ADHD Families Podcast

Secrets to Managing Challenging Behaviors

ADHD Habit Hacks: How to Support Your Child's to Thrive

This podcast episode is perhaps the most important one I have ever been a part of. **I want to warn you now that it has a trigger warning. I also cry the whole way through it. It isn't an easy topic to tackle but it is an important one. In this heartfelt episode, Tony and Cassi open up about the journey of creating Anthony's Way in memory of their beloved son, Anthony. Tragically lost at eighteen due to an impulsive act, Anthony's legacy lives on through this nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and teenagers with ADHD. Anthony's Way stands out by building a comprehensive and seamless care model. It unites ADHD coaches, educational advocates, tutors, nutritionists, health and fitness professionals, social skills trainers, and academic advisors—all under one mission. Their goal is to ensure that every child with ADHD has the opportunity to thrive by accessing the tailored support they need. Tony and Cassi share touching anecdotes about their journey with Anthony, illustrating just how integral kindness and acceptance were to his character and their family life. Their story is a testament to how powerful it can be to see the strengths in the ADHD brain and to offer the right guidance and support. We encourage you to listen to this powerful episode to gain deeper insight into the incredible work Tony and Cassi are doing. Their message is one that aligns closely with our values: fostering a functional, fun, and joyful life for families navigating the world with ADHD. Let's continue to support each other on this journey. Share this episode with friends, family, and anyone you think might benefit from hearing this story of resilience, kindness, and hope. Key Points and time stamps 00:00 "Honouring Anthony: Transformative ADHD Support" 04:35 Legacy of Kindness and Community 08:27 Martial Arts Empowered Anthony's Growth 12:58 "Parenting: Embrace Natural Consequences" 15:11 Educational Advocates for ADHD Support 17:11 Youth Extracurricular Support Initiative 20:10 ADHD Diagnosis: Navigating Post-Diagnosis Support 25:22 "Empowering Families Through Guided Support" 28:29 "Promoting Kindness in Schools" 30:01 Charity Covers Own Expenses 35:08 Paediatrician Visit: Medication Decision 38:26 Promoting Kindness and Acceptance Anthony's Road to Kindness - Details Website - https://www.anthonysroadtokindness.com/FB - https://www.facebook.com/anthonysroadtokindness/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthonysroadtokindness/LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com/Company/anthony-s-way-the-road-to-kindness-foundation

The teenage years are a tricky one for us parents to navigate. Often the lines become a bit blurred between what is ADHD and what is teenage boundary pushing behaviour. I get a lot of questions about teens and parents are crying out for support! Sometimes we feel like we are in a no-win situation, and failing all the time! Today's episode is a treasure trove for anyone raising teenagers, especially those with ADHD. Our special guest is Maggie Dent, affectionately known as the "queen of common sense," and one of Australia's favourite speakers and authors. Maggie brings her vast experience and down-to-earth wisdom to the conversation, where we unravel the complexities of teenage behaviour. We explore the crucial role of communication, and empathy in fostering a nurturing environment. In this episode, Maggie shares her journey from a childhood spent on a farm to becoming a celebrated author and podcaster passionately advocating for more supportive and understanding approaches to parenting teens. We discuss her latest book, "Help Me Help My Teen" and touch upon her popular podcasts, including the “Good Enough Dad” podcast. Get ready for practical and heartfelt advice on maintaining a strong relationship with your teen, understanding their risky behaviours, and empowering them with resilience and self-esteem. Whether you are dealing with aggression, disorganisation, or just the everyday chaos of teenage life with ADHD, this episode offers strategies and reassurances that you're not alone in this journey. Grab a cup of your favourite beverage, relax, and join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation with Maggie Dent. Let's dive in! Timestamps and key points: 03:15 From Farm Life to Teaching Career 07:13 Navigating Teens and ADHD 11:37 Navigating Classroom Challenges for Boys 12:53 Parental Unconditional Support 16:14 Managing Intense Emotions Safely 20:29 Garden Chair Reflections on Adolescence 24:40 Empathy and Risk in Boys 28:10 "Teen Communication Challenges" 29:44 Transformative Teen Communication Guide 32:19 Stress Management with Teen "What-Ifs" 37:27 "Passion Over Grades for Teen Wellbeing" 40:57 Empowering Youth: Resilience Through Community 42:44 Family Boundaries and Safety Guidelines 47:28 Managing Surplus Energy Strategies 50:54 Empowering Dads Seminar Success 52:42 Grateful and Impactful Journey Reflections Website: https://www.maggiedent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiedentauthor/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaggieDentAuthor

Today, we're diving into a special end-of-the-year wrap-up episode designed to help you reflect on 2024 and set meaningful targets for 2025. If you often reach the end of the year feeling busy and burnt out, this episode is for you. We'll explore the importance of documenting your achievements, transitioning from a reactive to a proactive mindset, and setting intentional goals aligned with your values. Join me as we break down highlights and lowlights of the past year, identify areas of life needing attention, and tackle goals using techniques that work best for families with ADHD. Plus, I'll share practical tips from my "Start the Year Right" FREE checklist, ensuring you start 2025 calm, connected, and ready for success. Don't miss out on our free parent training in January—let's make family life functional, fun, and full of joy together! Grab a cup of tea and let's get started!Key Points and Timestamps:00:00 Reflect on the past year to improve.05:41 Reflect on goals, values, and yearly highlights.08:20 Missed intro, fear sparked, online speaking preferred.11:40 Happy with progress and meeting amazing clients.13:39 Plan for predictable problems to reduce burnout.19:14 Set up calendar with important dates early.23:12 Assess school needs: size, replacements, supplies.25:23 Prioritise happiness: Live fully with family support.Here are the links mentioned in the show:Free training: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/stepsFree start the year right checklist: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/checklist

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Sue Larkey, an esteemed "pracademic," joining us to share her wealth of knowledge, combining practical experience and academic research. Sue and our host, Sharon Collon, dive deep into effective strategies for engaging children with ADHD and autism, emphasising the power of humour, and personalised communication techniques. Sue traces her inspiration back to a challenging classroom experience, highlighting the lack of adequate resources and training that many teachers face. Together, Sharon and Sue explore the intricate dynamics between parents, teachers, and children, offering practical tips to foster a supportive and collaborative environment both at home and in school. From the significance of nonverbal communication and the nuanced approach to praise, to addressing rejection sensitivity and preventing teacher burnout, this episode is packed with actionable tips. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, tune in for a compassionate and enlightening discussion that promises to deepen your understanding and enhance your toolkit for supporting neurodiverse children. Let's get started! Timestamps:03:11 Collaboration with parents enhances child support effectiveness.08:26 A teacher advocates for students like children.10:54 Four positives to one negative builds relationships.13:31 Tone affects children's perception of commands.18:39 Teachers struggle to support autistic students effectively.19:47 Birthday party akin to classroom environment challenges.24:44 ADHD is genetic; treat each individual uniquely.27:38 Adults need life systems, not work skills.30:16 Change environment, structure for child readiness.35:44 "Should" indicates comparison; prompts self-reflection.38:19 Praise is individualised; "best" varies per person.41:47 Completion, not praise, motivates ADHD children.43:59 Addressing rejection sensitivity in neurodiverse children.46:48 Reflect on successes and challenges in meetings.49:13 Need regulation from teachers to avoid misperceptions.About Sue: Sue Larkey is a highly respected educator, author, and speaker with extensive experience in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has taught students in both mainstream and special education settings, combining practical experience with extensive research. Sue holds a Master's in Special Education and has completed the research sections of her Doctorate in Education. Sue's podcast, the “Sue Larkey Podcast,” has over 1.4 million downloads across more than 200 episodes and is the #1 ranked Apple Podcast in Australia in the Course category. Her podcast resources are used by leading universities, including Monash University and Canberra University, to train teachers. She also has a global following, with over 135,000 subscribers to her weekly e-newsletter in more than 30 countries and a community of 130,000 Facebook followers. Sue has authored over 18 books aimed at educators, teacher assistants, and parents/carers, and is a former winner of the Naturally Autistic International Award for Community Contribution. She has delivered hundreds of speeches at both international and national conferences, earning recognition as a trusted source of knowledge, compassion, and inspiration for educators, support workers, and families. Connect with Sue:Instagram: @sue.larkeyFacebook: Sue LarkeyWebsite: https://suelarkey.com.au/

