When the Holidays Are Too Much: Navigating Anxiety & Sensory Overload as a Family

Although the holiday season can be magical, joyful, and full of tradition, it can feel loud, overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

On my latest Just My MomSense podcast episode, I talk more about why the holidays can be so overstimulating, how anxiety and sensory challenges feed into each other, and what we can do to help our kids (and ourselves) move through the season with more calm.

You can listen here or on your favorite podcasting platform!

Rising Together: How Mark Ingrassia Is Using Special Ed Rising To Empower Families and Educators

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed navigating the world of special education, you’re not alone. This week on the Just My MomSense podcast, I talk with Mark Ingrassia, the heart and voice behind SpecialEdRising.com, to talk about his inspiring journey and mission to uplift families, educators, and students everywhere.

Mark is a passionate advocate and educator who has dedicated his career to supporting children with diverse learning needs. Through his podcast and website, Special Ed Rising, he’s built a safe and welcoming space for conversations about inclusion, advocacy, and understanding.

In our episode, Mark shares his journey into the world of special education, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the inspiration behind Special Ed Rising. We also talk about the importance of community and how support, understanding, and a shared mission can make all the difference for children and the adults who champion them.

🔗 Listen to the Episode

For more about Mark’s work, visit SpecialEdRising.com and follow Special Ed Rising on social media.

ICYMI: Let’s Talk Executive Functioning with Dr. Val!

I was a bit under the weather last week, but wanted to make sure to let you all know about last week’s Just My MomSense podcast episode, before a new one drops tomorrow!

In Episode 13 of Just My MomSense, Dr. Val returns for a deeper dive into executive functioning skills. We talk about tools that help us plan, focus, organize and get things done. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone looking to strengthen everyday productivity, this conversation offers practical strategies and insight into how to support both children and adults.

Click here to listen to the latest episode with Dr. Val!

The Power of Community: Helping Children Learn, Grow and Thrive with Dr. Troy Roddy

On this episode of Just My MomSense, Jen talks with Dr. Troy Roddy. Dr. Troy is an educator, author, and fellow Disney Podcaster. They talk about building a community within a school, as well as with parents in order to help children develop a lifelong love of learning.  

Listen here:

Helpful Tools and Resources for Parents

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but I’ve found tools and resources that make the tough days a little smoother. Whether you’re navigating sensory processing challenges, school struggles, or just need a moment to breathe, these resources have been a lifesaver for our family.

Below, you’ll find links to other sites I’ve found helpful, as well as my Favorite Things page, podcast episodes, and items from my Etsy shop, all curated to bring practical support, calm, and comfort to your parenting journey.

Explore these resources to help you manage parenting stress, neurodivergent needs, and everyday challenges with confidence.

Sensory Spectacle YouTube Channel

STAR Institute

These are a few of my Favorite Things

Embracing Neurodiversity with Dr. Matt Zakreski | Just My MomSense Podcast

Understanding How We Learn with Dr. Val | Just My MomSense Podcast

Just My MomSense Etsy Page

Back to School and Back to the Podcast!

After a summer hiatus, Just My MomSense is back and I couldn’t be more excited!.

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Jen, a mom navigating the everyday ups and downs of parenting, sharing stories, resources, and encouragement along the way.

This week’s episode is a solo one, where I’m catching you up on how summer went in our house, how we’re handling the big back-to-school transition, and what’s ahead for the podcast.

🎧You can listen to the full episode, Summer Recap, Back to School and More Episodes Ahead, by clicking here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

I’d love to hear from you too! How was your summer, and how is the back-to-school season going for your family? Share with me in the comments below or come connect on Instagram [@justmymomsense].

Navigating Autism, Motherhood, and Disney Magic with Joann Salas

ICYMI, On the most recent episode of the Just My MomSense Podcast, I was joined by Joann Salas. On her YouTube channel, Joann shares her journey as a wife and mom to twin boys, one of whom is autistic and nonverbal. She shares the ups and downs of their everyday life, offering a real look into parenting, autism, and managing a busy home.

In this episode, we chat about:

  • The emotional side of receiving an Autism diagnosis
  • Finding joy in everyday routines and family travel
  • Why Disney parks are a source of comfort and connection for her family

Listen to the full episode here.
📺 Watch Joann’s videos: Joann Salas on YouTube
📲 Follow Joann on Instagram: @lovealwaysjoann

Embracing Neurodiversity | A Conversation with Dr. Matt Zakreski

On the most recent episode of the Just My MomSense Podcast, I had the absolute joy of speaking with Dr. Matt Zakreski. Dr. Matt is a clinical psychologist who specializes in neurodiversity, giftedness, and mental health for kids and teens.

As parents, especially those raising neurodivergent kids, we’re constantly seeking guidance, tools, and a little reassurance that we’re not alone. Dr. Matt brings all of that and more. Whether your child is diagnosed with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, or is simply a big-feelings kid who processes the world differently, then this episode is for you.


What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences, like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others are natural variations of the human brain, not deficits. Dr. Matt breaks it down beautifully in this episode, reminding us that being neurodivergent doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means your brain works differently and that difference brings value.


Strengths-Based Parenting for Neurodivergent Kids

Dr. Matt is passionate about focusing on what your child can do, rather than just what’s hard for them. Instead of seeing a meltdown as “bad behavior,” it’s about understanding what’s underneath, whether it’s sensory overload, anxiety, or an unmet need.

He shares strategies for:

  • Building emotional regulation skills
  • Creating safe, affirming environments at home and in school
  • Encouraging self-advocacy in neurodivergent children

Navigating School and Advocacy

A big part of our conversation centered on school and Dr. Matt offers practical advice for:

  • Talking to teachers and schools about your child’s needs
  • What to look for in an inclusive education environment
  • How to advocate

Listen Here!

Also available on your favorite podcasting platform.


Connect with Dr. Matt Zakreski

Visit his website: drmattzakreski.com
Follow on Instagram: @drmattzakreski

How Everyday Tech Can Empower Learning and Communication: A Conversation with Joan Green

If you’ve ever wished for simple, practical tools to help your child thrive at school, support a loved one’s communication needs, or even stay organized yourself, you’re going to love the latest episode of the Just My MomSense podcast.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Joan Green, a Speech-Language Pathologist, Assistive Technology Expert, Author, and founder of Innovative Speech Therapy. Joan has dedicated her career to helping people of all ages use everyday technology to overcome challenges in learning, communication, and independence.

In our conversation, we explore how technology can support kids, teens, parents, teachers, caregivers, and older adults alike. Whether you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, helping a high schooler prepare for college, or supporting an aging parent, you’ll walk away from this episode with resources to make life just a little easier.


Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Join the Tech Life Inner Circle Membership
Your go-to community for live training, expert support, and curated tools.
👉 https://innovativespeech.com/tech-life-inner-circle/

Register for the Tech for College Success Summer Workshops
Perfect for college-bound students who need help with executive functioning and organization.
👉 https://bit.ly/summerworkshopstechforcollegesuccess

Learn more about Joan Green and Innovative Speech Therapy
👉 https://innovativespeech.com/


Follow Joan Green for More Expert Tips & Tools


Don’t Miss This Episode!

Listen Here or wherever you get your podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe to Just My MomSense for more conversations, parenting support, and resource-packed episodes.

Have questions about assistive tech or want to share your favorite tools? Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram @justmymomsense!