ADHD Families Podcast

It's Sunday afternoon. Your kids can't walk past each other without it turning into something. Every interaction is a battle. And somewhere in the middle of it, you're thinking — when they grow up, are they ever going to be friends? If that's your house, stay with us. Sharon is joined by Jacquie Ward — Registered Psychologist and mum of three, including a child with ADHD — to talk about one of the most common and most misunderstood challenges in ADHD family life. Why sibling conflict is more intense in your home, and what to actually do about it.  👀 In This Episode: Why sibling conflict is more intense in ADHD families — and why you are not imagining it The six ADHD factors that create the perfect storm for sibling conflict Executive function age vs chronological age — and why it changes your expectations The family nervous system: why the whole house feels it when one child dysregulates Sharon's Blue Mountains story — and the moment that changed everything Why prevention beats reaction every time The Three Cs Framework: Cool Down, Communicate, Collaborate Why jumping in as referee is making things worse The one action to take this week that will change your next sibling fight  Quote to Carry With You  "You are not stuffing this up. Your family is not beyond support. This is a very predictable friction point in ADHD families — and it is not beyond help."  — Sharon Collon  ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – The Sunday afternoon scene — sibling conflict in ADHD homes 01:13 – Introducing Jacquie Ward 02:31 – The six ADHD factors that create the perfect storm 05:01 – Executive function age vs chronological age 06:43 – The family nervous system and emotional contagion 08:14 – Why conflict in public hits differently 11:06 – Sharon's Blue Mountains story 15:44 – The Three Cs Framework: Cool Down, Communicate, Collaborate 16:30 – Why prevention beats reaction 19:15 – Cool Down — the most important first step 21:06 – Communicate — giving kids the language 24:01 – Collaborate — building skills for long-term change 26:28 – The one action to take this week 28:45 – Workshop details — May 11–13   🥊 Want to Go Deeper? Stop the Fighting. Start Feeling Like a Family Again.  Sharon and Jacquie are running a 3-part live workshop series — the full playbook with scripts, in-the-moment strategies, and prevention tools specifically for ADHD families. Live sessions: May 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30–8:30pm AEST Replay available for 6 months Payment plans via Afterpay and Klarna JOIN US HERE  🔔 Next Steps & Resources Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Join the waitlist for the ADHD Family Quest Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a PCC credentialed ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family. She works with parents of children with ADHD who are exhausted by the daily battles — the mornings, the meltdowns, the school emails, the emotional dysregulation — and helps them build a family life that actually works. Sharon's approach is practical, ADHD-informed, and built around real family systems — not generic parenting advice that wasn't designed for your child's brain. With Sharon's support, families: Understand what's really driving their child's behaviour — and respond strategically instead of reactively Build the executive function skills their child needs, in a way that actually sticks Replace daily conflict and overwhelm with calm, connection, and confidence Create routines and systems that hold — even on the hard days Move from survival mode to a family life that feels genuinely functional and joyful Whether you're brand new to the ADHD diagnosis or years in and still feeling stuck — there is a way through. You don't have to keep pushing through alone. 👉 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com

Every week in my support group, parents share the same quiet ache — they wish they had people in their lives who actually got them. They feel lonely. And they're often so busy supporting their child's social struggles that their own go unspoken. This episode is for you. The parent. The adult. I am joined by Caroline Maguire (M.Ed, ACCG, PCC)— ADHD coach, social emotional learning expert, and author of Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults — for one of the most honest and relieving conversations the ADHD Families Podcast has had. ✨ About the Guest: Caroline Maguire (M.Ed, ACCG, PCC) is an ADHD coach, social emotional learning expert, author, and speaker who has spent over a decade researching how neurodivergent adults experience friendship and belonging. Her book Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults is the first written by a neurodivergent person, for a neurodivergent audience — practical, research-backed, and deeply human. She is also the host of the new podcast Your ADHD Social Playbook and has a TEDx Talk available on YouTube. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: Why adult friendship is genuinely harder — and why that is not your fault The worldwide loneliness epidemic and why ADHD adults feel it more acutely Why proximity is the single biggest factor in making friends — and how ADHD gets in the way The radical reframe: friendship is a learnable skill, not a personality trait The hidden cost of masking — and what it is doing to your energy and mental health The Flavours of Friendship — a framework for understanding different levels of connection Why ADHD adults mistake acquaintances for close friends — and the hurt that follows Info dumping, oversharing, going quiet: separating shame from skill building How to move someone from acquaintance to actual friend The repair: how to come back after you've gone quiet or disappeared ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Why ADHD parents feel lonely — and why we don't talk about it 02:17 – Friendship is a learnable skill: the reframe that changes everything 04:43 – How parenting a child with ADHD affects your own friendships 07:06 – Proximity — the single biggest factor in making friends 09:15 – The myth that everyone else has it figured out 11:38 – Confidence and friendship: the missing piece 14:02 – Finding your people — why environment matters more than effort 16:20 – The hidden cost of masking in friendships 18:36 – Why socialising drains you even when it goes well 20:55 – Managing your social energy and the power of the pause 23:20 – The Flavours of Friendship framework 30:21 – Rejection sensitivity and what it does to friendships 35:09 – Pinging: a practical strategy for finding shared connection 37:33 – Info dumping, oversharing, going quiet — shame vs skill building 39:55 – How to repair a friendship after you've gone quiet 42:21 – It's never too late — the path forward 📕 Caroline's NEW Book — Out Now!  Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults iis the first book of its kind — written by a neurodivergent person, for a neurodivergent audience. If this episode resonated, this book is your next step. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Hachette, Audible, and wherever you love to buy books. Also available in audiobook. Website: https://carolinemaguireauthor.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolineM  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolinecm/  NEW Podcast: Your ADHD Social Playbook NEW TEDx Talk — Becoming a Social Spy: Observational Learning 👦🏼 Also Worth Reading — From Xavier  This episode talks about the adult experience of friendship and ADHD. But what about our kids? My son Xavier — who has ADHD — wrote a blog that has stopped parents in their tracks since the day it was published. It is called A Note from a Kid with ADHD: How to Be My Friend. In Xavier's own words, he shares what he needs from friends — the patience, the inclusion, the kindness, and the grace. It is the resource I wished she could hand to other families when Xavier was young. Share it with another parent, a teacher, or a child who could use the reminder. Read it here → https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/blog/anotefromanadhdkidhowtobemyfriend   🥊 Are Your Kids Constantly Fighting? (Enjoy Discounted Rate HERE) A 3-part live workshop series for parents of children with ADHD — co-facilitated by me (ADHD Coach) and Jacquie Ward (Psychologist). If sibling conflict in your home feels more intense and harder to recover from than it should — you are not imagining it. ADHD changes the equation. This series gives you the why and the what now. In just 3 nights, you'll learn how to: Understand why your kids are constantly clashing — and what ADHD has to do with it Step in without escalating or taking sides Calm conflict in the moment, even when emotions are running high Teach the skills your kids are missing so the same fights stop repeating The Details:  Live sessions: May 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30–8:30pm AEST Replay available for 6 months Payment plans via Afterpay and Klarna Early bird: $197 AUD (save $100) — use code EARLY at checkout JOIN US HERE →  https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/offers/LCALkojv/checkout?coupon_code=EARLY  🔔 Next Steps & Resources Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Carolin Mcguirre — Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults (available in audiobook, including in Australia) Join the waitlist for the ADHD Family Quest 💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a PCC credentialed ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family. She works with parents of children with ADHD who are exhausted by the daily battles — the mornings, the meltdowns, the school emails, the emotional dysregulation — and helps them build a family life that actually works. Sharon's approach is practical, ADHD-informed, and built around real family systems — not generic parenting advice that wasn't designed for your child's brain. With Sharon's support, families: Understand what's really driving their child's behaviour — and respond strategically instead of reactively Build the executive function skills their child needs, in a way that actually sticks Replace daily conflict and overwhelm with calm, connection, and confidence Create routines and systems that hold — even on the hard days Move from survival mode to a family life that feels genuinely functional and joyful Whether you're brand new to the ADHD diagnosis or years in and still feeling stuck — there is a way through. You don't have to keep pushing through alone. 👉 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com