Today we're diving into the critical topic of online safety for children, especially those with ADHD. Joining us is the remarkable Kristi McVee, an ex-detective and expert in child abuse prevention, who brings a wealth of experience to our discussion. In this episode, Kristi shares her valuable knowledge on empowering children to balance their online interactions with safety and setting healthy boundaries. We'll explore the unique vulnerabilities children with ADHD face online, the risks of grooming and sextortion, and the impact of social media on their mental health. Kristi offers practical advice on monitoring digital activities, setting up parental controls, and fostering open communication with your children about online dangers. We'll also hear personal stories from Kristi, discussing her own family's experiences and the ever-changing landscape of digital technology. She emphasises the importance of ongoing dialogue, critical thinking, and helping children understand the false perceptions often portrayed online. So, whether you're a parent navigating these digital waters or keen to learn more about protecting children in this tech-savvy world, this episode is packed with actionable tips to ensure your child's online safety. Let's get started! Timestamps:04:31 Kristi's story and child abuse realities.08:50 How ADHD puts our children at greater risk.10:29 Balance online friendships with authentic connections.16:21 Children need supervision and guidance on privacy.17:30 Teach children privacy concepts; ensure online safety.21:45 Extorters demand photos, threaten exposure for money.25:04 Warning signs: Obsession or avoidance of phone.29:49 What to do if your child is in danger32:23 Teach resilience and healthy relationships, provide safety tools.36:43 Sharing child exploitation material is illegal.37:23 Children are vulnerable; guidance needed until adulthood.41:08 TikTok's pros and cons.44:31 Bond through shared activities and interest engagement.47:42 Sending meaningless content; prioritise mental health. About Kristi:Kristi McVee is an ex- West Australian detective and specialist child interviewer and the author of Operation KidSafe - a detective's guide to child abuse prevention. Kristi hosts the CAPE podcast, the child abuse prevention and education podcast as well as presents about child sexual abuse awareness and online child exploitation to schools, parents and communities. Connect with Kristi:Instagram @kristimcveeFacebook - Kristi McVee or CapeaustTikTok @tiktokcop81

Are you planning a family trip and wondering how to make it enjoyable for everyone? Curious about how to handle the unique challenges of traveling with children who have ADHD? Then you're in the right place! In today's must-listen episode, we welcome Jenifer Breaux, a travel expert and mother of two children who are neurodivergent. With her background as retired army personnel and an experienced travel agent, Jennifer has a knack for designing customised trips for families navigating ADHD and autism. She joins our host, Sharon Collon, to share invaluable strategies and personal experiences on making travel with children who have ADHD smoother and more enjoyable. Discover how to break up long car rides with engaging activities and tailor travel experiences to suit sensory preferences. This episode is brimming with practical advice, including managing anxiety with detailed itineraries, using social stories, and creating holiday routines that balance structure and flexibility. Jenifer also offers essential tips on handling sensory overload and budgeting during trips. Whether you're planning a short getaway or a long vacation, Jenifer's expertise in sensory-friendly travel and her personal stories will help you craft memorable and stress-free family holidays. Tune in to learn how to tackle the unique challenges of traveling with children who are neurodivergent and uncover tips that can transform your family's travel adventures!Timestamps: 00:00 Discussing travel challenges with ADHD families, specialist Jenifer Breaux.05:50 ADHD is challenging due to sensory inputs.09:00 Engage kids with activities they enjoy outdoors.11:03 Request a quieter room away from activities.14:52 ADHD and anxiety concerns, social story suggestion.19:38 Anticipation helps ADHD brain manage anxiety, scheduling.23:37 Establish flexible holiday routines for expectations.26:04 Plan ahead for kids' park visits early.28:06 Infectious game ideas shared among friends.32:56 Resort includes drink service and equipment classes.33:44 Stay where activities are easily accessible onsite.39:59 Gradually travel to comfortably create lasting memories.41:49 Brothers' different spending habits during holiday.44:36 Guide decisions with a simple, budgeted choice.About Jenifer:Jenifer is a retired army veteran who served almost three decades. During her time in the army she served the United States all over the world. Through those experiences she gained a love of service and travel. She excelled in her training and retired with honor. Six years ago she opened a franchise of Dream Vacations called JB Travel Pros, where she helps people travel the world with excitement. From coast to coast, Jenifer designs luxury experiences that bring her client's dreams to life. Her love for globe trotting is something she shares with her family, as well. Connect with Jenifer:Website: https://www.iamjeniferbreaux.com/aboutFacebook: @iamjeniferbreauxInstagram: @iamjeniferbreaux

In today's episode, host Sharon Collon sits down with Sandy Booysen, a dietitian specialising in neurodivergence and peadiatric feeding disorders. We're diving into the complexities of managing food-related behaviours in children with ADHD and other neurodivergent differences. Sandy delves into the impacts of sugars, food additives, and sensory sensitivities on behaviours and offers practical advice for parents. She emphasises the importance of emotional neutrality around food, detective work to identify behavioural triggers.. Join us as we explore the steps of her "Sensible Nutrition" model and learn how to tackle the real challenges of feeding children who are neurodivergent. Tune in for an episode filled with compassionate, actionable advice tailored for families navigating these unique dietary journeys. Timestamps:05:09 Sandy's journey07:53 Your parenting success isn't defined by child's diet.12:45 Pediatric feeding disorder: diagnosis for children.16:26 Different children, different challenges, same household upbringing.20:17 Discussing child's constipation and appetite-related issues.21:17 Identify triggers; nutrition plays a big role.27:30 Comfort strategies are needed for sensory-sensitive children.31:14 Support children's healthy growth and eating habits.32:29 Small, frequent meals provide a quick energy boost.37:31 Sandy's helpful, approachable guidance.About Sandy:Sandy is a caring and passionate dietitian who loves working with individuals, children and families to optimize their health and nutrition through a commonsense approach of simplifying and debunking complex nutrition information. She focuses on providing individualised support, motivation and education for sustainable change. Connect with Karen:Website: https://www.senseablenutrition.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandy.booysen/

Let's delve into the complex world of puberty and ADHD, exploring how early puberty can impact mental health, and the importance of providing safety and security for our children, particularly between the ages of 9 and 12. Michelle shares her personal experiences as a parent and offers strategies for fostering emotional and psychological intimacy with our kids. We'll discuss the significance of unconditional support, the value of acknowledging your own emotions before addressing your child's needs, and ways to maintain supportive communication without overwhelming them. Michelle also gives tips on how to approach conversations about puberty in a positive and child-led manner, ensuring our kids feel understood and accepted during this critical developmental phase. Plus, we'll touch on self-esteem challenges, especially in children with ADHD, and how parents can help build their children's self-worth and resilience. Stay tuned for a packed episode filled with practical advice and heartwarming encouragement, aimed at helping you navigate the ups and downs of parenting children with ADHD. Key points:00:00 Discussing puberty and ADHD with Michelle Mitchell.04:28 Today's episode discusses puberty experiences from the past.06:21 Tweens' development crucial; impacts adolescence significantly.10:17 Children develop physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, sexually.14:30 Twins seek closeness; mirror and support them.19:13 "I've got you": Prioritise and reassure children.22:00 Social-emotional skills are essential, not secondary.23:46 Separate parent-child journeys; avoid projecting expectations.28:00 Pause before reacting; encourages constructive communication.32:22 Give children options; mix of approaches.36:13 Consider children's transferable boundaries for safety.37:37 Comprehensive book for tweens on various topics.42:14 Save courage for kids' essentials at school.44:39 Intentionally welcome kids home after school.About Michelle:Michelle is a Parenting educator - with 25 years of experience in the wellbeing sector.She started her career as a teacher but soon after founded a charity that delivered life skills programs to young people at risk of dropping out of education. Her work extended into the child safety sector, refugees, and alternative education. She lives with her husband and two young adult boys.Connect with Michelle: Facebook - @michellemitchellauthorIG - michellemitchell.author

We're delving into the complex world of anxiety, especially how it affects children and adolescents with ADHD. Our special guest is Karen Young, a psychologist and speaker who specialises in anxiety and mental health for young people. In this episode, Karen helps us unravel the role of the amygdala in triggering anxiety through sensory experiences, often linked to past traumas. We'll also address school-related anxiety—a common hurdle for many in the ADHD community—offering practical strategies for creating a safe and supportive school environment. Karen shares why parental confidence is crucial, how understanding the neuroscience behind anxiety can empower children, and tackles common misconceptions about anxiety. We'll also discuss the importance of relational safety within schools to help turn anxious moments into manageable experiences. With a rich professional background and personal anecdotes, Karen provides a comforting reminder that anxiety can be navigated with understanding and the right tools. Get ready to take notes and feel encouraged—this episode promises valuable advice for every ADHD family. Let's dive in! Timestamps:00:00 Discussing anxiety, school refusal, with expert Karen Young.04:11 Personal experience with daughter's anxiety spurred action.07:11 Brain interprets potential threats as actual danger.11:41 ADHD causes obsessive thought loops and anxiety.16:04 Anxiety's impact is deeply personal and variable.16:46 Anxiety's roots are often unknown and complex.21:01 Ensuring kids' safety and fostering parental confidence.23:51 Balancing support and independence for child's safety.27:08 Avoidance reinforces anxiety by associating safety elsewhere.31:53 Schools gating ADHD children reinforces exclusion and anxiety.36:13 Move beyond outdated methods; promote proactive safety strategies.40:01 How to ensure schoolchildren feel welcome, cared.41:27 Empowering teachers to support ADHD impacts significantly.44:31 Supporting parents and teachers creates incredible changes. About Karen:Karen began her career as a psychologist working extensively with children, teens and families. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant and works with schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent focused organisations both in Australia and overseas to build resources, implement procedures, and support the professional development of staff. Karen is the founder of ‘Hey Sigmund', an internationally popular online resource that provides contemporary, research-driven information on anxiety. She is the author of five books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior', which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety. Connect with Karen:Instagram: @karenyoung_heysigmundWebsite: www.heysigmund.com

