Episodes 14
Avg. Duration 14m
Activity Highly Active
Since Sep 2025
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
99%
Hosting
feeds.captivate.fm

About This Podcast

Join psychologist Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian for research-backed insights that help you understand what's really happening in those challenging parenting moments—and respond from wisdom rather than worry. Every other week, we explore child development, brain science, and practical strategies through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. From tantrums to teen struggles, from ADHD to anxiety, we dive into the real stuff with warmth, honesty, and zero judgment. This isn't about perfect parenting scripts or one-size-fits-all solutions. 20 minutes of insight that honors your instincts and the science. For parents ready to stay awake to what matters most. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and listening does not establish a therapist-client relationship. For personal mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. New episodes every other week at wideawakeparenting.com

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Recent Episodes

S1E14 The Motivation Molecule — What Dopamine Actually Does in Your Child's ADHD Brain

Jun 02, 2026 31m Transcript

What if the thing everyone calls laziness is actually about fuel?Dopamine gets called the brain's pleasure chemical. It's closer to a motivation signal — the thing that quietly decides what's worth…

S1E13 Emotional Awareness in ADHD and Autism: Why Your Child Says "I Don't Know"

May 19, 2026 13m

"What are you feeling?" Your child screams "I don't know!" — and they're telling the truth. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explains interoception and alexithymia: why some children genuinely can't identify or…

S1E12 ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism Sleep Problems: Why Standard Advice Doesn't Work

May 05, 2026 13m

You've tried the calm bedtime routine, the dim lights, the no screens before bed. It doesn't work. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explains why standard sleep advice fails for neurodivergent children — from the…

S1E11 How AI Is Using Attachment to Reach Our Kids (And What We Can Do About It)

Apr 21, 2026 29m

64% of American teenagers use AI chatbots. Almost a third use them every day. And according to Common Sense Media, 31% say their conversations with AI are as satisfying — or more satisfying —…

S1E10 The Stuck Brain: Adapted Mindfulness for Neurodivergent Children

Apr 07, 2026 10m

Standard mindfulness doesn't work for every brain. "Sit still and notice your breath" can actually make things worse for kids with ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explains how…

S1E9 Why Your ADHD Child Takes Everything Personally: Understanding RSD

Mar 24, 2026 10m

A sideways glance from a classmate ruins the whole day. Being picked last devastates them for weeks. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explores rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) — what's actually happening in…

S1E8 When Your Child Can't "Just Be Flexible": Understanding Cognitive Rigidity

Mar 10, 2026 9m

"Just be more flexible" doesn't work for kids whose brains are wired for predictability. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explains why traditional flexibility training often backfires for neurodivergent children…

S1E7 The Rule-Following Brain: Why Your Neurodivergent Child Isn't Being Defiant

Feb 24, 2026 10m

Your child follows some rules religiously but ignores others completely. They can recite the classroom expectations but break them daily. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explains the neuroscience behind this…

S1E6 Separation Anxiety in ADHD and Autistic Kids: What's Really Happening

Feb 10, 2026 9m

When your child clings, cries, or panics at drop-off, it's easy to wonder if you're doing something wrong. Dr. Kirsten Kuzirian explains what's actually happening in your child's nervous system…

What Actually “Spoils” Children

Dec 02, 2025 18m

Your calm voice doesn't spoil children - giving in to emotional escalation does. What creates "spoiled" behavior is teaching children's brains that intensity gets results. You can be incredibly kind…

The Neurobiology of Temperament

Nov 18, 2025 12m

Your child's temperamental reactions aren't about your parenting failure - they're influenced by 700+ genes that create their unique way of experiencing the world. When you understand and work with…

Screen Time and the ADHD Brain

Nov 04, 2025 17m

ADHD brains are magnetically drawn to screens because they provide immediate feedback, clear progression, predictable rewards, and high stimulation - elements that ADHD brains need to feel engaged.…

Why Every Child Deserves a Trust Fund (And It's Not About Money)

Oct 15, 2025 15m

Resources Mentioned:  Download the free Trust Fund Field Guide at wideawakeparenting.com/freebies to recognize the deposits you're already making and discover practical tools for building your…

S1E1 The Foundation: What Your Child's Brain Is Actually Looking For

Sep 30, 2025 29m

The moments you keep showing up — the same morning routine, the same "I love you, have a good day," the same coming back after a hard moment — are doing more developmental work than you probably…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Wide Awake Parenting Podcast have?

The Wide Awake Parenting Podcast has published 14 episodes since September 2025, covering topics in Education, Health & Fitness.

Is The Wide Awake Parenting Podcast still active?

The Wide Awake Parenting Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 14m.

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