The ADHDads

The ADHDads

By The ADHDadsParentingKids & Family
Download on the App Store

The ADHDads episodes

  • Neurodiversity: A Year Into Our Journey

    It's been a year since we started The ADHDads podcast. Thank you for your support! In today's episode, we reflect on our first year, what we've learned, and how we grew through the process. We discuss the benefits of receiving a diagnosis and the support that can come with it. With all we've learned, we have so much more in store, with deep dives into neurodiversity, skills building, family and interpersonal relationships, and so much more.

    Thank you for your support during this first year of the podcast! We are grateful to continue to deliver to you a glimpse into life from our places in the world, and the major life lessons that we all grow from. You can support our podcast by leaving a review, or accessing the link below.

    1 hr 3 min
  • Origins Curriculum with Genevieve King

    Genevieve King is the founder and CEO of Origins Curriculum, a program developed to provide innovative eco-conscious education solutions that inspire and equip schools and educators in environmental awareness and sustainability. She is a long-time entrepreneur from the Flathead Reservation in beautiful western Montana where she grew up immersed in and connected to nature. Genevieve has over 25 years experience in early childhood education and an extensive background in environmental sustainability. She majored in Environmental Journalism and obtained her CDA credentials as well as her Preschool Teaching Certification.

    Today Genevieve discusses with the Dads the major benefits of interconnected education, sustainability, and connecting with nature. How does this type of education, whether at school or at home, help our children with neurodiversity? Genevieve provides some great insights that we and our children can all benefit from exploring.

    Origins Curriculum is currently having a December sale. You can choose either 20% off for four months, or first month free as well as 15% off items in their store. Please access the following links for more:

    EXLORATORY COURSES (Masterclass for Kids Collaboration)

    ECO EDUCATOR COURSE (for parents and educators of all ages)

    https://www.instagram.com/origins.curriculum

    https://www.tiktok.com/@origins.curriculum

    https://www.facebook.com/origins.curriculum

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieveking/

    DECEMBER SALE


    Thank you for your support during our first year as The ADHDads! If you like the show, and would be so kind to give us a positive review on your platform of choice, it would help us to find a larger audience. If you have an idea you’d like to hear us discuss, or would like to contribute in any way, please reach out to us at theadhdads.com. Happy holidays!



    52 min
  • Inside My Brain with Emma Leigh Rivera

    Today the Dads welcome Emma Leigh Rivera to the show. Emma provides a glimpse into what it looks like for her to navigate and view the world post autism diagnosis as an adult. She also provides us with a look into the past and how an autism diagnosis plays a part in living out memories.

    Emma found a great opportunity in theater and writing that helped her navigate social dynamics, past traumas, and more. Be sure to listen to what owning and learning about your autism means to Emma.

    Thank you for your support. We are excited for the holidays, and are in a season of gratitude. We appreciate the time you spend with us each week. For more, check out theadhdads.com.

    48 min
  • I Have ADHD with Kristen Carder

    Kristen Carder is an ADHD expert, a top podcast host, and an internationally-recognized life coach for adults with ADHD. She joins the Dads for an intimate and personal discussion on ADHD.

    What does treatment for ADHD look like? How do we make the treatment “worth it?” What support do you have in your life? Is ADHD a superpower? Be sure to listen to our conversation with Kristen as we directly address these very important matters and misconceptions in the world of ADHD, and discuss why we must take great care of what we say and believe.

    Kristen’s extensive experience supporting people with ADHD began in 2012, and for the last four years she has provided coaching and consulting to thousands of ADHD adults. 

    ADHD is not a buzz word to Kristen Carder, it's her life's work. She started studying ADHD and its effect on adults long before it was trending on TikTok, and has had the privilege of learning directly from the leading psychiatrists and psychologists in the ADHD industry. 

    Kristen’s life’s purpose is to help adults with ADHD accept themselves and move from Point A to Point B. She does this through the I Have ADHD Podcast and her group coaching program, FOCUSED.