When people chat about ADHD it is often includes a long list of the challenges they are experiencing with ADHD but this is ignoring an important part of the puzzle. The strengths! We need to celebrate the strengths and scream them from the rooftops because our kids are listening, and we need to show them that it isn't all challenges. In this episode, we chat with Elly Both, a sustainability consultant, author, and dedicated mom, who shares her unique journey with ADHD. Diagnosed in her early forties, Elly has turned her personal experiences into a source of empowerment through her new book, "A Kids Book About ADHD." Join us as Elly discusses the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, emphasising the importance of recognising and fostering the unique talents of children with ADHD. We'll explore her late diagnosis, the process of understanding her own brain, and the vital strategies she recommends for parents. Additionally, we'll dive into the content of her insightful book and how it aims to reshape the narrative around ADHD for young readers. Let's jump in!Timestamps: 00:00 Elly's book empowers kids to understand ADHD.03:52 ADHD made childhood both challenging and unique.08:56 Social anxiety, ADHD, verbal communication struggles, introversion.12:45 Writing book on ADHD: Challenges and creativity.14:03 Kids book on ADHD for understanding and learning.18:48 ADHD: Multifaceted, includes inattentiveness, nervousness, and anxiety.22:36 Discover your superpower and nurture your passions.24:16 Accept, identify strengths, and foster self-confidence. About Elly:Elly Both is a newly published author having recently released her first book, “A Kids Book about ADHD” through A Kids Co. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 40's, Elly has transformed her personal journey into a source of empowerment, not only for herself but for young minds grappling with similar experiences. The book aims to redefine ADHD for young readers, encouraging them to see ADHD not as a hindrance, but as a superpower that provides them with a unique way of seeing the world and existing in it. Elly is also a self-professed green geek, and the Founder of Bright Green – a sustainability consultancy based in Singapore. Connect with Elly:Instagram:@todaywewriteWebsite: www.ellyboth.com Buy Elly's book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ6Y1JXJ?dealEvent=1&peakEvent=4&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3WZYY4AJ0AKB6PSJVAZB

Today we're diving into a topic that's close to the hearts of many families navigating ADHD: oppositional behaviours in children. Joining us is Jacquie Ward, a psychologist specialising in challenging behaviours. In this episode, Jacquie shares her personal experiences as a mother to a child with ADHD. We explore the world of oppositionality and defiance, from swearing and verbal aggression to physical altercations and public meltdowns. Why do these behaviours happen, and how can parents navigate them? We also discuss society's perception of these behaviours, often met with judgment rather than compassion, and the long-term strategies families can use to support their children. Jacquie brings a wealth of knowledge on emotion regulation and offers practical advice, including grounding techniques, co-regulation approaches, and meaningful ways to connect with your child after a dysregulation episode. Timestamps: 00:00 Discussing oppositional behaviors with psychologist Jackie Ward.04:43 Parents seek help for children's emotion regulation.08:17 Some kids get more compassion than others.10:01 Shame in ADHD children causes significant pain.14:30 Children's defiance or aggression signifies underlying fear.16:50 Discuss calmly with your child when appropriate.22:26 Discuss Dr. Mona Delahooke's work on challenging behaviors.23:13 Challenging behaviors stem from nervous system dysregulation.27:53 Parents need strategies to model emotional regulation.30:19 Stay grounded; handle it with love.36:08 Long-term skills are better than short-term consequences.36:58 Support child regulation, not just correcting behavior.40:21 Share, review, and enjoy ADHD Families podcast. About Jacquie:Jacquie Ward is a Psychologist who works with children, adolescents and their families. She works with a range of presentations, including Autism, Anxiety, Depression, challenging and disruptive behaviours, but has a particular interest in ADHD, as she's Mama to one very adorable ADHD'er herself. Outside of the therapy room Jacquie can be found chasing her three young children at the beach, daydreaming about buying a hobby farm, or escaping to yoga class for a hit of peace amongst the happy chaos. Link to buy Jacquie's book: https://www.jacquieward.com.au/billys-brilliant-butterflies-childrens-book Connect with Jacquie:Instagram: @jacquie_ward_Facebook: Jacquie WardWebsite: www.jacquieward.com.au

Let's chat about love and relationships and ADHD. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast we chat with Jamie Blume, an expert ADHD coach, to dive deep into the intricacies of maintaining healthy relationships within couples when there is ADHD in the mix. Jamie shares advice on fostering appreciation and understanding between partners, managing resentment, and improving communication. They discuss the challenges of balancing household responsibilities, especially when children are involved, and provides practical strategies for reclaiming fun and intimacy. Jamie also highlights the significance of addressing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and offers insights into her unique coaching approach that tailors support to the specific needs of ADHD individuals. Tune in to support your relationship foster a loving, collaborative environment.Timestamps:00:00 Support for ADHD-affected relationships from Jamie Blume.03:44 Family diagnosed with ADHD led to extensive learning.06:26 Understanding ADHD changed all my relationships dramatically.12:16 Exploring recurring couple dynamics and emotional responses.13:52 Understand strengths, share tasks in relationships evenly.17:18 Support couple, organize home, prioritize fun time.20:26 Focus on repairing relationships before dividing labor.25:16 Collaborative, strength-based, unique coaching for ADHD clients.26:23 Therapists' neurotypical lenses fail to help ADHD clients.29:24 Parent clarified room cleaning expectations with a checklist.32:41 Healing vulnerabilities and improving couple communication strategies.35:43 Don't assume or take things personally. About Jamie:Jamie Blume is a certified ADHD and Life Coach, an Internal Family Systems coach, an Intimacy From the Inside Out couples coach, an educator of ADHD coaches for the acclaimed ADD Coach Academy, a mentor of aspiring ADHD coaches, and the Chair of the Education Committee for ADDA. Jamie founded Along Their Way, an ADHD-focused coaching business that supports adults and families as they navigate the complexities and rewards of ADHD and the challenges of neurodiversity. She is passionate about knowledge, awareness, growth, and transformation for herself and her clients. Connect with Jamie:Instagram: @alongtheirwayFacebook: @alongtheirwayLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/alongtheirway/Website: https://alongtheirway.com/

In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, we are chatting with the incredible Lael Stone about how to support our kids emotionally and help them process their big feelings. How do we support our beautiful kids with the emotional rollercoaster of ADHD? Timestamps:6:54 How do you help people develop emotional intelligence?9:03 How to handle their own feelings by observing how we manage ours.9:48 Instead of reacting with anger, model healthy ways to manage emotions10:14 How to support your child's emotional development 15.13 About Woodline Primary what led you to create that school?17:12 Develop learning environments that prioritise safety and emotional well-being.23:03 What sort of accommodations have been made to really support people with ADHD at the school?32:10 How to manage aggression while maintaining safety.39:03 How to address underlying triggers of anger and adjust their environment or routines.42:15 Outward anger and emotional withdrawal are both impactful.43:23 Encourage them to share and move past their repression.45:49 To build trust and support your child effectively, focus on listening without fixing, and let them choose whether they want advice or simply your presence.49:20 Support through the emotional extremes and demonstrate unconditional regard.50:22 Balancing these demands while managing work and family life52:00 Imperfection is normal and that repairing connections is a vital. About Lael: Lael Stone is an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother, and parenting counsellor who has worked with families for over 20 years. Her work as a birth educator, post-natal trauma counsellor, and parenting educator has seen her work with thousands of families consulting about newborns all the way to the teen years. She spent over 5 yrs in secondary schools working with teens around sexuality, well-being, and relationships, and her great aim is to empower parents to create connections and stronger relationships with their children. She is the co-creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative new school based on emotional well-being and connection. Lael was the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast and a sought-after public speaker who talks candidly about her experiences and her great passion for creating wellness in adults through connection and communication. Connect with Lael: Instagram: @laelstone @woodlineprimaryFacebook: @laelstone @woodlineprimaryWebsite: www.laelstone.com.au

