The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

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  When Reminders Fail: Rethinking Homework for Kids with ADHD 14.09.2026 15min

  What if the goal of homework isn’t just getting tonight’s assignment turned in? When homework becomes a nightly cycle of reminders, frustration, missing assignments, and “Did you check Google Classroom?”, parents can easily end up carrying more and more of the responsibility. In this solo episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, ADHD Parent Coach, explores how to tell the difference between supporting your child’s executive-function skills and becoming the skill for them. Kate shares her experience helping her son manage school organization, why ADHD homework struggles are often about more than academics, and how parents can identify where the process is actually breaking down. She discusses task initiation, emotional resistance, after-school decompression, body doubling, practical scaffolding, and why the right support should match the child in front of you. Most importantly, this episode zooms out to the bigger goal: helping children with ADHD get through school in a way that builds capability, self-understanding, self-advocacy, and less shame while protecting the parent-child relationship from becoming consumed by homework management. In this episode: Why repeated reminders often don’t solve ADHD homework struggles How to ask, “Where is the process breaking down?” When your child needs more support versus a different kind of support Why starting homework can be harder than doing the actual work How parent support can gradually change as children develop Why “support moves” as kids become more independent How to help your child understand what they need and learn to advocate for themselves Free ADHD Parent Reset:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz ADHD parent coaching and resources:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com
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  The Boy with the Butterfly Mind: A Family’s Journey Through ADHD 07.09.2026 30min

  My guest is Lorelei Brush, author of The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, a novel that explores what can happen inside a family when a young child begins showing signs of ADHD and neurodivergence. Lorelei is a former assistant professor of child development and the parent of a neurodivergent child, bringing both professional knowledge and lived experience to the story. We discuss the fear of labeling a child, ADHD across generations, school struggles, marriage and family dynamics, and why supporting a child with ADHD often requires looking beyond symptoms and strategies to understand the whole family. We also explore something different: the power of fiction. Research and expert guidance can teach us a great deal about ADHD, but a story can let us experience a family from the inside, sometimes offering insight, empathy, and even healing that factual information alone may not reach. We talk about the meaning behind a “butterfly mind,” the importance of recognizing a child’s strengths, and why there may not be one right way to help a neurodivergent child thrive. Learn more about Lorelei Brush and The Boy with the Butterfly Mind:https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Butterfly-Mind-Novel/dp/B0FWZZ39BH/ FREE ADHD Parent Reset7 Things to Do Differently When What You’re Trying Isn’t Working Get the free guide:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz For private ADHD parent coaching and the Anchor Your ADHD Family community:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/ Timestamps (00:00) Lorelei Brush and The Boy with the Butterfly Mind(02:23) Why Lorelei wrote a novel about raising a child with ADHD(05:23) How fiction can create insight, empathy and healing(08:00) What does “butterfly mind” mean?(10:40) Helping an ADHD child—and the whole family—thrive(15:19) When school becomes the place a child’s differences are noticed(19:23) ADHD, family dynamics and neurodivergence across generations(22:53) The fear of labeling a child with ADHD(25:30) The parent trap of trying to research and “solve” everything(28:36) There is no one right way to raise a neurodivergent child
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  ADHD and the Wall of Awful: Why Kids Get Stuck and How Parents Can Help 31.08.2026 30min

  Why can a child with ADHD know exactly what they need to do and still feel unable to start? Homework, chores, schoolwork, and everyday responsibilities can quickly turn into procrastination, avoidance, frustration, or conflict. But what if there is something happening beneath the behavior? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, ADHD Parent Coach, talks with ADHD and executive function expert Brendan Mahan, author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful, about the emotional barriers that can make it difficult for people with ADHD to start, continue, or complete tasks. Brendan created the concept of the Wall of Awful to describe the emotional barrier that can build from repeated experiences of failure, disappointment, rejection, frustration, and shame. He explains five ways people try to get past the Wall of Awful and why some approaches work better than others. Kate and Brendan also explore practical ways parents can help, including creating a “door” through the wall, climbing it, body doubling, scribing homework, reducing pressure, and gradually fading support as a child builds confidence and independence. For parents who find themselves asking, “Why won’t my child just do it?”, this conversation offers a different way to understand what may be happening beneath the struggle. Instead, we might ask: “What is making this task feel so hard, and what support would help my child move forward?” Learn more about Brendan Mahan and Overcoming the Wall of Awful:https://brendanmahan.com/the-wall-of-awful-book/ FREE ADHD Parent Reset7 Things to Do Differently When What You’re Trying Isn’t Working Get the free guide here and learn practical ways to reduce power struggles and better support your child with ADHD. For more ADHD parenting support, visit ADHDKidsCanThrive.com.
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  ADHD, Dyslexia & Belonging: Self-Advocacy for Neurodivergent Teens and Young Adults with Riley Mulcahy 24.08.2026 26min

  ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, school struggles, and feeling different can leave neurodivergent kids questioning where they fit and parents wondering how to help them build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. What helps a child move from struggling to truly believing in themselves? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, ADHD Parent Coach Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with Riley Mulcahy, founder and executive director of The Riley Project, about dyslexia, neurodivergence, belonging, self-advocacy, and helping kids who learn differently find their voice and understand their strengths. Riley shares his own journey from significant early learning challenges to graduating college with honors in English. Riley explains the difference between simply fitting in and truly belonging, why neurodivergent kids need opportunities to hear the experiences of others like them, and how parents can gradually help children develop self-advocacy skills as they grow. Kate and Riley also discuss IEPs and 504 plans, school support, learning differences, strengths-based parenting, and why behavior is often communication. You’ll also hear thoughtful insights on the impact of school and social exhaustion, the importance of including young people in conversations about their own needs, and why children need to hear more than what they struggle with; they also need help discovering who they are and what they can contribute. Most importantly, Riley reminds parents that a child’s struggles today do not define what they will be capable of tomorrow and that every neurodivergent young person deserves to feel seen, understood, and that they belong. Learn more about Riley Mulcahy and The Riley Project:https://therileyproject.org/ ADHD Parent Coaching + Resources:ADHD Parent Coaching for Families | ADHD Kids Can Thrive
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  ADHD and Academic Pressure: Are We Raising Successful Kids or Stressed-Out Kids? with Dr. Denise Pope 17.08.2026 31min

  ADHD, academic pressure, homework stress, executive function struggles, and the pressure to succeed can leave kids overwhelmed and parents wondering when to push and when to step back. What does success really look like for a child with ADHD? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, ADHD Parent Coach Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with Dr. Denise Pope, Senior Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and co-founder of Challenge Success, about ADHD and school stress, student well-being, academic pressure, and redefining success for kids who may not thrive on a traditional path. Dr. Pope explains why some students are simply “doing school” rather than truly engaging in learning, what happens when academic demands exceed a child’s coping skills, and how parents can support executive function, emotional regulation, belonging, and motivation without adding unnecessary pressure. You’ll also hear practical insights on homework overwhelm, playtime, downtime, and family time, different learning paths, screens and social media, and how AI may affect students with ADHD. Most importantly, Dr. Pope reminds parents to look beyond grades and achievement and keep seeing the whole child in front of them. Learn more about Dr. Denise Pope and Challenge Success:https://challengesuccess.org/ ADHD Parent Coaching + Resources:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/
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  ADHD and Sleep: Practical Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Melisa Moore 03.08.2026 40min

  Is bedtime one of the hardest parts of your day? For many children with ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence, sleep struggles are not simply behavioral. Brain biology, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, delayed circadian rhythms, and difficulty transitioning can all make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake feeling rested. In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, ADHD Parent Coach, speaks with pediatric sleep expert Dr. Melisa Moore about why traditional sleep advice may not work for neurodivergent children and what parents can do instead. Dr. Moore is a clinical psychologist, board-certified specialist in behavioral sleep medicine, and author of The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids. Drawing from her clinical expertise and her experience raising a neurodivergent child, she explains why persistent sleep challenges are not necessarily defiance or a sign that parents are doing something wrong. Kate and Dr. Moore discuss: • Why ADHD and autism can affect sleep• Delayed circadian rhythms and nighttime bursts of energy• Flexible bedtime routines and visual sleep schedules• Sensory challenges during nighttime routines• Sleep associations and frequent nighttime waking• How screens may affect children differently• Stimulant medication and sleep• Melatonin, magnesium, and other sleep supplements• When to consult a pediatrician or pediatric sleep specialist This conversation offers practical ADHD sleep strategies, a more individualized approach to bedtime, and reassurance for exhausted parents who feel as though they have already tried everything. Learn More About Dr. Melisa Moorehttps://www.drmelisamoore.com/ The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kidshttps://www.drmelisamoore.com/book ADHD Parent Support Anchor Your ADHD FamilyA 90-day ADHD parent coaching program with recorded education, live coaching, and an online parent community. Join anytime for $97 total.https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/anchor-your-family-adhd-parent-coaching/ Private ADHD Parent Coachinghttps://adhdkidscanthrive.com/private-adhd-parent-coaching/ For more ADHD parenting resources and podcast episodes, visit:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/
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  ADHD Parent Training: What If Your Child Isn’t the First One Who Needs to Change? 27.07.2026 15min