    You can use your gifts to be awesome in this life. To also have the privilege of great support will only further your strengths. We are grateful to share this wonderful conversation with Kristen today. As always, thank you for your support. For more, check out theadhdads.com.

    ihaveadhd.com



    1 hr 2 min
  • Encouraging Empathy

    What tools and strategies do you use when teaching and practicing empathy? How do you encourage empathy in your neurodiverse children? This week the guys continue discussing empathy. As any parent of a neurodiverse kid knows, encouraging empathy can be a challenge. The guys dive into useful tools and resources that have helped them along their journey, and offer tips and tricks for planting a seed of empathy in our kiddos and having the patience and persistence to watch it grow. 

    For more content check out TheADHDads.com.

    And thanks for your support!


    Links:

    The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas

    Slumberkins

    Marriage Be Hard by Kevin and Melissa Fredericks


    Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss

    55 min
  • Holiday Boundaries

    Do your relatives misunderstand your neurodiverse kids and mistreat them?

    Do you ever feel like you need to protect your kids from your relatives?

    On today's episode, the Dads talk strategies, scenarios, and scripts to help you navigate the holidays with solid boundaries with family and neurodiversity.

    Some things to consider saying in your script:

    • We all are excited to have a good time together. Here’s what I would love from you to my family in order for that to become successful.

    • Here’s what our day tends to look like, and here’s what our family looks like in that.

    • The change in routine and level of excitement will be, at times, overwhelming, and here are some things we say and do to help moments of heightened sensation.

    • If you’re feeling overwhelmed or concerned, I’d love for you to talk with me about it rather than with my kids. (We want the tension to be handled with the adults first so we understand each other)

      • I’m the one my kid trusts the most, and I’m the parent, so the discipline is most safely understood when coming from me. It means the most for you and for my kid when you enjoy each other rather than having you discipline him.

      My kid has certain needs that might not always fall in line with others’ expectations. For example, he needs to get up and move rather than sit at the table for a set period of time.

      Have someone else who understands the situation be there to offer safety and calm as well.

      Other things to keep in mind:

      • If I don’t speak up for my child, then they will experience a loss of safety.

      • It’s impossible to know how things will go, so apply grace, especially to yourself. If you need to give yourself some time to center, don’t feel guilty about it. Take that time if you can get it so you can best show up for yourself and your family.

      • Consider whether visiting family is in fact in your best interest.

        • Don’t forget to have realistic expectations.

        Relatives might say they understand neurodiversity, but the truth is that we are still loving an individual. Self-control looks different for everyone, and in every situation.

        As always, thank you so much for your support. We will get through the holidays together! For more, check out theadhdads.com, and visit us on all the socials.

        49 min
      • Episode 41: Distancing Language

        Distancing language is any type of language that creates a sense of emotional or interpersonal distance between the speaker and the topic being discussed. It can be used intentionally or unintentionally, but it can often have negative consequences, such as making the speaker seem less empathetic or trustworthy.

        Here are some examples of distancing language:

        • Using the passive voice: Instead of saying "I made a mistake," someone might say "A mistake was made." This can make it seem like the speaker is not taking responsibility for their actions.

        • Using vague or impersonal language: Instead of saying "I'm feeling sad," someone might say "I'm not feeling my best." This can make it difficult for others to connect with the speaker's emotions.

        • Using euphemisms: Instead of saying "The company is laying off workers," someone might say "The company is rightsizing its workforce." This can be used to downplay or desensitize a difficult situation.

        • Using third-person pronouns: Instead of saying "I think this is a good idea," someone might say "One might think this is a good idea." This can make the speaker seem less committed to their opinion.

        • Using hedging language: Instead of saying "I'm sure this will work," someone might say "I hope this will work." This can make the speaker seem less confident.

        • Blame shifting, or minimizing role: “I could have been better, but…” This creates distance between the speaker and the conflict and outcome, passing the blame to someone else.

          • To avoid using distancing language, try to be as direct and honest as possible. Use the active voice, specific and personal language, and state your opinions clearly. Be mindful of your emotions and try to express them in a way that others can understand.

          Here are some tips for avoiding distancing language:

          • Use the active voice whenever possible. This means that the subject of the sentence is performing the action. For example, instead of saying "The dishes were washed," say "I washed the dishes."

          • Use specific and personal language. Instead of saying "Some people think this is a good idea," say "I think this is a good idea."