Are you stuck in the impossible loop of should I or shouldn't I — and feeling judged no matter which way you lean? If you're a parent of a child with ADHD, the medication question is one of the most emotionally loaded decisions you'll face. And it doesn't get easier when everyone around you seems to have a very strong opinion — whether they know anything about ADHD or not. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, shares her own family's messy, exhausting, emotionally charged journey through this exact decision. Sharon unpacks what ADHD medication actually does in the brain, what the research really says (including what often gets left out), the truth about side effects, and five practical questions to ask before you decide. This episode won't tell you what to do — it will give you the clarity to figure out what's right for your child.Freebie: 🎁 Download your free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why the medication decision feels so chaotic — and why that's completely normal ✅ The fears every ADHD parent holds: "What if I'm numbing my child? What if I'm taking the easy way out?" ✅ Sharon's own family story — the diets, the therapies, the pressure, and the turning point ✅ What ADHD medication actually does in the brain (hint: it's not a sedative) ✅ The MTA Study — the most comprehensive ADHD treatment research ever done, and what gets left out of the headline ✅ Why medication alone isn't enough — and what the research actually shows works best ✅ What a 2025 longitudinal MRI study found about timing and brain development ✅ Long-term outcomes: what the research says about medication, substance use, and quality of life ✅ Side effects — the honest, evidence-based answer every parent deserves ✅ Five questions to ask before deciding whether medication is right for your child ✅ Why the medication decision isn't a knowledge problem — it's a systems problem ✅ The most important reframe: choosing medication isn't taking the easy road ⚠️ If you've been going back and forth on this decision while the pressure from school, family, and your own head keeps building — this episode will help you think more clearly. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – The fear and chaos that comes with the medication question01:00 – Sharon's disclaimer: not medical advice, but real family experience 01:37 – Sharon's family story: diagnosis, pressure, and trying everything first 03:08 – The exhaustion of pursuing every alternative 04:12 – Getting ADHD advice from the barista (and other unhelpful moments) 06:21 – The turning point: what Sharon's husband disclosed that changed everything 07:48 – The second realisation: medication alone isn't enough 08:24 – What ADHD medication actually does in the brain 09:06 – What the research says: the MTA Study and what gets left out 11:06 – Effectiveness rates, the 2025 MRI findings, and long-term outcomes 12:06 – Side effects — the real, evidence-based answer 14:54 – Five questions to ask before deciding on medication 20:39 – Closing: you are not a bad parent either way 🎁 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles — FREE DOWNLOAD You're already doing the hard work of understanding your child's ADHD. But in the heat of the moment — when emotions explode and everything escalates — it can feel impossible to know what to actually do. This free guide gives you five simple, ADHD-informed strategies to help you respond to big emotions with calm and confidence, without it turning into a power struggle every single time. Because when you know what to do in the moment, everything feels a little more manageable. 👉 Download your free guide HERE. 🗺️ The ADHD Family Quest — Join the Waitlist If you're trying to make clear decisions — like the medication question — while your family life still feels like organised chaos, that's not a knowledge problem. That's a systems problem. The ADHD Family Quest is a structured, practical pathway for families navigating ADHD. It gives you the roadmap, the routines, and the clarity to move from reactive to responsive — not with a list of tips, but with real systems built around how your family actually works. When your home has a foundation, every decision — including this one — becomes clearer. 📋 JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE 🔔 Next Steps & Resources Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Share this episode with a parent who is navigating the medication decision right now Download the free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles Join the waitlist for the ADHD Family Quest 💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a PCC credentialed ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family. She works with parents of children with ADHD who are exhausted by the daily battles — the mornings, the meltdowns, the school emails, the emotional dysregulation — and helps them build a family life that actually works. Sharon's approach is practical, ADHD-informed, and built around real family systems — not generic parenting advice that wasn't designed for your child's brain. With Sharon's support, families: Understand what's really driving their child's behaviour — and respond strategically instead of reactively Build the executive function skills their child needs, in a way that actually sticks Replace daily conflict and overwhelm with calm, connection, and confidence Create routines and systems that hold — even on the hard days Move from survival mode to a family life that feels genuinely functional and joyful Whether you're brand new to the ADHD diagnosis or years in and still feeling stuck — there is a way through. You don't have to keep pushing through alone. 👉 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com

Does your child go from 0 to 100 in seconds and you're left wondering what just happened? If you're parenting a child with ADHD, you already know that big emotions don't just happen, they explode. And no matter how calm you try to stay, it pulls you in every single time. In this episode of the  ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, unpacks why emotional meltdowns in children with ADHD aren't behaviour problems — they're nervous system responses. Sharon explains why emotional regulation is an executive function skill that develops later in ADHD brains, what's really sitting underneath those explosive reactions, and why discipline and reasoning make dysregulation worse. If you've ever felt like you're walking on eggshells around your child's emotions, Sharon shares a simple 3-step strategy — Name, Validate, Regulate — that you can use in the moment, even when you're exhausted. 🎁 Download your free guide:5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why big emotions in ADHD children build beneath the surface — often all day✅ Why one small question can trigger a massive explosion✅ The truth: "Big emotions are small worries that didn't have the words to come out earlier"✅ Why children with ADHD feel everything more intensely — joy, rejection, shame✅ Why emotional regulation is an executive function skill — not a behaviour choice✅ Why discipline, logic and reasoning don't work during ADHD meltdowns✅ The "closed gate" brain — why your child's thinking brain goes offline when dysregulated✅ The 3-step strategy: Name, Validate, Regulate✅ Why validation is the most skipped step — and the most powerful✅ How connection calms an ADHD child's nervous system faster than correction✅ Practical, in-the-moment regulation tools that work even when you're depleted✅ Why go-to scripts are a game changer for parents of kids with ADHD ⚠️ If your child can go from completely fine to explosive in seconds — and leave you wondering what just happened — this episode will completely reframe those moments. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – When ADHD meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere02:24 – Why emotional regulation is an executive function skill04:41 – Introducing the strategy: Name, Validate, Regulate05:00 – Step 1: Name — helping your child put words to the feeling07:00 – Step 2: Validate — the step most parents skip08:00 – Step 3: Regulate — helping the nervous system come back online09:23 – Mindset shift: having a hard time vs giving a hard time10:00 – Conclusion + free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles  🎁 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles - FREE DOWNLOAD A simple guide for parents of children with ADHD. Big emotions are part of life with ADHD. But when those emotions turn into meltdowns, it can feel overwhelming for the whole family. Many parents tell me the same thing: "I want to help my child… but I don't know what to do in the moment." This guide will give you five simple strategies you can use to support your child through big emotions — without turning the moment into a power struggle. 👉 Download your free guide HERE.  🧹 Also This April —Something A Little Different Your home is supposed to be your soft place to land. But for a lot of ADHD families — it's just another source of overwhelm. If that's you, I have something coming that I think you're going to love. Declutter Along With Me — 5 days. 45 minutes a day. Side by side, together. No pressure. No perfect plan. Just focused, supported action that finally sticks. 📅  6–10 April 2026👉 [GRAB YOUR SPOT HERE] 🔔 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it Download the free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles Join us on 6-10 April 2026 for 5-Day ADHD Friendly - Declutter Along With Me  💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from reactive, overwhelming days to calm, connected and functional family life — using ADHD-friendly strategies that actually work for sensitive nervous systems. Through her coaching and resources, families: Support emotional regulation without power struggles Build executive function skills step by step Reduce daily conflict and overwhelm Create systems that support the whole family Strengthen connection — even in the hardest moments Parenting ADHD does get easier. But not by pushing through. It gets easier when you understand what's really happening — and respond strategically. You are too important to stay in survival mode.

