DiscoverSensational Moms: Support For Overstimulated Moms
Sensational Moms: Support For Overstimulated Moms
Claim Ownership

Sensational Moms: Support For Overstimulated Moms

Author: Whitney Whitten

Subscribed: 4Played: 45
Share

Description

For the overstimulated homeschool mom who is burned out, reactive, & snappy and ready to feel joyful and connected again. 


Do you spend your days feeling touched out, talked out, and reactive — when all you really want is to actually enjoy being a mom? You're in the right place.


I'm Whitney, a sensory integration occupational therapist turned nervous system regulation coach, homeschooling my 4 kids as a highly sensitive mom. I created this podcast for the overstimulated homeschool mom who is ready to go from burned out and reactive to joyful and connected — without having it all figured out first.


Each week we talk about the real stuff: emotional and nervous system regulation, sensory overload, the mental load of motherhood, doable self-care, and neurodivergent homeschooling — all through the lens of your nervous system, because that's where the change actually happens.


You don't have to have it together to help your kids thrive. Let's figure it out together.

41 Episodes
Reverse
Last week we talked about why spring throws off your homeschool and your nervous system. This week we're getting practical — but not in a "here's-your-spring-schedule" kind of way. In this episode I'm sharing what shifting your spring rhythm actually looks like in my home, and some questions to help you figure out what it looks like in yours. In this episode: One question to ask before you change anything in your routineWhy your "get it all done by lunch" schedule may be working against...
If the time change has kind of wrecked your week before it's even started — tired kids, shorter fuse, and a homeschool day that felt impossible — your nervous system is telling you something important. In this episode I'm breaking down what daylight saving time actually does to your body and your kids', why homeschool moms feel it harder than most, and what you can do this week to support your nervous system through the transition. In this episode: Why it's not just one hour — the science beh...
If you're a homeschool mom drowning in mom guilt — snapping at your kids, feeling touched out and overstimulated, then hating yourself for it — this episode is for you. I'm Whitney, a pediatric OT turned nervous system regulation coach for moms. And today I'm getting real about something I've lived through myself: those seasons where mom guilt isn't just a one-off feeling. It's a cycle you can't seem to break. In this episode I'm sharing: - What's really at the root of mom guilt for man...
Are you an overwhelmed homeschool mom who feels overstimulated by noon? Many homeschool moms experience a daily midday slump — a mix of mental load, sensory overload, emotional exhaustion, and physical fatigue that can quietly lead to homeschool burnout. If you’re feeling touched out, reactive, or drained before lunchtime, it’s not a character flaw. It’s your nervous system asking for support. In this episode, we explore why overstimulation is so common in motherhood — especially for highly s...
Winter can feel especially hard for overstimulated moms — but that doesn’t mean you're lazy or there's something wrong. In this episode, I share sensory-based ways to support your body and nervous system during winter without pushing through or forcing productivity. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, winter brings: less light more time indoors disrupted routines...and increased demands All of which can make regulation harder! Join me to learn simple shif...
There’s a lot of pressure right now telling moms they need a nervous system reset — especially if you’re feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or emotionally maxed out. But what if your nervous system isn’t broken at all? In this episode, I’m gently unpacking why nervous system resets don’t always work, where this message comes from, and why so many overstimulated moms feel worse after trying to “fix” themselves. We’ll talk about what’s actually happening in your body, how chronic se...
In the last episode of 2025, we’re going back to the basics of nervous system regulation — especially for moms who feel constantly overwhelmed, overstimulated, or stuck in survival mode. My guest is occupational therapist and nervous system coach Alex Viera, a mom of three who uses tough love, realistic tools, and functional routines to help moms get out of chronic stress and back into connection. Together we break down: What regulation and dysregulation actually meanWhat dysregulation looks ...
This season has been a lot — for me and for so many highly sensitive, easily overstimulated moms. In this episode, I’m sharing what this busy fall has looked like inside my home, why I’ve been quieter than usual, and the shift that's helping me exhale. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, overstimulated by life, or already dreading the holiday season, then grab a warm drink & let's catch up! In this episode, we explore: • Why fall and shorter days can spike overwhelm for sensit...
If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD brain makes mom life & homeschooling harder, this episode is for you. I was thrilled to chat with Emily Bailey, a mom who’s learning to let go of “shoulds” and find peace in rhythms & strategies that actually fit her neurodivergent brain. Together, we talk about what it looks like to homeschool when you’re overstimulated and stretched thin... Oh! And not to mention trying to support your own kid's neurodiversity. ✨ A gentle, real conversation f...
