What if the real reason your child struggles to regulate emotions or stay focused isn't behavior at all? Dr. Marielly Mitchell reveals how airway health, mouth breathing, and sensory processing play a surprising role in brain development. This episode challenges what you think you know about sleep, stress, and why your child just can’t seem to sit still.

What to expect in this episode:

• How sensory integration affects your child's emotional regulation
• The link between airway health, sleep quality, and brain development
• What mouth breathing might reveal about your child's nervous system
• Signs of poor sleep in neurodivergent kids and what to try first
• Why lack of sleep can look like or worsen ADHD symptoms

About Dr. Marielly Mitchell, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, SWC
Dr. Marielly is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy known for her pioneering work in sensory processing, child development, sleep and airway disorders, and feeding and swallowing challenges. Grounded in biology and physiology, her integrative approach combines sensory-motor strategies, sleep, and airway health to support children with ADHD, ASD, and related conditions. As founder of TheraPlay LA, she leads a multidisciplinary team that blends occupational, speech, and airway therapy to help children thrive.

 Connect with Dr. Marielly

• Website: TheraPlayLA 
• Facebook: Doctor Marielly  
• Instagram: @doctormarielly
   

Related Links: 

• Why Sleep Is SO Hard for Neurospicy People (& what to DO about it)
   https://impactparents.com/why-sleep-is-so-hard-for-neurospicy-people-what-to-do-about-it
• ADHD & Sleep pt 2: Getting Kids In & Out of Bed
   https://impactparents.com/adhd-sleep-pt-2-getting-kids-in-out-of-bed
• From Chaos to Calm: Building Sleep Routines for Sensory-Sensitive Kids
   https://impactparents.com/from-chaos-to-calm-building-sleep-routines-for-sensory-sensitive-kids 

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift.


Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/dr.-marielly-mitchell-connecting-sensory-processing-and-sleep-quality

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
 "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics rom the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Struggling with motivation, time management, or emotional outbursts? It might not be what you think. In this episode, we will unpack the real impact of executive function and why it matters more than ever. Tune in to learn what’s really going on behind the behavior, and what parents can do differently starting today.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why executive function affects everything we think, feel, and do 
• Why medication doesn’t actually solve executive function issues and what can help instead
• How to understand the difference between remediation and accommodation at home and in school 
• What self-accommodation really looks like and how to help kids build it 
• Why it's important to support executive function at home and not just rely on IEPs 

 Related Links:

• EP147: Shifting from Nagging to Collaborative Solutions
   https://impactparents.com/collaborative-solutions 
• EP210: Why Smart Kids Struggle in School and What Executive Function Has to Do With It
   https://impactparents.com/why-smart-kids-struggle-in-school-and-what-executive-function-has-to-do-with-it 
• EP220: Tabletop Gaming: Social & Emotional Skills for Neurodiverse Kids
   https://impactparents.com/tabletop-gaming-social-emotional-skills-for-neurodiverse-kids 
  
  

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/executive-function-adhd-what-parents-need-to-know

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
 "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Summary
What if the real breakthrough in parenting starts with you? In this episode, discover how the power of pause, play, and presence can reshape your relationship with your tween. Instead of rushing to fix behavior, you’ll explore how shifting your own approach creates space for growth, connection, and lasting change. Tune in and uncover what truly moves the needle in your family dynamic.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why “driving the car” is a metaphor every parent should understand
• How visual tools and playful structure reduce stress at home
• The surprising power of co-regulation vs. correction
• Why pause practices create more change than fast fixes
• How belief in your child’s ability sets the tone for growth

About Yulia Rafailova
Yulia Rafailova is a coach, speaker, and founder of MindFull Education. She helps parents and adolescents build executive function through mindfulness, collaboration, and personalized strategies. With a background in academic consulting and lived experience with ADHD and anxiety, she brings empathy and insight to every family she supports.

