Jennifer Phelps, M.S., BCBA

18/07/2025

Gisèle Pelicot was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor during France's Bastille Day celebrations on Monday, receiving the country's highest civilian distinction in recognition of her extraordinary courage. Pelicot, whose decision to waive anonymity and publicly testify about the decade-long sexual abuse she endured after being drugged by her ex-husband and assaulted by more than 50 men he invited into their home, has become a powerful symbol of courage and resilience for women across France and beyond. While testifying during her trial, she delivered a message that continues to encourage countless victims to seek justice: "I want all women who have been r***d to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too. I don't want them to be ashamed any longer."

The ceremony, which followed the decree published on Sunday, formally acknowledged Pelicot's transformation of personal trauma into a watershed moment for victims' rights in France. Her unflinching testimony during the highly publicized trial for the r**e and sexual abuse she suffered not only secured convictions against her abusers but sparked a national conversation about sexual violence and consent. Pelicot's recognition as a knight of the Legion of Honor stands as a powerful testament to her impact on French society and her role in advancing women's rights through her remarkable display of dignity and resilience.

Congratulations to Gisèle on this tremendous honor!

Gisele's daughter Caroline Darian has released a memoir about her and her mother's experience and how they helped give voice to many women who had been silenced -- "I'll Never Call Him Dad Again" at https://bookshop.org/a/8011/9781464257957 (Bookshop) and https://amzn.to/4jikYpX (Amazon)

For several powerful memoirs by young women who survived and spoke out after sexual assault, we highly recommend "Know My Name: A Memoir" (https://www.amightygirl.com/know-my-name), "Notes on a Silencing: A Memoir" (https://www.amightygirl.com/notes-on-a-silencing), and "I Have The Right To" (https://www.amightygirl.com/i-have-the-right-to), recommended for older teens and adults

For fictional stories that address r**e and sexual violence and offer a helpful way to spark conversations with young adult readers around sexual assault, we recommend "Speak" for ages 14 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/speak), "Girl Made of Stars" for ages 14 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/girl-made-of-stars), and "The Way I Used To Be" for ages 15 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/the-way-i-used-to-be)

To start teaching children -- girls and boys alike -- from a young age about the need to respect others and their personal boundaries, we recommend "Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect" for ages 4 to 7 (https://www.amightygirl.com/body-boundaries) and "My Body! What I Say Goes!" for ages 3 to 6 (https://www.amightygirl.com/my-body)

For older kids, check out the excellent "Consent (for Kids!)" for ages 6 to 10 at https://www.amightygirl.com/consent-for-kids

There is also a helpful guide for teens on topics such as consent and coercion, "Real Talk About S*x and Consent: What Every Teen Needs to Know," for ages 13 and up at https://www.amightygirl.com/real-talk-about-sex-and-consent

And if you know a teen girl struggling after sexual abuse or trauma, “The S*xual Trauma Workbook for Teen Girls: A Guide to Recovery from S*xual Assault and Abuse” may help at https://www.amightygirl.com/sexual-trauma-workbook-girls

Thanks to FW - Future Women for sharing this image!

21/06/2025

“Progress isn’t always loud.”

Celebrate the Small Wins

✅ Wore new socks
✅ Asked for help
✅ Played for 5 minutes

In a world that’s rushing for milestones, we pause to honor progress on your child’s terms.

If your child made eye contact today, tried something new, or stayed regulated for 3 more minutes than yesterday, that’s a win.

At Engage, we know what growth really looks like, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way.

20/06/2025

“Reframe the ‘Why’”

❌ “He’s lazy” → ✅ “He’s overwhelmed.”
❌ “She’s defiant” → ✅ “She’s dysregulated.”
“Behavior is communication.”

When a child with ADHD is melting down, it’s not about disrespect—it’s about dysregulation.

Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?”, try “What’s happening inside of you?”

This simple shift unlocks empathy, problem-solving, and connection three things that help kids (and parents) thrive.

Need help decoding behavior? That’s our specialty.

19/06/2025

Over the years, I’ve explored new paths, tried on new names, and offered support under different banners. But something never quite felt settled.

The truth is, my heart has always belonged to Engage Behavioral Health. It’s the name shaped by love, connection, and a deep desire to support families in meaningful ways.

This week, I made the quiet decision to return to the name Engage, not as a business strategy or even with a business plan in mind, but as a way to honor what has always lived deep within me.

This new chapter of Engage isn’t meant to recreate what once was. The original was built by a team of passionate, resilient women who gave it life, love and strength.

This one is different.
This one is just for me and the few I can help.

It’s a return to the why, to the love and purpose that first inspired it all:

A deep desire to support neurodivergent individuals and the people who walk beside them with unwavering care.