Why does parenting a child with ADHD feel relentlessly overwhelming — even when you’re doing everything “right”? ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, unpacks why ADHD parenting overwhelm isn’t a time problem,  it’s an energy and nervous system problem. Sharon explains why traditional parenting advice fails ADHD families, how the invisible mental load builds quietly in the background, and why your body may still be in hypervigilance years after the baby stage. If you’re stuck in survival mode, Sharon shares three practical tools to reduce overwhelm immediately — without adding more to your plate. 🎁 Join The ADHD Family Quest and create your family’s tailored plan:https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/quest 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why ADHD nervous systems create chronic overwhelm ✅ The hidden hypervigilance mums carry (and why it’s exhausting) ✅ Why traditional parenting advice doesn’t work for ADHD ✅ The invisible load of school notes, meltdowns and mental juggling ✅ Why overwhelm is an energy problem — not a time problem ✅ The Rainbow Wall tool to rebalance negativity bias ✅ Why rest is critical (and not something you “earn”) ✅ How tracking sleep and your cycle builds strategic self-compassion ⚠️ If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen thinking “I can’t keep doing this”, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Remembering “busy” before kids 02:20 – Why ADHD parenting feels heavier 04:30 – Hypervigilance starts in the baby years 07:00 – The nervous system toll of constant dysregulation 08:45 – Why traditional parenting advice fails ADHD families 09:20 – The invisible load mums carry 12:30 – The “slab of the house” foundation: sleep, cycle, energy 13:50 – It’s not a time problem — it’s an energy problem 18:30 – Tool #1: Protecting your energy 19:45 – Tool #2: The Rainbow Wall 23:15 – Tool #3: Rest is not a reward 25:30 – Tracking sleep, cycle and capacity 27:45 – Recap: 3 practical tools 29:00 – Why ADHD support must be strategic 30:00 – ADHD Family Quest invitation 🎁 Join The ADHD Family Quest Coaching Experience If you’re standing in the kitchen thinking, “I can’t keep doing this”… this is for you. If your body is on high alert. If the school calls, the meltdowns and the mental load never seem to stop. If you’re exhausted from carrying the invisible backpack. You don’t need to try harder. You need more capacity.   🚀 The ADHD Family Quest – Now Open The ADHD Family Quest is a 12-month, coaching-led experience designed to help families move from overwhelm to calmer, more functional daily life. And you don’t get there alone. Your whole family moves forward together — because it was never meant to sit on mum’s shoulders. This isn’t therapy. It isn’t a course. And it’s definitely not a quick fix. It’s structured, supported, ADHD-specific coaching that creates real, lasting change. You don’t have to keep carrying this by yourself. You just have to say yes to support. 📅 Starts 11 March 🔗 https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/quest 🔔 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest is open till 11 March 2026💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from survival mode to functional, calm and connected — using ADHD-friendly systems that honour how sensitive nervous systems actually work. Inside The ADHD Family Quest, families: • Build environmental systems first (Base Camp) • Learn behavioural strategies that work for ADHD brains • Develop executive function skills for life • Strengthen the whole family as a team • Receive layered coaching support across 12 months Parenting ADHD does get easier. But not by accident. It gets easier when you’re strategic. You are too important to stay in survival mode.

Why do car rides explode faster than anywhere else?In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, unpacks why car trips trigger meltdowns — even in families who’ve “figured out” everything else. Car rides combine confinement, sensory overload, transitions, and nervous system stress into one high-pressure environment. Sharon shares why logic fails when kids’ brains go offline, how parents get pulled into survival mode too, and the three simple steps that reduce car chaos without threats, yelling, or guilt. If your back seat feels like a battlefield — or even the 10-minute school run drains you — this episode will give you practical, regulation-first tools that actually work. 🎁 Join Sharon’s free ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week (2–6 March) and create your family’s tailored plan: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why cars act like a “pressure cooker” for ADHD nervous systems ✅ What really happens when your child’s brain goes offline ✅ Why logic and threats make car meltdowns worse ✅ The 3-step system to reduce car ride explosions ✅ The “crunch factor” and how jaw input supports regulation ✅ When screens are a safety tool (and why guilt isn’t helpful) ✅ The Parent Pivot: how to regulate yourself mid-chaos ✅ Why sometimes pulling over is the strategy ⚠️ If car trips are your predictable problem area, this episode will help you pre-plan instead of firefight. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – When car rides become a pressure cooker 02:00 – Why confinement triggers ADHD nervous systems 04:30 – Monkey brain: when logic leaves the building 06:30 – Predictable problems vs surprise meltdowns 08:00 – Step 1: Acknowledge the storm 10:00 – Step 2: Environmental shifts (crunch factor, devices, audio) 14:30 – Step 3: The Parent Pivot (regulate yourself first) 17:00 – When pulling over is the strategy 18:30 – If it’s not just the car (whole-family pressure) 19:15 – ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week invitation + next steps 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) ADHD Roadmap FREE Coaching Week 📅 2–6 March ⏰ 4 Quick Trainings + Daily Live Coaching 💰 $1,000 in Cash Prizes Across the Week If car rides — or daily family life — feel like constant conflict, this free 4-day experience will help you move from chaos to functional. This isn’t theory. This is practical, doable change. And yes… we’re giving away cash prizes every single day to celebrate families who show up and take action. 💬 Daily Live Sessions + Cash Prizes Join Sharon at 1:00pm inside the Facebook group for connection, clarity and celebration. Comment during the Live to enter the daily cash prize draw: 💵 Day 1 → $100 💵 Day 2 → $200 💵 Day 3 → $300 💵 Day 4 → $400 Show up. Engage. Take action. You could walk away with a personalised plan and a cash bonus. 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to functional using personalised systems that honour how ADHD nervous systems actually work. Through coaching, structured programs, and community support, families reduce pressure, strengthen executive function skills, and build sustainable routines — without trying to fix everything at once. If your car feels like a battlefield, it’s not a parenting failure. It’s a predictable pressure point. And with the right roadmap, pressure turns into progress.

Do your mornings feel like you’ve already lived an entire day before 9am? If school mornings are full of rushing, resistance, yelling, or tears — and you’re left completely depleted before work even begins — this episode is for you.In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, breaks down why mornings are uniquely hard for children with ADHD — and what actually helps. Sharon explains how boring tasks, constant transitions, time pressure, and nervous system overload combine to create morning chaos — even when everyone is trying their best. Instead of behaviour charts or stricter routines, Sharon shares small, practical shifts that support regulation first, reduce pressure, and work with the ADHD brain — not against it. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why ADHD mornings fall apart before the day even begins ✅ How boring tasks and transitions overload the ADHD brain ✅ Why time pressure triggers stress, not cooperation ✅ The “movie of the mind” gap that trips kids up ✅ Why behaviour issues are often regulation injuries ✅ How micro-connection changes everything ✅ Practical strategies that reduce pressure without adding work ✅ How to soften mornings without yelling, threats, or burn ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Why mornings feel harder than the rest of the day 01:30 – The emotional toll of school drop-offs and burnout 03:20 – Why ADHD brains struggle with boring tasks 05:10 – Transitions, sequencing, and time blindness explained 07:00 – Why pressure backfires in ADHD mornings 08:30 – Behaviour vs regulation: what’s really happening 10:00 – Start with regulation, not demands 12:00 – Micro-connection that supports cooperation 13:40 – Protein, positioning yourself as a teammate 15:30 – Reducing decisions before 9am 17:30 – Using music as a regulator and timer 19:30 – Screens, dopamine, and when to delay them 21:00 – Choosing one friction point to start with 23:00 – Free ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week invitation 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week 📅 Dates: 3-6 March 2026 ⏰ Live + on-demand support designed for real families If mornings are draining your energy and confidence, this free coaching week will help you move from chaos to clarity — without adding more to your plate. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Identify the real barriers behind morning struggles ✔️ Support regulation before expectations ✔️ Reduce daily friction without power struggles ✔️ Build a personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity using personalised systems that honour how ADHD nervous systems actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn how to reduce pressure, build executive function skills, and create sustainable routines — without trying to fix everything at once. When mornings soften, everything else gets lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

