Leanne Tran (she/her)

Leanne joined Momma on January 6, 2025 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Children, Parenting & Mental Health

About Leanne

Leanne is a registered psychologist who began her career working with children and families, and has loved it ever since.  Families see Leanne for assessments to understand Autism, ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders among other things. She has found that there are always people waiting to access support, especially in rural areas. As a result Leanne provides online information for parents about what children need for development, how this can be adapted for kids developing differently, and practical implementation strategies. 

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leannetranpsychology/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LeanneTranPsychology

• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@leannetranpsychology

• Website: www.leannetran.com.au

• free resources for parents: https://learn.leannetran.com.au/free

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Book Recommendations: 

  • A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum

  • Life Admin Hacks by Mia Northrop & Dinah Rowe-Roberts 

• Podcast Recommendation: The Sure Thing

• Show Recommendation: The Block

Episode Summary

If you're a parent, caregiver, teacher or just someone who cares about how kids grow up in a world that doesn’t always make room for them, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Teaching and psychology share many parallels, especially in child development.

• Understanding children's unique needs is essential for effective parenting.

• Resources for parents are vital, especially in rural areas.

• Online platforms can bridge the gap in mental health support.

• Effective parenting strategies may differ for children with special needs.

• Misconceptions about ADHD can lead to harmful beliefs about children's behavior.

• Balancing support and independence is key in parenting.

• Taking small steps is more effective than trying to change everything at once.

• Understanding and meeting children's needs is vital for their development.

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire kicks off the first live Mental Health Monday interview of 2025 with psychologist Leanne Tran to talk about children, parenting, and mental health. Leanne brings years of experience working with families, especially those navigating autism, ADHD, and learning differences. She shares how her own physical disability gave her empathy for kids who feel different, and how that helped shape her career path.

Leanne emphasizes that behavior isn’t always a choice — especially in neurodivergent kids. A lot of parenting frustration comes from misunderstanding the why behind certain behaviors. For example, a kid with ADHD may not be “not listening” on purpose — they might genuinely be struggling to follow through. And when kids hear over and over that they’re “difficult” or “not trying,” that can become part of their identity in harmful ways. Leanne’s focus is on helping kids and parents find practical strategies that actually work, especially when the typical stuff falls flat.

She talks about how early support can change a child’s whole path. Without it, kids with ADHD or autism often develop anxiety or depression as secondary struggles. One major challenge? Access. Families in rural or underserved areas often wait way too long for help. That’s why Leanne creates online content and resources — to make support more accessible no matter where a family lives.

Another key piece of the conversation is about the difference in how kids act at school versus home. A lot of masking happens in classrooms, which means teachers might not see the same struggles parents deal with daily. Leanne urges collaboration between schools, professionals, and parents, especially when putting together individualized education plans. She also encourages parents to trust their gut and bring data — even just a list of behaviors — to professionals.

When it comes to building resilience, Leanne reminds parents to take it one step at a time. Support your kids just enough so they can stretch and grow without getting overwhelmed. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight — just focus on the next right thing.

Leanne also shares her favorite life hack, a quote she loves, and her passion for helping families avoid the generational trauma cycles so many of us grew up in. Her advice is clear: understanding your child and meeting them where they are isn’t spoiling them — it’s setting them up for long-term independence and happiness.

This was a warm, honest conversation full of practical advice and hope for parents trying their best. If your kid is showing signs of something different, or if you’re just feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and there’s help out there.