Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

Many parents worry that talking about sex, boundaries, consent, or online exposure will open doors too early—but real-world clinical experience shows the opposite. In this episode, Logan McIlwain explains why ongoing, everyday conversations actually reduce risky behavior and help kids feel safer turning to their parents instead of the internet.

Dana Kay brings a deeply personal perspective as a mom of a teen and a tween, naming the fear so many parents quietly carry: "Am I too early… or already too late?" Logan gently dismantles the pressure to get it perfect and replaces it with a more sustainable truth—presence matters more than perfection.

You'll learn how to use everyday "micro-moments" to build trust, how to respond calmly to sensitive questions, and how to reset conversations even if you feel behind. This episode is especially meaningful for parents of neurodivergent kids, where impulsivity and online exposure can make these conversations feel even heavier.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

• Logan McIlwain: https://loganlcsw.com/
• Parent Parkway Book - https://amzn.to/4b2R1cD

KEY TAKEAWAYS [03:00] Why this episode isn't about biology—but real-world parenting [05:46] How inherited discomfort shapes today's parenting fears [07:16] Why parents don't need all the answers [08:30] What happens when parents stay silent [12:30] Why micro-conversations beat "the big talk" [16:15] The myth that talking leads to risky behavior [19:27] Handling unexpected, sensitive questions calmly [28:50] Resetting conversations when you feel behind [29:26] Logan's one actionable parenting tip

MEMORABLE MOMENTS "If you don't talk about these things with your children, Instagram will." "We don't have to be perfect." "Kids feel like parents talk at them." "Circle back. That matters." "You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be present." "Understanding comes before teaching."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

A child can appear calm on a screen and unravel seconds after it turns off. That reaction isn't bad behavior or poor discipline — it's a nervous system crash driven by dopamine, overstimulation, and an abrupt loss of regulation.

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay sits down with Sondra Bakinde and Mariana Gordon, co-founders of Mindful Mantis, to unpack what's really happening in a child's brain and body during screen time. They explain why screens activate the sympathetic nervous system, how dopamine crashes trigger fight-flight-freeze responses, and why kids with ADHD feel these shifts even more intensely.

You'll learn how to spot early signs of dysregulation before meltdowns erupt, why restriction alone often backfires, and how simple transitions can support a child's nervous system instead of overwhelming it. Sondra and Mariana share practical, realistic tools — including bridging the dopamine gap, predictable transitions, connection before direction, and their Pause & Play Method — all designed for real families, not perfect ones.

If screen time feels like a daily struggle in your home, this episode will help you reframe what's happening and respond with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

Links Mentioned in the Show

• https://www.themindfulmantis.com
• https://www.instagram.com/themindfulmantisinc

Key Takeaways [01:21] Why parents immediately blame themselves [02:13] Why this isn't a discipline issue [04:39] How screens pull energy out of the body [06:04] The dopamine crash explained [08:27] Fight, flight, or freeze in kids [11:16] Why ADHD intensifies screen reactions [14:42] Early warning signs parents often miss [18:11] Recovery vs restriction after screens [20:06] Bridging the dopamine gap [29:56] The Pause & Play Method introduced [36:53] One grounding step parents can try today

Memorable Moments "I am literally dealing with a feral raccoon in a human body." "Screens pull energy outward into the eyes, the mind, the nervous system." "That sudden shift can feel very threatening." "The body whispers before it shouts." "We focus less on restriction and more on recovery." "Urgency feels like danger. Slowness feels like safety." "Never end stimulation without grounding."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Imagine sitting on your front porch, enjoying a quiet moment after school drop-off, only to suddenly find yourself in the grip of a panic attack—not because something went wrong, but because nothing went wrong. For Lara, this was the reality of parental PTSD. After years of daily phone calls, school expulsions, and crisis management, her nervous system had forgotten how to feel safe in the calm.

In this emotional episode, Lara shares her family's incredible journey from "survival mode" to thriving. She opens up about her son Oliver, who was once on three different medications and struggling with severe meltdowns and aggression. Lara candidly discusses the turning point that occurred during a family vacation, the step-by-step nutritional changes that transformed their lives, and the joy of finally taking a family trip to a museum without fear of a public incident.