In today's episode, our host Sharon Collon sits down with Vivian Dunstan, founder of ADHD Support Australia, to tackle some of the most pressing social challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. We'll explore why people often rush to offer solutions instead of listening, delve into effective strategies for developing social skills, and uncover the critical role parents play in nurturing these abilities both online and in person. Vivian shares her profound insights on building confidence, navigating friendships, and the broader impacts of social skills on education, work, and romance. We'll also touch on the importance of understanding and patience in social interactions, and how programs like the Peers program can make a real difference. Whether you're a parent trying to support your child or an adult looking to enhance your social prowess, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and resources to help you thrive. Stay tuned, you're not going to want to miss this! TIMESTAMPS: 07:52 Talk on substance abuse and addictions in ADHD.11:37 Evolving role in ADHD coaching over 11 years.14:06 Started ADHD support Australia, making information accessible.20:04 Assessing interest and participation in conversations.23:50 Seeking acceptance in social interactions can be disheartening.26:54 Discussing client social skills: monologuing and problem-solving.28:19 Balanced conversation involves asking and answering questions.33:22 Empathy in conversation: understanding before offering solutions.34:59 Practical approach to problem-solving in relationships.37:52 Online social skills group provides safe space.43:25 Course helps parents create social opportunities for kids.45:39 Engage by asking questions, show interest genuinely.48:50 Encourage finding and enjoying activities, building friendships.52:52 Social skills need explicit, step-by-step guidance.55:25 Confidence leads to connections and wider impact. About Vivian:Vivian is the Founder & CEO of ADHD Support Australia - an organisation she set up as a local support group back in 2013 when her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. She is now an ADDCA trained ADHD Coach, Parenting Coach, Certified Tech Addiction & Digital Health Educator, Certified PEERS Social Skills for Teens & Young Adults coach, a non-practicing teacher, parent of a young adult with ADHD and has ADHD herself. She hosts monthly expert talks at ADHD Support Australia on a variety of ADHD-related topics and facilitates ADHD parenting and digital parenting programs as well as PEERS social skills programs. Connect with Vivian:Instagram: @gutfulofadhdFacebook: ADHDSupportAustraliaWebsite: www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au

Today, we dive into the transformative power of gut health and its impact on ADHD and OCD symptoms. Special guest Jo Whitton shares her journey from traditional medical advice to exploring gut health, driven by her son's severe OCD. Discover practical steps to improve gut health, from introducing meat stocks to reducing refined foods and sugars. Jo emphasizes stress reduction and setting structured routines for a calmer household. She also shares success stories from the GAPS protocol, highlighting the benefits of nutrient-dense foods. Tune in for actionable advice to make manageable yet impactful dietary and lifestyle changes. For more resources, visit thefunctionalfamily.com and follow Jo on social media. Don't forget to share this episode and leave a review! Key Points and Time Stamps: 00:00 Inspirational story about healthy eating and support. 03:36 Started food blog, evolved into quirky cooking. 08:00 Learning about gut health, health issues addressed. 10:30 Research led to focus on gut health. 15:44 Easing into a new diet for health. 18:40 Kids play sports, reduce stress, create calm. 20:03 Limiting commitments for family time, adding meat stocks. 25:55 Gentle approach yields major benefits for picky eaters. 27:42 Transforming kids' eating habits through microbiome changes. 30:30 Add flavor to daily habits for success. 34:20 Flexible routine, enough sleep, me time important. 38:41 Instagram is the fun place for me. About Jo: Jo Whitton, based in Far North Queensland, Australia, runs her business "Quirky Cooking" and is passionate about using food as medicine, a journey that began due to her family's health issues. When her son was diagnosed with severe OCD and anxiety in 2014, Jo delved deeply into gut health, leading to significant health improvements for her family. She has since shared her knowledge through three best-selling cookbooks, numerous health seminars, retreats, and cooking workshops. Jo offers a wealth of resources, including live-streamed classes, coaching programs, and her own line of organic products, available on her blog and social media channels. FREE 'Healthy Eating Made Simple' eBook HERE plus a 10% discount off the Quirky store Connect with Jo: Facebook: @quirkycooking Instagram: @jowhitton Website: https://quirkycooking.com.au/

In episode we sit down with the incredible Donna Moala, a pediatric sleep specialist and founder of "Bub to Sleep." Donna shares her lived ADHD expertise and guides us on supporting our beautiful kids with sleep. She delves into her personal journey as a mum to three teenage daughters with ADHD, and how understanding ADHD has transformed her approach to parenting and sleep. Join us as Donna discusses the impact of modern lifestyle choices on children's sleep, the significance of setting strong yet loving boundaries at bedtime, and her unique approach that focuses on connection before correction. We'll also hear about Donna's own ADHD diagnosis and her path to managing it successfully, alongside her family's experiences with ADHD and mental health struggles. Don't miss out on this episode if you're looking for practical tips on managing sleep issues in kids, especially those with ADHD, and how to support them in mastering the essential skill of sleep. Plus, learn more about Donna's free 15-minute chat offer for personalised advice and the incredible support system she provides through her parenting collective. Be sure to share this episode and leave us a review on iTunes, and visit thefunctionalfamily.com for more resources. Let's dive in Timestamps: 00:00 Prioritise sleep, establish routines, and set boundaries. 03:49 Parenting journey with kids' diagnosis, mental health. 09:19 Perfectionism and later diagnosed with ADD. 11:12 Struggles lead to hope and reaching out. 16:18 Passion for sleep, parenting challenges, and evolving strategies. 17:04 Managing sleep with medicated children requires strategy. 20:37 Support, nurture, and regulate for better sleep. 24:02 Parents feeling lost, seeking sleep specialist's help. 27:54 Getting a night nurse changed everything for me. 30:35 Discuss challenges of parenting older children with anxiety. 34:51 Concerns about children's screen time and impact. 37:11 Business named bub to sleep offers parenting support. About Donna: Donna Moala is the founder of Bub2sleep and is one of the leading Sleep specialists in Perth, supporting families in Australia and worldwide. Working with expectant parents up to children 7 years of age. The Bub2sleep approach has grown and developed over the past six years to value and respect mums and dads worldwide. For us, sleep support isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Your baby and your parenting techniques are unique—we want to fully embrace that. Connect with Donna: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bub2sleep/ Website: https://bub2sleep.com.au/ Instagram: @bub2sleepPodcast: The Parenting Collective

Welcome to the ADHD Families Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Steph Geddies, a registered nutritionist specialising in family nutrition and helping parents raise food-loving children. As parents of neurodiverse kids, we know the challenges of navigating food sensitivities and executive function difficulties. Steph shares her personal experience and offers practical tips for creating a no-pressure mealtime environment, such as serving family meals on a platter and encouraging fun food exposure activities. We discuss the difference between nutritionists and dietitians and when to seek help from professionals for concerns related to children's nutrition and fussy eating. Steph also shares valuable resources, including her website, "Body Good Food," her Instagram account, and her "Family Food Plan" course. Whether you're dealing with a picky eater or looking to make mealtime more enjoyable, this episode offers helpful insights and actionable advice. Let's get started! Key Points and Timestamps: 00:00 Steph and her story03:47 Focused on family nutrition, raising adventurous eaters.08:49 Serving food to kids with individual needs.10:54 Streamlining family meals by using accepted foods.15:54 Trusting your body and food is important.16:49 Disconnect from diet culture, let children eat intuitively.22:25 Strategies for getting kids to eat nutritious food.25:07 facial expressions influencing children's eating habits.28:23 Empower kids to choose and try foods.30:41 Consult pediatric dietitian or feeding therapist for help.34:02 New course "Family Food Plan" offers meal planning. About Steph Geddes: Steph is a registered nutritionist specializing in culinary nutrition. She translates nutritional evidence into delicious food. She has a special interest in family nutrition and helping parents serve one meal to the whole family while raising competent, food-loving children. Connect with Steph: Email: steph@bodygoodfood.com.au Instagram: @nutritionist_stephgeddes Website: www.bodygoodfood.com.au/