  If you feel like you are saying the same thing over and over to your child with ADHD and nothing is changing, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I explain what ADHD parent training is and why changing a parent’s approach can sometimes change recurring patterns at home. I discuss how ADHD can affect executive functioning, emotional regulation, transitions, time awareness, motivation, and follow-through; why more reminders, pressure, lectures, or consequences do not always build the skills a child needs; and how parents can look differently at struggles involving homework, screens, mornings, bedtime, and emotional outbursts. I also share a practical question parents can use when they feel stuck: What can I change in the environment, expectation, or response that might help my child succeed? Free ADHD Parent Reset:7 Things to Do Differently When What You’re Trying Isn’t Workinghttps://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz Private ADHD Parent Coaching:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast:Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Timestamps (00:00) ADHD Parent Training: What If Your Child Isn’t the First One Who Needs to Change?(00:38) Why Parents Keep Waiting for Their Child to Change(02:11) Changing How We Understand ADHD Behavior(03:55) What Is ADHD Parent Training?(05:44) When Parent Training Can Help(07:29) ADHD Is More Than a Behavior Problem(08:29) Becoming the Grounded Adult in the Room(09:55) How a Parent’s Response Affects the Interaction(11:11) Understanding ADHD Is Not Permissive Parenting(11:55) Environment, Expectation & Response(13:02) Why Small Parenting Shifts Matter(13:16) ADHD Parent Coaching & Support(14:32) Continuing to Learn as Your Child Grows About Kate Brownfield, ACCKate Brownfield is an ICF Associate Certified Coach, Certified ADHD and Executive Function Parent Coach, author, host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, and founder of ADHD Kids Can Thrive. DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, behavioral, or mental health care.
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  What the Science Really Says About ADHD: Dr. Stephen Faraone on Medication, Misinformation, and Evidence-Based Care 16.03.2026 33min

  What does the science really say about ADHD? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield talks with Dr. Stephen Faraone, one of the world’s leading ADHD researchers and founder of the ADHD Evidence Project, about ADHD medication, misinformation, co-occurring conditions, and evidence-based treatment. This conversation helps parents better understand what’s supported by research, what gets overstated online, and how to think more clearly about treatment decisions for kids and teens with ADHD. In this episode: ADHD myths vs. evidence stimulant vs. non-stimulant medication ADHD medication and addiction concerns anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring conditions behavior therapy, CBT, and skill-building support Resources mentioned:ADHD Evidence Project: https://www.adhdevidence.org/ADHD Kids Can Thrive: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who wants a more grounded, research-based understanding of ADHD treatment, medication, and support.
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  Understanding PDA in Kids: Demand Avoidance, Anxiety, and the Drive for Autonomy (AuDHD/Autism) 02.03.2026 37min

  If your child looks “fine” at school but falls apart at home, melts down over everyday expectations (homework, transitions, getting out the door), or is sliding into school refusal, this episode will help you make sense of what might be going on, especially when autism, AuDHD, and anxiety are part of the picture. On this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, host Kate Brownfield sits down with Diane Gould, founder of PDA North America and co-author of Navigating PDA in America, for a grounded, parent-friendly conversation about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) (often reframed as a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy). Diane explains why PDA is best understood through a nervous system lens (not “defiance”), why many traditional behavior plans can backfire, and what actually helps kids who experience everyday demands as a threat response. This episode is especially helpful if you’ve heard “PDA” mentioned in an evaluation, therapy, or online, and you’re trying to understand what’s real, what’s misunderstood, and what supports are most effective at home and at school. In this episode, we cover: What PDA is and how the definition has evolved (and why there’s still debate) Why PDA often overlaps with autism and/or ADHD and why it’s frequently missed or mislabeled PDA vs. ODD: how “oppositional” behavior can look similar on the surface but be driven by something very different underneath The common pattern of masking at school and meltdowns or shutdowns at home, and why parents are often told, “They’re an angel here.” Why school refusal is so common for PDA kids (and what Diane is seeing in families today) Why rewards, consequences, sticker charts, strict routines, and compliance-based strategies often don’t work and what to try instead The role of relationship, trust, and co-regulation, especially as kids get older and school support gets more fragmented Practical ways parents can reduce stress, protect the nervous system, and support learning without crushing autonomy What PDA can look like in adulthood and why support systems and interdependence matter Resources mentioned PDA North America (website): https://pdanorthamerica.org/ Diane Gould: https://dianegouldtherapy.com/ Book: Navigating PDA in America (Diane Gould & Ruth Fidler): Amazon Link Kate / ADHD Kids Can Thrive: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/   Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who needs a clearer, calmer framework for PDA, demand avoidance, school refusal, autonomy needs, and nervous system support.
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  Hooked: ADHD, Sports Betting, and One Young Man’s Fight for Recovery 16.02.2026 28min