Have you just received an ADHD diagnosis for your child and found yourself thinking, “Okay… now what?” If your next instinct is to book all the appointments, consume all the information, and "fix" everything immediately, this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family - slows down the moment after diagnosis so parents don’t burn themselves (or their child) out before they’ve even had a chance to understand what their child truly needs. Sharon shares her own experience of receiving her son’s ADHD diagnosis, the overwhelm that followed, and why urgency is often mistaken for importance. She explains why ADHD is not an emergency, why doing more isn’t always better, and how burnout often begins with good intentions but no clear roadmap. This conversation will help you move from panic to clarity, from reactive decision-making to confident, intentional next steps - without pressure or perfection. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why the post-diagnosis phase is where burnout often begins ✅ The pressure parents feel to “do everything” straight away ✅ Why ADHD is not an emergency — and doesn’t need fixing ✅ The difference between urgency and importance ✅ Why parenting support should come before everything else ✅ How to identify your child’s real needs beyond the label ✅ The power of choosing one focus instead of carrying it all ✅ How to build a steady, sustainable ADHD roadmap for your family ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – You’ve received the ADHD diagnosis… now what? 01:10 – Relief, panic, and the pressure to fix everything 02:30 – Sharon’s own diagnosis story and the overwhelm that followed 04:10 – Why booking everything leads to burnout 05:40 – ADHD is not an emergency (and doesn’t need fixing) 07:10 – Urgency vs importance: where parents get stuck 08:40 – Why parenting support should come first 10:30 – Coming back to the child you already know 12:00 – Identifying your child’s real needs and strengths 13:40 – Choosing one focus instead of doing it all 15:00 – Free ADHD Roadmap coaching week + next steps 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) 3–6 March 2026 · Sydney Time Four days. Four core shifts. One clear plan for your family. If you’re parenting a primary-school-aged child with ADHD and feeling overwhelmed, this free coaching week will help you move from confusion to calm — without pressure or perfection. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Understand what really drives your child’s behaviour ✔️ Decide what to focus on first (and what can wait) ✔️ Reduce daily friction and emotional load ✔️ Create your personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 🕖 Daily videos: 7:00 am 🕐 Live sessions: 1:00 pm (Sydney time) 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  🎯 Replay: Get the Back to School Workshop & templates (Discounted) A clear, practical session to help ADHD families set school up early — without stress or burnout. ✔️ ADHD Learning Support Plan ✔️ Clear teacher communication ✔️ Confident advocacy 🎥 Now $147 AUD (was $197) until 31 Jan Code BACKTOSCHOOL2026 👉 Access here : https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/offers/SZ2euSGj?coupon_code=BACKTOSCHOOL2026 🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity using personalised systems that honour how ADHD brains actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn what to focus on first — without trying to do everything at once. When you stop carrying everything alone, parenting gets lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

Have you ever looked at your child’s behaviour and thought, “Is this ADHD… or are they just being rude, defiant, or pushing boundaries?” If that question leaves you stuck between guilt and frustration, this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, breaks down why this question is so loaded - and why it keeps parents second-guessing themselves. Sharon explains how ADHD behaviour often looks like “won’t” on the outside, when underneath it’s actually a “can’t yet”. Through a powerful real-life parenting moment, Sharon shows how fear, exhaustion, and missing information sit beneath behaviour confusion and how understanding executive function changes the way we respond. This conversation will help you move from judgement to clarity, and from reacting in the moment to responding with confidence. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why ADHD behaviour is often mistaken for defiance ✅ The hidden fear behind parenting self-doubt ✅ How executive function challenges show up as rudeness or escalation ✅ Why discipline doesn’t work when skills are lagging ✅ How to tell the difference between boundary-testing and skill-based behaviour ✅ What parents actually need to move forward (hint: it’s not more opinions) ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – ADHD or bad behaviour? The question that creates so much confusion 02:00 – Why parents constantly second-guess themselves 04:00 – When “won’t” is actually “can’t yet” 06:30 – Where behaviour confusion really comes from 08:30 – A real-life parenting moment that changed everything 12:00 – Why punishment doesn’t fix lagging skills 15:00 – Responding with clarity instead of fear or guilt 18:00 – What parents actually need (and it’s not more opinions) 20:00 – Creating a clear ADHD roadmap for your family 22:00 – Free coaching week invitation + next steps 🎁 Get the Back to School Workshop & templates — Replay Available Missed the Back to School Workshop? You can still access the full replay. This practical workshop helps ADHD families set their child up for the year.  In this practical session, Sharon guides you to create an ADHD specific learning support plan (your school will thank you!), an all about me form (so that your teacher understands your child from day 1), email templates to your child's school to set up positive communication and gives you a strategy bank to support you and your child's teacher when things get messy. 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) 3–6 March 2026 · Sydney Time Four days. Four core shifts. One clear plan for your family. If you’re parenting a primary-school-aged child with ADHD and feeling overwhelmed, this free coaching week will help you move from confusion to calm — without pressure or perfection. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Make sense of behaviour ✔️ Support skills that need development ✔️ Reduce daily friction at home ✔️ Create your personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 🕖 Daily videos: 7:00 am 🕐 Live sessions: 1:00 pm (Sydney time) 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity using personalised systems that honour how ADHD brains actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn what to focus on first — without trying to do everything at once. When behaviour starts to make sense, parenting gets lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

Are you exhausted from trying everything — routines, charts, consequences — and still feeling like nothing sticks? If you’re parenting a child with ADHD and wondering why “trying harder” only makes things worse, this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, explains why most parents aren’t under-doing — they’re overloaded. Sharon shares a powerful personal moment that changed her entire approach to parenting ADHD, and why clarity, not control, is what actually calms the nervous system. This conversation will help you stop chasing more strategies and start creating alignment that works for your family — without pressure, perfection, or burnout. 👉 Free coaching opportunity mentioned in this episode:Create your family’s tailored ADHD Roadmap in just 4 days — completely free. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why “trying harder” doesn’t work for ADHD families ✅ The difference between urgency and pressure (and why it matters) ✅ How nervous system overload shows up as behaviour ✅ The underrated power of pausing instead of fixing ✅ Why generic ADHD advice often makes parents feel worse ✅ How clarity restores confidence and function at home ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – A deep breath for exhausted parents 01:30 – Why most ADHD parents are already doing too much 02:45 – The “more and more” trap 04:30 – A real-life parenting moment that changed everything 06:40 – Pressure vs urgency in ADHD households 07:50 – The power of the pause 09:10 – Why ADHD families need alignment, not more strategies 10:30 – Introducing the free ADHD Family Roadmap coaching week 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) 3–6 March 2026 · Sydney Time Four days. One clear ADHD roadmap for your family. This free coaching week helps overwhelmed parents move from confusion to calm using practical, ADHD-aligned strategies that work in real life. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Understand behaviour ✔️ Support skills that need support ✔️ Reduce daily friction ✔️ Create your personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 🕖 Daily videos: 7:00 am 🕐 Live sessions: 1:00 pm (Sydney time) No pressure. No perfection. Just clear direction. 👉 Join here: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast 📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it 🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available 💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity with personalised systems that honour how ADHD brains actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn what to focus on first - without trying to do everything at once. When you stop trying to do everything, things start to feel lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

What if school holidays didn’t have to end in burnout, meltdowns, and guilt? In this practical and reassuring episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon — ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family — shares a realistic framework for surviving school holidays without burning yourself out. Rather than aiming to thrive, Sharon reframes school holidays as a structural shift, not a break. She walks parents through six supportive strategies that prioritise the adult nervous system, lower pressure, and help ADHD families navigate long days at home with more calm and less reactivity. Whether you’re working, travelling, or home full-time with your kids, this episode will help you adjust expectations, protect your energy, and design school holidays that genuinely suit your family. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why school holidays aren’t a break — they’re a structural shift✅ How to check your daily capacity before the day runs you✅ Why matching demand to reality changes everything✅ Ditching packed schedules and using simple daily anchors✅ Supporting ADHD kids through transitions without meltdowns✅ Using HALT to decode “behaviour”✅ What to do when things go sideways (meltdown reset sequence)✅ Guilt-free regulation strategies for parents✅ Why adult regulation comes first — always✅ Free support to help your family through the holidays ⏱️ Timestamps: (0:00) School holidays expectations vs reality for ADHD families (0:28) Why the goal is survival, not “thriving” (1:40) Reframing school holidays as a structural shift (2:34) Why parent demands rise when kids are home (3:02) Strategy 1: Daily capacity check-in (match demand to reality) (4:28) Strategy 2: Ditch packed schedules & build simple anchors (5:56) Strategy 3: Transitions, meltdowns & lunch timing (7:18) Strategy 4 & 5: HALT, behaviour clues & reset sequences (11:05) Strategy 6: Guilt-free regulation strategies for parents (13:23) Free resources, support & final reflections on doing holidays your way 🚀 Next Steps + Resources: 🎧 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast so you never miss an episode📩 Join the newsletter for weekly ADHD family strategies🧠 Join the free ADHD Family Quest training week 🧠 Free Coaching Week – Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap 📅 3–6 March 2026 ⏰ Daily short videos released at 7:00 am 🎥 Live coaching sessions at 1:00 pm (Sydney time) This free coaching week will help you create a clear, practical ADHD roadmap tailored to your family — with daily guidance, live support, and actionable strategies you can use straight away. 👉 Register at: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 🗂️ Free decluttering checklist for ADHD-friendly homes 📋 “Start the Year Right” checklist for calmer family rhythms 💼 Work With Sharon Sharon is an PCC Credentialed ADHD family coach who helps overwhelmed parents create calm, functional homes through practical strategy — not fluff. Inside The Functional Family, you’ll find coaching, programs, and tools designed for real life with neurodivergent kids. 🌐 Website: thefunctionalfamily.com 📱 Follow on social media for daily ADHD insights and support💛 Final Note Your family doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. School holidays don’t need to be perfect - they just need to be sustainable. Protect your nervous system first, lower the pressure, and do holidays your way.

