On The Hard Days
Raising an out-of-the-box kid can feel isolating. You wonder, Am I crazy? What am I doing wrong? The doubt, guilt, and exhaustion are overwhelming—and finding another mom who truly gets it feels impossible. That’s why the On The Hard Days podcast exists. Host Megan Champion knows the struggle firsthand and is on a mission to bring connection and support to moms raising neurodivergent kids. Each week, a brave mom shares her raw, honest story so you can feel seen, heard, and validated. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, if you feel alone in your motherhood, this podc...
Ep. 210 Mom Sarah on Re-Imagining & Re-Shaping Her Life to Understand How to Support Her ND Kids
"I was providing for my family, and I was dead inside." Today's episode is with Sarah, whose motherhood journey will sound VERY relatable to many of you! Don't miss this one!
In this episode, we talk about:
What it's like being the "breadwinner" AND the co-regulator.When your kids have overlapping, opposite needs.Raising ND kids who go to 3 different types of schoolsHer kids' various challenges - anxiety, giftedness, PDA, etc.The family dynamics of a stay-at-home Dad!Coming to the realization that there is no perfect school - and coming to terms with...Ep. 209 Mom Dalynn on Putting in the Work on *Herself* to Lead Her Family With Love & Understanding, Instead of Yelling & Anxiety
Today's episode is with Dalynn, who shared some really vulnerable, tough stuff in this conversation. It's a powerful episode not to be missed.
**Trigger Warning: Talk of hitting/physical abuse at the 21:00 mark**
In this episode, we talk about:
What it's like raising 5 teens/young adultsWhen you're raising an ND kid with grandparentsRaising a kid with severe sleep challengesHow her prior cancer journey helped her handle the challenges in parentingHow lack of sleep and severe anxiety led to her lashing outHow she learned how to "gentle parent" in therapyHow she's coming to...Ep. 208 Mom Stephanie on the "Survival of Self" While Getting Divorced & Helping a Struggling Teenager Who Doesn't Want Help
"I've had a whole parenting life of doing it all by myself." Today's episode is with my good friend Stephanie, who has been with me in Mothers Together since (almost) Day 1! Don't miss it!
**Trigger Warning: Talk of suicidal ideations at the 45:00 mark**
In this episode, we talk about:
When giftedness shows itself in preschoolWhy it's frustrating when educators can't share if they feel a diagnosis is presentWhen your partner doesn't think there's anything wrongWhat the motherhood load looks like when a marriage is breakingThe challenges of finding the right s...Ep. 207 Mom Sandi on Helping Her PDA Child Come Out the Other Side of Severe Burnout (and What She Learned About Herself Along the Way)
"PDA kids don't bend...they break. And I'm not breaking my kid again." Today's episode with mom guest, Sandy, is REALLY, really good. Don't skip this one!
In this episode, we talk about:
How the professionals *missed* the signs early onHow girls' neurodivergence often goes under the radarWhat PDA looked like in her young sonWhat school refusal looked like with a supportive schoolThe lack of professional support about PDA, especially in emergenciesHow she became a PDA leader in Mothers TogetherRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"Wow, l...
Ep. 206 Mom Becky on Learning to Understand Her Neurodivergent Kids Through the Joy of Support
"All the things I knew to do weren't working...I was perpetually annoyed." Today's episode with mom guest, Becky, is a powerful one! Don't miss it!
In this episode, we talk about:
Her family: One adult child and 3 elementary age - 2 adopted from foster care, and all with a wide range of needs and challenges: ADHD, Autism, 2E, Anxiety, OCD, and more.How she felt crazy when all the strategies didn't workHow she reclaimed joy in the Mothers Together communityA virtual community vs. in-personFinding support in MT first about her children, but t...Ep. 205 Mom Dorothy on Accepting Your *Lack* of Control, Being Realistic About Hope, and Using Your Master Negotiation Skills To Get Help
"Even though my son is 18, he will forever be 8 to 10 years old." Today's episode with mom guest, Dorothy, is a powerful one! Don't miss it!