  If you’re noticing sports betting, fantasy leagues, or “just for fun” gambling creeping into your teen or young adult’s world, especially with ADHD in the mix, this episode is an important listen. Modern betting is fast, private, and built for dopamine… and for some ADHD brains, that combination can become a slippery slope. Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Saul Malek, an emerging voice on the modern gambling landscape, for a candid conversation about how gambling addiction can escalate quickly, why kids with ADHD may be more vulnerable, and what parents can do to support their child without enabling. Saul shares his personal story: diagnosed with ADHD at age four, pulled in through fantasy sports, and how the shift to digital betting and easy credit accelerated everything, costing him sleep, money, relationships, and nearly his life. Today, he’s been abstinent for more than 5 years and on a mission to educate families and communities. In this episode, we cover: Why ADHD can increase risk for addiction (impulsivity, stimulation-seeking, time blindness) How sports betting evolves from “fun” to compulsion, especially when it’s accessible 24/7 The role of secrecy, shame, and chasing losses (and what it can look like at home) What helped Saul recover: structure, community, accountability, and ongoing support How parents can set boundaries, offer support, and avoid enabling, especially with older teens/young adults Where to start if you’re concerned: meetings, specialized therapy, and reputable resources Connect to Saul Malek: https://www.saulmalek.com/ Resources mentioned: Gamblers Anonymous (in-person + virtual), gamblersinrecovery.com, and the National Council on Problem Gambling   Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com    Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who needs practical, protective guidance for today’s digital world.
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  When Reading Is Hard: Dyslexia, Visual Processing & ADHD Support (with Diane Gutierrez) 02.02.2026 47min

  If reading turns into tears, avoidance, or exhaustion in your home, this episode offers a fresh, practical angle: instead of forcing the brain to adjust to the text, what if the text adjusted to your child? Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Diane Gutierrez (co-founder of Cognition Labs and a mom in a neurodiverse family) for a two-part conversation on reducing reading strain for dyslexia/visual-perceptual differences, and on real-life parenting strategies for ADHD families. Diane shares how adjustable text tools can lower cognitive load and improve comprehension, plus the lived wisdom that helped her family navigate school, stress, mental health, and the long haul of raising kids with ADHD and dyslexia. In this episode, we cover: Why “the text should adjust to us” (and how that supports comprehension + reduces fatigue) How Cognition Labs transforms books, PDFs, notes, and scanned images with 15+ adjustable settings Tools families use most: syllabication support, confusable-letter fixes (b/d/p/q), and visual settings that reduce strain Why these supports may help kids with ADHD, by reducing cognitive load during reading Parenting wisdom from a home where ADHD affects nearly everyone: meaning over pressure, consistency over perfection, rest as a requirement When to consider therapy/coaching support and why it’s okay to switch if it’s not the right fit Advocacy and testing: how understanding a child’s brain can change the path forward Resources mentioned: Cognition Labs: https://www.cognitionlabs.com/Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com | Coaching inquiries: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/ Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who could use practical, hopeful tools.  
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  Julia Ross on Amino Acids, Mood, Cravings, and Attention: Practical Nutrition Ideas for ADHD Families 30.01.2026 47min