What if your biggest breakthroughs came from reflecting on what didn’t work? In this vulnerable year-in-review episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, shares her honest reflections on 2025 — both in business and personal life. From ADHD coaching credentials and client wins to burnout, boundaries, health challenges, and hard financial lessons, Sharon breaks down what she loved, what she learned, and what she’s letting go of as she heads into 2026. This episode isn’t about hustle or highlight reels — it’s about discernment, sustainability, and intentional action. If you’re an ADHD parent feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this reflective episode will help you spot the clues that lead to calmer family life and better decisions next year. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why success really leaves clues (and how to spot them) ✅ What worked — and didn’t — in ADHD family business life ✅ Why boundaries strengthened everything ✅ The truth about burnout, sustainability, and growth ✅ Health, chronic illness, and advocating for yourself ✅ Why action beats mindset every time ✅ Letting go of the invisible load for ADHD mums ✅ How to reflect without pressure or shame ✅ Choosing one word to guide your year (hello, faith) ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why this vulnerable year-in-review matters 03:30 – A different way to reflect: discernment, not pressure 06:45 – What worked in business (and why alignment matters) 12:10 – ADHD coaching credentials & mentoring other coaches 18:40 – The biggest business lessons of 2025 26:00 – Boundaries, burnout & unsustainable growth 33:20 – Why action beats mindset every time 39:45 – Team challenges & email overwhelm 45:10 – Letting go of overworking and people-pleasing 50:30 – Personal reflections: health, pain & resilience 58:15 – Travel, confidence & rebuilding identity 1:05:40 – Sleep, perimenopause & nervous system care 1:12:10 – Invisible load & the ADHD Family Quest 1:18:00 – Standing in your power & choosing a word for 2026 1:23:30 – Final reflections & what to carry forward 🚀 Next Steps + Resources 🎧 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast so you never miss an episode 📩 Join the newsletter for weekly ADHD family strategies 🧠 Join the free ADHD Family Quest training week Free Coaching Week – Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap📅 3–6 March 2026⏰ Daily short videos released at 7:00 am🎥 Live coaching sessions at 1:00 pm (Sydney time) This free coaching week will help you create a clear, practical ADHD roadmap tailored to your family — with daily guidance, live support, and actionable strategies you can use straight away.👉 Register at: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 💼 Work With Sharon Sharon is an ADHD family coach who helps overwhelmed parents create calm, functional homes through practical strategy — not fluff. Inside The Functional Family, you’ll find coaching, programs, and tools designed for real life with neurodivergent kids. 🌐 Website: thefunctionalfamily.com 📱 Follow on social media for daily ADHD insights and support 💛 Final Note You don’t need to become someone new next year. You just need to upgrade what’s already working — and let go of what’s draining you.

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Michael Shanahan, founder of Dyscastia, about: ✅ The real challenges behind reading, writing, and maths struggles (it’s not laziness!) ✅ How to support kids when school feels impossible ✅ What myths about learning difficulties we need to throw away—now ✅ Why parents don’t need to “know it all” immediately (and where to find expert help)   ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:02:04 – Introducing Michael Shanahan’s background and expertise00:03:25 – Michael explains his role as a specialist intervention tutor00:04:36 – Beginning explanation of the “3Ds” (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)00:05:36 – In-depth explanation of dyslexia: what it is and its challenges00:08:12 – What is dysgraphia? Michael’s own experience and discussion00:11:24 – What is dyscalculia? Characteristics and how it differs from other learning challenges00:14:28 – Michael’s personal journey growing up with undiagnosed learning difficulties00:18:47 – How are the 3Ds linked to ADHD?00:22:06 – Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed by new diagnoses00:26:58 – Who can diagnose the 3Ds?00:27:31 – Common myths and misconceptions about the 3Ds00:30:49 – “Specific learning disability” (SLD) reports and what they mean00:32:06 – Tech tools and accommodations for students with the 3Ds00:37:02 – Practical accommodations to ask for at school after an SLD diagnosis00:43:49 – How Michael’s children experienced school with learning differences00:45:34 – How to find Michael, his podcast, and resources for parents and teachers00:50:28 – Wrapping up and final thoughts -------------- Michael is a specialist literacy and maths interventionist, working with students who live with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ASD, and other learning difficulties. He is also a director of Word Cracking—software and resources designed specifically for students who find standard intervention too hard. Connect with Michael: Website: https://dyscastia.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr9MZukIRt8ZPplvj4b6BfQ Facebook: hhttps://www.facebook.com/Dyscastia --------------------------- KEY POINTS ADHD and the “3Ds” are deeply connected. Around 30–40% of kids with ADHD also live with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, making learning challenges much more common than many parents realize . The struggles go beyond academics. Difficulties with reading, writing, and maths can cause embarrassment, low confidence, and a negative self-image in kids—sometimes lasting well into adulthood . Early expert support is key. Parents don’t need to have all the answers right away. Reaching out to specialist tutors, educational psychologists, or organisations like Speld can provide clarity and practical next steps . Common myths are harmful. Many people—including teachers—still wrongly believe that conditions like dyslexia or dysgraphia don’t exist, or that kids “just need to try harder.” These misconceptions can damage children’s self-esteem . Compassion and de-escalation help at home. Reducing homework loads, allowing breaks, and using supportive tech tools (like voice-to-text or read-aloud features) can relieve pressure and make learning more manageable  NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

ADHD, Addiction, and Turning Pain Into Purpose — with Jack Thompson In this episode, Sharon sits down with ultra-endurance cyclist Jack Thompson, who shares his powerful story of ADHD, addiction, recovery, and purpose. Jack’s journey offers a raw look at what happens when ADHD goes misunderstood — and how deep self-understanding and compassion can rebuild a life. Together, they unpack Jack's story and uncover Jack's parent's important actions that we all need to know about when things get rocky. 👉 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast for real stories, practical strategies, and support that actually makes life easier. 🧩 In This Episode Jack’s story of ADHD, addiction, and finding purpose through cycling The link between stimulation-seeking and addiction cycles How sport, movement, and structure can support mental wellbeing How Jack's parents navigated his addiction and recovery and what we need to learn from this Sharon’s grounded advice for parents supporting ADHD children ⏱️ Episode Flow 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 03:20 – Jack’s early life and undiagnosed ADHD 07:45 – The path to addiction and what he was really seeking 14:10 – Finding clarity and healing through cycling 21:30 – The ADHD diagnosis that reframed everything 29:00 – How structure became Jack’s self-regulation tool 36:00 – Sharon’s insight: parenting from understanding, not control 44:15 – Reframing success for ADHD kids 51:00 – Final reflections: hope, humility, and healing 🧠 Key Takeaways ADHD isn’t a deficit — it’s a brain difference that requires the right supports Dysregulation is contagious Real change happens when we stop fixing and start understanding Connection always precedes correction Routine, interest, and safety are the foundation of growth 🔗 Connect with Jack 🌍  jackultracyclist.com  📸 Instagram: @jackultracyclist  🎥 YouTube: Jack Ultra Cyclist  💼 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a credentialed ADHD Coach & Parenting Consultant, founder of The Functional Family, and mum to three boys with ADHD. She’s helped over 40,000 families move from chaos to calm through her signature programs, coaching, and community. 📚 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com  📧 [email protected]  📸 Instagram: @thefunctionalfamily  🗞️ Join the ADHD Family Community Join our free support group HERE. Subscribe to The ADHD Family Newsletter for grounded guidance, parenting strategies, and stories that remind you — you’re not alone, and it can get easier.  