In this episode, we talk about:
Her child's life with Tourette Syndrome, Autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, and a gene mutation affecting medicationWhat tics were like at the beginning of a Tourette journeyThe challenge of adoption without knowing the genetics of the birth parentsHow her child cannot tolerate medications for more than a short timeEven after having been to the top specialists and clinics, life is still u...Ep. 204 Mom Amanda on Being an "Action Taker" While Pursuing *All The Things* to Help Her Family Thrive
"We kind of go along each day, living in the moment of where our kids are at that time, and how we can support them in that." Don't miss this one with mom guest, Amanda! You'll feel inspired and validated by her unique journey!
In this episode, we talk about:
Life with *8* adopted, neurodivergent children after fostering dozens of kidsHow her own ADHD has led to MANY different passions and hobbiesWhat it was like in burnout as a foster parentHomeschooling, homesteading, and their daily lifeHow she meets the needs of her PDA c...Ep. 203 Mom Emily on Managing *Caregiver Burnout* When There's No End in Sight
"It always goes back to - NOBODY gets it." We're BACK!! And we're kicking it off with mom guest, Emily. I'm telling you right now - you will ABSOLUTELY resonate with her story!
In this episode, we talk about:
The frustration of being your child's co-regulator 24/7When being a "stay at home mom" means you can't take your kids out due to your child's struggles - so you're always at home.The way motherhood is romanticized on social mediaThe sadness of losing friendships with other adults over time because they have NT ki...Ep.202 Mom Chantelle Stieghan on Facing Motherhood Struggles With Humor & Rolling With the (Literal) Punches
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Chantelle. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-The lack of support when living in a foreign country
-When doctors have never heard of the struggles your child is facing
-Eating disorders as part of being neurodivergent
-How ADHD can look so different in different kids
-How emotional it is to feel alone in your struggles
-Trying to advocate for your child in a different...
Ep.201 Mom Felicia Watkins on Stopping the Cycles of Self-Gaslighting and Judging How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kids
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Felicia. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Raising multiple children with Autism
-Learning how to stop self-gaslighting when looking at your child's struggles
-The exhaustion she feels from trying to meet the needs of all of her kids
-Rolling with the punches while establishing your household "norms"
-How she's practicing self-love with less judgement
Please shower Felicia with love and support by SHARING...
Ep.200!! Celebrating 200 Episodes With Megan Through Vulnerability & Validation
About This Episode: I'm celebrating 200 episodes today - join me as I reflect on how sharing stories brings us the crucial validation we need.
** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but often don't receive. I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a taste of how inclusive, safe, and judgment-free the Mothers Together community is. If you are ready to m...
Ep.199 Mom Stephanie Fluger on Asking For Help: Learning to Let Go of Control, Shed Guilt & Anger, and Actually Take Care of Yourself
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Stephanie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-The hardships of raising a non-verbal toddler and a baby during Covid with very limited resources.
-Relearning how to ask for help and take care of herself as a stay-at-home mom.
-When everything just feels like too much
-Feeling like we have to do everything and letting go of control
-Why did she feel so angry all the...
Ep.198 Mom Cathy Shields on Acceptance & Understanding of a Neurodivergent Young Adult
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Cathy. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too!
Please shower Cathy with love and support by SHARING this episode with a mom who needs to hear her story.
Find Cathy at cathyshieldswriter.com!
** HUGE NEWS!! Our next Mothers Together "Open House" is coming up at the end of the year! At Open House, you'll walk away with actual connections to real moms just like you AND the validation you deserve but of...
Ep.197 Dad Rob Gorski on the "Sudden Detour" of a Massive Regression & Parenting the Kid, Not the Diagnosis
About This Episode: Today's brand new episode features a dad!! I'm talking with Dad Rob Gorski. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-How challenging a massive regression was for him to process
-How fevers brought back the "old" child - and going through the grief all over again
-What "survival mode" looked like for him
-How he channeled his struggles into writing and podcasting
-What life looked like as a single dad - and how he chose t...
Ep.196 Mom Taylor Alexander on Surviving & Prioritizing What's Important When Managing a Whole Family With ADHD
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Taylor. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-How she received an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and what ADHD looks like for her
-How ADHD looks differently in girls vs. boys
-The process of acquiring stimulant medication for multiple people in the family at the same time.
-How hard it is to leave the house as a family - always preparing for the worst-case scenario
-Figuring...
