In the Trenches

Connection-Based PDA Parenting: What It Really Looks Like (Part 5)

Connection-Based PDA Parenting: What It Really ...

Kary Kalinowski

Real-life examples of connection-based PDA parenting — with scripts, strategies, and gentle approaches that support autonomy and reduce overwhelm.

Connection-Based PDA Parenting: What It Really ...

Kary Kalinowski

Real-life examples of connection-based PDA parenting — with scripts, strategies, and gentle approaches that support autonomy and reduce overwhelm.

Line drawing of a child leading an adult

PDA Parenting Strategies That Reduce Pressure &...

Kary Kalinowski

Connection-based PDA parenting strategies that reduce pressure, increase cooperation, and protect your child’s nervous system — with real scripts and everyday examples.

PDA Parenting Strategies That Reduce Pressure &...

Kary Kalinowski

Connection-based PDA parenting strategies that reduce pressure, increase cooperation, and protect your child’s nervous system — with real scripts and everyday examples.

Line drawing of a brain with a flame, feather and arrow surrounding it. Flame symbolizing fight, feather symbolizing fawn(freeze) and the arrow symbolizing flight.

Understanding PDA: What’s Really Happening in t...

Kary Kalinowski

A gentle, real-world look at the PDA nervous system — why pressure feels like threat, how capacity works, and what helps kids feel safe enough to thrive.

Understanding PDA: What’s Really Happening in t...

Kary Kalinowski

A gentle, real-world look at the PDA nervous system — why pressure feels like threat, how capacity works, and what helps kids feel safe enough to thrive.

Line drawing of a stick figure navigating a tight rope.

When “Trying Harder” Doesn’t Work | PDA Parenti...

Kary Kalinowski

Parenting a PDA child means navigating overwhelm, shutdowns, and a nervous system that reacts to pressure — even tiny demands. In Part 2 of this series, I share what we’ve...

When “Trying Harder” Doesn’t Work | PDA Parenti...

Kary Kalinowski

Parenting a PDA child means navigating overwhelm, shutdowns, and a nervous system that reacts to pressure — even tiny demands. In Part 2 of this series, I share what we’ve...

Thought bubble with the words I'm Done

When “I’m Done” Should Be Enough — A New Year’s...

Kary Kalinowski

A quiet, honest look at PDA parenting — the pressure to push, the courage to stop, and what happens when we finally honor a child’s “I’m done.”

When “I’m Done” Should Be Enough — A New Year’s...

Kary Kalinowski

A quiet, honest look at PDA parenting — the pressure to push, the courage to stop, and what happens when we finally honor a child’s “I’m done.”

An autistic child spinning with joy.

The Appointment That Changed Nothing—and Everyt...

Kary Kalinowski

“Autism didn’t change my child — but the way people reacted to it did. The day he was diagnosed, I watched the world treat him differently, even though he was...

The Appointment That Changed Nothing—and Everyt...

Kary Kalinowski

“Autism didn’t change my child — but the way people reacted to it did. The day he was diagnosed, I watched the world treat him differently, even though he was...