Today's episode is a re-release of episode 23. I wanted to bring this episode back because it gets to the core of what Mike and I are always trying to teach: helping kids with ADHD move from dependence to independence. This conversation started with a powerful listener comment about how “doing everything out of love” can actually leave kids feeling helpless and incapable. That story stuck with me—it perfectly illustrates what happens when empathy turns into over-accommodation.In this episode, Mike and I talk about why confidence comes from experience, not protection, and how kids only build real executive functioning skills when they’re trusted to try, fail, and try again. We also dig into why too much therapy, too much prompting, and too much hovering can actually hold kids back.We decided to re-release it now because this message matters more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance empathy with accountability—or how to stop “lovingly disabling” your child—this is the episode to revisit.
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31:21
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31:21
Answering Parents' Questions
The ADHD Parenting Podcast returns with another episode to address real-life questions from parents about managing ADHD. Topics include handling therapeutic classroom recommendations, navigating the challenges of a political climate for a curious preteen, managing prompt dependency in routines such as eating and showering, and dealing with lying and exaggeration. They provide practical advice on executive function growth and the importance of appropriate medication regimens. Key takeaways are aimed at equipping parents with effective strategies rather than offering superficial advice.Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[00:00:49] Introduction and Question Guidelines[00:01:32] Question 1: Therapeutic Classroom Recommendation[00:07:30] Question 2: Politics and Preteen Critical Thinking[00:14:07] Question 3: Prompt Dependence at Meals and Showers[00:21:28] Question 4: School Focus and Memory Issues[00:25:00] Question 5: Teen Lying and Embellishment[00:34:20] Contact Information and Closing
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35:52
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35:52
Stepping Into Your Parental Authority
In this episode of The ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan Wexelblatt and Mike McLeod explore what it means to “step into your parental authority.” Drawing from research and clinical experience, they discuss how authoritative parenting—balancing warmth with structure—helps children with ADHD develop self-regulation, emotional safety, and independence. The hosts challenge social media’s rebranding of permissive parenting as “gentle” or “compassionate” and explain why consistency, clear expectations, and calm modeling are key. They also tackle the fears many parents have about being “too firm,” offering practical examples of how to set limits with empathy and predictability while nurturing connection and confidence in their children. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[00:00:30] Introduction to stepping into parental authority[00:02:00] Research on parenting styles and ADHD outcomes[00:05:30] Authoritative parenting defined and linked to lower ADHD symptoms[00:07:30] Permissive parenting and its long-term effects[00:11:00] Importance of limits, boundaries, and consistency[00:14:30] Modeling calm behavior for emotional regulation[00:17:00] When a child controls the home environment[00:18:30] Why parents are misled about effective ADHD treatment[00:20:00] Social media’s influence on permissive parenting[00:22:00] Risks of permissive parenting for ADHD kids[00:24:30] Practical ways to step into parental authority[00:26:00] Predictability and routines for emotional safety[00:29:30] Shifting to high empathy with high expectations[00:32:00] Preparing ADHD kids for independence and adulthood[00:33:00] Behavioral parent training as an evidence-based solution[00:34:30] Reassurance for parents stepping into authority[00:36:30] Closing and listener invitation
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37:50
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37:50
Parent Coaching Session with the Father of a 14-Year-Old
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, Ryan sits down with the father of Rick, a 14-year-old navigating ADHD in the context of a blended family. The conversation explores the challenges of co-parenting across two households with different structures, managing dad guilt while maintaining boundaries, and helping a teen feel both supported and heard. They discuss practical strategies like front-loading transitions, maintaining consistent expectations, and giving kids more voice in decision-making. Rick’s father also shares how ADHD medication has significantly improved Rick’s school performance and home life. This is a candid and practical discussion for parents raising kids with ADHD.Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[00:01:00] Introduction — Meet Rick’s dad and hear about life in a blended family with ADHD.[00:02:00] Feeling Singled Out — Rick’s struggles with rules and comparisons to siblings.[00:03:30] Structure and Consistency — Why clear expectations matter in ADHD households.[00:06:20] Two Homes, Two Rules — Navigating co-parenting across different households.[00:08:00] Dad Guilt and Boundaries — Balancing empathy with the need for rules.[00:09:50] Giving Teens a Voice — Collaborative problem solving and building trust.[00:13:30] Transition Trouble — Using front-loading to ease household changes.[00:16:50] Vigilant Care — Staying connected through texts and calls between visits.[00:19:50] Medication Success — How stimulants improved focus and behavior for Rick.[00:22:15] Closing Thoughts — Key takeaways, resources, and next steps.
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23:38
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23:38
Answering Parents' Questions
Join Mike and Ryan as they tackle listener questions on the ADHD Parenting Podcast. This episode covers practical advice for managing neighborhood conflicts, setting boundaries for young adults with ADHD, and supporting children's reading preferences. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[00:05:00] Addressing Neighborhood Conflicts[00:15:00] Young Adult Independence and Boundaries[00:25:00] Scaffolding Social Situations for ADHD[00:35:00] Reading Preferences and Challenges[00:45:00] Closing Remarks and Contact Information
The ADHD Parenting Podcast offers practical information to help you help your child reach their full potential without the fluffy stuff. This podcast is presented by Mike McLeod, SLP from GrowNow ADHD, and Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, from ADHD Dude.
South Africa