EP:184 Are you completely drained by noise, crowds, constant talking, and everyday chaos? In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m breaking down what it really means to be a sensory avoider—and why that does not mean you’re dramatic, anti-social, or broken.

I walk you through the difference between sensory seekers and sensory avoiders, using simple, real-life examples so you can finally put words to what your body has been trying to tell you. If you crave quiet, calm, predictability, and space, your nervous system may have a low sensory threshold—which means you hit overload much faster than others.

We’ll talk about:

How sensory avoidance shows up in adults: hating crowded places, needing quiet to think, feeling exhausted after social events, snapping at your kids or partner when you’re overstimulated What sensory avoidance looks like in kids: covering ears, avoiding messy play, hating certain clothing textures, wanting to leave loud parties or busy events “too soon” Why pushing yourself or your child with “just get used to it” or “stop being so sensitive” actually ignores what the nervous system needs to feel safe Regulation strategies for sensory avoiders: routines, predictability, quiet spaces, dim lighting, comfortable clothing, alone time, and grounding tools like deep pressure and slow, gentle movement I also share a personal example from my own family to show that you can be both active and movement-seeking and deeply sensitive to certain inputs (like smells). It’s not about fitting into one box—it’s about truly understanding your unique sensory makeup.

This episode is your permission slip to stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking, “What is my nervous system telling me?” When you understand whether you’re a sensory seeker, sensory avoider, or both, you can start building a life, relationships, parenting style, and environment that actually support your brain instead of fighting it.

And this is just part one. In upcoming episodes, I’ll dive into sensory sensitivity and low registration, so you can fully understand your nervous system and your child’s, and finally feel less broken and more empowered.

If this episode made you say, “Oh my gosh, that’s me,” please:

Share this episode with a friend, partner, or parent who needs to hear they’re not broken—they’re just wired differently.

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e 🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

#sensoryavoider #sensoryprocessing #sensoryoverload #nervoussystemregulation #regulatethenavigate #thrivelikeaparent #drbrookeweinstein #highlysensitiveperson #sensoryparenting #gentleparenting #mentalhealthawareness #anxietyrelief #overstimulated #introvertlife #sensorytools #neurodiversity #parentingpodcast #momlife #dysregulation #emotionalregulation #selfregulation

EP:183 | In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m breaking down what it really means to be a sensory seeker—and why this might be the missing link in understanding your nervous system. You’ve probably already heard about regulation, dysregulation, and fight or flight, but almost no one is talking about the sensory system as the language of your brain and body. That’s where everything changes.

I’m sharing from my own lived experience as both a sensory seeker and a sensory avoider, and why your “too muchness” is actually a sign of a brilliant, fast-moving brain—not that you’re broken, lazy, or destined for burnout.

We’ll talk about:

What a sensory seeker really is and how it shows up in adults (constant multitasking, needing movement, noise, pressure, novelty) How these patterns are often misunderstood as ADHD, impulsivity, distraction, or “bad behavior” How this same wiring can lead to overworking, anxiety, burnout, emotional eating, and feeling like you can never slow down Why things like weighted blankets, movement, heavy work, music, and oral input (like chewing, crunching, gum) can be powerful regulating tools The difference between quick fixes (like “reset your nervous system in 30 seconds”) and the real, long-term work of actually rewiring your nervous system How to stop fighting your brain and start working with it so you can finally feel calmer, clearer, and more at peace in your own body I’ll also share honestly about my own 7–8 year journey of learning how to step off the gas pedal, find the brakes, and “throttle” between the two—so I’m not living in constant peaks and crashes, but more like rolling hills.

If you recognize yourself (or your child) in this episode, I want you to know this: You are not too much. You are not broken. Your brain is wired for more input, more movement, and more life—and when you learn how to support it, that becomes your superpower.

If this episode hit home for you, share it with someone who has been labeled “too much”—a friend, a partner, or a parent raising a high-energy kiddo. And if you’re ready to go deeper and learn how to regulate your unique nervous system (not just follow generic Instagram tips), make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and come connect with me on Instagram @brookeweinst for more real-talk about the brain, body, and parenting.

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e 🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

#SensorySeeker #NervousSystemRegulation #ThriveLikeAParent #TooMuchIsYourSuperpower #Neurodivergent #ADHDorSensory #EmotionalEating #HighAchievers #SensoryParenting #RegulateDontFix

EP:182 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m diving deep into one of the biggest reasons so many of us feel exhausted, resentful, and burnt out: regulating externally instead of internally.

I’m breaking down the difference between the two in real-life, practical terms. When we regulate externally, we rely on our partners, kids, parents, friends, or even the state of our house to determine how we feel. We wait for someone else to notice we’re drowning, to give us permission to rest, to step in and take over. And when they don’t? We feel angry, unseen, and completely overwhelmed.

I share how this showed up in my own life—how I used to abandon myself over and over again, scheduling everything around my family, believing my worth came from doing more, people-pleasing, and hoping that one day someone would finally “get it” and take care of me the way I needed. Spoiler: that moment never came… until I decided to become the one who takes care of me.

We’ll talk about:

Why your partner (or kids, or parents) are not mind readers—and why expecting them to be is wrecking your nervous system How external regulation fuels resentment, burnout, and emotional explosions with your kids and partner The internal shift that happens when you start asking, “How do I feel? What do I need?” and actually trust the answer Why it feels so uncomfortable at first to set boundaries, receive help, and stop over-functioning for everyone else How trial and error, small experiments, and tiny acts of self-honoring build a completely new pattern in your brain Why your hobbies, preferences, and “little joys” aren’t frivolous—they’re actually nervous system regulation tools I also share a personal story from early in my marriage, when our therapist gave us an exercise where Jonathan had to cook dinner and I had to practice simply receiving. I walk you through how hard it was for me not to control, fix, or “help,” and how that moment revealed just how deeply I was stuck in external regulation and self-abandonment.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

Identify whether you’re regulating externally or internally Start asking better questions of yourself: What do I feel? What do I need? Can I give this to myself? See where resentment in your relationships might actually be a sign that it’s time to take radical responsibility for your own nervous system Begin shifting from relying on everyone else… to trusting that you can hold, support, and care for you This isn’t about becoming hyper-independent or never asking for help. It’s about learning to anchor yourself first, then intentionally and clearly asking for what you need—without outsourcing your worth or your regulation to the people around you.

If you are tired of feeling like you’re treading water, waiting for someone to throw you a life raft, this episode will show you how to build your own.

If this episode hit home for you, I want you to do two things:

Pause after listening and check in with yourself: Ask, “How do I feel right now? What do I need?”—and then give yourself one small thing that supports your nervous system today.

Share this episode with another parent who is drowning in resentment, burnout, or “doing it all.” Screenshot the episode, tag me @drbrookeweinstein, and tell me one way you’re going to start regulating internally instead of externally.

If you’re ready to go deeper into this work and truly repattern your nervous system, come work with me inside my programs—head to my website or the link in the show notes to get started.

#ThriveLikeAParent #DrBrookeWeinstein #ParentingPodcast #MomBurnout #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalRegulation #NervousSystemRegulation #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #CycleBreaker #PeoplePleasingRecovery #BoundariesAreHealthy #SelfWorthJourney #MentalHealthForMoms #OverwhelmedMoms #ParentingSupport #AnxietyAndParenting #RegulateDontExplode #InternalRegulation #SelfAbandonmentRecovery