 Connect with Yulia 

• Website: Pause People Coaching | Mindful Education  

About Dan Leibowitz, M.Ed.,M.Sped.,C.E.T.
Dan Leibowitz is an educator, consultant, and parent coach with over 30 years of experience. He supports families in building routines, co-regulation, and emotional self-awareness at home. With advanced degrees in education and training in educational therapy, Dan helps parents shift patterns to foster resilience and independence in kids.

Connect with Dan

• Website: Pause People Coaching | Innovative Learning Services 
   

Related Links: 

• EP135: It’s All About Control: Are You Ready?
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-135-its-all-about-control-are-you-ready
• EP216: ADHD & Memory: It's So Important, I Forgot
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep216-adhd-memory-its-so-important-i-forgot

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/improve-executive-function-and-family-dynamics-in-the-tween-years 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
 "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

What if growing up doesn’t follow a straight line anymore, and that’s perfectly normal? This episode explores the evolving journey of emerging adulthood, the hidden challenges today’s young people face, and how parents can support them without falling into outdated expectations. From delayed independence to collaborative planning, discover why there's no one-size-fits-all path to thriving.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why the path to adulthood looks different now
• What college readiness really means
• How to recognize when your child needs a pause before a plan
• Why collaboration, not control, helps emerging adults thrive
• What many parents misunderstand about the 18–25 experience

 About Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC
Joanna is the founder of Lilley Consulting, where she helps emerging adults (18–29) who are struggling with the transition to independence. With a Master’s in Counseling from West Virginia University and over a decade of experience in wilderness therapy, college recovery programs, and academic support, she specializes in connecting young adults with the right therapeutic and wellness resources. Joanna is known for her honest, empathetic, and solution-focused approach. She also hosts the Success is Subjective podcast, highlighting non-linear paths to adulthood and the complex realities facing today’s young adults.
 

Connect with Joanna

• Website: Lilley Consulting
• LinkedIn: Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC 
• Facebook: Lilley Consulting
• YouTube: Lilley Consulting / Success is Subjective Podcast
• Podcast: Lilley Consulting
  
   

Related Links: 

• EP144: Helping Young Adults get back on Track
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-144-helping-young-adults-get-back-on-track/id1565976964?i=1000641123620
• EP213: Life After 18: Unique Paths for Neurodivergent Young Adults
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep213-life-after-18-unique-paths-for-neurodivergent/id1565976964?i=1000706653868

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-support-young-adults-through-nonlinear-life-paths 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.
Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Homework struggles aren’t always about motivation. Sometimes, the biggest obstacles are invisible, like executive function challenges or stress overload. In this episode, we will discover what’s really going on when kids avoid or resist assignments, why your go-to solutions might not be working, and how to take a fresh approach that actually helps. If you’re tired of nagging and want a smarter way forward, this is your next listen.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why executive function impacts every stage of the homework process
• The 12 invisible steps kids must take to complete and turn in homework
• How stress, motivation, and “effort tax” complicate even simple assignments
• Why planners fail and what to do instead
• When buy-in matters more than strategy

 Related Links:

• The Power of Good Enough: Progress Over Perfection
  https://impactparents.com/the-power-of-good-enough-progress-over-perfection 
• Why Smart Kids Struggle in School and What Executive Function Has to Do With It
  https://impactparents.com/why-smart-kids-struggle-in-school-and-what-executive-function-has-to-do-with-it 
• ADHD & Memory: It’s So Important, I Forgot
  https://impactparents.com/adhd-memory-its-so-important-i-forgot 
  
  

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/why-homework-is-hard-executive-function-stress-and-real-solutions

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

What if the change your child needs starts with you? This episode explores how rethinking your role through an attachment lens can unlock new ways to connect, support, and truly understand your child. Discover what happens when you stop trying to fix and start seeing differently. You may never look at parenting the same way again.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why real change begins when caregivers feel just as empowered as their kids
• How an attachment-based lens helps reframe behavior and connection
• What reflective parenting looks like and why it builds trust over time
• How to move from “fixing” to truly listening and understanding
• Why belonging matters more than we think in classrooms and homes

