A Brain-First Approach to Parenting

TLDR;

This episode of Foster Adopt Minnesota's podcast features Eileen Divine, a clinical social worker and founder of Brain First Parenting. Eileen shares her journey into working with families challenged by behavioral issues while providing practical insights into her unique brain-first approach to parenting. Key points include understanding the connection between brain development and behavior, the importance of accommodations for children with neurobehavioral challenges, and actionable suggestions for caregivers dealing with these situations.

• Eileen Divine discusses her background and professional journey.
• The brain-first approach is rooted in understanding the connection between behavior and brain function.

Introduction to the Podcast [0:00]

The hosts, Bridget and Chris, introduce the podcast which is aimed at providing resources for adoptive and foster families. They welcome Eileen Divine, highlighting her expertise as a clinical social worker and founder of Brain First Parenting.

Eileen Divine's Personal Journey [1:00]

Eileen shares her story of becoming a parent and how her daughter Maya’s unexpected arrival led her to recognize the unique challenges children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) face. She discusses her experience in securing a diagnosis at a young age and the struggles her family encountered while searching for effective support and resources.

The Brain First Approach [5:00]

Eileen explains the brain-first approach to parenting, which emphasizes understanding how brain function relates to behavior. She notes that many traditional methods fail to consider these connections, leading parents to misinterpret their children’s actions as willful misbehavior instead of responses to their unique neurobiology. This misunderstanding can aggravate parents' frustration and the child’s behaviors.

Practical Solutions for Caregivers [9:00]

Addressing caregivers, Eileen emphasizes the importance of shifting perspectives to understand children’s neurobiology. She encourages parents to learn about their child’s specific needs, including challenges like low frustration tolerance and slow processing speeds. This understanding can help create supportive environments that can mitigate challenging behaviors through appropriate accommodations.

Daily Interactions and Accommodations [15:00]

Eileen discusses the day-to-day challenges parents may face when interacting with their children, offering insights into how simple adjustments in communication can prevent escalation during routine situations. Her examples illustrate how offering choices and allowing processing time can reduce stress for both the child and the parent, highlighting the importance of recognizing the actual capabilities of children with neurobehavioral challenges.

Understanding Cognitive Skills and Relationships [20:50]

Eileen elaborates on common behavioral issues stemming from cognitive skill deficits, such as difficulties in perspective-taking and emotional regulation. These cognitive skills often lag behind developmental expectations, leading to misunderstandings between parents and children. She emphasizes the potential for growth and improvement in these skills with proper support and understanding.

Professional Training and Resources [25:50]

Toward the end of the podcast, Eileen shares information about her new training program aimed at professionals working with children exhibiting challenging behaviors. The program, called Think Brain First, is designed to educate staff about the brain-first approach and how to apply it effectively in various professional settings to better support families dealing with neurobehavioral challenges.

Conclusion and Resources [30:10]

The podcast concludes with Eileen encouraging listeners to connect with her through her website and podcast for more insights on brain-first parenting. Bridget also shares information about the Help program available through Foster Adopt Minnesota, offering families tailored resources and support in navigating the challenges of adoption, foster care, and kinship care.