Listen in to learn how Lara weaned her son off medication with doctor support, how she and her husband navigated their own healing, and why the silence after the storm can sometimes be the hardest adjustment of all.

Key Takeaways [04:45] Early Signs of Dysregulation - Lara describes the extreme rage cycles and daily meltdowns that began when Oliver was just two years old. [06:12] School Struggles - The heartbreaking reality of being dismissed from multiple preschools and eventually a public school due to severe behavioral challenges. [12:14] The Medication Load - Oliver was on three medications—Abilify, Celexa, and various stimulants—yet the family was still "drowning in emotional roller coasters." [13:57] The Turning Point - How a YouTube video discovered during a desperate family vacation in Florida shifted everything for Lara and her husband. [18:27] Tackling Overwhelm with Baby Steps - Why eliminating one food group at a time—and not striving for perfection—was the key to making dietary changes sustainable. [28:57] Feeling Again - The powerful moment when Oliver verbally expressed anger for the first time after coming off numbing mood stabilizers. [31:03] New Freedom as a Family - The family's ability to travel to Washington D.C. and visit museums without fear of elopement, aggression, or major dysregulation. [33:33] Parental PTSD - Lara shares her "porch story," describing a panic attack triggered simply because the school didn't call with an emergency. [39:01] A Mindset Shift That Helps - Lara reminds parents that children are born with all the emotions—but not yet the skills to manage them.

Memorable Moments "We ran into several mothers along our path and that was the best support for me because I could talk to them about what was going on and they didn't look at me like, what are you doing wrong?" "We tried everything else. This makes sense to me… This is our chance." "I remember the first time he said, 'I feel so mad'… This poor kid was so numbed and dulled that he had all these things going on, but he wasn't able to say how he felt." "I was just there and I felt a panic… I really thought I was gonna die… I experienced a panic attack, and I don't know why. There's nothing to worry about. My son is doing great." "Lara, your nervous system is in fight or flight, and your brain still thinks you need to fight or flight."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if the biggest struggle your child faces isn't motivation at all, but a hidden set of brain-based skills that help them start tasks, stay organized, manage time, regulate emotions, and follow through? These are executive function skills and for kids with ADHD, they can feel nearly impossible to access.

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay welcomes executive function expert Hannah Bookbinder, a licensed social worker and educator with almost 30 years of experience helping ADHD kids build these skills in practical, meaningful ways. Hannah explains what executive function really is, how ADHD derails it, and why even the brightest, most capable kids often feel defeated by daily routines.

Together, Dana and Hannah break down simple, real-world strategies families can begin using right away, from training time awareness, to using visual cues, to building routines that actually stick. Hannah also shares the story behind her new book and the MyToad App, a tool designed to teach time management, organization, accountability, and focus in one supportive space.

If your child struggles with getting started, staying organized, remembering steps, or managing overwhelm, this conversation will leave you feeling understood, encouraged, and equipped with practical tools to help your child thrive.

Links Mentioned in the Show▶ MyToad App: https://mytoadapp.com ▶ ADHD Symptom Reduction Tool: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool

Connect with Hannah

▶ Website: https://mytoadapp.com ▶ Facebook: @mytoadapp ▶ Instagram: @mytoad_llc ▶ Pinterest: @mytoadllc

Key Takeaways [00:45] Invisible executive skills can make or break daily routines. [02:07] Hannah's 30-year journey supporting ADHD kids. [02:57] What executive function is — and isn't. [04:59] Understanding age appropriateness and expectations. [07:37] Validating kids' emotional exhaustion and defeat. [09:59] "Now vs. Not Now" — ADHD and urgency. [11:15] Working memory breakdowns explained. [12:23] Simple strategy: time-estimation training. [13:27] Sticky notes and mirror cues for daily routines. [18:08] Why MyToad App was created. [20:38] How the app personalizes executive function support. [23:18] Partnership and curiosity in parenting ADHD.

Memorable Moments "Every morning... shoes were missing, homework was not done, panic attacks at the door."

"What exactly are executive function skills…? How they don't show up in kids with ADHD."

"Emotionally, they often walk in my door very defeated."

"It's either now or not now."

"Put your phone in airplane mode… no pings, no dings, no bloops."

