Parenting REdefined Newsletter:
Social Skills & Emotional Growth Tools for Parents
Â
by Noriko Abenojar, MSW PPS
Each week, the Parenting REdefined Newsletter shares practical, real-world insights to help parents of neurodivergent kids and young adults—including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and more—build social confidence, strengthen emotional growth, and foster meaningful connection at home and beyond.
Subscribe now so you never miss a new issue.
Explore past issues featuring real stories, emotional-growth strategies, and practical social-skills tools for parents of neurodivergent kids. Browse below to revisit reader favorites and discover new insights each week.
The 3 Words That Turn a Compliment Into a Coachable Moment
Let's continue on with our Gratitude Month Series.
Free Parent-Teacher Conference Guide (2025 Edition) [GET HERE].
With this in hand, you will walk into your meeting feeling calm, focused, and ready to ask questions that highlight the importance of child/teacher connections.
This week, I want to...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Nov 13, 2025
autism and adhd parenting strategies
child confidence building
emotional regulation parenting
parenting communication skills
parenting neurodivergent kids
parenting with gratitude
positive feedback for kids
social emotional learning for parents
social skills development
Parent-Teacher Conference Guide 2025: Make Every Minute Count
I'm kicking off the Gratitude Series in November with a free guide for parents today...and a limited time extra discount for those who read all the way to the end!
💜 Have an older child? Don’t skip this! These reflection questions still help you set goals for their social and emotional growth th...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Nov 06, 2025
calm parenting
co-regulation
emotional regulation
friendship navigator discount
friendship skills
noriko abenojar
parent communication
parent teacher conference
parenting neurodivergent kids
parenting redefined
parenting skills
parenting tools
slowing down speech
social emotional growth
Slow Your Words, Steady the Moment
A small change that helps everyone stay calm when emotions run high.
In October, we are talking about the small changes that bring big impact.
Today’s focus: SLOW YOUR WORDS TO CALM THE MOMENT
Â
When emotions rise, so does the pace.Voices get faster.
A small change that helps everyone stay calm ...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Oct 30, 2025
calm parenting
co-regulation
emotional regulation
noriko abenojar
parent communication
parenting neurodivergent kids
parenting redefined
parenting skills
slowing down speech
social emotional growth
Fewer Words, Stronger Skills
Why Prompting Less Helps Kids Learn More
Â
In October, we are talking about the small changes that bring big impact.
Today's focus: Saying less so kids can do more
When children (young or grown) already know what to do, even if they are not always successful yet, too much talking keeps them depe...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Oct 23, 2025
child independence
emotional regulation
noriko abenojar
parent coaching
parenting neurodivergent kids
parenting redefined
parenting tips
prompting less
social skills
try again
Body Language: The 10-Degree Difference To Open Up More Opportunities
Â
Our body language often speaks before we do.A small physical change—even 10 degrees—can completely shift how others see us.
In my sessions, I often notice that someone who wants to be part of a conversation may unknowingly sit or move in ways that tell others, “Don’t talk to me.”
Â
These very ...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Oct 16, 2025
body language
child connection
emotional intelligence
nonverbal communication
noriko abenojar
parenting neurodivergent kids
parenting redefined
social communication
social skills development
Moms Making the Difference: Carrying the Mental Load Behind the Scenes đź’ś
To celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Parenting REdefined Newsletter, I am sharing the most loved & commented issue below, published in May 2025. ENJOY!!
Noriko's Notes is new so keep reading until the end!
💌 Forward this to a mom or grandmother you admire—
Someone who’s showing up day after ...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Oct 08, 2025
emotional load of motherhood
group coaching for parents
mom burnout
moms carrying the mental load
neurodivergent parenting
noriko abenojar
parenting advice
parenting community
parenting newsletter
parenting redefined
parenting support
self-care for moms
social and emotional growth
Friendships: Turn Reflections Into Next Steps
Over the past few weeks, we’ve looked at how friendships grow:
by sharing experiences (week 1)
sharing emotions (week 2)
strengthening those moments by noticing them (week 3)
Â
👉 Now comes the final step: helping kids see that they aren’t just passive participants in social situations.
➡️🔗www....
by Noriko Abenojar —
Sep 30, 2025
adhd social skills parenting
building confidence in children
friendship growth steps
friendship skills for kids with autism
help kids make friends
parenting social emotional learning
parenting strategies for friendships
social skills for neurodivergent kids
teaching kids reflection skills
teaching kids social confidence
Friendships Grow Step by Step
Some kids hesitate to use the word “friend.”
Others say “best friend” too fast.
Learn how words like “swim friend” or “school friend” help kids see the steps.
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Newsletters for past newsletters
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Masterclass ~ check them out!!
➡️💜Keep reading eve...
Sep 17, 2025
child friendship stages
child social development
friendship progression in childhood
helping kids make friends
how children understand friendship
parenting redefined
social skills
social skills coaching
stages of friendship for kids
support for parents
teaching kids about friends
why kids struggle with friends
FRIENDSHIPS ARE BUILT ON SHARED EXPERIENCES + SHARED EMOTIONS
This month are exploring how kids build friendships through shared experiences. Each week we’ll take a step deeper.Â
What Are Shared Experiences?
Shared Experiences + Shared Emotions ---this week!
Helping Kids Notice Shared Moments
Turning Moments Into Friendships
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/New...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Sep 10, 2025
emotional connection in friendships
friendship skills for kids
helping kids make friends
how kids build friendships
parenting support neurodivergent children
parenting tips social skills
shared emotions friendships
shared experiences children
FRIENDSHIPS ARE BUILT ON SHARED EXPERIENCES
This month we’ll explore how kids build friendships through shared experiences. Each week we’ll take a step deeper.Â
What Are Shared Experiences?
Shared Experiences + Shared Emotions
Helping Kids Notice Shared Moments
Turning Moments Into Friendships
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Newsletters for p...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Sep 03, 2025
acquaintance to friend
carpooling friendships
everyday friendship moments
friendships built on shared experiences
helping neurodivergent kids build friendships
how kids make friends
mini steps to friendship
parenting redefined newsletter
parenting tips for social skills
social skills
social skills development
WHY LESS IS MORE ~ stop talking too much!!
Parenting REdefined Mindset
"This small shift can lower stress for both you and your child and help them feel more capable in the process"
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Newsletters for past newsletters
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Masterclass ~ check them out!!
➡️💜Keep reading even more for: NORIKO’S N...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Aug 21, 2025
back to school transitions
emotional regulation parenting
less is more parenting
parent coaching support
parenting strategies for neurodivergent kids
parenting tips for school
parenting transitions
social emotional learning for kids
social skills development
CAPACITY CHECK ~ how full is your tank?
Parenting REdefined Mindset
"Notice your child's mood/energy/actions without judgement, BE CURIOUS, not reactive"
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Newsletters for past newsletters
➡️🔗www.NorikoAbenojar.com/Masterclass ~ check them out!!
➡️💜Keep reading even more for: NORIKO’S NOTES: sharing my life’s s...
by Noriko Abenojar —
Jul 02, 2025
capacity scale for children
child stress management
emotional regulation in kids
executive functioning support
how to help anxious kids
overwhelmed kids help
parenting mindset
parenting neurodivergent child
parenting redefined
simple parenting tools