Season 2, Episode 16: Letting Go of Typical Parenting Standards Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance

In this powerful kickoff to our 2026 Graceful Parenting Series, Nicki confronts the crushing weight of “typical” parenting expectations—the unspoken rulebook that says kids must hit every milestone on time, eat everything, play “the right way,” and socialize like neurotypical peers.

If those standards have left you feeling like you’re failing your autistic child (or yourself), this episode is your permission slip to set them down.

Nicki shares raw reflections from her own journey—comparing her non-verbal son and high-functioning daughter to checklists and waiting-room kids, the guilt that followed, and the quiet relief that came when she finally stopped measuring her family against a mold that was never designed for them.

We flip the script on the most painful expectations:

• “Kids should eat a wide variety of foods” → Progress is one new texture in six months, not perfection
• “Play with toys the right way” → Lining up, spinning, scripting is play—and connection
• “Make friends easily” → Meaningful connection on their terms matters more than playdates
• “Milestones on schedule” → Your child is on their own timeline, not “behind”
• “Good moms are always patient” → Exhaustion doesn’t make you bad—it makes you human

Plus a gentle faith encouragement from 2 Corinthians 10:12: Comparison was never God’s standard for you or your child.

Today’s Grace Affirmation My child does not need to be typical to be thriving. Their way of learning, playing, and communicating is valid. I release comparison and trust our unique path.

Resources & Support Ready to parent with more clarity, confidence, and grace? → One-on-one coaching for autism moms: www.walkwithmemom.com → Join the private community where grace—not perfection—is the standard → Email Nicki directly: info@nickibradley.com (she reads every message)

You are a good mom. You’re doing this with intention and love—even on the heavy days. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Next week: Letting go of self-blame.

Share this episode with another autism mom who needs the reminder. You’ve got this. I’m walking with you.

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe!

Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

Episode Title: Special Episode: Graceful Parenting - Thriving with Autism | Season Introduction (2026)

Season 2: Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance – 2026 Theme Launch

Episode Description:

Kick off 2026 with grace. 💙

In this heartfelt season premiere, Nicki shares her raw journey as mom to a non-verbal autistic son and an autistic/ADHD daughter—years of chasing “perfect” parenting, battling self-blame, and carrying bone-deep exhaustion while brushing it aside.

This year’s theme, Graceful Parenting: Thriving with Autism, flips the script:

• Ditch typical milestones and one-size-fits-all standards
• Release self-blame for your child’s unique neurology
• Honor real exhaustion (not just “mom tired”) without shame
• Redefine thriving as presence, flexibility, and kindness—especially toward yourself

Nicki grounds the conversation in faith with powerful reminders from 2 Corinthians 12:9 (“My grace is sufficient for you”) and Isaiah 40:11 (God gently leads those with young), affirming that weakness is an invitation to lean on grace, not a failure.

Whether you’re feeling validated, challenged, or hopeful, this episode sets the tone for honest, shame-free support all season long.

Mentioned in this episode:

• One-on-one coaching for overwhelmed autism + neurodivergent moms → www.walkwithmemom.com
• Private community for ongoing encouragement → www.walkwithmemom.com
• Email for questions: info@nickibradley.com

Grace Affirmation to carry with you: “My child does not need a perfect parent—they need me.”

Next week: Letting Go of Typical Parenting Standards.

You’re not alone. You’re already doing something brave. I’m walking with you. 🤍

#AutismMom #NeurodivergentParenting #GracefulParenting #AutismAcceptance #FaithAndParenting #MomBurnout #SpecialNeedsMom #ThrivingWithAutism

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe!

Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance Episode 15: Calm in the Storm – Managing Meltdowns with Your Autistic Child

Nicki Bradley, autism mom walking beside you through the chaos.

Episode Highlights

• Meltdown ≠ Tantrum
• Real-life pivot
• Proactive tools
• During the storm
• After the storm
• Mom’s reset Scripture Anchor

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 Heart stillness when physical stillness is impossible.

Quick Action Steps

1. Build a mini calm-down kit (3 items max).
2. Practice one co-regulation move (deep breath, firm hug).
3. Plan your 2-minute post-meltdown reset.

Connect & Get Support

• Share your meltdown win: info@nickibradley.com
• Join the faith-filled community: www.walkwithmemom.com
• Book 1:1 coaching: www.walkwithmom.com/book-session

Next Week – Episode 16: Sensory Soothing Strategies

You’re not failing—you’re guiding. One breath, one breakthrough at a time.

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe!

Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com