          • State your opinions clearly and avoid hedging language. For example, instead of saying "I hope this will work," say "I'm confident that this will work."

          • Be mindful of your emotions and try to express them in a way that others can understand. For example, instead of saying "I'm not feeling my best," say "I'm feeling sad today."

          • Take whole ownership of your role and action steps moving forward. For example, “I became defensive and expressed my anger in a hurtful way. I will explain my emotions in the future, and be open to hearing the other person’s perspective.”

            • By avoiding distancing language, you can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships with others.

            Thanks for your support! To support the Dads and the podcast, please use the link below, or visit theadhdads.com.

            1 hr 5 min
          • Episode 40: Overcoming Victim Mindset

            This week the Dads discuss victim mindset, AKA victim mentality. A trap that’s often easy to fall into, the victim mindset often could be translated as inaction. When one chooses to point the finger of blame at any external source, the loss of power and choice is, in truth, an illusion, because it’s still a choice. It’s still a commitment to something. The Dads take a dive into the world of empowerment through taking ownership of what we can control, and discuss how we can actively pursue a series of successes by flipping the mindset into one of action.

            Overcoming a victim mindset can be a challenging but transformative process. Here are some steps you can take to help yourself or someone else overcome this mindset:

            1. Acknowledge It

              2. Self-Reflection: Understand and acknowledge that you have been seeing yourself as a victim. Awareness is the first step to change.

              Accept Responsibility: While you may have been a victim of certain circumstances, accepting responsibility for your reactions and choices empowers you.

            2. Shift Your Perspective

              3. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts. Replace self-pitying thoughts with positive affirmations.

              Gratitude Practice: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Regularly practicing gratitude can shift your perspective.

            3. Develop Resilience

              4. Problem-Solving Skills: Learn how to solve problems constructively rather than dwelling on them.

              Emotional Regulation: Develop coping mechanisms for dealing with negative emotions, such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise.

              Build a Support System: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage growth and resilience.

            4. Set Goals

              5. Small Achievable Goals: Set small, realistic goals for yourself. Achieving these can boost your confidence and sense of control.

              Long-Term Vision: Have a vision for your future. Set long-term goals and work towards them step by step.

            5. Develop Self-Compassion

              6. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Understand that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s a part of learning and growing.

              Forgiveness: Forgive yourself and others for past wrongs. Holding onto grudges can keep you trapped in a victim mentality.

            6. Seek Professional Help

              7. Therapy or Counseling: A mental health professional can provide tailored guidance and support.

              Support Groups: Connecting with others who have overcome similar challenges can be incredibly empowering.

            7. Educate Yourself

              8. Read and Learn: Educate yourself about the experiences of others who have overcome adversity. Learning about their resilience can be inspiring.

            8. Practice Empowerment

              9. Take Ownership: Own your life and decisions. Recognize that you have the power to shape your own destiny.

              Develop Skills: Invest in learning new skills. This can boost your confidence and make you feel more capable.

            9. Be Patient

              10. Be Kind to Yourself: Changing deep-seated thought patterns takes time. Be patient and gentle with yourself during this process.

              Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate even small victories. Every step forward is a significant achievement.

            10. Cultivate a Positive Environment

              11. Limit Negative Influences: Avoid people or situations that reinforce the victim mentality. Surround yourself with positivity.

              Media Consumption: Be mindful of the media you consume. Constant exposure to negative news can reinforce feelings of victimization.

              Overcoming a victim mindset is a gradual process that requires consistent effort and self-compassion. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep moving forward.

              Thank you as always for your support. Please check theadhdads.com for more. We have some exciting content and offerings coming soon. If you feel the call to elevate yourself, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll go over areas you’re looking to empower yourself, and create a roadmap for success.

              If you feel led to support the show, we’d be forever grateful. We’ll give you a shoutout on the podcast, and maybe even give you a call!



              55 min
            11. Episode 39: Giving Grace

              On today’s episode of The ADHDads, we loosely discuss the topic of giving grace. The Dads both recently experienced some adversity, and we’re well aware that it is very easy to either lose our cool, or freeze up, when confronted with discomfort or pushback. But what does it look like to follow up our own failures with love? It starts with grace.