  If you’ve ever wondered whether there are nutrition-based supports to consider when ADHD brings big swings in mood, sleep, cravings, irritability, or focus, especially when medication isn’t preferred, isn’t available, or you’re looking for complementary tools, this episode offers a practical, hopeful starting point. Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Julia Ross, M.A., N.N.T.S., best-selling author of The Mood Cure, for a grounded conversation about nutritional psychiatry and the role targeted nutrients (including amino acids) may play in supporting attention, stress, sleep, and emotional regulation.   In this episode, we cover: Why foundational nutrition (especially steady fuel + breakfast) can matter for mood, attention, and regulation How Julia’s work in addiction recovery led her toward nutrient therapy and “brain chemistry” support The amino acids discussed in The Mood Cure and how they’re framed as potential supports for stress, sleep, cravings, and focus (with a strong emphasis on going slowly and listening to the body) Why blood sugar dips (hypoglycemia) can show up as irritability, anxiety, “hangry” meltdowns, and intense sugar cravings, especially after school How to think about trialing changes cautiously, including the importance of collaborating with a licensed clinician (especially for kids and anyone on medication) Why parents deserve support too, because caregiver stress and sleep matter in the whole family system Resources mentioned: JuliaRossCures.com   Important note: This episode is educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before starting supplements or making medication changes, especially for children. Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach |Whole Person Approach:  ADHDKidsCanThrive.com   Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who could use practical, hopeful tools.  
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  Step Away: Resilient Parenting Strategies for ADHD Families 03.11.2025 22min

  Host: Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach Guest: Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist, peak performance coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting Episode Overview In this empowering “Kate + Kate” episode, Kate talks with Dr. Kate Lund about what resilient parenting really looks like when you’re raising kids with ADHD, big emotions, or health challenges. Drawing from her own medical journey (hydrocephalus as a child), 20+ years as a psychologist, and parenting 18-year-old twins, Dr. Lund explains resilience not as “pushing through,” but as a lifestyle: managing your stress response daily so you can ride the waves of homework battles, morning chaos, and dysregulated kids. She teaches a simple, science-backed tool, the Relaxation Response, that parents can practice for 5 minutes in the morning and at night to lower reactivity, model calmness, and create a more regulated home. Suppose your baseline feels higher than that of other parents because your child is more intense or more dysregulated. In that case, this episode will help you stop comparing, honor your unique context, and build steadiness that you can actually sustain. What We Talk About (Highlights) Resilience as a lifestyle Managing your stress response The Relaxation Response (Herbert Benson) Modeling regulation Avoiding the comparison trap “Step away” moments Ripple effect for ADHD families: Calm first, then coach skills Resources & Links Guest: Dr. Kate Lund https://www.katelundspeaks.com/ Book: Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting https://www.katelundspeaks.com/book About Your Host, Kate I’m Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. I help parents understand ADHD through a whole-person lens—because every child is unique, and so is every family. 🌐 Find me: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share this with a parent who’s parenting from a high baseline and needs a 5-minute tool today 💛
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  You Are Not Broken: Reframing Depression and ADHD as Unfinished Business 02.11.2025 32min

  Host: Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent CoachGuest: Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist, peak performance coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting  Episode Overview In this empowering “Kate + Kate” episode, Kate talks with Dr. Kate Lund about what resilient parenting really looks like when you’re raising kids with ADHD, big emotions, or health challenges. Drawing from her own medical journey (hydrocephalus as a child), 20+ years as a psychologist, and parenting 18-year-old twins, Dr. Lund explains resilience not as “pushing through,” but as a lifestyle: managing your stress response daily so you can ride the waves of homework battles, morning chaos, and dysregulated kids. She teaches a simple, science-backed tool—the Relaxation Response—that parents can practice for 5 minutes morning and night to lower reactivity, model calm, and create a more regulated home. If your baseline feels higher than other parents’ because your child is more intense or more dysregulated, this episode will help you stop comparing, honor your real context, and build steadiness you can actually sustain. What We Talk About (Highlights) Resilience as a lifestyle: Why it’s daily stress modulation, not one heroic moment. Managing your stress response: If we start “high,” every challenge spikes us to shutdown. The Relaxation Response (Herbert Benson): Choose a soothing word/phrase + breathe → practice 5 minutes a.m./p.m. Modeling regulation: Regulated parent → calmer energy in the house → kids see what’s possible. Avoiding the comparison trap: Your life, your child, your bandwidth—design for your context. “Step away” moments: Why parents sometimes need a 5-minute reset before re-engaging. Ripple effect for ADHD families: Calm first, then coach skills (homework, mornings, transitions). Resources & Links Guest: Dr. Kate Lund Book: Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting Technique discussed: The Relaxation Response (Herbert Benson) About Your Host, Kate I’m Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. I help parents understand ADHD through a whole-person lens—because every child is unique, and so is every family. 🌐 Find me: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share this with a parent who’s parenting from a high baseline and needs a 5-minute tool today 
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  ADHD, DBT & Emotional Regulation: Dr. Blaise Aguirre on Mood Tools & Meds 20.10.2025 34min