"Make your own shower podcast…"

"This is a partnership — especially when your child has a special need."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

If you're trying to support your child with ADHD naturally and feel overwhelmed by where to start, this episode is for you.

ADHD health practitioner Dana Kay shares the three podcast episodes every parent should listen to first. She explains exactly where she would send you if you were sitting together over coffee asking one simple question: "Where do I even start?"

Dana breaks down why understanding what's really driving ADHD is the foundation, why traditional ADHD treatments don't always lead to lasting change, and why hearing another parent's real journey can shift everything. These three episodes help parents stop chasing every new solution, start seeing patterns instead of isolated problems, and finally feel grounded in what actually helps their child thrive.

If you're new to The Soaring Child Podcast or feeling stuck, confused, or exhausted, this episode gives you clarity, direction, and a starting point that actually makes sense. Dana also shares a glimpse of what's coming in the new year and why it may change how you see your child and their ADHD journey. Links Mentioned in the Show

3 of the Best Soaring Child Podcast Episodes: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-166/ ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-111/ ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-178/

Key Takeaways [00:49] Why more information doesn't always bring clarity [01:06] The power of focusing on the "right three" resources [02:07] Why this episode avoids hacks and protocols [02:26] What's happening beneath ADHD behaviors [02:58] Why this episode is the foundation for everything else [03:02] How understanding root causes brings steadiness [06:27] Seeing patterns instead of isolated problems [06:48] Why this perspective changes where parents put their energy

Memorable Moments "More information does not equal more clarity." "Sometimes you need just the right three." "No hacks, no protocols, no checklist." "That explains so much." "This is the foundation episode." "Things start lining up in a way that feels really steady." "You start seeing patterns instead of isolated problems."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Let's be honest, public school wasn't designed for kids with ADHD. Too often, these kids are labeled, misunderstood, and pushed into systems that don't fit how their brains learn best. But what if the problem isn't your child, but the system itself?

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, ADHD health practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Method for Kids speaks with Leslie Dernberger, founder of Aspire Education, mom of four, and one of the nation's leading experts in K–12 education for neurodiverse learners. Drawing on her legal background and over a decade of experience helping families, Leslie unpacks why traditional schooling often fails ADHD kids and what parents can do about it.

From understanding homeschool laws and navigating deschooling, to structuring the day and busting common misconceptions, this episode is filled with practical guidance and encouragement. Whether you're curious about homeschooling, exploring hybrid options, or just want to better support your child's learning, this conversation will give you hope and actionable tools.

Links Mentioned in the Show:▶ Aspire Education: https://www.aspireeducation.us/ ▶ Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): https://hslda.org Key Takeaways: [00:00] Public school isn't built for many ADHD learners andwhy fit-the-mold systems backfire. [02:37] Meet Leslie Dirnberger (Aspire Education): mom of four, homeschool veteran, legal background, supports thousands of families. [04:23] The "catalyst event": what finally pushes parents to seek alternatives. [06:03] Spotting the signal: "the spark is gone" and nothing at school is fixing it. [07:16] First steps legally: understand your state's rules; public vs. private education; where homeschooling fits. [10:05] Deschooling 101: reset the parent first; museum/nature learning to reconnect. [13:38] Foundation step: define "a good education" as a family; ask kids what learning should look like. [15:24] Myth-busting socialization: why homeschoolers often get better real-world social practice. [18:30] Colleges love homeschoolers: time management, self-advocacy, executive function. [26:27] Standardized tests miss the mark, especially for ADHD, focus on mastery instead.

Memorable Moments: "The truth is, your child doesn't need to be fixed. They need an education that actually fits their brain." "There is a catalyst event that has occurred that creates a situation that the parents go, wait a second, let's take a step back here." "The spark has gone out, the light has gone out of their eyes and the parents know something's wrong." "The hardest part of homeschooling? Looking myself in the mirror and challenging my own beliefs." "What does a good education look like for your family and for your children?" "Nothing could be further from the truth — homeschoolers are often better socialized." "Colleges love homeschoolers because they know how to manage their time and advocate for themselves." "Accreditation is a game. It is absolutely garbage. It doesn't mean a thing." "Everything is geared towards standardized testing in government schools. And that's why they're in a box and they ram it through, which is terrible for ADHD kids." "Your children can own their own education and advocate for themselves at school."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Is it normal…or is it ADHD?