How do you tell your child they have ADHD without making it feel scary, overwhelming or negative? In this episode, Sharon, ADHD coach and parent mentor, walks you through exactly how to approach this sensitive conversation with warmth and confidence. You’ll learn how to turn a diagnosis into empowerment — and how to nurture your child’s self-understanding from the start. If your child has recently been diagnosed, Sharon’s free workshop “3 Steps to an Easier Family Life with ADHD” will help you feel equipped and confident. Grab your spot now at thefunctionalfamily.com/easier  💛 👀 In this episode, Sharon covers: ✅ Why telling your child they have ADHD early builds resilience and self-esteem ✅ The biggest mistake parents make when keeping it a “secret” ✅ How to frame ADHD as a unique brain wiring rather than a disorder ✅ Simple ways to weave ADHD into everyday chats, not “big sit-down talks” ✅ How to highlight your child’s strengths — not just their challenges ✅ Real-life language you can use to explain ADHD to different age groups ✅ How to stay curious and keep the conversation going as your child grows ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Finding the right words to tell your child about ADHD 02:15 – Why Sharon felt lost after her first diagnosis 04:00 – The importance of empowering children with the truth 06:30 – Why avoiding “the label” can cause more harm than good 09:45 – How to keep the conversation casual and positive 13:10 – Reframing ADHD as unique brain wiring 15:20 – Using relatable role models to inspire your child 18:00 – Sharing your own ADHD story (without assumptions) 21:15 – Highlighting strengths and self-understanding 25:00 – Encouraging ongoing questions and curiosity 28:00 – Teaching that “everything is figureoutable” 30:45 – Sharon’s free workshop for parents: 3 Steps to an Easier Family Life with ADHD 💡 Next Steps + Resources 🎧 Subscribe to The Functional Family Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 🎁 Join the free workshop: thefunctionalfamily.com/easier  📘 Download Sharon’s ADHD resources via her website 💬 Follow Sharon on Instagram at @thefunctionalfamily  💼 Work With Sharon Sharon helps parents of children with ADHD create calmer homes and confident families through coaching, workshops, and practical ADHD resources. Start with her free workshop, “3 Steps to an Easier Family Life with ADHD,” or explore her signature Functional Family Membership for deeper support and community. 🌐 Visit thefunctionalfamily.com  to learn more.  

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Rebecca Torpie, founder of Sensory Smart Kids, about: ✅ What sensory profiles actually mean for children with ADHD ✅ The difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding (and why your child might flip between the two) ✅ How to spot common sensory challenges—and what to do about them ✅ The truth about all those sensory tools (where to invest, what to skip) ✅ Real-life strategies to make home life calmer, happier, and less…well, sticky! ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Discovering Sensory Integration Passion 05:03 Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in Children 09:39 "Regulation and Sensory Processing Impact" 11:16 Managing Sensory Overwhelm 16:15 Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents 18:04 Managing Post-School Emotions 22:42 Family Dynamics and Emotional Regulation 25:05 Invest in OT; Encourage Active Play 30:43 "Morning Sensory Routines for Kids" 33:46 Evening Playtime and Activity Tips 36:39 "OTs: Embracing Deeper Problem Solving" -------------- Rebecca Torpie is the founder of Sensory Smart Kids, an Occupational Therapy clinic in Belmont, and support children and families in the Greater Geelong area. They see children in their clinic as well as offering home and community based intervention. Connect with Rebecca: Website: https://www.sensorysmartkidsot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensorysmartkidsot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensorysmartkidsot/ --------------------------- KEY POINTS Sensory profiles help you understand your child’s unique likes, dislikes, and triggers. Children with ADHD often have stronger sensory seeking or avoiding behaviours. Sensory overload can lead to overwhelm or “meltdowns” for both kids and parents. Heavy work activities (like pushing or pulling) help kids feel more regulated. Not every sensory tool works for every child—find what fits your family! NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

Ever feel like you need to clone yourself just to get through the week? Trust me, you’re not alone! If your to-do list is longer than your arm and you’re running on coffee and hope, I’ve got something that will make you feel seen (and maybe even make you laugh). In this episode, I spill all my best-kept secrets for buying back your time, reducing stress, and creating a home that actually works for your beautiful, busy family. From clever outsourcing hacks (think: veggie-chopping superheroes and laundry angels) to the art of saying “no” without the guilt, this episode is packed with practical, strength-based strategies you can use right now. What you’ll learn: Rapid-fire ideas for what to outsource (and what to let go of) Real-life scripts for saying “no” (without feeling like the bad guy) Tips for using tech and community to lighten your load A big permission slip to ditch the martyrdom and invest in your family’s wellbeing ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 ADHD Families: Ease and Joy 06:29 Earn Extra Doing What You Love 08:33 "Finding Time-Value Balance" 11:17 Outsourcing Tips and Costs 15:05 Efficient Home Maintenance Strategies 16:52 Efficient Task Management and Meal Planning 21:54 Outsourcing Veggie Prep Benefits 23:26 Budget Shopping and Delivery Choices 28:00 AI Uncovers Hidden Subscriptions 30:44 Sunday Productivity Tips 36:30 Balancing Kids' Schedules & Downtime 37:19 Choose One Activity Per Child 41:05 Personal Styling Service Time Saver 45:55 Outsourcing for Family Well-being 50:04 Outsource and Barter for Efficiency ------------------ The Art of Saying “No” (Without the Guilt) Don’t fill your freed-up time with more obligations! Use Sharon’s go-to script: “Thank you for the offer, I’ll get back to you.” Then set a reminder and check if it actually fits your values and schedule. Remember: Future you is just as busy as present you. Don’t overcommit on the hope that “it’ll calm down soon.” Key Takeaways Outsourcing is an investment in your family’s wellbeing—not a failure. Start with your biggest pain point. Just pick one thing to try outsourcing and see how much lighter life feels. Use tech and community to your advantage—reminders apps, shared notes, and even AI can help you manage admin and subscriptions. Barter with friends! Swap the jobs you hate for the ones you love. Links & Resources Time Audit Resource: Click HERE Meal Planning Mini Course: Coming soon—my ADHD-friendly meal planning system. Loved this episode?Share it on your socials, leave a review, and help us start a conversation about ADHD. For more support, strategies, and a sprinkle of humour, check out thefunctionalfamily.com. Remember, you don’t have to do it all. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help (or outsource the washing!). This week’s challenge:Pick just one task that drains your energy or always gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list—and outsource it. It could be as simple as hiring someone to fold your laundry, getting your groceries delivered, or asking a friend to swap chores with you. Don’t overthink it! Choose the task you dread most or the one that would buy you the most breathing room. Try it once—just as an experiment. Notice how it feels to have that space back in your day. Bonus points: Share your outsourcing win (or fail!) in the ADHD Families Facebook group to inspire and support other families. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH ME I help parents of children with ADHD through my: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog    