  Episode Summary  Child & adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre (McLean Hospital) shares DBT tools that help ADHD kids and their parents build emotional regulation before a crisis. We cover modeling calm, the mantra “regulate before you can reflect,” fast resets (breathing, PMR, ice-dive), and a practical, compassionate look at ADHD medication, what to watch, and how careful prescribing reduces risk. Guest Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Mood's leading psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School. With 25+ years of treating over 7,000 children and adolescents at McLean Hospital, Dr. Aguirre has extensive experience helping ADHD kids develop emotional regulation skills and coping strategies for high-stress periods. Episode Overview Many kids labeled “misbehaving” are actually missing skills. Dr. Aguirre explains how DBT-based exercises taught early, practiced often, and modeled by parents become second nature and reduce meltdowns. You’ll learn why a parent’s steady nervous system matters (mirror neurons), how to de-escalate in the moment, and how to think about ADHD meds: quick signal checks, side-effect watching, and partnering with a responsive prescriber. Goal: fewer crises, more connection, and a resilient self-story for your child. What We Talk About (Highlights) Skills > “misbehavior”: teach what’s missing—don’t shame Parents first: model regulation; your calm lowers their heat Practice before you need it (make coping automatic) Fast resets anywhere: slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, ice-dive Medication basics: quick feedback loop for many stimulants, dose/side-effects to watch, work with a responsive prescriber Protect the self-story: reduce invalidation (“lazy,” “stupid”) to prevent long-term harm. Mirror neurons: your agitation amplifies theirs—stay steady Resources & Links Dr. Aguirre (McLean Hospital): https://www.mcleanhospital.org/profile/blaise-aguirre Mood Tools App (free): https://www.mood.org/app Books by Dr. Aguirre: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JP3X2W About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles. Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Get the first three chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today. Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show.
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  ADHD “Failure to Launch”: Young Adults, Boundaries & Coaching (Part 2 w/ Dr. Tamara Rosier) 13.10.2025 36min

  Episode Summary ADHD young adulthood, “slow-to-launch,” and boundaries with Dr. Tamara Rosier. We unpack ages 16–26, the maturity lag, elongated adolescence, and two common patterns (holding out for the “ideal lifestyle” and withdrawal/gaming). You’ll learn how to shift from fixing to scaffolding, set clear boundaries that preserve connection, and use a simple coaching script to build agency plus realistic timelines for later coalescence in the 20s. Guest Dr. Tamara Rosier, founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, author of Your Brain’s Not Broken and You, Me, and Our ADHD Family. She translates ADHD science into warm, practical strategies for families, teens, and young adults navigating motivation, emotions, and executive function. Episode Overview Launching can be bumpy for ADHD teens and young adults, not from laziness, but from skill gaps and a longer developmental runway. Dr. Rosier explains how parents can move from control to calm scaffolding: co-creating structure, aligning expectations, and setting boundaries with connection. We cover language that reduces shame, a step-by-step coaching script (Name → Aim → Plan → Support → Review), and how to think about timelines so families can lower panic and raise progress. What We Talk About (Highlights) Why “launching late” is common with ADHD (maturity lag + EF gaps) Two patterns: idealized lifestyle holdout vs. withdrawal/gaming avoidance Parents first: calm reassurance + scaffolding > fixing Boundaries that preserve connection (limits, choices, natural consequences) A quick coaching script: Name → Aim → Plan → Support → Review Treatment pillars when needed (meds/therapy/coaching + structure) Realistic timelines: progress often consolidates later in the 20s Resources & Links Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ Books: Your Brain’s Not Broken; You, Me, and Our ADHD Family Part 1 (previous episode): Punishment Fails ADHD Kids—The Pool Metaphor That Calms Emotional Chaos (with Dr. Tamara Rosier) About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles.Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Free Download Get the first three chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show    #ADHDyoungadults #slowtolaunch #scaffolding #ADHDboundaries #executivefunction #gamingavoidance #failure to launch #Tamara Rosier #interview #ADHDparentingteens #transitiontoadulthood        
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  OCD vs Anxiety vs ADHD in Kids: ERP, Diagnosis & Next Steps w/ Dr. Tamar Chansky 06.10.2025 36min