That's the question that keeps so many parents of neurodivergent kids up at night, especially when old behaviors resurface after months or years of progress.

In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay, board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, 2X international bestselling author, and mom of a child with ADHD, opens up about the emotional whiplash that can come with raising a neurodiverse child.

She shares what it's like to second-guess every behavior, even the ones that might just be typical childhood moments. Tune in to discover the difference between developmentally typical behavior and patterns that signal deeper dysregulation.

Links Mentioned in the Show

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/breakfastguide ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplements ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/parenting ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book

Key Takeaways with Timestamps

[00:16] Why calm can trigger panic for ADHD parents [02:41] The "Is this normal or ADHD?" fear spiral [04:27] What counts as developmentally typical behavior [06:05] When patterns—not moments—signal deeper concerns [06:53] Why one meltdown feels heavier after progress [08:26] A client story: panic when the school didn't call [10:12] Why children (and adults) naturally have off days [11:34] How biology—gut, nutrients, inflammation—affects behavior [12:20] Questions parents can ask when behaviour worries them [14:17] Why hyperactive boyhood isn't pathology [16:42] Tracking patterns over time rather than reacting to one-offs [18:13] Validation that every parent needs to hear

Memorable Moments with Timestamps (Exact Quotes)

"If peace somehow feels unsafe, it's not your fault."

"I felt my whole body tighten… that hot flush that runs through every bone in your body."

"One school phone call… and we spiral."

"That fear doesn't mean everything is unraveling. It means that you care."

"Progress hits harder when you finally experience peace."

"For years, silence meant brace yourself—something bad's coming."

"It means they're human children."

"We've been conditioned to expect our children to behave better than most adults do."

"These aren't signs of ADHD symptoms returning—these are signs of life."

"Let them be messy. Let them be human. Let them be in process."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if the words you speak in frustration are slowly eroding the relationship you most want to protect?

In this deeply honest episode, Dana Kay welcomes back Ashley Gobeil, our resident child and family therapist, to explore how parents can repair, reconnect, and rebuild trust after conflict. Ashley shares why ADHD behaviors are rooted in nervous-system dysregulation and why healing begins when parents learn to co-regulate and model emotional accountability.

Together, they unpack why traditional reward and punishment systems backfire, how to set firm yet compassionate boundaries, and what "connection before correction" looks like in everyday moments. Listeners will hear moving examples of repair conversations, simple regulation tools, and encouraging reminders that it's never too late to change the tone in your home.

This episode will leave parents feeling seen, hopeful, and empowered to begin healing their own family patterns—one calm, connected moment at a time.

Links Mentioned in the Show ▶ ADHD Thrive Jumpstart for Parenting → https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/parenting ▶ Ashley Gobeil → https://ashleychildtherapies.com.au ▶ Parenting ADHD Teens Calmly with Ashley Gobeil - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/177-parenting-adhd-teens-calmly-with-ashley-gobiel/id1619834565?i=1000728325539

Key Takeaways: [02:35] Kids with ADHD require a different parenting lens rooted in nervous-system awareness. [05:50] Parents co-regulate their children's nervous systems every day. [09:30] Teens turn to peers when trust and repair are missing. [12:45] "Connection before correction" changes the tone of discipline. [18:30] Controlling and fear-based models collapse as teens seek independence. [19:20] How to apologize and repair without losing authority. [25:10] Don't take "I hate you!" personally — hear the emotion beneath the words. [26:50] Why authenticity is more regulating than forced calm. [32:10] Learn your own triggers to break generational cycles. [39:20] Ashley's final tip: "Drop everything and connect — say 'I love you no matter what.'"

Memorable Moments: "If I spoke to my friends the way I speak to my child, I'd have no friends left."

"We hold the keys to our child's nervous system."

"They're not giving you a hard time, they're having a hard time."

"It's never too late to repair."

"Connection before correction, that phrase will be your friend."

"I'd rather parents choose authenticity over calm."

"Go connect and say 'I love you no matter what.'"