              1. Understanding GraceDefinition: Grace is the act of showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others, especially in difficult or undeserving situations.Importance: Discuss why giving grace is important in fostering understanding, resolving conflicts, and building stronger relationships.

              2. Empathy and PerspectivePut Yourself in Their Shoes: Encourage understanding by considering the other person’s perspective. Empathizing helps in seeing situations from different angles.Acknowledge Emotions: Emotions play a significant role. Acknowledge the feelings of both parties involved in the conversation.

              3. Effective CommunicationActive Listening: Practice active listening to truly understand the other person's point of view. It shows respect and genuine interest in their feelings.Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to body language and facial expressions. They often convey emotions that words might not express.

              4. ForgivenessLetting Go: Understand that forgiveness is a process of letting go of anger and resentment. It doesn’t mean condoning the behavior but allows for healing.Healthy Boundaries: Discuss setting boundaries. Forgiveness doesn’t mean tolerating repeated harmful behavior. Boundaries are essential for self-care.

              5. Cultivating GraceSelf-Reflection: Encourage self-reflection about times when grace was given or received. Personal stories can make the concept relatable.Practice Gratitude: Gratitude enhances the ability to give grace. Discuss the power of gratitude in cultivating empathy and understanding.

              6. Challenges and MisunderstandingsConflict Resolution: Address how giving grace can be a valuable tool in resolving conflicts. It allows for open dialogue and finding common ground.Common Misconceptions: Address misconceptions about grace, such as it being a sign of weakness. Emphasize its strength in promoting understanding and harmony.

              7. Encourage Self-CompassionBeing Kind to Oneself: Discuss the importance of self-compassion. People can only give grace to others if they are kind and forgiving to themselves.

              8. Practice and PatienceBaby Steps: Changing one’s mindset takes time. Encourage small acts of grace in everyday interactions.Patience and Perseverance: Acknowledge that giving grace might be challenging, especially in certain situations. Patience with oneself is crucial.

              9. Reflect on Personal ExperiencesShare Stories: Personal anecdotes about giving or receiving grace can make the conversation more engaging and relatable.Lessons Learned: Discuss lessons learned from past experiences. What worked and what didn’t? How did giving grace affect the relationship dynamics?

              10. Encourage Open-Ended QuestionsAsk Thoughtful Questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper discussions. For example, “How do you think practicing grace can improve our relationships?”

                11. Remember, having a conversation about giving grace requires a respectful and open atmosphere. People may have different viewpoints, and it's essential to approach the discussion with empathy and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives.

                1 hr 7 min
              11. The Dad Den with Anthony Mendoza: Relentless Love

                Today on another episode of The Dad Den series, we welcome good friend and single father Anthony Mendoza. Mendoza has been a co-parent for his son’s entire life, and he wears the badge of father with great pride. He is a coach and social media influencer, and he strives every day to be a better person. He lives with the mindset that doing our best is not just a desire, but a calling.

                Mendoza’s faith and fatherhood ground him, giving him a great purpose, and an ongoing place to work from. If he were to describe his love for coaching in another way, it would be a purpose to father the fatherless. Armed with a passion to build upon the strength of today, and every day leading up to today, Anthony is relentless in understanding that failure is part of the process, giving us the power to persevere toward greatness rather than hold us back.

                To quote Anthony, “Resilient to know the outcome matters, that there are people in my faith and due to my fatherhood that are relying on me to be my best self and fulfill my purpose; because of that, I WILL NOT leave a ‘what if’ behind.”

                Join us as we talk about family, love, friendship, and more, and how those things can be viewed through lenses that don’t always have a specific, required hierarchy. The reality is, family sometimes is constructed through our values and experiences, and love can always be available in abundance.

                You can find Anthony Mendoza influencing on social media at the following:

                • Instagram

                • Threads

                • 1st Phorm

                • Facebook

                  • From Anthony’s profiles: 

                  Just a Dad and a coach | Taking the Why from the What | 1 Timothy 4:7-8 | Fail Forward





                  1 hr 6 min

                About The ADHDads

                From the publisher's feed

                As loving fathers directly influenced and empowered by ADHD, we live out a mission of focus on emotional intelligence and empathy toward our families, and in our daily walk. Join us in our journey as…