
Shining With ADHD by The Childhood Collective
Are you a parent of a child with ADHD (or suspected ADHD)? Are you overwhelmed by the treatment options to support your child? Are you exhausted from giving your child with ADHD *countless* reminders for the same tasks… yelling to get them to (sometimes) listen… and walking on eggshells to avoid the seemingly endless meltdowns? Are you getting constant calls from the school about your child’s behavior? Is your child struggling in school without a plan in place to help them? If you want to truly understand ADHD, find practical tools that work, and feel empowered to get your child the right supports at school, this show is for you.
The Shining with ADHD Podcast by the Childhood Collective is a live-workshop style educational podcast packed with actionable, step-by-step strategies, empathy, and of course, some humor! You can learn from the experts as you navigate this chaotic ADHD parenting journey, create calm in your home, and help your
child shine at school.
Your hosts Katie, Lori, and Mallory of The Childhood Collective have helped thousands of overwhelmed parents find joy and confidence in raising their child with ADHD. Katie is a speech language pathologist, and Lori and Mallory are both child psychologists. As busy mamas themselves, they are on a mission to combine the science of ADHD with the compassion of moms. Each week, they share inspiration and tips to help you tackle challenging behaviors, build executive functioning skills, and manage big emotions.
Along with sharing their best ADHD parenting advice and stories, The Childhood Collective interviews top ADHD professionals *and* relatable ADHD parents who share their favorite tools to empower you EVERY time you tune in. With their online community growing every day, now YOU can learn from the experts, get inspired, and raise a happy and independent child with ADHD!
Latest episodes

Apr 1, 2024 • 33min
#150: What Should I Say at My Child’s First ADHD Appointment?
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #150: What Should I Say at My Child’s First ADHD Appointment?The Childhood Collective4/3/2024SUMMARYYou’ve researched providers, you’ve verified insurance, made it through the long waiting list, and it is FINALLY time for the first ADHD appointment - the intake. We know you want to make the most of the visit to support your child, but it can get overwhelming between the questionnaires and forms. You may have a running list in your notes of everything in your head but have no idea what to mention and when. We’ve sat on the professional and parent sides of the evaluation, and today, we are sharing questions you’ll be asked, areas that are evaluated, and encouragement for you in the process. MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCESEpisode 150 TranscriptThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024Climbing Products for Kids with ADHD Calling all parents with energizer bunnies! With ADHD kids, the energy can be super fun and also super challenging at times. We have to be very thoughtful about giving our kids opportunities to run, climb, and move their bodies.
We asked for your best climbing ideas, and you came through with amazing recommendations! We took all of your climbing favorites and compiled them into a list to share with you. Climbing Products

Mar 26, 2024 • 31min
#149: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADHD with Therapist Natasha Daniels
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #149: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADHD with Therapist Natasha Daniels3/27/2024SUMMARYIn our culture, we hear the term “OCD” thrown around a lot. “I’m so OCD about…” While this isn’t intended for harm, it does foster confusion about what it really means to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It’s far more nuanced than the common idea of constant hand-washing or organization. OCD can be common in kids with ADHD, so in today’s episode, we talk with OCD therapist Natasha Daniels to hear from her 20+ years of experience with treating OCD. From understanding the diagnosis to getting the right treatment, Natasha shares what every parent needs to know to support their kids. MEET NATASHANatasha Daniels is an anxiety and OCD therapist with over two decades of experience. She combines both her clinical expertise with her lived experience, raising her own three kids with anxiety and OCD. She is the author of several books, including Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide, How to Parent Your Anxious Toddler, Social Skills Activities for Kids, It’s Brave to Be Kind, and The Grief Rock. She is the creator of the website AT Parenting Survival, as well as the host of the show AT Parenting Survival Podcast and the YouTube channel Ask the Child Therapist. Her work has been featured in various places, including Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, PsychCentral, The Child Mind Institute, and The Mighty.LINKS + RESOURCES Episode 149 TranscriptNatasha's InstagramOCD Courses for Families The Childhood Collective YouTube *Closed Captioning AvailableThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseZenimalWe love the Zenimal. It’s amazing for kids who are feeling anxious or need a little help calming their busy body before bed. The best part? Each meditation ends with the most beautiful message: “You’re a good kid!” Use our code: TCC for a 15% off discount.ZenimalHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Mar 18, 2024 • 29min
#148: After School SOS: Preventing Meltdowns
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #148: After School SOS: Preventing MeltdownsThe Childhood Collective3/20/2024SUMMARYRaise your hand if the hours of 3-5 pm are the hardest hours in your house. It seems every day at that time, a battle breaks out. Everyone is worn out from the day, even you! The slightest inconvenience throws your home into chaos, and the big feelings come out. In the words of Taylor Swift, “Screaming, crying, perfect storm…” We’ve been there. Your afternoons don’t have to be marked by meltdowns. In this episode, we share ways to prevent the after-school meltdowns so you don’t feel like you are walking on eggshells when they get home. MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCESEpisode 148 TranscriptEpisode 137: ADHD at SchoolFree Parenting Guide - 6 KeysThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Holiday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024Customizable ADHD PrintablesIf you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration.
Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs. Use the exclusive code “PODCAST” for 10% off!
PrintablesCreating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm Course