Ep.195 On The Hard Days is BACK! Here's The Update!
After a hiatus, we're back, my friends! I'm thrilled to be pushing out new episodes to you starting TOMORROW and every Monday after that.
**You're invited to the Mothers Together "Open House", a virtual gathering to give you a taste of what my Mothers Together community is all about. Be sure to get on the email list, as I'll be sending out more information soon.
Go to mothers-together.com/openhouse to sign up!
Ep.194 (Replay): Dad Brent Nohl on How Therapy & Meds For YOU Help Your Neurodivergent Kids Become the Best Versions of Themselves
About This Episode: Dad Bren was the first in a series of dads to join me on the show. He was so vulnerable in sharing what it's like from a dad's perspective to raise a neurodivergent child with challenging behaviors. I'm so excited to you all to hear what he has to say - and if YOU know a dad who might benefit from hearing Brent's story, please send him this episode! Here's just some of what we discussed:
-Frightening febrile seizures
-Play therapy experience with a child with severe ADHD
-Hearing negative...
Ep.193 Mom Courtney Welsh on How Working Through Post-Natal Depression Helped Shape a Positive Mindset to Raise Her Neurodivergent Child
"I could only find people talking about all the negatives or all the positives. There was no middle ground."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Courtney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-What apraxia of speech looked like in her child
-Loneliness during the postnatal depression period
-How she handled judgmental comments from others
-Finding a balance of what to share and how to share it to create a safe...
Ep.192 Mom Hannah Mira on How Learning About & Understanding *Herself* Through a Late Autism Diagnosis & Therapy Has Changed How She Parents Her Neurodivergent Kid
"It's not about being a perfect parent - it's about being a reflective parent."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Hannah. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Learning about yourself as a neurodivergent mom to help understand your child
-How challenging it is to advocate for your child
-Transitions can be so tough - how she handles them
-Repairing with your child (often)
-How therapy (and EMDR) has helped...
Ep.191 Mom Caroline on Adjusting Your Expectations as a Military Spouse & Facing Your Own Mental Health Diagnosis as a Mental Health Professional
"I could do it all, but I deserve to not have to."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Caroline. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Life as a military spouse during deployment
-Sensory struggles, feeding disorders, and Autism
-Infancy trauma (sick with RSV, traumatic birth) - how does that fit with who a child is?
-Facing your own mental health struggles as a mental health professional
-What is Cyclothymia...
Ep.190 Mom Vanessa Dittman on Living a Life of Daily Triage & Trauma With a Medically Complex, Neurodivergent Child With Behavioral Challenges (Even With the Support of a Service Dog)
"He gets into almost life-ending harm often...there's a whole list of behaviors that are just really scary."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Vanessa. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-What behaviors are caused by genetic mutations vs. Autism/ADHD, etc?
-Constantly monitoring her child's heart health and the stress that causes
-How a service dog has vastly improved their home
-The stress of doctor appointments for ND kids<...
Ep.189 Mom Brittney Smith on Managing Her Stress Levels In Helping Her Child With Extreme Sensory Needs & Food Struggles
"You have to look for the joy....it is there, it can be found. But you have to look for it - it's easy to miss if you don't."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Brittney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Severe sensory issues around food when her child was a toddler and started feeding therapy
-Bowel issues and not taking basic bodily functions for granted
-The importance of finding...
Ep.188 Mama Monday: Mom Jeannie Ewing On Shifting Expectations, Accepting Regressions, And Riding The Rollercoaster Of Emotions As A Parent Of Neurodivergent Kids
"I had to grieve the loss of the life I thought we were going to have."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Jeannie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Jeannie shares her personal journey of struggling with infertility and having five children, three of whom have been diagnosed with neurodiversity, including a rare genetic condition called Apert Syndrome.
-The importance of having a supportive team of specialists and professionals who can provide g...
Ep.187 Mama Monday: Mom Whitney Price on How Finding The Right Community, Educational Fit, and Therapies Make All The DIfference in Raising a Neurodivergent Child
"There's going to be a lot of negative...you have to find your own positive."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Whitney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-The impact of the pandemic on her son's therapy and evaluations
-The need for accessible resources, therapies, and emotional support groups for families with children on the autism spectrum
-The role of therapy for Whitney in building confidence, managing anxiety, and developing coping m...