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Jane McFadden, founder of ADHD Mum Podcast, about: ✅ Why so many ADHD mums fall into the “all or nothing” trap, and how perfectionism can turn even simple tasks into overwhelming mountains ✅ The double-edged sword of to-do lists for neurodivergent mums, and how to create systems that work for you (not against you) ✅ The importance of recognising different types of burnout and why neurodivergent people often burn out harder and more often ✅ Energy accounting for families ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:16 The unique challenges of parenting children with ADHD 00:45 Identify and prioritise personal values 01:56 Jane's background 02:27 Perfectionism trap for women with ADHD 02:31 Actionable strategies for managing to-do lists and perfectionism 32:07 The concept of “energy accounting” 33:18 Burn-out wave 36:44 Acknowledging that everyone’s limits are different. 38:37 The value of honest, ongoing conversations about each family member’s needs and challenges     -------------- Jane McFadden is the Autistic and ADHD Aussie mum behind the podcast ADHD Mums.  She believes motherhood is hard - really hard - especially when you're neurodivergent or raising kids who are. She believes in speaking honestly about the mental load, the guilt, the overwhelm, and the absolute chaos that comes with parenting while trying to function in a world that doesn't make space for us. She believes in sharing the struggles without sugarcoating them - but also finding the humour in it all because sometimes you just have to laugh or you'll cry (again).  Connect with Jane: Website: https://adhdmums.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHD-Mums/100091850469503/ Tiktok: https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHD-Mums/100091850469503/ Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/adhdmums --------------------------- KEY POINTS The episode explores the unique challenges of parenting children with ADHD, emphasising the need to adapt parenting strategies and understand each child’s individual needs and pace. Jane and Sharon discuss the cycle of burnout and perfectionism many mothers with ADHD face, sharing practical strategies for managing overwhelming to-do lists and encouraging decisions based on personal values, not societal “shoulds”. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon Sign up to our upcoming workshop: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/mums   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

Are you constantly walking on eggshells around your child with ADHD? Feeling like you’re failing as a parent or just plain exhausted from the daily battles? You’re not alone—and there’s hope! In this episode, Sharon Collon shares the three simple but powerful skills that can transform your family dynamic and help you move from reactive to responsive parenting. Sharon, award-winning ADHD coach and founder of The Functional Family, introduces her signature CRC method—Curious, Regulated, and Clear. With over 17 years supporting families and her own lived experience, she knows traditional parenting advice often misses the mark for children with ADHD. Instead, Sharon’s CRC approach is practical, research-backed, and designed to work with your child’s brain, not against it. What You’ll Learn Why most parenting strategies fail families with ADHD—and what to do instead The CRC Method: Curious: Shift from frustration to curiosity. See your child’s behaviour as communication, not defiance. Ask, “I wonder what’s going on for them in this moment?” to get to the root of tricky behaviours. Regulated: Manage your own emotional state first. Dysregulation is contagious! Learn simple ways to slow things down, model calm, and help your child regulate by leading by example. Clear: Give specific, achievable instructions. Ditch the vague “be good” and go for concise, one-step directions your child can actually follow. Less is more—sometimes just two words and a kind face do the trick. ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Transformative ADHD Parenting Skills 03:47 Curiosity Over Judgment 09:23 Concise Instructions Essential 10:42 ADHD Parenting: Key Skills Overview ------------------------------------------------------ Sharon’s Top Tips Don’t stack instructions—one thing at a time! Practice saying your instruction in your head before you say it out loud to keep it short and clear. Remember: Your child’s dysregulation isn’t about you—it’s about their developing brain. The CRC method isn’t just theory; it’s a game-changer for daily life. Challenge of the Week Which CRC skill will you focus on first? Share your choice in our free support group and connect with other parents on the same journey! Loved this episode?Share it on your socials and leave a review on iTunes to make this mum do a happy dance! Want more resources, strategies, and support? Visit thefunctionalfamily.com. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Dr Mary Barson, founder of Real Life Medicine, about: ✅ Real-life strategies for ADHD & weight management ✅ The truth about dopamine, eating, and shame ✅ Family-friendly, flexible health solutions ✅ Why traditional diets don’t work for ADHD ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Struggling with Weight and Transformation 05:06 ADHD's Impact on Dieting Struggles 07:08 ADHD, Food Cravings, and Eating Habits 11:48 High-Protein Meal Prep Ideas 17:20 "Shame and People-Pleasing Origins" 20:08 Stress Response and Hyperarousal Explained 23:09 Break the Shame Spiral 25:22 Reconsidering ADHD Perceptions 30:36 High-Protein Diet Benefits 34:14 Emotional Aspect of Weight Loss 36:25 Make Healthy Choices Easier 38:45 "Real Health & Weight Loss Resources" -------------- Dr Mary Barson is a GP based on the Victorian Surf Coast. She is an absolute genius and has an honours degree in biochemistry, as well as a medical degree. Dr Mary understands all things “sciencey”. She is our go-to person for interpreting scientific research, and can separate out true science from popular “woo”. Dr Mary marries this with her skills as a counsellor and hypnotherapist, and has a huge interest in lifestyle medicine. She practices compassion-based therapy. Connect with Mary: Website: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_life_medicine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifemedicine Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1XRiZ7sJ-thR6CobrH5Vg Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/real-health-and-weight-loss-podcast/id1539858012 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-medicine/ --------------------------- KEY POINTS Dr. Mary Barson shares her personal journey with ADHD, PCOS, and overcoming lifelong weight struggles using real, sustainable health strategies. The episode uncovers why traditional dieting and “just use willpower” advice don’t work for ADHD brains, and how dopamine and shame impact eating habits. You’ll get practical, family-friendly tips for high-protein breakfasts, supporting picky eaters, and building flexible routines that actually fit neurodiverse households. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Sam Taylor, founder of Go Beyond Therapy, about: ✅ Why parents are more burnt out than ever (and what to do about it) ✅ The “bucket” analogy that makes sense of your overwhelm ✅ Tiny, doable self-care moments that actually work ✅ How to spot the warning signs before you hit meltdown mode ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Parental Emotional Regulation Challenges 04:49 Practical Self-Care for Parents 07:49 Managing Emotional Overflow in Parents 11:55 Parental Burnout Strains Relationships 15:52 Mindful Parenting for Emotional Regulation 20:07 Balancing Family Sensory Needs 22:22 "Strategies for Reducing Daily Stress" 26:56 Understanding Occupational Therapy's Role 31:23 Progressing Towards Big Goals Incrementally 32:29 Individualised Goal Strategies in OT -------------- Sam is an occupational therapist with experience supporting children with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, and many more. She has been working and volunteering in the pediatric disability space for over 10 years. Her journey in this field is not just professional, but also personal. Having navigated challenges similar to dyslexia and auditory processing difficulties herself, she understands the hurdles that families face within the education system, therapeutic environments, and everyday life. Her approach to therapy is holistic and family-centered. She recognises that enhancing a child’s well-being goes beyond traditional milestones like handwriting. She believes in nurturing self-confidence and resilience—qualities that form the cornerstone of building a fulfilling life. She sees each child’s belief in themselves as a crucial building block upon which all progress is built. Connect with Sam: Website: https://www.gobeyondtherapy.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go.beyond.therapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobeyondtherapy/  ---------------------------  KEY POINTS Every parent has a “coping bucket” with different capacities. Self-care is small and practical, not grand gestures. Deep breathing, whispering instead of raising your voice, stepping away briefly if safe, or using sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones helps parents co-regulate. Meeting sensory needs through alternatives like weighted items, heavy work activities, or trampolines to reduce physical demands on the parent while supporting the child’s regulation.   NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog  