Because Engage was never just a brand. It’s a belief:

That when we show up and truly engage with those around us, we create space for connection, healing, and growth.

If you’re curious about the story behind this return, I’d love to share it with you:
🔗 https://www.engagebehavioralhealth.org/post/rooted-in-connection-a-name-that-never-left-me-why-the-name-change



💬 When we engage, we build connections.
🧠 When we connect, we grow.
❤️ And when we grow together, we thrive.

Some say a name is just a name. That in business, you shouldn't get too attached. That brands are replaceable, and progress means moving forward.But if you've ever built something with your whole heart, something rooted in love, sleepless nights, and the unshakable desire to make the world better th...

02/06/2025

Are you struggling to understand your ADHD teen? Our latest blog post offers valuable insights and practical tips for effective parenting. Explore the complexities of the ADHD teen brain today: https://wix.to/TaFkoD6

08/02/2025

07/02/2025

Behavioral challenges are signals that a child needs compassion, not judgment.

I post in bursts—sometimes frequently, sometimes with long gaps—because this is a slow, evolving project. For now, I share thoughts when they feel meaningful.

Children do not benefit from our assumptions about their choices, our sarcasm, or our psychoanalysis of their behavior. Instead, they need us to pause, ask questions, and connect. When we take the time to understand them, they become more willing and able to meet expectations. At their core, children want to please us. A misbehaving child is a child with an unmet need.

Hive Action: This week, pause and ask more questions before jumping to conclusions. And when you do make assumptions (because you’re human and you will), go back, acknowledge it, and ask instead. Say yes to the ice cream, eat it with them, and remind them that being a kid is hard. Be their partner, not their ruler—while still providing the structure and guidance they need.

26/11/2024

🌟 Parenting Insight: Connection Before Correction 🌟

Respectful parenting creates respectful kids. When we model kindness, empathy, and understanding, our children learn how to show those same qualities to others. Leading with respect doesn’t mean there are no boundaries—it means boundaries are taught with compassion.

✨ Hive Action:
Before addressing your child’s challenging behavior, pause. Kneel down to their level, make eye contact, and say something like, “I can see you’re feeling frustrated.” Acknowledge their emotions before moving to problem-solving.

Small shifts in approach can make a big difference. Let connection and respect guide your parenting journey! 💛

19/11/2024

18/11/2024

Repairing Mistakes with Your Pre-Teen: Building Connection After Conflict

We all make mistakes—even as parents. What matters most is how we repair those mistakes, especially with pre-teens who are navigating big emotions and their growing independence. Here’s a simple guide to turn moments of conflict into opportunities for growth and connection:

1. Pause Before Reacting

Take a moment to calm yourself. Pre-teens are highly sensitive to tone and body language. When you approach them from a place of calm, it sets the stage for a productive conversation.

2. Acknowledge Your Role

Start with humility. If you overreacted, dismissed their feelings, or made a judgment in the heat of the moment, own it. A simple, “I realize I was too quick to jump to conclusions earlier, and I want to make it right,” goes a long way.

3. Give Them Space to Share

Ask open-ended questions to hear their perspective. For example, “How did you feel when I said that?” or “What was going through your mind earlier?” Listening without judgment shows them their feelings matter.

4. Offer a Genuine Apology

Model the kind of accountability you want them to learn. Be specific about what you’re apologizing for:
“I’m sorry for raising my voice when you didn’t clean your room. I know that didn’t feel good, and I want to handle things differently.”

5. Collaborate on a Solution

Work together to repair the situation. Ask, “What can we do differently next time?” or “How can we make this better?” This empowers them and strengthens your relationship.

6. Reaffirm Your Connection

End with reassurance. Remind them they are loved, no matter what. A hug, a kind word, or a shared laugh can help repair the emotional bond.

Mistakes are inevitable, but how we handle them teaches our kids resilience, empathy, and the importance of relationships. By repairing with your pre-teen, you’re not only resolving conflict but also modeling the skills they’ll need to navigate challenges in their own lives.

Hive Action: Want more tips on strengthening your connection with your child? Follow me for expert advice on parenting with intention and heart!

14/11/2024

What looks like disrespectful behaviour, may actually be your child’s way of trying to show you how they feel.

We keep trying to “fix” our child’s behaviour, before we “fix” our connection with them.

When we connect before we correct, we often end up not needing to correct the behaviour because we feel like we understand it.

We can try to protect our children without controlling them. We can nurture them without correcting them all the time. You will find yourself correcting. What I’m offering for you to consider is think about how to switch to connection when you find yourself correcting.

Learn more about how to reduce correction and increase connection with my latest book 👇👇👇

Finding Your Calm: A Responsive Parents Guide to Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation⁣⁣
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Link in bio or on the Website: responsiveparentinginspirations.com⁣⁣