ADHD Families Podcast

• Episode 57: Real Strategies for ADHD in the Classroom

  👀 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

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• Episode 56: Secrets to Managing Challenging Behaviours with Dave Jereb

  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

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• Episode 55: ADHD Habit Hack with Monique Suidgeest

  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

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• Ep 54 - Kindness in Action: Tony and Cassi's Journey to Transform ADHD Support

  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

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• Ep 53 - Navigating teens, ADHD and connection with Maggie Dent

  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

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