Ep.186 Mama Monday: Mom Lisa Candera on "Sanity Management" and Redirecting Our Brains Away from Worrying & Catastrophizing About Our Neurodivergent Kids
"Our brains will always find the junk aisle of thoughts."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lisa. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Growing up with a neurodivergent sibling
-What it's like in the early years with a "hit the ground running" mentality, trying various approaches, programs, and therapies through trial and error.
-How her fear and sadness were often suppressed by staying busy and constantly seeking solutions, avoiding fully confronting...
Ep.185 Mama Monday: Mom Lauren Goeke on the Brokenness of the Educational & Medical Systems, Lack of Holistic Approaches to Treating Neurodivergent Kids, and How This Motivates Her to Keep Going
"Safety cannot be the reason why a place is not a good fit."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lauren. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-The realization that not everyone is on your team
-How daycare settings can have a lack of safety protocols and understanding from educators about neurodivergent children.
-The use of correct educational terminology to effectively communicate a child's needs.
-The importance of fostering curiosity and...
Ep.184 Mother's Day Special: It's Okay To Grieve & Feel Disappointed In This Day
About This Episode: Happy Belated Mother's Day, my friends. This is a different sort of episode - in fact, it's taken from my Sunday Night Share Instagram Live, which turned into a bit of a therapy session for all of us. If Mother's Day brings lots of mixed feelings, this is the episode for you.
Please share this episode with a mom who needs to hear this message!
I ALWAYS welcome YOUR thoughts! Feel free to DM me on IG (@on.the.hard.days) or email me: megan@mothers-together.com. This...
Ep.183 Mama Monday: Mom Breanna Akers on Taking Care of Your Mental Health & Staying True to Your Identity When Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
"We have to really know what's important, and what not to add in."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Breanna. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-The challenges of homeschooling her children while dealing with a demanding work schedule and managing their needs at the same time.
-The role of flexibility in managing her kids' sensory needs and dysregulation.
-How Breanna takes care of herself and stays true to her identity<...
Ep.182 Mama Monday: Mom Lahren Rogers on How Standing Your Ground, Setting Boundaries, AND Cultivating Relationships Are the Keys to Successfully Advocating For Your Neurodivergent Child
"Everything my children have been diagnosed with has been me going to a doctor and saying, 'This is what's going on. And I need you to confirm it.'"
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Lahren. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Lahren's journey of raising three neurodivergent boys
-Challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children in getting a diagnosis
-Lack of understanding and support from school and healthcare professionals
...
Ep.181 Mama Monday: Mom Brittney on Managing the Mental Load Of Meeting Your Kids' Needs While Finding Your Own Voice At The Same Time
"Let them write their story. Let them decide who they're going to be."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Brittney. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-When you question yourself as a mother - are you cut out for this journey?
-Learning how to find your voice
-Helping your partner through the grief and acceptance of a diagnosis
-Reframing what your ND kids can't do to find a positive outlook<...
Ep.180 Mama Monday: Mom Christie Dilks on Learning How to Advocate, Not Just For Your Neurodivergent Child, But For Their Siblings & Yourself
"It's not what they want, it's what they need. And that's what it's about at the end of the day."
*Click the link to sign up for my free webinar "Struggling to Raise a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Put Yourself First When You Feel Like You're Last", happening live on Zoom on Friday, April 21st at 8pm EST! Can't wait to see you!
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Christie. I loved this whole conversation and I know you will t...
Ep.179 Mama Monday: Mom Melissa Schoenherr on Her Rock-Bottom Parenting Moment With Her Neurodivergent Child and What She Learned About *Herself* From It
"You can be upset and having a hard day and still be a good mom."
*Sign up for my free webinar "Struggling to Raise a Neurodivergent Kid? The #1 Way to Put Yourself First When You Feel Like You're Last", happening live on Zoom on Friday, April 21st at 8pm EST! Can't wait to see you!
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Melissa. I loved this whole conversation and really appreciated her vulnerability in a tough situation. Here are just some of t...
