ABOUT

BELIEF #1

Parenting is not one size fits all, but you CAN figure out what works BEST for your child.

BELIEF #2

Every parent needs TOOLS and STRATEGIES to make parenting EASIER.

BELIEF #3

You can become the EFFECTIVE & ATTUNED parent that your child needs (even if your child's nervous system is wired differently).

Hi,

I'm Dr. Emma Hostetter, MD, MPH

I’m a Physician, Parenting Specialist, Mom of three with an interesting mix of neurodivergence in my home, and the founder of Aparently Parenting.

Although I'm a Board Certified Family Physician (MD) with a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins focused on women and children's health, my own children and my clients have been my greatest teachers.

They have pushed me to find better answers & more effective strategies that foster connection, maintain boundaries, & view all behavior as communication.

They have given me a window into the complexities of neurodivergence including ADHD & Sensory Processing Sensitivies, helping me recognize that parenting is not one size fits all.

They have shown me that traditional parenting strategies are NOT the best or ONLY way to raise our children.

So, if you are looking for effective parenting strategies that aren't permissive but improve behaviors while maintaining connection...you are in the right place.

MY STORY

For years I practiced & taught popular parenting strategies that focused on behaviorism, rewards & punishments, time-outs, and compliance.

But when these methods started to backfire in my own home, I learned the hard way that they come with a cost.

DEFIANCE, SHAME, OPPOSITION, RESENTMENT, POWER STRUGGLES, and POOR SELF ESTEEM.

They were threatening my connection with my children, and making me feel like a failure as a mom.

One day, while crying on the kitchen floor and feeling defeated as a parent, I was inspired by three thoughts:

1. There MUST be a better way

2. I am going to find IT!

3. I can't be the only one struggling this desperately as a parent.

I've never looked back! (except to learn from my past mistakes). I pulled everything I knew about neurodevelopment, pediatrics, behavioral, mental & family medicine, trauma informed care, & neuroscience; and then I looked to experts in psychology on emotion regulation, trauma, attachment, executive function, and family systems to fill in the missing pieces.

In the process I have completely reshaped my parenting approach with my own kids and now share these skills and strategies with other parents as a parenting coach, ADHD coach, and Highly Sensitive Parent/Child coach.

"The mindset shift that I gained working with Aparently Parenting has revolutionized my parenting and built beautiful relationships with my children."

Dave

"Aparently Parenting has given me hope as I parent my child with ADHD. Dr. Emma truly gets it! "