We know the ADHD brain is often anxious. However, supporting our family members with anxiety usually leaves a lot of us confused about the right strategy to draw upon. To help us today, I have brought in the incredible Dr Jodi Richardson! In this episode, Jodi helps us understand anxiety and provides many practical strategies to support ourselves and our family members. Key Points and Time Stamps: 2.50m Jodi's story 5.17m What are the symptoms of anxiety, and how it plays out with ADHD 7.00m The four key areas of anxiety 11.15m What is a panic attack? 13.40m The ADHD nervous system 18.00m Acknowledgment and acceptance 23.30m Are women being dismissed with anxiety? 25.00m Anxiety and gender 27.00m Anxiety comparison and measurement 31.16m Having strategies to cope with the brain that we have 34.00m The Tower of Power for anxiety 41.00m Jodi's easy steps for anxiety About Dr. Jodi Richardson: Dr. Jodi Richardson is one of Australia's leading lights in managing anxiety. An educational leader, she supports parents and teachers in changing their relationship with anxiety, dialing it right down, and lighting the way for their children and students to do the same. Dr. Richardson is a professional speaker supporting whole school communities around Australia, the best-selling author of the books 'Anxious Kids' and 'Anxious Mums,' hosts the popular podcast 'Well, Hello Anxiety' and is a mum of two. Connect with Dr. Richardson: Instagram: @drjodirichardson Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrJodiRichardson Website: https://drjodirichardson.com/ Podcast: Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

I think more life admin is being thrown at us than ever before! There is so much overwhelm when I chat to our beautiful ADHD community juggling this invisible load. In this episode, we chat with the incredible Mia Northrop. Mia, one of the founders of Life Admin Life Hacks, literally wrote the book on making life admin more streamlined and manageable. Mia breaks it down into simple steps and tools that we can use to automate it and make it work for the ADHD brain. Key Points and Timestamps: 3.00m Who is Mia, and what does she do? 5.50m The challenges for ADHD and life admin 7.00m Customised life admin strategies for ADHD 9.50m What should we outsource? 16.40m The categories of life admin 23.00m The benefits of the digital calendar 27.00m Strategies for managing emails 33.00m Marking your wins and to-do list tips About Mia Northrop: Mia Northrop shares insights and inspiration on life admin and the mental load. Her work explores how to use everyday digital tools and principles from time management, productivity, and behavioral science to streamline, automate, and reduce paperwork and optimize our approach to household organization. Mia is cohost of the top-rated how-to podcast Life Admin Life Hacks, coauthor of Life Admin Hacks, and co-creator of The Art of Adulting online course, resources dedicated to helping people win back time, save money, reclaim their headspace, and nurture household harmony. Mia is a former researcher who worked in the tech and digital sectors. With a background in human-centered design and design thinking, and a passion for social justice, Mia is a trained coach who is passionate about equipping working mothers with tools, strategies, and processes to give them the time, energy, and presence they deserve. Mia is a co-parenting mum to a school-aged son and daughter and lives with her new puppy and ancient cat in Melbourne, Australia. Connect with Mia: Email: mia@lifeadminlifehacks.com Instagram: @lifeadminlifehacks Website: www.lifeadminlifehacks.com Podcast: Life Admin Life Hacks Podcast

We know that dyslexia and ADHD often go together? But what can we do to support our kids? How does dyslexia show up? How can we make reading fun for our kids that struggle? In today's episode of the ADHD Families Podcast we chat with the incredible Kristy Hayworth who is a dyslexia specialist. Whether your child has been diagnosed or not, you will get helpful tips from this episode to support your child with reading. Key Points and Timestamps: 2.30m Who is Kristy Hayworth? 7.40m How Kristy empowers parents to help their kids 10.30am ADHD brings friends - dyslexia's relationship with ADHD 13.30m The dyslexia diagnostic process 15.15m What can we do with the diagnosis 16.15m How does dyslexia present 23.00m How we didn't treat dyslexia well in the past 25.30m Kristy's favourite part about what she does 26.30m Kristy's views on Irlen syndrome and behavioural optometrists 30.30m Kristy's tips for supporting our kids with reading About Kristy Hawroth: Kristy is an accredited dyslexia therapist and a mother to two beautifully complex neuro-spicy boys, living in Queensland, Australia. She is passionate about supporting kids and families to ensure that they have access to high quality evidence-based literacy instruction to learn to read and spell with confidence. Kristy solidly believes that all kids can be successful with literacy when they get this type of instruction. Kristy understands neurodivergence and the challenges that occur when paired with learning. She has been working in education for the past 20 years and is formally accredited by the Australia Dyslexic Association (ADA). Connect with Kristy: Website: www.allkidscan.com.auInstagram: @allkidscaneducation

Are you feeling burnt out? The truth is as parents of children with extra needs we are at an increased burnout risk. In this podcast I chat with the incredible Filipa Bellette, who is an award-winning Functional Medicine Practitioner, Trauma Therapist, and author of the book Ending Body Burnout, about what is burnout, how it shows up in the body and how we can protect ourselves and recover.Key Points and Timestamps:2.50m What does Filipa do and her story7.00m Parents in the ADHD community walk a fine line between ok and not ok - what does Filipa recommend?10.20m What does burnout look like?12.30m How to get better sleep?18.20m Planning and diet22.00m The approach for burnout27.50m Success stories31.00m The role of stress and trauma38.00m Practical tips Grab a copy of Ending Body Burnout Here About Filipa Bellette: Filipa Bellette is Co-Founder of multi award-winning health practice Chris & Filly Functional Medicine - and author of Ending Body Burnout. She is an accredited Clinical Nutritionist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Coach & Trauma Therapist. She is also a PhD Scholar & regularly featured in the media, such as nine.com.au, Forbes and Body+Soul. Together with her husband Chris Bellette, Filipa has worked with over 2,500+ burned-out clients in the past combined 25+ years. Their practice is best known for ending body burnout (for good!) in “busy” people with energy, mood & gut issues, with their ROOT-root-cause approach. They were awarded as the Tasmanian State Winner & National Finalist for the Telstra Best of Business Awards 2022, as well as Winner for the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards 2022. Filipa's own passion for helping “busy” people have more energy, productivity and connection, came from her own personal experience of body burnout, after juggling the demands of business, family, and her failing health. Connect with Filipa: Website: www.chrisandfilly.fm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisandfilly Instagram: @chrisandfilly_fm LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/filipa-bellette-73339019/

In this fun episode I am providing a waterfall of FREE parenting tips to help your family! One of my favourite things to do is breakthrough the noise about ADHD and give you clear, practical strategies that work - let's do this! Timestamps and key points:1.50m Never act in the red6.00m Adding and removing barriers14.00m What to do when your child gets in trouble16.00m What to feed your children for breakfast18.00m Family discussions20.00m Get a sleep study done23.00m Get a families trained credentialed ADHD Coach27.00m Forget about homework30.00m Letting go of the shoulds33.00m Do not assume your childs' ADHD is the same as yours37.10m Finance tip!Join our FREE training - 3 Steps to an Easier Home Life with ADHD https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/steps

Anger is a big emotion and it often causes a lot of distress. When we act from the red zone we often regret our actions. But how do we support our kids that show anger and aggression? This stumps a lot of parents because we also getting flooded and dysregulated by this display of emotion. Anger issues and ADHD are common so today's podcast episode we chat to the incredible Rebecca Challoner about anger, aggression and ADHD. Key points and timestamp: 2.40m Rebecca's ADHD journey 4.00m My Spirited Child 5.40m Let's chat about anger and ADHD 7.00m Regulation and anger 10.50m Rebecca's examples on how to work with anger 16.00m What if you struggle with your own regulation? 25.00m What to do after the hole is punched in the wall? 29.00m Using shame 30.00m Regulation strategies38.00m The myths around consistency and managing expectations 39.50m The parent's empty threat 41.00m Teaching through role modelling, respectful communication and collaborationAbout Rebecca Challoner As well as being the Founder of My Spirited Child, and the National PEKE Centre, Rebecca Challoner is also a Writer, Presenter and Trainer. Most importantly Rebecca is Mum to two boys who have ADHD and Rebecca herself also has diagnosed ADHD as does her Husband. Rebecca is currently a member of the Reference Council for the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University and has written hundreds of articles, two eBooks, numerous short books and guides. Rebecca has provided support to parents and educators all over the world. And has featured in countless magazines, newspapers and radio shows as well as presenting a full length DVD Documentary. Rebecca has also worked alongside many incredible organisations, including consulting to Special Olympics Australia. In 2020 Rebecca was delighted to be announced as an AusMumpreneur Gold Award Winner.Rebecca has presented at many conferences and events both nationally and internationally. Rebecca also trains teachers and professionals in schools and organisations.Rebecca has numerous qualifications including Diplomas in Sociology and Psychology. As well as a Law degree with Honours. Rebecca has also attended many courses and trainings over her decades within the industry on neurodivergent conditions and Mental Health. Connect with Rebeccawww.myspiritedchild.comwww.pekecentre.com.aufacebook.com/myspiritedchildinstagram.com/myspirited_childinstagram.com/rebeccalchallonerfacebook.com/NationalPEKECentreinstagram.com/pekecentre/

