaningful.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction: Why kids may be overly driven or totally disengaged

[01:40] – A real-life story: A teen pushing for an associate’s degree before high school graduation

[03:00] – The missed question: Have we stopped to celebrate progress?

[04:00] – How executive functioning struggles can hide behind academic success

[05:30] – Challenges like inhibition, switching tasks, and sleep issues in high achievers

[06:00] – The opposite end: Kids with no drive and what’s behind the shutdown

[07:00] – A deeper dive into executive functioning (initiation, flexibility, planning, etc.)

[08:30] – Explaining the Gap and the Gain framework to kids

[10:00] – Guiding kids through flexible thinking with curious questions

[12:00] – Using short-term scenarios (like Lego or ice cream) to build long-term skills

[13:00] – Helping high achievers reflect, rest, and regulate

[14:30] – Using tools like health trackers (Whoop, Oura) to validate rest

[15:45] – Supporting disengaged kids through tiny wins and drive-by praise

[17:30] – Honoring their pace and effort over outcome

[18:45] – Questions for parents: Where is your child thriving on the surface but struggling underneath?

[20:00] – Modeling balance and rest as a parent

[21:15] – Final thoughts: Both drive and disinterest can hide deeper needs

Resources Mentioned

The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Executive Functioning Podcast Series

• Ep. 85 Perception: Emotional Regulation 101:

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kristina Rajes—homeschooling mom of four and the creator behind Phoenix Gems and Buy Some Love.

We talk about how gemstones unexpectedly became a key support tool for our kids’ emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence.

From skeptical teens to intuitive empaths, Kristina shares how each of her children uses different stones in meaningful ways—and how this tool complements the deeper work we do with stress, sleep, and executive functioning.

Key Takeaways

• Gemstones can act as emotional support tools—especially for sensitive or empathic kids who absorb others’ energy.
• Each stone has unique energetic properties that can help with grounding, courage, creativity, focus, and calm.
• Kids often choose the stones they need without realizing it—color and instinct often guide them.
• Tools like bracelets and gemstone routines are not about “fixing” kids but supporting them alongside emotional regulation work.
• It's okay if a child isn’t ready—these tools work best when chosen, not forced.
• Parents can benefit too—especially those who feel emotionally drained after public or social interactions.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Homeschooling with intention and personalization for each child

[00:03:30] How ChatGPT supports Kristina's multi-level homeschool planning

[00:05:00] Kristina’s unexpected shift from law to gemstone healing

[00:07:30] Why most of her business is in-person (and the importance of “feeling” a stone)

[00:09:00] How her empath daughter benefits from obsidian—and refuses all jewelry except that bracelet

[00:10:00] Kristina’s science-minded son and his surprising shift after wearing Carnelian

[00:13:00] The twin tiger’s eye story—two anxious kids conquering their fear of heights at rock climbing

[00:16:00] My own son’s struggles with creativity—and how his bracelet helped spark new ideas

[00:20:00] How to charge gemstone bracelets (easier than you think!)

[00:22:00] The bracelet stacks that changed my stress patterns—and what my health data shows

[00:26:00] What it means when a child “feels like a basketball is bouncing inside them”

[00:29:00] Which stones help with anxiety, courage, and creative thinking

[00:31:00] Customizing bracelets for fidget needs, essential oils, or comfort charms

[00:34:00] Why intention and resonance matter more than forcing a child to wear a stone

[00:35:00] How Kristina’s bracelet bar works at live shows—and the energy parents feel when choosing stones

[00:36:30] Right hand vs. left hand: giving vs. receiving energy through gemstones

[00:38:00] The evil eye charm and how it supports kids who struggle with attention or energy overload

[00:40:00] How you can connect with Kristina at local shows or on social media

Resources...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

Is your child refusing to start their homework, melting down when asked to pack a backpack, or avoiding simple tasks? It might look like laziness—but it’s not.

In this episode, Andi Clark breaks down what’s really going on beneath procrastination. Hint: it’s not about effort or motivation. It’s about executive functioning struggles—and missing foundational skills most people don’t talk about.

You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your child’s behavior, insights on how to reduce shame and frustration, and actionable first steps to break the cycle of procrastination.