  Episode Summary OCD vs. anxiety in kids, ERP treatment, and co-regulation for families. Dr. Tamar Chansky explains how to tell OCD from general anxiety, where it overlaps with ADHD, and how parents can lower fear, connect first, and coach skills that stick. We cover PANS/PANDAS (sudden-onset OCD after infections), when to seek medical evaluation, and first-line care like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) plus hopeful long-term outcomes and “tune-ups” during new life stages. Guest Dr. Tamar Chansky, founder of the Children’s and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety, author of Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking, Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Freeing Yourself from Anxiety. She’s known for translating evidence-based care into clear, compassionate strategies families can use right away. Episode Overview Parents often confuse anxiety (“what-ifs,” future worry) with OCD (intrusive thoughts + compulsions). Dr. Chansky clarifies the difference and shows how naming patterns as “OCD-normal” separates the child from the disorder and lowers shame. You’ll learn why parent nervous-system regulation is step one, how ERP works through stepwise “courage challenges,” when medication may help (especially with co-occurring depression in teens), and how to approach PANS/PANDAS: treat medical triggers first, then layer CBT/ERP as needed. Bottom line: pediatric OCD is highly treatable, and families can expect progress plus occasional “tune-ups” during transitions. What We Talk About (Highlights) Language that helps: call patterns “OCD-normal,” separate child from disorder; connect → then problem-solve Anxiety vs. OCD: anxiety = “what-ifs”; OCD = intrusive thoughts + compulsions (“superstition on steroids”) Emotional regulation: parent down-regulation enables child co-regulation PANS/PANDAS: sudden spikes after infections (e.g., strep/Lyme/post-viral); treat medical cause first; add CBT/ERP later First-line care for pediatric OCD: ERP with stepwise “courage challenges”; meds not first-line for most kids, may help some—especially teens with depression Parent power: Coaching parent responses can rival direct child therapy Outlook: highly treatable; skills + neuroplastic change; periodic “tune-ups” during new stages (“last-yearing it”) Resources & Links Dr. Tamar Chansky & books: https://tamarchansky.com/ PANDAS Physicians Network: https://www.pandasppn.org/practitioners/ About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique, so are their strengths and struggles.Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Free Download Get the first 3 chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Need Support? Schedule a free consultation: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show
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  Rewiring Attention: Movement, Sensory & Brain-Based Strategies for ADHD 29.09.2025 36min

  Episode Summary A brain-based roadmap for ADHD beyond “attention.” Dr. Rebecca Jackson explains how sensory, motor, and cognitive development shape attention, executive function, and emotional regulation, and how targeted, non-medication interventions (movement, sensory input, nutrition) can build lasting change. We cover bottom-up readiness before top-down strategies, practical daily routines, and assessments that reveal measurable gaps, enabling parents to help kids thrive at school and in life. Guest Dr. Rebecca Jackson, brain health expert, board-certified cognitive specialist, and former chiropractor known for her work at Brain Balance, is the author of Back on Track. She focuses on how sensory-motor development underpins attention, executive function, and emotion regulation, translating neuroscience into everyday tools for families. Episode Overview ADHD often reflects uneven development across systems—not just lapses in focus. Dr. Jackson walks through a bottom-up approach: strengthen sensory pathways and motor control first, then layer academics and behavior strategies. You’ll learn why movement is medicine (heart-rate spikes, balance, coordination), how sensory inputs raise a child’s tolerance threshold, and what nutrition tweaks (protein-forward mornings, whole-food swaps, lower inflammation) can do. We also discuss screen use with intention and how to start with assessments that identify strengths and track progress. What We Talk About (Highlights) ADHD is more than attention: sensory, motor, and cognitive systems develop unevenly Bottom-up vs. top-down: build brain readiness before piling on strategies Movement as medicine: heart-rate spikes, balance/coordination, frequent micro-breaks Emotional regulation: mature sensory pathways (sight, sound, touch) to raise tolerance Nutrition basics: reduce inflammation/“brain fog,” protein-first breakfasts, whole-food swaps Screens with intention: entertainment time can crowd out sensory-motor input Getting started: assessments that reveal strengths and measurable developmental gaps Resources & Links Dr. Rebecca Jackson’s book, Back on Track: https://drrebeccajackson.com/ About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles.Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Free Download Get the first 3 chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Need Support? Schedule a free consultation: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review, as it helps other ADHD families find the show
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  No One Else I'd Rather Be: A Mother's Memoir of Raising a Daughter with ADHD 22.09.2025 35min