Mar 11, 2024 • 33min
#147: “Defiance” and ADHD: Getting Curious About What’s Beneath the Surface
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #147: “Defiance” and ADHD: Getting Curious About What’s Beneath the SurfaceThe Childhood Collective3/13/2024SUMMARYAsking your child to clean their room or do one page of homework shouldn’t launch a battle complete with meltdowns, but often, for kids with ADHD, it does. You’re trying your hardest to breathe and regulate, but inside, you’re thinking, “Why is everything a fight?!” For those of us who grew up in strict, authoritarian homes, this is even more triggering. We feel disrespected by the “defiance” and don’t understand why some tasks cause such a disruption. While it’s incredibly frustrating, you are not alone. This is common in children with ADHD. The truth is that defiance is often a symptom of something deeper for the child. So today, we are going to dig into four possible explanations for why your ADHD child may seem defiant.MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCESEpisode 147 TranscriptAnxiety Episode and BlogsThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024Board Games for Kids with ADHDBoard games are a natural way to help kids build their executive functioning and cooperation skills. When we polled the community about your favorite board games for kids with ADHD, you gave us hundreds of ideas!
We narrowed them down to the games that got the most votes, and sorted them by age. Check out our top recommendations for board games for kids with ADHD, and let us know how it goes. Board Games for Kids with ADHD

Mar 4, 2024 • 29min
#146: I Love My Brain! Helping Kids Understand ADHD with Author Nicole Russell
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #146: I Love My Brain! Helping Kids Understand ADHD with Nicole RussellThe Childhood Collective3/6/2024SUMMARYIt is easy to feel lost on how to help your amazing kiddo with ADHD see themselves the way you do. That's where our guest for today, Nicole Russell comes in. She is a champion of self-love and the author of the awesome "My Busy, Busy Brain.” In this episode, Nicole shares practical tips for teaching self-advocacy and helping our kids rock their own rhythm. Hear her inspiring story of writing the book, her mission to spread Brain Love, and how we can empower our kids to see their differences as strengths. MEET NICOLE RUSSELLNicole Russell is a bestselling author and lead advocate for mental health and the well-being of children. She serves as Founder and Executive Director of Precious Dreams Foundation, the non-profit empowering youth in foster care and homeless shelters to learn healthy coping techniques and focus on their dreams. She is also CEO of Pitch House Productions, a social impact consulting agency that educates corporations on best practices for serving vulnerable populations. She has managed over 5 million dollars in community funding and scholarships. Russell uses her non-profit and creative tools to serve and advocate for youth through every aspect of her career. Her bestselling self-help book, Everything a Band-Aid Can't Fix, is highly regarded as a must-have for teens everywhere and has been added to the curriculum of middle and high schools nationwide. Inspired by her personal experience with ADHD, she also encourages children who struggle with ADHD and other learning obstacles to speak up for themselves in her children's book, My Busy, Busy Brain. Nicole's accolades include GLAMOUR's "Everyday Hero of the Year," Observer's "Top 20 Heroes Under 40", Walmart's "Community Playmaker Award," as well as a featured piece recognizing her efforts in O, The Oprah Magazine. LINKS + RESOURCESPrecious Dreams FoundationNicole’s BooksNicole’s InstagramEpisode 146 TranscriptHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024Climbing Products for Kids with ADHD Calling all parents with energizer bunnies! With ADHD kids, the energy can be super fun and also super challenging at times. We have to be very thoughtful about giving our kids opportunities to run, climb, and move their bodies.
We asked for your best climbing ideas, and you came through with amazing recommendations! We took all of your climbing favorites and compiled them into a list to share with you. Climbing Products

