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!
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.
For more about Mark’s work, visit SpecialEdRising.com and follow Special Ed Rising on social media.
October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month, and this week on the Just My MomSense podcast, I’m sharing our family’s journey with sensory processing differences from the early clues, the tough moments, and the small strategies that have made a big difference.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here!
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child, the thought of visiting a theme park can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Between the crowds, the noise, and the unexpected moments, there’s a lot to navigate. But here’s the good news: with the right tools and preparation, places like Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida can be magical for our sensory-sensitive kiddos.
In the latest episode of the Just My MomSense Podcast, I’m sharing some quick tips and tricks I’ve learned from traveling to these parks with my kids. Whether you’re planning your first big theme park adventure or want to improve the experience for your family, this episode is for you.
Listen to the full episode here or on your favorite podcasting platform!
To go along with the episode, I’ve created a printable Sensory Friendly Vacation Prep Kit available now in my Etsy shop:
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sensory needs and that’s okay! What matters most is meeting your child where they are and giving yourself grace as you go. Theme parks can be a great experience for you and your family.
Have a favorite sensory travel tip? A must-visit quiet spot at a park? Share in the comments or send me a message I’d love to hear from you!
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.
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.
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:
A big part of our conversation centered on school and Dr. Matt offers practical advice for:
Also available on your favorite podcasting platform.
Visit his website: drmattzakreski.com
Follow on Instagram: @drmattzakreski
Just My MomSense: The Podcast is officially out in the world! I was excited (and a little nervous!) to finally hit publish on these first few episodes.
If you’re new here: I’m not an expert. I’m a mom learning, growing, and doing the best I can just like you. This podcast is a space for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating the world of raising humans.
Let’s take a look at the first three episodes in case you missed them:
This one is short and sweet! I talk about why I started this podcast and what you can expect going forward. Every good series needs a Pilot episode!
In this episode I dive into all eight senses: what they are, how they work, and why understanding them is essential for supporting your kids (and yourself)
This episode has my first official guest, my friend Dr. Val! We talk all about how we really learn. We dive into the different learning styles and explore why recognizing these styles matters for kids and adults alike.
Looking forward to more interviews with experts and incredible parents, solo chats sharing my own tips, and resources I’ve found helpful along the way.
If you’ve listened, THANK YOU!
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and if you like what you hear, leave a quick rating or review. It helps so much in getting the word out.
Today’s the day.
After months (ok, maybe years) of thinking about it, planning it, second-guessing it, and finally recording it, the Just My MomSense Podcast is officially live!
Writing has always been my comfort zone, but after doing the Dillo’s Diz podcast for the past 7 years and spending a year and a half co-hosting the Magical Mommy Monday podcast, I felt like this was a good next step. I’m excited to share more stories, highlight helpful resources, and talk to experts or other parents!
The Pilot and first official episode are now live! You can listen here by clicking on the Podcast tab on the menu or wherever you listen to podcasts! A new episode will drop on Wednesday and continue weekly.
This isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about sharing what I’ve learned (and am still learning).
Thank you for being here at the start. I’m so excited for what’s to come.
For years, Just My MomSense has been a place where I’ve shared stories and helpful resources; but now, I’m so excited to tell you that something new is coming…
Introducing: The Just My MomSense Podcast: launching this Mother’s Day!
This podcast has been something I’ve been thinking about for awhile. Shameless plug: as some of you know, I host the Dillo’s Diz podcast with my brother, which centers around our love for Disney and Pop Culture. Taking what I’ve learned doing that podcast, turning Just My MomSense into a podcast started to feel like a natural progression. But this time, it would be just me and that part made me nervous.
After writing blog posts, connecting with other parents, and learning (and unlearning) so much over the last 7 years, I felt it was time to bring these conversations to life in a whole new way. Podcasting allows me to expand on sharing resources as I continue to learn and connect with others along the way.
Each week, I’ll be sharing:
The first episode drops on Sunday, May 11th (Mother’s Day)! With the title and all (and a nudge from a friend with the idea) it seemed appropriate. After that, we’ll settle into a weekly rhythm with new episodes every Wednesday. Episodes will also be posted on your favorite podcasting platform and right here on the blog.
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more! You can also use or follow the hashtag #JustMyMomSensePodcast to join the conversation. Feel free to DM me or comment with questions or topics you’d love for me to cover.
Thank you for being here, whether you’ve read one post or followed since the beginning. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.
I have a confession to make.
I have missed one day of my writing challenge. That day, was yesterday.
On Thursday, I went away for a few days and made sure to schedule blogs so I didn’t miss anything. Only to come home Sunday and then needing Monday to recover.
I have decided that I will do 2 blogs today to make up for yesterday! Do I have a plan for what I’ll be writing in this one or the next? Nope! So we’ll just roll with whatever comes to mind.
Going away solo as a parent is a weird thing. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I co-host the Dillo’s Diz Podcast with my brother. It covers our love for Disney, random tangents and some pop culture thrown in along the way. This trip was our first every meetup and it meant so much to us. I’m still processing trying to find the words to explain how much it meant, but I’m not sure I ever will.
We’ve taken a few Dillos trips and they’re always a bit tough for me. My mom guilt kicks in, missing them is a constant and I never want to be away from them for too long. On the flip side, it was great spending time with the friends we’ve made along the way thanks to the podcast and I am so happy we did it.
If you’re a parent and can relate to feeling all the things all at once, comment below and let me know!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, although I have no affiliation to the Star Institute, I wanted to take some time to share some of their amazing resources. Be sure to click here to check out their website!
Today I wanted to direct to you to their podcast: Making Sense! Click here to learn more and listen to previous episodes!
Just My MomSense 