Let's chat about Teenagers with ADHD! I know so many of you have questions around this topic, so I have bought in Leanne Tran who is a registered Psychologist who specialises in this topic. How can we spot the difference between standard Teenage pushing of the boundaries and ADHD symptoms?How much should we worry about homework?What should we do about screen time? Key Points and Timestamps:3.00m What does Leanne do?6.00m How do people present to Leanne in her practice?7.20m How can we spot the difference between standard teenage behaviour and ADHD?11.00m Expectations on teenagers today13.00m Screen time - When to take action?18.00m How much should we stress about homework?22.30m Self harm, suicide and the increased risk28.00m The triggers to notice29.00m Unconditional positive regard 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.Leanne's website https://www.leannetran.com.au/Parent like a Psychologist Podcast https://learn.leannetran.com.au/podcasts/parent-like-a-psychologist

Timestamps and Key Points: 3.00m What does an ADHD Coach do?5.30m How did Michele become Australia's first ADHD Coach8.20m How to become an ADHD Coach11.00m Why having ADHD specific coach training is important13.20m What should you look for in an ADHD coach?14.40m What are the benefits of seeing an ADHD Coach?17.00m What do people see an ADHD Coach for?20.30m The ADHD stigma22.00m Michele's favourite part of being an ADHD Coach

In today's episode, Sharon chats with Yael Rothman and Katia Fredriksen - Neuropsychologists. We chat about what the difference is between a neuropsychologist and a clinical psychologist, the ADHD diagnostic process, why we should tell our kids about their ADHD and what to say to the know it all uncle at the BBQ. Timestamps and key points2.00m What do Yael and Katia do? What is a neuropsychology?3.50m What is the difference between a standard psychologist and neuropsychologist?5.55m The differences in professions6.32m The ADHD diagnostic process and why we should tell our kids9.15m The power in knowing how your brain works10.00m What to say to the uncle at the BBQ and the noise around ADHD12.57m Is ADHD overdiagnosed?16.18m What is the one thing parents should do to support the child when getting a diagnosis19.37m Why did Yael and Katia write the book 'Different Thinkers: ADHD"26.00m Getting misdiagnosed as anxiety28.44m Hormones / Adolescents and ADHD30.42m Yael and Katia's practical strategy that parents can try36.20m You don't need to be a perfect parent About Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael RothmanDr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael Rothman are pediatric neuropsychologists and authors of the new children's book Different Thinkers: ADHD. You can also follow them on Instragram @neuropsychmomdocs for evidence-based information regarding learning, social-emotional functioning, development, and interventions. Dr. Fredriksen trained at Princeton University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. She earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Dr. Fredriksen completed her post-doctoral training at a private practice in the Boston area, where she focused on autism, genetic disorders, learning disorders, and attention and executive functioning in a pediatric population. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Fredriksen continues to lecture to parent groups and professional organizations. Dr. Rothman trained at the University of Michigan and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. Dr. Rothman completed her internship at Children's Hospital Colorado and her postdoctoral fellowship at Children's National in Washington, D.C. She spent four years working as a pediatric neuropsychologist and was an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Rothman also has been involved in clinical research, with a primary focus on autism spectrum disorders. She has presented at several national and international conferences, published more than a dozen articles in peer-reviewed journals, and given lectures to parents and educators. Connect with Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael RothmanWebsite: neuropsychmoms.comBook: Different Thinkers: ADHD

Today we have the incredible Gen Dharamaraj from Nurturing Brain Potential chatting with us about functional neurology and ADHD. We discuss: - How do we support our beautiful kids brain development? - Why do children with ASD and ADHD have developmental delays? - What are some easy strategies that we can do at home? 2.20m What does Gen do?3.15m What is functional neurology?3.50m The developmental delays 5.00m The sides of the brain6.00m Gen's process7.15m The role of safety and fight or flight10.00m Primitive reflexes and checking your child's heart rate 18.50m The vagal theory 18.49m What does the vagal nerve do?22.00m How to help regulate our nervous systems28.00m Strategies for sensory seeking behaviour37.00m Gen's top 3 tipsGen's website https://www.nurturingbrainpotential.com.au/Gen's book https://www.ollietheoctopus.com.au/Gen's instagram https://www.instagram.com/nurturingbrainpotential/

In this podcast we chat with the incredible Angela Lockwood about reducing overwhelm and minimising distraction in our modern lives. There is so much gold in this interview and Angela shares her strategies around screen time and reducing stress. Key Points and timestamps2.00m Angela's story7.41m How Angela helps people with focus and distraction10.00m Dysregulated nervous system in families 11.00m Stress management - feeling into your body17.00m Strategies for the chaos19.42m Strategies for time and productivity23.00m Managing screentime distractions39.00m How to start your day41.40m Stopping the glorification of busy44.00m Angela's 3 tips to help with focus and distraction About Angela Angela's mission is clear: to empower individuals to thrive amidst the distractions of modern life. As an Occupational Therapist with a wealth of real-world experience, working alongside both children and adults he has developed a unique approach to unlocking the power of our thinking and actions in ever-changing environments. After sustaining a life-changing head injury she became obsessed with learning how we can use our time and energy to thrive and has focused her career on helping others do the same. She is the author of two business self-help books, "The Power of Conscious Choice" and “Switch Off and Find Calm” and the engaging host of:A Kid's Life" Podcast. Angela expert commentary has been featured on Channel 9 Today EXTRA, The Australian Financial Review, Good Health magazine, Huffington Post, Mamamia, Radio 2UE and numerous parenting and lifestyle publications. Her regular segment on The Luke and Susie Show is syndicated across Australia. Angela was the CEO within national child safety organisation Kidsafe and facilitated the roll out of community engagement and capacity building programs as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme as the National Manager of Community Engagement. Angela's infectious energy and relatable, open approach captivates audiences leaving the audience energised, focused and motivated, with skills needed to thrive in their work and life. Reach out to Angela today to discuss how she can bring her expertise, energy and insights to your audience.https://www.angelalockwood.com.au/ Insta @angelalockwood_

Let's chat about ADHD in high achieving women! In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast we are with the incredible Jane McFadden and she share her story. We discuss diagnosis of ADHD in girls and women and ADHD/ASD burnout. Jane is famous for telling it how it is and is extremely vulnerable about her experiences and generous with her tips to help other women. You do not want to miss this! Here are the key points and timestamps:3.07m Who is Jane5.20m What it was like for Jane growing up9.20m School can't and burn out12.00m Misdiagnosis in girls13.00m Labelling and diagnosis15.10m ADHD mums17.00m The invisible load on mothers19.00m Different ADHD mum stereotypes23.00m ADHD / ASD burnout34.40m The 'More and More' concept 36.00m The patterns of the high achiever with ADHD40.00m Giving yourself grace43.00m Jane's tips for ADHD Jane McFadden has been studying and working in the Psychology industry for 18 years and has helped build one of the largest Psychology companies in Australia. She has a husband, 3 kids and lives on the Sunny Coast. She has battled periods of depression, anxiety, burnout and overwhelm her whole life and was finally diagnosed with ADHD at 35 years old. It answered all the questions and ignited her passion to help other women and girls avoid being misdiagnosed and wrongly medicated. With the right medication and therapy she is thriving like never before. Jane runs ADHD Mum's, an Australian podcast that shares relatable stories from typical Aussie Mum's on how they manage their ADHD whilst juggling motherhood, kids and family life. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091850469503 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums/

This is a very special episode for our beautiful children's Grandparents (PLEASE SHARE IT). Here are my top 10 tips for supporting your gorgeous Grandchildren with ADHD. Grandparents have such an important role in our children's lives and it is a role that comes with a wonderful opportunity for connection. 2.00m The important role of the Grandparent4.10m Education about and understanding ADHD7.50m Treating it with compassion10.10m Common stigmas that come along with ADHD12.50m The strength based approach15.50m Comparison and frustration18.30m Supporting the parents22.00m Grandparents are a safe harbour23.40m Connection over correction27.00m A collaborative approach28.00m Avoid jumping to advice and allowing the individual to problem solve31.00m Recognising WON'T from CAN'T39.00m Doing resets and unconditional regardPlease SHARE this episode with your child's Grandparents, friends and family.