  Host: Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent CoachGuest: Aimee Kaufman, author of No One Else I’d Rather Be: Loving a Daughter with ADHD for Who She Is Episode Overview In this profoundly moving conversation, Kate sits down with author and parent Aimee Kaufman to talk about her memoir and the 10-year journey to her daughter’s ADHD diagnosis. Aimee shares the hard moments, misunderstandings, criticism, school challenges, and the hope that carried her family forward: unconditional love, advocacy, and support that matched her daughter’s needs over time. If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed, second-guessed, or unsure how to keep leading with love during tough seasons, Aimee’s story will encourage and steady you. What We Talk About (Highlights) A long road to clarity: Why it took 10 years to get an ADHD diagnosis—and what finally helped. When behavior says “I can’t,” not “I won’t”: How Aimee learned to interpret her daughter’s words and actions. Unconditional love in the messy middle: Loving firmly and fully when emotions run high. School Support That Actually Helps: 504 Accommodations, When They’re Ignored, and How to Advocate. Medication as one tool (not the only one): The trial-and-error reality and finding the right fit over time. Siblings & family dynamics: Moving from rivalry and rupture to healing and closeness. Parent grounding: How Aimee stayed steady—community, practical support, and protecting her own well-being. A hopeful ending: From crisis to connection—college, career, marriage, and a growing family. Resources & Links Aimee Kaufman’s Book: No One Else I’d Rather Be: Loving a Daughter with ADHD for Who She Is — https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/No-One-Else-Id-Rather-Be/Aimee-Kaufman/9781647428280 About Your Host, Kate I’m Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. It’s honestly my pleasure to help you understand ADHD more deeply—because every child with ADHD is unique, and so are their strengths and struggles. 🌐 Find me: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com 📘 Free Download: Get the first 3 chapters of my book—free—https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters 🤝 Need support? Schedule a free consultation https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share this episode with a parent who needs encouragement today Thank you for listening.  
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  How Parents of ADHD Kids Can Be Supportive vs. Rescuers 14.07.2025 27min

  In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with licensed clinical social worker Ryan Wexelblatt, known as ADHD Dude, about how parents can help children with ADHD build stronger executive-function, behavioral, and social skills through clear expectations, consistent routines, real-world practice, and calm parental authority. Ryan explains why children with ADHD often need skills to be taught and practiced rather than being told to “try harder.” Kate and Ryan discuss how parents can shift from correcting behavior to coaching skills, when CBT may help children with ADHD, why social skills are built through experience rather than lectures, and how predictable structure can reduce conflict around homework, mornings, transitions, and follow-through. In This Episode Why repeated reminders often do not build executive-function skills How parents can coach skills instead of constantly correcting behavior What calm, confident parental authority can look like When CBT may be useful for children with ADHD Why social skills develop through real-life practice How routines and clear expectations can reduce family conflict How to help a child with ADHD experience themselves as increasingly capable About Ryan Wexelblatt Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified school social worker, and founder of ADHD Dude. His work focuses on helping parents support children with ADHD through practical skill-building, clear expectations, and parent-led approaches. Learn more about Ryan at:https://adhddude.com/ Need ADHD Parent Coaching for Your Family? Listening to ADHD strategies is one thing. Figuring out what actually applies to your child and your family is another. Anchor Your ADHD Family offers ongoing ADHD parent support, a monthly recorded class, community, and live parent coaching where you can bring your own questions, challenges, and family situations. Learn more or join Anchor Your ADHD Family at:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/ For parents who want more individualized support, Kate also offers private ADHD parent coaching. Free ADHD Parent Reset Download The ADHD Parent Reset: 7 Things to Do Differently When What You’re Trying Isn’t Working: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz About Kate Brownfield Kate Brownfield, ACC, is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and Certified ADHD & Executive Function Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey of Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. She helps parents better understand what may be driving their child’s struggles and find practical ways to respond with more clarity, confidence, and connection. If this episode helped you, subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, share it with another parent, and leave a rating or review to help more ADHD families find the show.