Shining With ADHD by The Childhood Collective

The middle school years can be tricky, especially when you're parenting a child with ADHD who wants more independence but still needs plenty of support. In this episode, we're joined by Sean Kane from Growth Mindset Parenting to learn how parents can help middle schoolers build independence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Sean shares why our middle school ADHD kids are often more...

ADHD and sensory processing often go hand in hand, but it can be hard to figure out what your child’s behavior is actually telling you. In this episode, pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix, also known as The OT Butterfly, helps us understand how sensory needs can show up in everyday life - especially for kids with ADHD! She also shares the idea of a “sensory budget” from her new book, The...

If you have found yourself googling "ADHD task completion" at midnight after a frustrating day of parenting, you are not the only one! We’re sharing one simple tool that can make ADHD task completion easier by helping your child create a clear “future picture” of what they’re working toward. We’ll explain why this matters for the ADHD brain and how you can use it for everything from homewo...

ADHD in girls is such an important and often overlooked topic. Today, we’re joined again by Dr. Stephen Hinshaw, who has spent his career researching ADHD in women and girls. We take a closer look at mental health in girls, and how shame and stigma can especially affect girls with ADHD. Dr. Hinshaw also shares practical ways parents can support their daughters and help them build confidence. Wheth...

Back-to-school with ADHD can feel like a LOT for kids and parents, especially when sleep schedules are off and everyone is adjusting to new routines. In this episode, we’re sharing three practical ways to make the transition easier. And because back-to-school rarely goes exactly as planned, we’re sharing plenty of our own personal stories and laughs from the first week of school in our own homes. ...

ADHD sibling conflict can leave parents feeling like they're constantly playing referee. In this episode, we explore why sibling conflict is so common in families with ADHD, the executive function skills that often fuel these arguments, and practical ways to reduce the fighting while helping your children build skills that last. MEET OUR TEAM We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory a...

One of the biggest fears parents have about ADHD medication is whether it could increase the risk of addiction later in life. In part 2 of our series on ADHD medication, we break down what decades of research actually show, why untreated ADHD carries its own risks, and what every parent should know before making medication decisions. If you've ever worried about stimulants and substance abuse...

ADHD medication and brain development is a topic that raises a lot of big questions for parents. In part 1 of our medication series, we explore what the research says about whether stimulant medication may support healthy brain development in childhood, and what can happen when ADHD symptoms go unsupported over time. If you’ve ever wondered whether medication could help your child in ways that go...

ADHD and screen time can be one of the most challenging topics for families to navigate. In this episode, executive function coach Mike McLeod shares the signs that screens may be interfering with your child's independence, motivation, and executive function development. We also discuss how patterns of parent attention can unintentionally reinforce challenging behaviors and what families can d...

Let’s talk about bedwetting and ADHD. Many parents worry that their child should have outgrown bedwetting by now, but nighttime accidents are often linked to factors beyond a child's control. In this episode, we unpack the strong connection between ADHD and bedwetting, explain why it happens, and when additional medical may be needed. We also share practical tools that can support success at h...

Traveling with ADHD kids can feel like a mix of magical memories, unexpected meltdowns, forgotten chargers, and “why did we think this was a good idea?” moments. In this episode, podcast host and mom Jessica Shaw shares honest stories and practical strategies for traveling with ADHD kids with a little less stress and a lot less pressure. We talk about managing expectations, handling overwhelm, pre...

Summer can be a powerful time to help kids with ADHD feel capable, confident, and useful, not just “kept busy.” In this episode of Shining with ADHD , we are diving into real-life ideas to help your child see themselves as capable contributors. This episode is for parents who want their child to end the summer feeling proud of what they can do, not defeated by another set of expectations or 1,000...

ADHD mom support can feel hard to find, especially when you’re overwhelmed and it seems like no one else "gets it". In this deep episode, we’re talking with Patricia Sung from Motherhood in ADHD about why so many moms feel isolated and what *actually* helps you start building real connection. Patricia shares honest insights about putting yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable...

Early signs of ADHD can show up long before a formal diagnosis, leaving many parents wondering what’s typical and what might need more support. In this episode, we talk through common early challenges like frequent tantrums, sleep struggles, and difficulties across home and school, and how they may connect to ADHD. We also walk through what to do if your child is too young for a diagnosis or you’r...

ADHD sensory issues in kids can show up in everyday moments like getting dressed or sitting down to eat, which can leave parents feeling stuck and confused. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist Madeha Ayub to break down what’s really going on with food and clothing challenges in a way that actually makes sense. She helps us understand the “why” behind these struggles so we can r...

If you’ve already done the meetings, asked for evaluations, followed the usual steps, and still feel like you’re hitting a wall, this episode is for you. ADHD school advocacy can feel exhausting and emotional when you’re trying so hard to get your child the support they need. As professionals (and moms) who have guided hundreds of families through complex school situations, we’re sharing what we’v...

ADHD in middle school can feel like the "perfect storm." If you’re navigating this season and wondering why homework, organization, and the fight for independence suddenly feel harder, this episode is for you. We’re joined by executive function expert Jessi Dall, former teacher and owner of Sophos Academics, to share practical, realistic strategies that actually help. You’ll walk away with...

ADHD and sports can be an amazing opportunity for confidence and connection, but they can also bring big emotions, frustration, and a lot of tough parenting decisions. In this listener Q&A episode, we answer your questions about ADHD and sports, including how to support your child when they lose, when quitting might actually be the right choice, and whether to talk to the coach about an ADHD d...

We are talking with Penny Williams, host of the Beautifully Complex podcast, about ADHD and self-esteem. Penny vulnerably shares how her own social anxiety once made her overly critical, driven by a need for her kids to look “put together” as a reflection of her. We explore how letting go of others’ opinions can be a powerful turning point, especially for parents raising kids with ADHD and autism....

What if building executive function didn’t have to mean adding more to your already-full plate? In this episode, we are sharing five easy ways to boost your child’s executive function… just by doing everyday things you’re probably already doing! From planning a family night, to baking together, or packing for a trip, these real-life moments are packed with opportunities to build skills like planni...

What does ADHD look like in a real classroom, and how can parents and teachers work together to help kids thrive? In this episode, we’re joined by Kristina Manning, a former general education teacher who shares TONS of practical, real-life strategies she has used to support students with ADHD. Kristina gives several whole-class ideas like morning meetings and communication boxes, as well as more i...

Amidst the busy holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in to-do lists and chaos. This special holiday episode is a chance for kids (and their grown-ups!) to slow down and focus on what really matters: kindness and gratitude. Together, you’ll learn how small acts of kindness and moments of gratitude can help our brains feel calm and connected. After listening, take a few minutes to chat about t...

Parenting twice exceptional (2e) kids with ADHD comes with unique challenges and incredible strengths. In this episode, gifted education specialist Chris Wiebe shares practical tips for supporting 2e children, from leaning into their strengths to finding mentors they can connect with. Chris describes how parents can help twice exceptional kids thrive at school and at home. This episode is packed w...

Deciding whether to pursue an ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Parents often wonder if the label will change how teachers see their child, or worry that it might affect their child’s self-esteem. We are talking through what a diagnosis really means, how it can open doors to support, and when it might make sense to wait a little while. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the “should we or s...

In this practical and compassionate episode, we sit down with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, a psychologist and marriage therapist, to talk about the unique dynamics ADHD can bring to relationships. Tracy shares compassionate and practical advice for breaking out of unhealthy patterns, improving communication, and building stronger connections. Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself or parenting alongside...