Have you been told you need to meditate or practice mindfulness but really struggle with this concept? People with ADHD can often have negative feelings about mindfulness. So I wanted to find out strategies that work for the ADHD brain. Today's interview with the incredible Sammy Wynn. Sammy is an Integrative Mindfulness and Mindset Practitioner - she is here to give us ADHD friendly strategies to allow us to incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives in an achievable way. There are so many wonderful practical tips in this interview - easy steps that you can take away and try today. Key points and timestamps: 2.35m - What does Sammy do? 4.25m - When clients with ADHD see Sammy5.00m - ADHD friendly strategies for mindfulness10.00m - Bringing rushing energy 13.48m - Incorporating mindfulness into everyday life15.50m - Creating space for recognising and naming emotions19.20m - Starting small20.30m - Starting with grounding23.30m - Therapeutic journalling25.00m - Letting go of expectations and checking in Please follow and review this podcast. Here is some information about Sammy: Sammy Wynn is an award-winning Integrative Mindfulness and Mindset Practitioner, Children's Mindfulness Teacher and Founder of The Still Space. Sammy is especially dedicated to the mental wellbeing of children, teens and families, creating trustworthy environments where individuals, couples and groups can safely explore both individual emotions and interpersonal relationships. Sammy holds professional membership with the Meditation Association of Australia, is a Coach at the Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness and a 2023 Local Business Awards winner. Sammy's philosophy is that we all have the power to shape who we become through the awareness, understanding and deep honouring of our mindset and inner environment.Website: https://www.thestillspace.com.au/Email: hello@thestillspace.com.auInstagram: @thestillspaceauLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sammy-wynn-89b76a2a3

In this episode we delve into parenting shifts or lessons that I have learnt and that are common in this beautiful community with a view to highlighting and shortcutting success for your family. Key points and timestamps: 2.00m - Comparing your parenting journey3.50m - The developmental delay6.50m - Getting stuck in what is not working7.40m - Parenting from survival mode8.24m - Viewing your family life from external perspective10.44m - Absorbing information about ADHD but not taking action12.55m - Letting our kids know we mean what we say and will show up14.21m - Forgetting that family life is supposed to have joy15.50m - What makes your family shine18.54m - Our energy is important20.05m - Modelling regulation Would you like to join our FREE fun ADHD Families Festival? Here is the link to join Please share. Let's help you take action on the parenting shifts discussed in today's podcast.

***Don't forget to register for our FREE ADHD Families Festival*** In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast we chat with the incredible Chrissie Davies about advocating for your child at school. Chrissie highlights so many gold nuggets of information in this podcast like what can we request from our child's school and how we can best communicate with our school. Here are the key points and timestamps: 2.40m - What Chrissie does5.00m - Chrissie's Family's story7.00m - Educational advocacy - helping your child at school8.00m - Why Chrissie labels ADHD as a disability13.00m - Getting your child diagnosed early14.00m - ADHD polarising teachers17.00m - Teachers are human beings 19.40m - Unconditional positive regard20.15m - Shifting our expectations around school21.20m - Communication and collaboration25.00m - Other accommodations to request at school30.00m - Exclusion at school - Gating 32.30m - Tracking behaviour34.30m - Give yourself processing time39.26m - Stability and consistency43.43m - About Chrissie's book, Love me Love my ADHD About Chrissie: Chrissie Davies has been putting the chill into children for 25 years. After a long and successful career in Specialist Education, Chrissie is now a sought-after speaker, author, child behaviour specialist and educational advocate. She also has an incredible passion for loving, raising and teaching ADHDers and is a loud and proud neurodivergent woman raising amazing kids who move through the world in their own unique way. Chrissie radiates vibrancy and positivity, and through her work inspires families and teachers everywhere to embrace the highs and lows, and most importantly provide kids with unconditional regard and relational safety - especially on their stormy days. Website – www.chaostocalmconsultancy.comInstagram - @chrissiechaostocalmFB - @ChaostoCalmConsultancy

In this episode Alexx Stuart and Sharon chat about Alexx's recent ADHD diagnosis, living a low tox life, mould illnesses and 3 steps to have a healthier life with ADHD. Key takeaways: 2.28m Why Alexx created Low Tox Life7.00m Why is living a low tox life is important to Alexx8.10m It is about the simple swaps9.40m Dopamine shopping/seeking12.00m Alexx's ADHD diagnosis14.20m Last minute high achiever20.40m Leaning into the good stuff21.50m What has changed for Alexx since getting a formal diagnosis26.00m The ADHD brains incredible ideas28.00m Mould exposure and illness30.00m Mould and dopamine36.00m What makes a low tox life important when you have ADHD40.00m 3 easy things for a healthy life with ADHDGrab your spot in the FREE ADHD Families Festival Where to find Alexx:https://www.lowtoxlife.com/https://www.instagram.com/lowtoxlifehttps://www.facebook.com/lowtoxlife/

In this episode Sharon chats with Emma Gilmour from Hope Rising Coaching about ADHD and alcohol. Wow! What a mind blowing episode! Emma shares her story and gives us practical tips on how we can be intentional about our alcohol consumption and why having neurodiversity in the mix can make this super important. Here are the key points and time stamps: 2.06 - What Emma does and why she does it?3.00 - Emma's journey with alcohol6.25 - How do Emma's client present?8.30 - Managing a disregulated nervous system 10.20 - Emma's strategy for reviewing your relationship with alcohol12.50 - Alcohol makes you more stressed!15.30 - Emma's family's story17.24 - PDA 20.00 - Autistic burnout23.00 - Emersion therapy / PDA and autistic burnout25.33 - Alcohol as a coping mechanism29.00 - Reframing what we tell ourselves30.30 - What to do before your party goblin kicks in33.00 - Hangxiety35.00 - Having a plan and being intentionalInformation about Emma Hi I'm Emma. A deeply feminist counsellor and coach, helping mid-life bad ass women find their groove without booze. I am a counsellor and certified This Naked Mind, Gray Area Drinking & Tuning in to Teens™ parenting coach. My coaching practice is for parents who want to model a healthy relationship with alcohol for their kids. I work with people wherever they are on their journey with alcohol and whatever they want their coaching outcome to be: to take a break, to moderate or to go alcohol free. My mission is to get rid of the stigma surrounding seeking to change our relationship with alcohol. You will find no shame, blame or judgement in my coaching program. My goal is to help you take back control and find the freedom of making alcohol a small and insignificant part of your life. Get your free worksheet in the link below: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/awareness-worksheets-opt-in Where to find Emma:https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/hoperisingcoaching/https://www.facebook.com/Hoperisingcoachinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-gilmour-36a9a922/

This episode is about prepping conversations and how they can be used as a strategy to help with anxiety and prepare our family members for situations before they go into fight or flight. 1.48 - Pretend arguments in the shower 3.08 - What is a prepping conversation?3.50 - Roll playing without the effort4.09 - Where and when should we do prepping conversation5.40 - Visualising the scene6.30 - ADHD and control7.00 - Why should we do prepping conversation?7.50 - Using forward planning executive function and problem solving

In today's episode Sharon chats with Melinda, Child Psychologist. In this episode they cover what a child psychologist does, how they can support our beautiful ADHD kids and some strategies to help. Key Points and Timestamps: 1.50 What does Melinda do and why does she do it?4.30 Play based therapy5.20 Why do children see a child psychologist?8.50 Questions that parents should ask their child's psychologist11.00 Appointment avoidance12.30 Strategies that Melinda uses for kids with ADHD14.20 Sensory seeking and avoiding - empowering your child to meet their own sensory needs16.40 School strategies - what will your psychologist help with?19.00 How all the therapies communicate with each other?20.40 Melinda's advice to parents when they receive negative feedback about their children24.00 Safeguarding our kids against the increased risk of suicide, addition and incarceration26.33 Advice for parents of teenagers and recognising "I can't" v "I wont"28.20 Melinda's 3 key things you can do now to help your children Melinda is the Director and Principal Psychologist at Muse Psychology. As a child and adolescent psychology practice, Melinda and the Muse team work closely with young people and their families in helping overcome barriers, embrace personal strengths, and achieve positive change. Melinda's has spent all her professional career working with children and parents. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Melinda spent 17 years as an accredited piano teacher, as well as 5 years as a volunteer music therapist at Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick. Melinda has extensive experience working with various childhood presentations including neurodiversity, mood issues, and trauma. In Muse Psychology's 3 years of operations, it has been named as a finalist for the past two consecutive years in both the ‘Australian Small Business Champion Awards' as well as the ‘The Local Business Awards'. Melinda is a mother of two children and a very loved one-eyed + 100% blind dog named Baxter. Website | www.musepsychology.com.au/Email | info@musepsychology.com.au Facebook | www.facebook.com/musepsychologyInstagram | www.instagram.com/musepsychology/LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/muse-psychology/

