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/steps
Free 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.larkey
Facebook: Sue Larkey
Website: 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 danger
32:23 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 @kristimcvee
Facebook - Kristi McVee or Capeaust
TikTok @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/about
Facebook: @iamjeniferbreaux
Instagram: @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 journey
07:53 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 - @mitchellmitchellwebsite
Facebook - @michellemitchellauthor
IG - 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_heysigmund
Website: 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:@todaywewrite
Website: 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 Ward
Website: 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: @alongtheirway
Facebook: @alongtheirway
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/alongtheirway/
Website: https://alongtheirway.com/