Feb 26, 2024 • 27min
#145: The Bedtime Struggle is Real: One Tool to Help Your Child Stay in Bed
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #145: The Bedtime Struggle is Real: One Tool to Help Your Child Stay in BedThe Childhood Collective2/28/2024SUMMARYParenting expectation: The teeth are brushed, the jammies are on, and the white noise is humming softly. You spend a few soft moments with your child, give them a kiss, and tell them goodnight. The little cherubs stay in bed all night, and the entire family wakes up rested. Parenting reality: When bedtime hits, your kid has never been thirstier, and they HAVE to get water. The door must be cracked at the exact right spot. They need you to adjust the bed because something is itchy. You’ll get them settled, and 30 minutes later, they will have built a full-on marble run instead of staying in their bed. Bedtime struggles can be a universal experience, but they are particularly prevalent among children with ADHD. In this episode, we share one simple yet effective strategy that provides children with both security and boundaries, empowering them to settle into sleep independently. MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCESEpisode 145 TranscriptThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseCustomizable ADHD PrintablesIf you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration.
Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs. Use the exclusive code “PODCAST” for 10% off!
PrintablesHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Feb 19, 2024 • 26min
#144: Did Someone Say Dance Party? ADHD Parenting CAN Be Fun!
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #144: Did Someone Say Dance Party? ADHD Parenting CAN Be Fun!The Childhood Collective2/21/2024SUMMARYADHD parenting is a lot of things. It can be challenging, confusing, interesting and rewarding. But it can also be FUN! Parenting ADHD gets easier when we intentionally infuse a sense of playfulness. We know you’re already managing so much and might be thinking, “Great, now I have to be FUN too!?” But hear us out…we have a few ideas, nothing too overwhelming, that you can try to make the mundane a little more fun for your family. In this episode, we share three very EASY tools that don’t require hours of planning or hundreds of dollars! MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCESPrintables from The Childhood CollectiveEpisode 144 TranscriptThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Holiday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024Time TimerWe can’t have your attention and not mention Time Timer. This amazing tool helps with activity transitions, independence, and building executive function skills. Head to and use the code TCC to get a site-wide discount.Time TimerCreating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm Course

Feb 12, 2024 • 35min
#143: Considering ADHD Medication? What Every Parent Needs to Know with Psychiatrist, Dana Reid
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #143: Considering ADHD Medication? What Every Parent Needs to Know with Psychiatrist, Dana ReidThe Childhood Collective2/14/2023SUMMARYOne of the hardest parts about being a parent is making choices for the health of our children. With an abundance of information and a variety of options, knowing how to support our kids medically can be really tough. When symptoms of ADHD begin to cause distress at home or at school, the topic of medication always comes up. The internet really doesn’t do us any favors when it comes to balancing myths and facts around ADHD medication. The conversation is nuanced and as parents, we can agree that when it comes to making the best choice for each family, knowledge is power. That’s why today we’ve invited an expert in child psychiatry and ADHD to answer your questions on ADHD medication. Her insight is detailed, so grab a pen or be sure to download the transcript! MEET DR. DANA REIDDr. Dana Reid is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves working with kids, teens, and adults to address their diverse needs and concerns. She has specific expertise in working with kids and parents with ADHD and anxiety. Dr. Reid is also a children's book author of the book, Danny Doesn’t Quit.LINKS + RESOURCES Dr. Dana's InstagramEpisode 143 TranscriptThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseZenimalWe love the Zenimal. It’s amazing for kids who are feeling anxious or need a little help calming their busy body before bed. The best part? Each meditation ends with the most beautiful message: “You’re a good kid!” Use our code: TCC for a 15% off discount.ZenimalHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Feb 5, 2024 • 42min
#142: The Key to Executive Functioning: Internal Skills for Kids with ADHD with Mike McLeod
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #142: The Key to Executive Functioning: Internal Skills for Kids with ADHD with Mike McLeodThe Childhood Collective2/7/2023SUMMARYOn our channel, you’ve probably heard us talk frequently about executive functioning. Today, we have a special guest, Mike McLeod, ADHD coach and executive function specialist, on the podcast to share about parent coaching and how to help our kids strengthen their internal skills. Listen along as we discuss teaching children how to create future pictures and equipping them with social interaction tools.MEET MIKEMichael McLeod is an ADHD & Executive Function Specialist. He is the owner of GrowNOW ADHD - providing Executive Function Coaching to students and parent coaching. Michael is also a Keynote Speaker and travels the country and internationally, training schools, parents, and professionals on the most up-to-date research and strategies on Executive Functioning. Michael has been working with youth since 2005. You can find him at GrowNOWADHD.com LINKS + RESOURCESFree Parenting Guide - 6 Keys Transcript for Episode 142The Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Customizable ADHD PrintablesIf you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration.
Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs. Use the exclusive code “PODCAST” for 10% off!
PrintablesHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm Course

Jan 29, 2024 • 30min
#141: Should I Tell My Child's Teacher About Their ADHD?
SHINING WITH ADHD EPISODE #141: Should I Tell My Child's Teacher About Their ADHD? The Childhood Collective1/31/2023SUMMARYYou’ve got your child’s diagnosis, and now you’re wondering, “Who do I tell?” and “What do they NEED to know?” You wonder, “Will this help my child or stick them with a label?” We’ve heard all these questions before, so today, we’re sharing five considerations for disclosing your child’s diagnosis with their classroom teacher. We have seen firsthand that sharing with the teacher can actually be a game-changer, fostering collaboration and making the whole education journey smoother for your kiddo. In this episode, our team shares everything you need to know about school and ADHD. MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCES FREE Accommodations Guide The Childhood Collective YouTube *Closed Captioning AvailableThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm CourseHoliday Gift Guide 2024Check out our holiday shopping guides for ADHD kids, teens, moms, and dads. Here's to stress-free shopping and gift they will love. Holiday Gift Guide 2024