Connect with Ashley:

▶ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healing_with_ashley ▶ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gobeil.50 ▶ Website – https://ashleychildtherapies.com.au

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Ultra-processed food isn't just junk. It's engineered to hijack kids' brains, emotions, and habits. But what happens when kids themselves decide to fight back?

In this powerful episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with four inspiring brothers, Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari, known as The Holistic Kids. They are leading a wellness revolution for their generation. These young changemakers, ages 10 to 17, have ditched junk food, launched their own health podcast, and co-authored The Teen Health Revolution, a guidebook helping kids reclaim their health, energy, and focus naturally.

From gut health and brain function to emotional balance and community leadership, this conversation reveals how small changes in food and mindset can spark massive transformation. Whether you're a parent looking for hope or a teen ready to make a difference, this episode will remind you that true change starts young and it's absolutely possible.

▶ The Holistic Kids Show Podcast▶The Teen Health Revolution Book▶The Holistic Kids Show Website▶ADHD Thrive Institute

Connect with The Holistic Kids:

▶ Website: theholistickidsshow.com ▶ Instagram: @holistickidsshow ▶ Facebook: facebook.com/theholistickidsshow ▶ Book: theteenhealthrevolution.com ▶ Apple Podcasts: The Holistic Kids Show ▶ Spotify: The Holistic Kids Show

Key Takeaways:

[00:00] Ultra-processed food and how it hijacks children's brains [02:11] Meet The Holistic Kids — the brothers leading a food revolution [04:18] The science behind junk food addiction and marketing to kids [06:27] Navigating peer pressure and eating healthy at school [09:17] Why eating color and real food matters for brain and body [12:18] "You are what you eat" — microbiome explained in simple terms [14:13] The gut-brain connection and ADHD [17:16] The smoothie trick: how their mom made healthy food fun [19:54] Inside The Teen Health Revolution book [22:25] Inspiring kids everywhere to take charge of their health

Memorable Moments:

"Ultra-processed food is like a science experiment — not real food."

"Eating real food is weird now, and that's sad."

"Food is medicine, food is power."

"If you eat junk, you're going to turn out as junk."

"What you put in your gut affects your brain — even ADHD."

"It starts with breakfast — that's where change begins."

"We just want teens to take back control of their bodies and lives."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if your child could tell you, in their own words, what it feels like to thrive with ADHD?

In this inspiring episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with 10-year-old Cain Runyan, a graduate of the ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids, to hear his firsthand story of transformation — from daily meltdowns and dysregulation to calm, confidence, and joy.

Cain shares what it was like before the program, at the age of 6, how changing his diet and learning about his body helped him feel more in control, and how he navigates social moments when others eat foods he can't. His honesty and wisdom are beyond his years, offering parents an inside look at what it's like for a child to not just follow a plan , but truly own their progress.

Whether you're feeling uncertain about natural approaches for your child or just need hope from another child who's lived it, this episode will show you what's possible when kids are empowered to thrive.

▶ ADHD Thrive Institute▶ Free Breakfast Guide▶ Dye-Free for ADHD Course▶ Book a Free Consultation

Key Takeaways:

[01:07] Meet Cain Runyan and hear what life was like before the ADHD Thrive Method

[03:13] The frustration of wanting to have a good day but feeling out of control

[04:24] Finding peace with food differences and learning to see them as something positive

[06:30] How Cain's mom helped him feel included with healthy alternatives at parties

[09:37] How the program changed his mindset and helped him take ownership of his health

[10:09] Understanding what was going wrong and how diet made everything click

[12:56] Feeling calmer, more focused, and in control of emotions

[14:54] Cain's powerful message to other kids: "All of this is worth it."

[17:57] Cain's health tip for families — "If you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't get it."

[20:31] Dana's emotional closing and encouragement for parents ready to start their own journey

Memorable Moments:

"I just wanted to have a good day, but my body wouldn't let me."

"Everything really happens for a reason. Maybe this was meant to be."

"There are a bunch of things that taste exactly the same or better."

"This program really helped because it figured out what was going wrong."

"It feels calmer. It feels easier to block out some things."

"All this is worth it. Even if you have to do things you don't want to do, you'll feel better in the end."

"If you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't get it."

"I was nervous at first, but then it felt like going down a spring — it just flowed."

"If you're ready to start helping your own child feel better in their body and brain…"

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/