Key Takeaways:

• Procrastination is not laziness—it’s often a sign of overwhelmed executive functioning.
• Skills like initiation, working memory, time awareness, emotional regulation, and flexibility all play a role.
• Pushing harder or offering rewards won’t work unless the root cause is addressed.
• There is no one-size-fits-all solution—support needs to match your child’s specific gaps.
• Using the right scaffolding and starting with small wins can rebuild confidence and momentum.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Why procrastination isn’t laziness

[00:01:00] – What executive functioning really is

[00:03:00] – Real-life examples: Andi’s son and homework meltdowns

[00:05:00] – Breakdown of key executive functioning skills that affect procrastination

[00:08:00] – How time perception and emotional regulation influence task avoidance

[00:10:00] – Observing your child’s patterns and asking the right questions

[00:11:00] – The shame cycle of procrastination and how it snowballs

[00:12:00] – Why planners, timers, and charts often don’t work

[00:15:00] – The fire analogy: Flames, logs, and kindling in EF support

[00:17:00] – Questions to help identify where your child’s breakdown is happening

[00:18:00] – Why patching top-level behaviors won’t work without a foundation

[00:20:00] – How to offer real support: Start with one EF skill, build small wins

[00:22:00] – Reframing procrastination as a skill gap, not a character flaw

[00:23:00] – Next steps: Self-assessment, Support Circle, and 1:1 coaching options

You’re not alone in this—understanding what’s really behind your child’s procrastination is the first step toward creating more calm, connection, and progress at home.

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

What if your child’s refusal to brush their teeth, get dressed, or follow instructions wasn’t about defiance—but about survival?

In this episode, I talk with Amanda Preston—social worker, mom to eight neurodivergent kids, and expert in Autism, stress responses and misunderstood behavior. We explore what’s really going on when kids can’t do something that seems so simple and how the traditional approaches to parenting can actually make things worse.

If your child resists everyday tasks, melts down over small requests, or seems to need total control just to function… This conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Not all kids who "act out" are being oppositional—some are having a threat response to everyday demands.
• Many kids who seem "fine at school" and fall apart at home are masking their stress to get through the day.
• Standard parenting strategies often backfire with these kids—what they need is a low-demand, relationship-based approach.
• Diagnosis like autism can show up in ways parents don’t expect—especially when kids are bright, sensitive, and highly verbal.
• Understanding your child’s nervous system is more effective than enforcing rules or routines.

Episode Highlights

[00:02:00] – What “neurodivergent” really means and why so many parents misunderstand it

[00:04:00] – When everyday tasks feel threatening to your child’s nervous system

[00:06:30] – Why these kids often get misdiagnosed or misunderstood as “difficult”

[00:09:30] – Andi shares her personal experience of trying to get help (and the resistance she faced)

[00:11:00] – The four stress responses and how they show up differently in different kids

[00:15:30] – Why typical parenting tools (like consequences) make things worse

[00:18:00] – Real-life examples of low-demand parenting in action

[00:21:30] – Sensory struggles with food, clothes, and hygiene—and how to stop fighting them

[00:26:00] – What to know before seeking an autism assessment

[00:31:00] – Why even a thorough psychoeducational assessment can miss what’s really going on

[00:36:00] – Autism is a spectrum—and most people only recognize one tiny part of it

[00:40:00] – How to spot the “freeze” response that often gets mistaken for stubbornness

[00:44:00] – Amanda’s advice for schools, co-parents, and extended family

[00:49:00] – Small tools that help kids regulate—like snacks, bubble gum, or getting down to their level

Resources Mentioned

Amanda Preston’s websites

– Canada-Based Support:https://deercreektherapy.ca/

– International Parent Coaching: https://amandapreston.co

Instagram Accounts

– @deercreektherapy:

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why is nothing working?” when your child is melting down, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, Andi introduces the concept of Stress Animals—a powerful and accessible framework to help parents decode their child’s behavior in moments of emotional overwhelm.

You’ll learn how to spot the early signs of dysregulation, understand your child’s stress response, and most importantly, how to shift your own energy so you can help your child return to calm.

Key Takeaways:

• Every child has a unique stress response—and it’s not about bad behavior, it’s about nervous system overload.
• The Stress Animal framework (Dolphin, Shark, Turtle, Clownfish) helps parents identify how their child reacts to stress—and how to support them accordingly.
• Your own stress animal matters too. The way you react can either soothe or escalate your child’s stress state.
• You can’t connect through correction. Lasting change happens when you meet your child’s stress with the kind of connection they need.
• Regulation before resolution: Problem-solving comes after calming the nervous system—never during a meltdown.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction – What to expect & why this matters

[02:00] Why traditional strategies fail with dysregulated kids

[05:00] The biology of stress – nervous system states explained

[06:45] Introducing the Stress Animals:

Dolphin – The regulated, connected state

Shark – Explosive, reactive energy

Turtle – Shut-down, withdrawn, retreating energy

Clownfish – Anxious, people-pleasing, over-worrying

[11:00] How your stress animal impacts your child’s response

[13:30] Why we don’t want to be in dolphin all the time

[14:00] Matching your response to your child’s stress animal

[15:00] Real-life examples: what worked, what didn’t, and why

[20:00] Supporting the nervous system through grounding tools

[21:00] One family’s story: shifting from Clownfish to quiet presence

[22:00] Final thoughts – Why this approach changes everything

✨ You’re not expected to get this right every time. But every step toward understanding helps build the connection your child needs to feel safe and supported.