{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"191: Overcoming Parental PTSD: Lara\u2019s Story","description":"Imagine sitting on your front porch, enjoying a quiet moment after school drop-off, only to suddenly find yourself in the grip of a panic attack\u2014not because something went wrong, but because nothing went wrong. For Lara, this was the reality of parental PTSD. After years of daily phone calls, school expulsions, and crisis management, her nervous system had forgotten how to feel safe in the calm. In this emotional episode, Lara shares her family\u2019s incredible journey from \u201csurvival mode\u201d to thriving. She opens up about her son Oliver, who was once on three different medications and struggling with severe meltdowns and aggression. Lara candidly discusses the turning point that occurred during a family vacation, the step-by-step nutritional changes that transformed their lives, and the joy of finally taking a family trip to a museum without fear of a public incident. Listen in to learn how Lara weaned her son off medication with doctor support, how she and her husband navigated their own healing, and why the silence after the storm can sometimes be the hardest adjustment of all. Key Takeaways [04:45] Early Signs of Dysregulation - Lara describes the extreme rage cycles and daily meltdowns that began when Oliver was just two years old. [06:12] School Struggles - The heartbreaking reality of being dismissed from multiple preschools and eventually a public school due to severe behavioral challenges. [12:14] The Medication Load - Oliver was on three medications\u2014Abilify, Celexa, and various stimulants\u2014yet the family was still \u201cdrowning in emotional roller coasters.\u201d [13:57] The Turning Point - How a YouTube video discovered during a desperate family vacation in Florida shifted everything for Lara and her husband. [18:27] Tackling Overwhelm with Baby Steps - Why eliminating one food group at a time\u2014and not striving for perfection\u2014was the key to making dietary changes sustainable. [28:57] Feeling Again - The powerful moment when Oliver verbally expressed anger for the first time after coming off numbing mood stabilizers. [31:03] New Freedom as a Family - The family\u2019s ability to travel to Washington D.C. and visit museums without fear of elopement, aggression, or major dysregulation. [33:33] Parental PTSD - Lara shares her \u201cporch story,\u201d describing a panic attack triggered simply because the school didn\u2019t call with an emergency. [39:01] A Mindset Shift That Helps - Lara reminds parents that children are born with all the emotions\u2014but not yet the skills to manage them. Memorable Moments "We ran into several mothers along our path and that was the best support for me because I could talk to them about what was going on and they didn\u2019t look at me like, what are you doing wrong?\u201d \u201cWe tried everything else. This makes sense to me\u2026 This is our chance.\u201d \u201cI remember the first time he said, \u2018I feel so mad\u2019\u2026 This poor kid was so numbed and dulled that he had all these things going on, but he wasn\u2019t able to say how he felt.\u201d \u201cI was just there and I felt a panic\u2026 I really thought I was gonna die\u2026 I experienced a panic attack, and I don\u2019t know why. There\u2019s nothing to worry about. My son is doing great.\u201d \u201cLara, your nervous system is in fight or flight, and your brain still thinks you need to fight or flight.\u201d Dana Kay Resources: \ud83d\udd17WEBSITES: \u25b6 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/ \u25b6 https:\/\/dana-kay.com\/ \ud83d\udc4bSOCIALS: \u25b6 Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ADHDThriveInstitute\/ \u25b6 Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/adhdthriveinstitute\/ \u25b6 YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/ADHDThriveInstitute \u25b6 LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/adhd-thrive-institute\/mycompany\/ \u25b6 Pinterest: https:\/\/www.pinterest.ph\/adhdthriveinstitute\/ \u25b6 Tiktok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@adhd_thriveinstitute \ud83d\udcd5INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: \u25b6 Thriving with ADHD \u2013 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/book\/ \ud83d\udcbbFREE MASTERCLASS \u25b6 Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https:\/\/bit.ly\/3GAbFQl \u2b50COURSES & PROGRAMS \u25b6 ADHD Parenting Course \u2013 https:\/\/info.adhdthriveinstitute.com\/parentingadhd \u25b6 ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program \u2013 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/packages\/ ","author_name":"Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD","author_url":"http:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/402857\/site","html":"