ADHD Mums

80. Executive Function, School Stress, and Support That Actually Works with Sue Larkey


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Ever feel like you’re the only one holding everything together - school schedules, emotional meltdowns, forgotten socks, and all? And somehow, despite all that effort, your child’s teacher still doesn’t quite get it?

You’re not imagining it - and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, Jane sits down with educator and special ed expert Sue Larkey to talk about what really helps when school feels like a battle, your kid is stuck in ADHD paralysis, and you’re just trying to make it to bedtime without losing it.

💬 “None of your strategies will work unless you build a relationship first - at home or at school.” – Sue Larkey

Whether you’re navigating teacher conflicts, trying to avoid another morning meltdown, or carrying the entire family’s mental load, this conversation is packed with real talk and practical ideas that actually work.

What We Cover:
  • Why parents are the experts in their own child (and how to help teachers hear you)
  • Building better teacher relationships - especially after a tricky start
  • Why you need someone in the school leadership team on your side
  • The Four Positives to One Negative rule (and how it helps with teachers and partners)
  • Executive function in real life: school bags, time blindness, overwhelm, and more
  • Supporting independence without micromanaging (yes, it’s possible)
  • What to do when your kid hits a wall (a.k.a. ADHD paralysis and autistic inertia)


Your child doesn’t just need support at school or at home—they need connection between both worlds. This episode helps you build that bridge, without burning out.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Sue Larkey's website

Sue Larkey's Instagram

Anne Tullemans Books

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at [email protected].

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EP:

ADHD, executive function, ADHD paralysis, autistic inertia, parent teacher relationships, school stress, emotional regulation, ADHD kids, neurodivergent parenting, ADHD mums, supporting neurodivergent children, time blindness, micromanaging kids, building independence, teacher communication, ADHD school support, overwhelmed mums, executive dysfunction, ADHD routines, PDA parenting, ADHD strategies, school anxiety, ADHD meltdowns, homework battles, school transitions, supporting ADHD at school, neurodivergent family life, ADHD podcast for mums

Mentioned in this episode:

A Mum’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Diagnosis and Helping Others ‘Get It’

A Child’s Diagnosis: A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others ‘Get It’

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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ADHD MumsBy Jane McFadden

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