You know those problems that keep coming up for your family...? Those little points of friction that cause your whole body to tense? I call these predictable problems. If they keep coming up... let's workshop these together. Key points and time stamps: 3.20 Meltdowns are distressing but that it not what causes burn out4.02 People who support people with ADHD also end up with disregulated nervous systems4.40 Solving predictable problems as a family6.00 Collaborating with our family members6.46 Everything is figureoutable7.10 Black or white thinking with ADHD8.44 How to address a predictable problem11.46 When to address a predictable problem13.57 What is active listening?14.56 The Why is important15.50 What are 3 possible solutions?17.00 Why do we come up with 3 solutions?20.00 Example of workshopping a predictable problemGet your FREE predictable problem worksheethttps://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/worksheet

In today's episode we chat with Dayna Abraham, a bestselling author of The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day and Sensory Processing 101. Dayna is on a mission to create a more accepting world, one challenging kid at a time. We also discuss her latest book, Calm the Chaos: A Failproof Roadmap for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids. As a National Board Certified educator, parent of three neurodivergent children, and an ADHD adult herself, Dayna brings a unique and out-of-the-box perspective to parents raising kids in the modern world. Key points and timestamps: 2.05m About Dayna2.30m Dayna's story8.15m Dayna's sons' story12.50m Advocating for our kids with extra needs17.00m 3 things you can do right now to help calm the chaos in your home23.00m Calming the Chaos the book24.20m The four pillars: connection, understanding, empowerment and self-care 26.00m The stages - Ride the Storm, Diffuse the Situation, Get Ahead of the Chaos, Create a Family Team, and Thrive as a Family Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/ YouTube Channel URL https://www.youtube.com/c/Lemonlimeadventuresblog TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daynadabraham

Today's episode is about energy management, minor irritations and tolerations: 1.50m What is a toleration?2.15m A rock in your shoe2.56m Examples of tolerations and identifying them4.26m Decision fatigue5.10m The power of eliminating tolerations5.58m Stress resilience6.27m ADHD and stress resilience7.00m Strategies for handling tolerations7.50m The 6 options for handling tolerations10.20m Email me your toleration and planned action at sharon@thefunctionalfamily.comJoin the Home Organisation Masterclass (live or watch the recording)

How are your finances? ADHD and Money is a BIG TOPIC! It is something that we probably do not talk about enough. In this episode, we chat to Tina @theADHDaccountant and owner of The Diverse Accountants. She shares with us some seriously good tips to help us manage our finances. Here are the key points and timestamps: 1.40 What does Tina do?2.30 Helping neurodivergent people with their money3.08 What are the common struggles that people with ADHD have with money?3.20 Impulsive spending5.00 Tina's journey with ADHD8.00 What adjustments Tina made when she found out she had ADHD9.40 Exercise and ADHD11.20 Treating yourself with grace12.10 Tina's money strategies13.40 What is your relationship with money?14.40 Strategy for impulsive spending16.45 Neuroplasticity19.00 Teaching delayed gratification20.50 What is the ADHD tax?22.45 When would some reach out to a money coach?26.00 What are some steps we can take now to help us with our finances?Here is Tina's bio: Hey, I'm Tina! As ADHDers, we all have our own interests and talents. Mine is numbers. When I was little, doing math equations was my favourite hobby. In class, my favourite topic was maths and numbers. It was my stand out subject that I just understood, which was comforting in a world that I didn't understand, and a world that didn't understand me. As an adult, I still get numbers. They're comforting and can hold my attention like nothing else (ok, maybe cats too!) However, as good as I was at numbers and my work as an Accountant, I struggled with impulsive spending, budgeting and working out my own money. Typical finance advice was boring and it made me avoid it. So I took matters into my own hands and really found out what worked for my brain... and as I would find out much later, my ADHD brain. Now I'm on a mission to help other ADHD adults to manage their money in a away that works for their brain. I'll help you find that so you can finally be in a place to work on your money. Follow Tina on her social media:Website | https://www.diverseaccountants.com.auFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/theadhdaccountantfbInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/theadhdaccountant/ Email | tina@diverseaccountants.com.au Please remember to rate and review this podcast.

In this episode we explore your energy being your most important currency and Sharon gives you 5 practical steps to try to protect you from burnout. Here are the key points and timestamps: 2.20m Time v Energy3.30m The Spoon Theory4.00m ADHD and spoons5.00m Being a spoon ninja6.50m Step 1: Awareness8.30m Step 2: Pockets of recharge time11:30m Step 3: Triaging your time15:00m Step 4: Building the life that you want16.14m Step 5: The power of the pause "I will get back to you"17.20m Being mindful of future you Please support this podcast by following or subscribing and leaving a review. Thank you for listening!

In this episode I chat with Narelle all about ADHD and organisation. Narelle is the founder of Simply Happy, a professional organiser and yoga teacher with an Education background. She helps individuals and families with organisational challenges to implement simple organisational strategies so that they can create a clutter-free, safe, functional and happy home. She's a mum to 2 teenagers and has recently been formally identified as neurodivergent. Here are the highlights: 2.20 - What does a professional organiser do 5.20 - People craving organisation but not being sure how to make it happen6.20 - Removing overwhelm - the process7.10 - Relief felt and body doubling8.20 - Ensuring the follow through for systems10.00 - Asking why is this not working and staying curious12.30 - What it feels like to do Narelle's job14.30 - Getting stuck in our surroundings15.00 - Narelle's journey getting diagnosed with ADHD18.40 - Stopping the negative self talk19.00 - The ADHD tax21.30 - Being comforted by a clear space25.30 - Narelle's tips for a clutter free home Follow Narelle on her social media:Website | simplyhappy.com.auFacebook | facebook.com/simplyhappycircle/Instagram | instagram.com/simplyhappycircle/Podcast | simplyhappy.com.au/podcast Please remember to rate and review this podcast.

It is time to bring back the family meeting! Get your free family meeting template here! Here are the important points with timestamps: 1.50 - The invisible load2.20 - The anxious ADHD brain 3.00 - Being clear about expectations3.27 - Why a family meeting is important5.20 - Keep you meetings short5.50 - Forward planning6.11 - Sweet and sour6.50 - Highlight of the week7.25 - Predictable problems9.30 - Everything is figureoutable9.50 - Gratitude11.00 - Meal planning12.22 - The week ahead12.30 - Making life easier for your future selfThank you for listening! Your support makes my heart sing. Please subscribe, like and review this podcast.

Jules Galloway has been my naturopath and friend for a long time. Recently she has been diagnosed with ADHD. It makes sense because all my favourite people have ADHD. In today's episode we hear a little about Jules' story. Here are the important parts: Jules galloway's story. 0:00 Jules' ADHD diagnosis Jules' childhood and background How did you know you had ADHD? 2:23 The diagnosis of combined type ADHD Starting a podcast about combined type ADHD Finding out about ADHD 5:11 Being a naturopath ADHD getting missed in females Processing the diagnosis How to pick yourself up from burnout 10:58 Sprinting mentality and burning out and recovering from burnout The new word, enablerish Herbs and supplements 14:03 Nervous system herbs to support the nervous system How women burn out faster than men Jules biohacking her way through life, taking specific nutrients Her secret weapon, the bathtub Meditation is tough 19:35 Meditation, surfing and going for a walk in nature ADHD and hyperactivity What is relaxing to you? 22:53 The importance of finding what is relaxing to you Things you can do to help with ADHD 32:17 Things naturopaths can do to help with ADHD and comorbidities Perimenopause can make ADHD symptoms less manageable The importance of having a team around you Where to find Jules on social media How to find Jules Galloway: Podcasts: https://latediagnosisadhd.com/podcast https://www.julesgalloway.com/podcast Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ld_adhd/ https://www.instagram.com/julesgallowayhealth/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LateDiagnosisADHD https://www.facebook.com/JulesGallowayHealth Email: hello@julesgalloway.com

This episode is about patterns of thinking. It is something that comes up a lot in ADHD coaching. Highlights and Timestamps: 2.40m - The ADHD brain's negativity bias5.00m - Black and white thinking 6.30m - I know that8.20m - I've tried that before10.50m - That doesn't work for me12.00m - Why can't I / I should be able to13.00m - Rushing energy Would you like to explore ADHD coaching or parent mentoring https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/coaching

Christina Keeble is a Neurodivergent Consultant who delivers seminars to parents, carers & professionals. Christina supports families, schools and businesses around Australia and the world in practical, research backed, trauma informed strategy development and implementation, collaboration and training. She develops practical resources and programs to be implemented in schools, businesses and at home to support Autistic and ADHD individuals. Here are the key timestamps: 2.10 Christina's story 7.20 How Christina coped 9.41 What is PDA? 11.59 PDA - behaviour profile 16.00 ODD v PDA 17.30 Connecting first 18.20 How we can support these beautiful kids 20.50 Behaviour being worse for the parent 21.40 Reducing demands 22.50 Unconditional positive regard 27.00 Where to find Christina Website: https://christinakeeble.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinakeebleconsulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinakeebleconsulting/