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What if the goal isn't to treat every child the same?What if the greatest act of love is giving each child exactly what they need?
In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, and mom of six, Julie Cole, whose parenting journey has shaped not only her family but also one of Canada's most successful companies.
Julie shares the lessons she's learned raising six children with six unique personalities and learning profiles, including autism and ADHD. Together, we explore why "fair" doesn't always mean "equal," how behaviour is communication, and why taking care of yourself isn't selfish... it's one of the greatest leadership gifts you can give your family.
We also dive into how parenting neurodivergent children transformed the culture at Mabel's Labels, creating a workplace where differences are celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Whether you're parenting ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning differences, or simply trying to become a more connected parent, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood, and reminded that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising extraordinary children.
In This Episode We Discuss• Why treating every child the same isn't actually fair
• The self-care advice most parents get wrong
• Why behaviour is communication
• Practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent children
• The importance of early intervention and advocacy
• How to build confidence instead of shame
• Why ADHD and autism can become incredible strengths
• Creating schools and workplaces where every brain can succeed
Memorable Quotes"Taking care of yourself is a form of leadership."
"Treat each child according to their needs, not equally."
"Catch them being good."
"Behaviour is communication."
Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Julie Cole
00:51 Raising six children
01:57 Why every child needs different parenting
03:36 The myth of bigger kids, bigger problems
05:00 Self-care is leadership
06:25 Why self-care looks different for every parent
08:22 Parenting neurodivergent children
11:25 Supporting different learning profiles
13:41 Autism advocacy and early intervention
15:05 Behaviour management that actually works
16:26 Hidden strengths of neurodivergent children
17:26 Genetics and late diagnosis
18:41 Julie's own neurodivergent journey
20:04 Strategies for success and resilience
21:56 Behaviour is communication
23:29 Helping children thrive at school
25:35 How parenting shaped Mabel's Labels
27:26 Neurodiversity in the workplace
29:31 Inclusive hiring practices
31:30 Connect with Julie
32:50 Final reflections
About Julie ColeJulie Cole is the co-founder of Mabel's Labels, the award-winning company that grew from a basement startup into a multi-million-dollar brand. A recovered lawyer and proud mom of six, Julie now serves as a Senior Director, bestselling author, and one of Canada's most recognized voices in entrepreneurship.
An award-winning speaker and trusted media contributor, Julie is known for her warmth, humour, practical wisdom, and passion for supporting women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and families raising neurodivergent children.
Connect with Julie• Mabel's Labels: https://mabelslabels.com
• Book: Like a Mother: Birthing Businesses, Babies and a Life Beyond Labels
• Follow Julie on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for more parenting and entrepreneurship insights.
Connect with Lara DawnJoin our Facebook Communities: The ADHD Village and Parenting ADHD Teens
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that our children don't need to fit the world... together, we can build a world where they belong.