If you’re an overstimulated mom who’s tired of being told to “just stay calm..." me too! We’re unpacking the Calm Mom Myth — the unrealistic pressure for moms to always be gentle, composed, and regulated, even when overwhelm & sensory overload are hitting hard. You’ll learn why “calm” isn’t always functional for an overstimulated or sensory-sensitive mom, how your nervous system naturally moves through waves of activation and rest, and why repair and reconnection matter more than staying ...
In this episode we’re getting personal with guest Amy Bodkin, an Autistic Adult who homeschools her 2 Autistic children. Amy is a passionate consultant and public speaker serving families worldwide with needs that fall outside the norm She joins me for an honest and heartfelt conversation about what it’s like to navigate motherhood, homeschooling, and autism— all at once! We talk about: ✨ The journey from “something feels different” to receiving her autism diagnosis as an adult ✨ ...
You thought the sensory overload would ease up once the baby and toddler years passed… but here you are, still feeling touched out, talked out, and overwhelmed. In this episode, I unpack why motherhood doesn’t get less overstimulating with big kids — and what you can do about it. Join me for this personal conversation and: pinpoint why you might feel that way (you're not crazy!)feel equipped with a few simple things to try to feel less overwhelmed& walk away feeling seen, desc...
I invite you to join me in this personal conversation with Teresa Wiedrick, a certified life coach. We get personal fast and dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of being a highly sensitive mom. Teresa and I also discuss transformative moments in the shift from my kids' difficulties being the problem to realizing we are all on our own growth journey... and how our's as mom deeply impacts our children's. In personal stories, we explore topics like: the importance of self-regu...
Stress is inevitable in the life of a mom, but if you struggle with sensory overload and overwhelm... it's even more important that you address it before it compounds. In this episode, Whitney explores common reasons WHY moms have a hard time getting around to stress management & how to work around them. What is the stress cycle?How does stress relate to sensory overload?7 simple ways to address stress, even with your kids.Learn more about sleep in this episode: Season 2 Episode 3: https:...
What does sound sensitivity and auditory processing disorder look like in real life for a family? Possibly melt-downs, hurting relationships, walking on eggshells, avoiding fun outings, attention struggles, social skill struggles, sleep difficulties, reading issues... the list goes on. Wait! Before you say "My kid hears just fine" or "My hearing is ok..." This is often an unidentified source of defiance, conflict, reading, social & attention difficulties... and more. You really might be s...
Back to school means shifting routines & expectations, which can be really hard for some kids (and adults too!)... even homeschoolers. A lot of the back to school excitement can be well-intended and is certainly happy for some... but for others of us, it's full of stress, emotions, & anticipation of tricky situations, like increased meltdowns and maybe refusals. In this episode, we discuss: What is high sensitivity (yes, it's more than sensory sensitivity)?What can you do ...
Did you know sensory stress doesn't have its own special "stress bucket" in the brain? Stress=stress... The good news is that simplifying other things helps improve your resilience with overstimulation too! In this episode, we break down some tried and true ways to simlify life as we head "back to school," regardless of how you educate your kids. home maintenancemealscar-time...plus some of my favorite tools (new and old)Listen along as we break things down into super practical steps and deci...
Let's normalize talking about our self-regulation & our senses! But it can feel awkward... so what better way than through a beautiful, engaging picture book? Join Sarah and me, Whitney, as we discuss her new book A Chameleon Tale: how it came abouthow it's already impacting familiessensory processing (especially vestibular and proprioceptive input!) Learn more here.self-regulation (learn more here)MOM's own sensory systems, too!When you talk to your kid about sensory processing or self-r...
In this episode of the Sensational Moms podcast, we explore ways that moms who easily feel overwhelmed can make the most of their summer. Join me as I share personal experiences and offer practical advice on: establishing routines incorporating movement prioritizing restpacing to-do listsfostering meaningful connections (co-regulation!) If you're easily overstimulated and summer strikes fear in your heart or flies by without those purposeful, happy moments... you won't wa...
What is self-regulation and what does it mean to "be regulated?" If we don't know what we mean, these terms don't help anyone. Spoiler alert: It doesn't mean being calm all the time, and "regulated" isn't always how it seems. Listen along as we explore: --What is self-regulation, and what is it NOT? --2 things you really need to know about self-regulation --1 powerful thing you can do to help self-regulation development. Have you tried to help your kids or yourself develop these skills ...
loading
Comments 
loading