Parenting ADHD Podcast

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with childhood behavior coach and development specialist, Lauren Pace, about how parents can create an environment that empowers kids with ADHD and helps them thrive. This discussion isn't about the interior design of your child's spaces, but about the relationships, perspectives, understanding, and compassion we have with our kids and how that affects behavior and grit. Lauren packed a lot of powerful insights and strategies in this one episode.

The sex talk with your kids doesn't have to be nearly as painful as you imagine it. In this episode, Dr. Ari Tuckman walks us through the when, why, and how of this important conversation. We discuss starting the conversation about romantic relationships when our kids are young, how to talk about sex and sexuality with our teens, keeping our kids safe when they're prone to impulsivity and risky behavior, strategies to help keep our adolescents safe in the heat of the moment, and, most importantly, how to open the door for our teens to come to us and keep talking to us about relationships and sex.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with documentary filmmaker, Ana Joanes, about the journey to becoming the parent you want to be. We discuss how our childhood experiences shape the parent we become, how those experiences change our neurological physiology, parent stress, the importance of self-compassion and self-care, and the fact that you are not alone. This episode will help you parent with intention and purpose, rather than just trying to get through each day.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm tackling developmental age. ADHD is a development disorder. Very few people talk about it in that way but it's 100 percent a developmental disorder. Your child with ADHD is two to three years behind their same-age peers in a lot of ways. If you're child's functioning and skills are at a 7-year-old level, but he or she is actually 10, what is going to be more successful: expecting neurotypical 10-year-old behavior or 7-year old behavior? Your job and the success of your parenting hinge on setting appropriate expectations for the child you have. Listen in as I explain developmental age further, and how to set appropriate expectations for your child to succeed and thrive.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with coaches Natalie Borrell and Alison Grant of Life Success for Teens. We discuss how to help kids with ADHD address and overcome challenges and obstacles. Learn how to help your kids build grit and resistance — the core aspects of being able to overcome challenges without falling apart or avoiding obstacles.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm tackling a questions I get from parents all the time... how to stay calm when your child is having an outburst or a meltdown. There are a couple tricks that helped me gain control of how I stay calm and respond in these moments. I've shared both these fundamental pieces, as well the real transformational power remaining calm has for your child, for you, and for your entire family. 

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with occupational therapist, Susan Schenk, about learning challenges. Susan shares her story of growing up and finding success with learning challenges. Then we dig into how to help our own kids who are struggling with learning disabilities through tools, strategies and technology. Listen in for inspiration from Susan's story as well as resources to help your challenged learner.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I have a very important message for you. You're not alone. You're not alone in this special brand of parenthood. There are millions of parents raising challenging kids. The fact that your parenthood is different isn't your fault, and you're not the only one with these challenges. You must find your tribe. Having a tribe around you who "gets it" is everything. Let me tell you why...

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking IEPs and 504 Plans with former teacher and educational advocate, Amanda Morin. We're defining IEPs and 504 plans, and the differences between them. In addition, learn how to determine what services and accommodations your child may need in school, and how to go about securing them. We also answer questions like, should my child come to school meetings? And we're busting some myths around the rights of kids with special needs at school.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, teacher and education advocate, Meg Flanagan, and I discuss taking a collaborative approach to working with teachers and advocating for your child at school. To achieve an effective working relationship with the school, parents need to approach teachers and school staff with the attitude of working together, as allies instead of adversaries. Sometimes it's tough to strike a balance between being a strong advocate for your child and seeming confrontational. Meg and I discuss strategies for this and more during this episode.

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I outline different behavior triggers that are common with ADHD and/or "high-functioning" autism. Within this list are developmentally lagging skills, but also differences in how a child's brain functions when they have ADHD. Recognizing these and other triggers in your child will help you improve behavior and reduce the instances of outbursts and meltdowns. This knowledge will also help you understand your child better and remain a calm parent. 