Ep.178 Mama Monday: Mom Molly Kellogg on Managing Anger & Emotional Intensity With an Intellectually Gifted Child
"I feel like I want to make t-shirts that say, 'Don't poke the bear'."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Molly. I loved this whole conversation and found it so relatable. I think you will too! Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-When you have a gifted, highly emotional child
-Understanding where the anger your child has comes from
-Dealing with feelings of confusion and envy of other moms' lives
-What her child needs as someone who is 2E
-Trying...
Ep.177 Mama Monday: Mom Kahrissa Taylor on Forced Resilience in Survival Mode - When Taking Care of Yourself Isn't an Option, Vulnerability is Key
"I'm treading water. I'm surviving. That's all I have right now."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Kahrissa. She talks about what true survival looks like in her life - and what she wishes she could change. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-How being vulnerable allowed others to help her
-What "survival" looks like in her house
-Life with daily doctor appointments, meltdowns, Autism, FPIES, and complex medical needs
-When "being resilient" doesn't feel like a compliment
Please...
Ep.176 Father Friday: Dad Benjamin Wiles on Prioritizing Your Relationships With All Your Children & Trusting Your Intuition in Decision-Making
"Don't ever doubt your intuition."
About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Benjamin and I just loved what he had to say about raising neurodivergent kids. Here are just some of the things we discussed:
-How having multiple children spread over different ages allows them to help each other
-Trying to catch your kid up on missed milestones
-Balancing the needs of all your kids
-Quality over quantity of time spent together
-Figuring out your priorities for the day
-Raising your NT k...
Ep.175 Bonus: Mom Gabriele on Raising Multiple Neurodivergent Kids Under 5 and How Connection & Community Helped Her See Them In A New Light
About This Episode: Bonus!! This is an extra episode from a conversation taken straight from my recent Instagram Live with Mom Gabriele. Two of her young children are neurodivergent, and for a long time, she felt her mental health suffering. Take a listen to how she feels now, and how she finds and appreciates every little positive moment with her children thanks to the connections she's made with other moms in Mothers Together.
April registration for Mothers Together has officially begun! Not sure if it's right for you? You have until 4/10 to cancel for...
Ep.174 Mama Monday (Part 2): Mom Estelle Emond on Dealing With Clutter, Balancing Everyone's Different Needs, and Practicing "Instant Forgiveness"
"Getting rid of stuff...it was so mind-freeing for all of us."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Estelle for Part 2 of a two part episode (Listen to Part 1 Here!). She talks about raising multiple ND kids in an "ADHD house" and making it work despite being dismissed by professionals. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-Living with an older generation that might not understand ND kids
-Trying to remove stimulus in the home to keep overwhelm away
-Resetting expectations around cleaning a...
Ep.173 Father Friday: Dad Andrew McPherson on Making a Conscious Decision to Give 'Consistent Grace' to Your Partner, Yourself, and Your Neurodivergent Child
"The best way out was through."
About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Andrew and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:
-Going through the grieving process but not getting stuck in it
-Making the decision to give your child the best chance to thrive
-Deciding on whether or not to move locations to help your kid
-Finding just a little more patience and energy to handle tough moments
Ep.172 Mama Monday (Part 1): Mom Estelle Emond on Constantly Being Dismissed About Your Child's Struggles, and Finding the Key to Family Success
"We got a diagnosis and no help."
About This Episode: It's Mama Monday! This week, I'm talking with mom Estelle for Part 1 of a two part episode. She talks about raising multiple ND kids in an "ADHD house" and making it work despite being dismissed by professionals. Here are just some of the topics we discussed:
-When you live in an ADHD house
-When you're a young mom and how that loses credentials with your gut instinct
-The frustration from not understanding your child and not being given information by the p...
Ep.171 Father Friday: Dad Stephen LupPlace on Accepting the "New Normal" of Life With a Neurodivergent Child & Focusing on Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
"I'm there. I'm there with you. I'm struggling with the same thing."
About This Episode: It's Father Friday!!! I had a great conversation with Dad Stephen and I just loved what he had to say about raising a neurodivergent child. Here are just some of the things we discussed:
-When your ND child is medically fragile (heart-related)
-When you don't know what "typical" looks like
-Setting goals and expectations - but in a different way than you expected
-Putting one foot in front of the other and staying positive.
