Adultism: The assumption that it is acceptable to control children, their bodies, their choices, their emotional expression, simply because they are children.

We have language for just about every other power imbalance, but this one largely goes unnamed.

Children are the most vulnerable people in our communities. They have less social power. Less physical power. Less access to resources. Less ability to leave. Less agency in general.

And we are the adults in that equation. So my question isn’t “how do I get my kids to behave?”

It’s what do I actually want to do with that power and influence.

Over the last twenty years, I have spent a lot of time questioning, learning, and unlearning. I have navigated complicated dynamics with my own parents, like boundaries and caregiving, while simultaneously trying to figure out raising my own kids, who are also neurodivergent.

Most parenting content and education is behavior-focused. Measuring, evaluating, and reacting to only what we can see.

Stop the tantrum.

Get compliance.

Manage the meltdown.

But I knew there had to be more than just looking at behavior. We also had to consider the child’s experience. I just didn’t have a clear roadmap to follow at first.

I was lucky enough to come across some pivotal books when my kids were young, books that centered their humanity, and gave me my first big ah-ha moments, which led to many more.

Now I am taking what I have learned and lived, and sharing it in hopes that it might help someone else.

Not Your Typical Parenting Workshop: Centering children’s humanity, beyond behavior. A place to question, learn, and unlearn.

I’m starting with a soft launch on Sunday, May 24th at 1 pm CDT — limited to 15 spots. In exchange for a seat, I’m asking for feedback after the workshop.

If this feels like something that could be helpful and you have the capacity for it — I’d love to have you there. There is no need to attend it live, as we have people in all different time zones.

You can register for it here!

A big thank you to Haide from Encouragement Along the Journey for having me and Christopher Carazas be apart of this conversation! I would love to hear what thoughts or questions came up for you while watching or listening to it.

- Sam

We talk about the initial shock and relief of receiving a diagnosis, the challenges of navigating family life through this new lens, and the ways understanding this has changed our marriage and parenting.

Our hope is that by sharing our story honestly and with some humor along the way, you’ll feel less alone in your own journey.

This episode was recorded in August of 2025, which means some things have changed since then.

“A lot of this podcast is just going to be about our real lived experiences. You don’t have to have it figured out if you want to be here. We definitely, definitely do not have everything figured out. And we’re not super polished, just real conversations about our experiences, being vulnerable, and talking about the emotions and raw experience of it.” - Scott Nelson

Everyone’s story is different.

So take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.

Feel free to share anything that came up for you.

- Sam & Scott

Check out my debut book here!

Skip times : 26:19–26:44 and 40:56–42:21. In this very vulnerable episode , Scott and I talk about his autism diagnosis and what it’s meant for his mental health.

He shares how validating a diagnosis can be, the real-world challenges of navigating work with ADHD and autism, and why clear communication and context matter so much in relationships.

Scott opens up about sensory management, emotional highs and lows, and why we’re sharing our story—to help someone else feel less alone.

We acknowledge that it is a privilege to access a formal assessment —self-diagnosis is valid, and your lived experience matters.

If you’re in the U.S. and need support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If outside the U.S., please reach out to your local crisis line or someone you trust.

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