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with Maureen Healy, author of The Emotionally Healthy Child, about cultivating emotional health, which creates happier children. Emotional balance is key, and it's more challenging for kids with ADHD and/or autism. Maureen outlines strategies to help your child recognize, work through constructively, and control their own emotions. "It's like an onion. There are many layers to emotional health. We must cultivate emotional health."   Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.) Articles/Topics/Podcasts Mentioned: PAP 046: Find Ways to Say Yes More Often: The Whys & The How Books: The Emotionally Healthy Child, Maureen Healy Growing Happy Kids, Maureen Healy   My Guest Maureen Healy is an award-winning author, global speaker and expert in social & emotional learning (SEL). Her new book, The Emotionally Healthy Child, gives adults the ideas and tools they need to raise emotionally healthy children in today’s world (Preface by Dalai Lama). Maureen also writes a popular blog for Psychology Today, which has reached millions of adults worldwide. In 2014, Maureen’s first book, Growing Happy Kids, won the Nautilus and Reader’s Favorite book awards. With 15+ years of experience, Maureen has counseled 1000’s of parents and their children, worked with educators globally, taught in the classroom, and given keynote talks throughout US, Europe, Asia and Central America. She’s also served as an expert for many organizations such as: Crayola LLC and Highlights Magazine (US); DK Publishing and Tiny Love (Europe/Israel). Maureen’s educational credentials include a BA and MBA from Clark University in Worcester, MA and a PhD program in Child Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. Along this background, Maureen has studied with happiness teachers globally, which has bolstered her joy immensely. She says, “Life is never boring,” especially as she continues to learn from every experience she has and person she meets. Where to Find Maureen Website: GrowingHappyKids.comFacebook: maureendhealyTwitter: mdhealyInstagram: maureendhealy Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm honored to have talked with Ana and Curt Warner about the challenges and isolation of raising kids with autism. They've shared their experiences raising twin boys with "low-functioning" autism in their new book, The Warner Boys: Our Family’s Story of Autism and Hope, and they've graciously shared a glimpse of their parenting experiences here with us. While your child may not have autism, the struggles and triumphs of this parenthood are much the same. I promise, you'll be moved by their story. “It wasn’t ever the pressure or exhaustion that was most troubling to us; it was the realization that our boys were in a kind of pain we couldn’t understand. For some unknown reason, everything was so hard for them.” — Ana Warner, The Warner Boys Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.) Books: The Warner Boys: Our Family’s Story of Autism and Hope, Ana & Curt Warner Download a Free Preview of the Book: Chapter 1 from The Warner Boys Articles/Topics Mentioned: Happy Mama Retreat My Guest Curt Warner is an honors graduate in communication, a two-time All-American at Penn State, a 2009 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, and a former All-Pro running back for the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. A three-time Pro Bowler, Warner was inducted into the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor in 1994. Ana Warner has dedicated her life to the care of her family and the study and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Both she and her husband have served as keynote speakers at the National Autism Conference at Penn State and the Texas Autism Conference in San Antonio. The Warner Boys is their first book. Where to Find The Warners Twitter: @CurtWarnerAgent @WarnerBoysBook Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking about how to finally stop battling with your child. Day in and day out, the challenging behaviors, the impulsivity, the seeming argumentativeness feel like we are battling with our kids. Sure, most of the triggers are symptoms of their ADHD and/or autism, but that doesn't make it any easier or any less painful to accept these battles. But, the thing is, you don't have to accept these battles — you can stop battling with your child. I'm not saying that you just don't engage, although that's a little part of it. I'm saying there's a way to end the battles, most of them, and have a lot more calm and joy in your family. Listen in to learn more.   Resources in the Episode Stop Battling with Your Child Program   Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours.   Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes  

In this episode of the Parenting ADHD Podcast, I'm talking with licensed child therapist, Angela Pruess, about emotional intelligence. Building emotional intelligence skills is an important part of raising kids with ADHD, kids who are often dysregulated emotionally and struggle with interactions with others. We discuss emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and how emotional intelligence plays a role in relationships with others and social interactions. Listen in to learn how to assess your child's current emotional intelligence and then work on building skills where there are gaps. "They need to be able to handle the highs and lows in life. Emotional intelligence skills will enable us to see that our kids thrive. " Resources in this Episode (Yes, some of these are affiliate links.) Articles/Topics Mentioned: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Angela's Articles on Emotional Intelligence Amygdala Hijack Books: The Incredible 5-Point Scale, tool for learning to communicate and regulate emotions Zones of Regulation Whole Brain Child, by Dr. Dan Siegel Dr. Siegel's Hand Model (video below) My Guest Angela Pruess is a licensed clinical therapist who wants to help you raise emotionally healthy kids that will change the world, by explaining the he(art) and science behind your child’s developmental and emotional needs at ParentsWithConfidence.com. She also writes about childhood mental health and the therapeutic power of play. With her help, you can better understand your child, help them meet their full potential, and LOVE the journey of parenthood. Where to Find Angela Website: ParentsWithConfidence.com Facebook: @childrensmentalhealthrocks and @parentswithconfidence Angela's Emotional Intelligence Flashcards Thanks for joining me! If you enjoyed this episode, please use the social media buttons to the left or within the player to share it. Have something to say, or a question to ask? Leave a comment below. I promise to answer every single one. **Also, please leave an honest review for The Parenting ADHD Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and appreciated! That's what helps me reach and help more families like yours. Listen to More Parenting ADHD Podcast Episodes