About Tania Johnson, R.Psych
Tania is a registered psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. Originally from South Africa, she holds an Honours degree in psychology and a Master’s in counselling from City University of Seattle. Tania brings a global perspective to her work, having taught in Taiwan and trained at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago. A former foster parent and current supervisor for emerging clinicians, she draws from attachment theory to support meaningful connections between children and caregivers. Tania is known for turning research into practical strategies that parents can apply in daily life.
 

Connect with Tania

• Website: Institute of Child Psychology 
• Facebook: Institute of Child Psychology 
• Instagram: instituteofchildpsych 
• YouTube: Institute of Child Psychology 
  
  

Related Links:

• EP153: Trusting Complex Kids & Helping Them Trust Us
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-153-trusting-complex-kids-helping-them-trust-us/id1565976964?i=1000648999971
• EP207: Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversations
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep207-rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the/id1565976964?i=1000700897363

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-build-trust-and-emotional-security-in-kids 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Struggling to get things done might not be about effort; it could be something deeper. Psychologist Ari Tuckman uncovers the emotional roadblocks behind productivity, from shame to decision paralysis. Discover how to rethink prioritization and tap into meaningful motivation. A must-listen for anyone who wants to work smarter, not just harder.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why productivity struggles often start with emotional roadblocks, not lack of effort
• How to figure out what’s really getting in the way when you’re stuck
• What it means to define a problem clearly before jumping to solutions
• Why learning to say “no” is a productivity skill, not just a boundary
• What “deep work” is and how to protect your best focus time

About Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA
Dr. Tuckman is a psychologist, sex therapist, international presenter, and respected ADHD thought leader based in West Chester, PA. He specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD, as well as working with couples on intimacy and relationship dynamics. A former board member and current conference committee co-chair for CHADD, Ari is the author of five books, including The ADHD Productivity Manual. He has been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, NPR, The New York Times, USA Today, and The Washington Post.

Connect with Ari

• Website: Ari Tuckman 

Check out Ari Tuckman’s latest book, The ADHD Productivity Manual, and more on his website, like:

• Understand Your Brain, Get More Done: The ADHD Executive Functions Workbook
• The ADHD Productivity Manual
• ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship

Related Links: 

• EP163: How to Stop Fixing So You Can Start Helping
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-163-how-to-stop-fixing-so-you-can-start-helping/id1565976964?i=1000656348462 
• EP172: The Parent Paradox: Avoid 'Fix-It Mode' for Better Problem-Solving https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-172-the-parent-paradox-avoid-fix-it-mode-for/id1565976964?i=1000663157748 
• EP202: ADHD Can Help You Succeed in Unexpected Ways with Ari Tuckman, Psy.D.
  https://impactparents.com/adhd-can-help-you-succeed-in-unexpected-ways-with-ari-tuckman

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/adhd-and-productivity-how-to-work-smarter-not-harder

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.
Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Back-to-school season brings more than sharpened pencils and new routines. It is a full-spectrum shift in structure, emotion, and identity. This episode unpacks what is really happening beneath the surface for both kids and parents during this transition. From resistance to readiness, discover why slowing down, tuning in, and getting curious might be the most powerful back-to-school tools of all.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why structure can feel empowering for some and exhausting for others
• How to partner effectively with teachers (without overwhelming them)
• Why flexible systems beat rigid rules in times of transition
• What emotional cues to watch for as your child returns to school
• How parents can pace themselves with a “marathon mindset”

 Related Links:

• When Smart Kids Don’t Get Good Grades
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-074-when-smart-kids-dont-get-good-grades/id1565976964?i=1000578651822
• Success! Curiosity & the Coach-Approach Transformed the Tone of Her Home
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-114-success-curiosity-the-coach-approach/id1565976964?i=1000616932094
• How Do I Get My Kids to Talk to Me? 4 Communication Tools
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-138-how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk-to-me-4-communication-tools/id1565976964?i=1000636865856
• The Parent Paradox: Avoid 'Fix-It Mode' for Better Problem-Solving
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-172-the-parent-paradox-avoid-fix-it-mode-for/id1565976964?i=1000663157748 
• Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversations  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep207-rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the/id1565976964?i=1000700897363 
   

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/structure-time-back-to-school-with-systems-that-work

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

What if doing nothing is exactly what your nervous system needs? In this episode, meditation teacher Jeff Warren joins the conversation to explore mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the power of presence. Learn why fewer thoughts can mean fewer problems and how simple grounding moments can shift the way you parent. This isn’t about fixing; it’s about noticing, being, and allowing space for something new to emerge.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why fewer thoughts lead to fewer problems and a calmer nervous system
• What happens in the brain when we pause and breathe
• How mindfulness helps regulate emotions in both kids and parents
• When to use short grounding practices and why consistency matters
• How to model calm presence for your kids during meltdowns

About Jeff Warren
Jeff is a meditation teacher, author, and neurodiversity advocate known for his engaging and down-to-earth approach to mindfulness. He is the co-author of “Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics,” founder of the Consciousness Explorers Club, and co-host of the Mind Bod Adventure Pod. Jeff’s guided meditations reach millions through platforms like Ten Percent Happier, Calm, YouTube, and his Substack Home Base. With lived experience of ADHD and bipolar, Jeff brings a neurodiverse, stigma-free perspective to his mission of making mental health care through meditation accessible, practical, and empowering for everyone.

Connect with Jeff

• Website: Jeff Warren 
• Podcast: The Mind Bod Adventure Pod
• Instagram: @_jeffwarren_
• Facebook: Jeff Warren
• Substack: Home Base with Jeff Warren
   

Related Links: 

• Are You Unflappable? Adapting to Parent Stress, Grief, Change, and More
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-171-are-you-unflappable-adapting-to-parent-stress/id1565976964?i=1000662477347 

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/simplifying-mindfulness-and-how-to-start-small

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents
  
  

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Today’s kids are growing up online, and parenting hasn’t kept pace. In this episode, Betsy Bozdech from Common Sense Media unpacks the real challenges of raising digital natives. From screen time to AI, the conversation dives into what families need to know but rarely talk about. If you think tech is the problem, think again.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why technology is not just a distraction, but a lifeline for today’s kids
• How digital life blends with real life for digital natives
• What parents need to understand before removing screens as punishment
• Why modeling healthy tech habits is more powerful than strict rules
• How to build trust and safety around online exposure, even when kids see things too soon
  
  

About Betsy Bozdech, MSJ
Betsy is the editorial director and head of ratings and reviews at Common Sense Media, where she’s spent nearly two decades helping families navigate the digital world with clarity and confidence. With a background in both parenting and entertainment media, she brings a unique lens to evaluating content and guiding parents through today’s complex tech landscape. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Betsy’s career has included roles at BabyCenter, Reel.com, AOL’s Digital City, and Netflix. She has also served as a film festival juror, Comic-Con panel moderator, and is a member of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists.

Connect with Betsy

• Website: Common Sense Media
•  LinkedIn: Betsy Bozdech 
• Instagram: @betsyboz 
• Bluesky: Betsy Bozdech
• Thread: @betsyboz 

Related Links: 

• Tech Overwhelm & The Metaverse
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-050-tech-overwhelm-the-metaverse/id1565976964?i=1000554934192
• Teaching Kids To Be Responsible With Technology
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-067-teaching-kids-to-be-responsible-with-technology/id1565976964?i=1000570541922 

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/screen-time-safety-and-smart-tech-use-with-common-sense-media

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents
  
  

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com