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Natalia Aiza about: ✅ The real differences between OCD and anxiety (and why it matters) ✅ Surprising signs of OCD in kids with ADHD ✅ Common myths that hold families back from getting help ✅ Practical ways to support your child at home and school   ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Managing ADHD and OCD Anxieties 05:40 "OCD vs. Anxiety: Key Differences" 09:06 ADHD, OCD, & Time Management 10:20 OCD's Rule of Threes 15:29 Nighttime Routines and Child OCD 18:44 ADHD and OCD Dual Understanding 22:10 OCD Therapy Challenges and Success 25:38 Teaching Children to Handle Distress 27:05 "Do Less Parenting Approach" 31:50 Compassionate Approach to School Refusal 34:59 OCD: Hormonal Influence and Cycles 37:29 Overcoming Attachment to Number Rituals 42:06 Contact for OCD & Parental Coaching 43:37 "Parental Guidance and Insight" ------------- Natalia Aíza is a multicultural, multilingual counsellor with a modern approach.  Her therapeutic style is warm and welcoming, but also practical.  Natalia believes that therapy should be time-limited and goal-oriented.  She aims to empower her clients and encourages both children and adults to be active participants in their own therapy.  Natalia works alongside her small therapy dog, Miszu. Natalia is a seasoned therapist, parent trainer, writer, and entrepreneur. Her core missions are to facilitate awareness and healing for those with OCD, and to amplify OCD competency among mental health practitioners. She is the co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective, an innovative therapy center that specializes in OCD and Anxiety Disorders. In the last three years, Kairos has expanded to four locations in Colorado and has served over two thousand families and individual clients. Connect with Natalia: Website: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/natalia-aiza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/kairos-wellness-collective/  ---------------------------  KEY POINTS OCD is often misunderstood and goes far beyond just cleaning or counting rituals. The main difference between OCD and anxiety is that OCD involves repetitive actions to relieve specific fears. OCD and ADHD frequently overlap, making both conditions harder to recognise and diagnose. Signs of OCD in kids often include rigid routines, high need for reassurance, and distress if rituals aren’t followed exactly.   NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Dominique Jones about:✅ Strategies to help teachers implement accommodations, support, understanding, and connection for students with ADHD.✅ How parents can advocate for their children.✅ How teachers can work together and connect with children with ADHD.   ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Finding My Path Beyond School 04:48 From Principal to Author Journey 09:28 Addressing Teacher Overwhelm 12:11 Understanding and Supporting Student Behaviour 15:26 Addressing Child Behaviour at Its Roots 20:17 "Children's Compassion Surpasses Adults" 21:58 "Prioritize Student Relationships for Success" 26:04 Supporting ADHD Students' Organisation Skills 28:18 Empowering ADHD Children Through Support 30:50 Shaming and Advocacy for ADHD 36:48 Parents' Educational Priorities Discussion 39:44 Teacher Self-Care and Student Connection 41:54 Upskilling Teachers for Family Support 44:57 Supporting and Calming Student Conflicts 47:54 Self-Published Books & Educational Workshops ------------- Through the years of experience working as a teacher and becoming a parent to four, Dominique began to see a common thread in children. A common battle between behaviour and emotions. Parents would often ask for advice when trying to understand why their children behaved a certain way in a stressful situation. When learning to navigate her own parenting style she realised yelling, arguing and demanding children to behave a certain way was toxic for small children in learning to understand how to respond to big emotions. Our job as parents is to teach our children to became adults that are able to recognise and manage these feelings and know it is normal to struggle to regulate our emotions. Especially with three boys full of testosterone, she began to identify the different personas children use to respond to stressful situations. This was how the concept behind the picture book series was developed. A way to show children, through a story, that these feelings are normal. It is how we learn to deal with them that changes how feel about ourselves and others.  Connect with Dominique: Website: https://www.inspiraminds.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiraminds?igshid Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiraminds LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-jones-25004a219/  ---------------------------  KEY POINTS Every child’s behaviour is communication—seek to understand, not just correct. Teachers and parents both experience overwhelm; compassion and connection are essential. Simple, in-the-moment strategies can make a profound difference for ADHD kids. Building strong parent-teacher partnerships benefits everyone.   NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog  

Secrets to Managing Challenging Behaviors  👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Dave Jereb about:✅ How to shift from managing behavior to fostering development✅ The three key areas to tweak for impactful change: child, activity, and environment✅ Why connection is the cornerstone of success in parenting and teaching   ⏰ Timestamps ⏰00:00 OT Support for Kids' Daily Roles04:45 Enhancing Adaptability and Engagement06:34 "Stability: The Key to Mobility"12:27 Visual Aids Benefit ADHD Understanding15:42 Shower: Wake-Up and Calm-Down Ritual16:31 Pre-Coffee Brain Fog21:40 Organized Movement for Focus24:45 ADHD Stimulants: Why They Work28:20 Sensory Sensitivity in Children32:29 Unpacking Child Behavior Causes34:22 "Connection Facilitates Understanding"36:50 Future Leaders: Creative Disruptors  -------------- Dave's journey in working with children began serendipitously over 30 years ago when, at the age of 14, his mother offered him $20 to volunteer for a day at a vacation care program with Bernardo's. While he humorously questions whether it was truly "volunteering," given the modest payment below minimum wage, it marked the beginning of a passionate career. Since that day, Dave has devoted his life to nurturing relationships and forming meaningful connections with both kids and their families, a cornerstone of his philosophy. His work as an occupational therapist allows him to engage with clients on a personal level, focusing on enhancing their daily lives. Driven by the belief that connection is vital in everything we do, Dave continues to leave a lasting impact on those he serves. Connect with Dave: Website: https://www.moveabout.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveabout.ot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveAboutTherapy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moveabout-therapy-services Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveAboutTherapyServices --------- Want to stay updated on ADHD family support tips & templates? 📧 Join the The Functional Family newsletter: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog   KEY POINTS What are common misconceptions parents have about managing behaviour in children? A common misconception is that managing behaviour requires discipline in the form of compliance.    The misconception about managing behaviour in children with ADHD Misconception: Managing behaviour in children, particularly those with ADHD, requires a strict discipline approach focused on compliance — getting the child to do what you want through external control methods. Reality: Flipping the script from compliance-based discipline to fostering behaviour developing an internal compass in children. Consequence of Misconception: When parents focus solely on compliance and external control, they might achieve short-term goals but at the cost of not equipping children with the skills they need for long-term success. Alternative Approach: Understanding the root causes of behavior by looking beyond the surface.     NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog  

ADHD Habit Hacks: How to Support Your Child's to Thrive 👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Monique Suidgeest about:✅ Creating lifelong habits that help ADHD brains thrive✅ Simple strategies for parents to support their children's executive function✅ How to implement the habit loop for ADHD success✅ Practical ways to overcome limiting beliefs about habit formation ⚠️ Special Offer: Get Monique's ADHD Habit Tracker FREE with code "TFF" at ADHDhabits.com - Access Here ⏰ Timestamps ⏰0:00 Introduction to Monique Suidgeest0:44 Monique's background as a teacher and mother of four2:02 The journey to discovering ADHD management through lifestyle3:15 How masking at school creates the "pressure cooker" effect at home5:04 Understanding the science behind habits and the habit loop6:58 Key habits for ADHD management: hydration, nutrition, and exercise9:01 The four pillars of ADHD management10:39 Finding balance with food restrictions and social situations13:57 Real-life example of implementing the habit loop17:26 Overcoming limiting beliefs about habit formation21:00 Taking small steps and the importance of tracking24:16 How to stay consistent when parents get overwhelmed25:58 Understanding habit stacking vs. habit bundling29:32 Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation for habit formation33:54 Conserving energy through automatic habits36:27 Picking up habits again after dropping them  -------------- Monique’s mission is to empower parents by providing actionable resources and a community of support, all while encouraging children to embrace their neurodivergent brains. She believes that small, consistent shifts in habits can make a world of difference, allowing children to thrive by focusing on their strengths and accepting their challenges. In this episode, we'll dive into her personal journey and explore how we can help neurodivergent children build the confidence and habits they need to shine. Connect with Monique https://adhdhabits.com/ --------- Want to stay updated on ADHD family support tips & templates? 📧 Join the The Functional Family newsletter: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog KEY POINTS What Are Habits?Habits are behaviours that through repetition become automatic actions we take without thinking. As James Clear explains in "Atomic Habits," habits help us solve life's problems with minimal effort.   The Habit Loop for ADHD Cue: The prompt that triggers the action Routine: The actual action or behaviour Reward: The feeling or benefit received after completing the action Essential Habits for ADHD Management Hydration: Place cups on the kitchen bench each morning to make drinking water obvious and easy Nutrition: Remove artificial colours and additives, increase protein intake Exercise: Daily movement (like using a mini trampoline) to help brain function Sleep: Establishing consistent routines for better rest Making Habits Stick with ADHD Start with very small steps (30 seconds or less to complete) Make the habit obvious and easy to perform Track progress with visual reminders Include habits they already know how to do to build confidence Provide immediate rewards (not delayed gratification) NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog  

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 Sandy: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: Website - @mitchellmitchellwebsiteFacebook - @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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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

Do you ever wonder what an ADHD coach does? How can an ADHD Coach assist you in management of ADHD? How do we make sure we are seeing a qualified coach? In this podcast I chat with my mentor, Michele Toner. Michele is one inspirational human. There is a reason that she is my mentor! She was Australia's first ADHD Coach and shone a light for all that have come after. She is full of wisdom and let's us know more about ADHD coaching and why having the right coach in your corner can be a game changer. 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