Parenting with Impact

If homework battles and school stress feel never-ending, you’re not alone. This episode reveals how educational therapy helps kids build confidence, strengthen executive function, and become independent learners. Discover how small shifts, the right timing, and a coach approach can turn daily struggles into lasting success at home and school.What to expect in this episode:What educational therapy is and how it differs from tutoring or coachingHow empowering kids to lead their own learning builds confidence and independenceThe signs that show when a learner is ready to accept help and make a changeWhy collaboration between parents, schools, and specialists creates stronger resultsHow educational therapy supports kids, teens, and adults struggling with executive functionAbout Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed.Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts are Board Certified Educational Therapists and co-hosts of Learn Smarter: The Educational Therapy Podcast, a show with over 350 episodes focused on executive functioning, learning differences, and how to support students at home and in the classroom. After launching their private practices at the same time, signing office leases the same week, they leaned on each other through the leap into entrepreneurship. Their podcast grew out of the real conversations they were already having, strategizing, problem-solving, and celebrating student wins. Together, they bring warmth, humor, and practical tools to help families and educators support student success.Connect with Rachel and StephanieWebsite: Kapp Educational Therapy Group | My Ed Therapist Instagram: @kappedtherapy | @myedtherapist Podcast: Learn Smarter PodcastRelated Links: EP187: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting https://impactparents.com/emotionally-intelligent-parentingEP221: Parenting Tips When Emerging Adults Feel Stuck https://impactparents.com/parenting-tips-when-emerging-adults-feel-stuckGet 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-build-executive-skills-with-rachel-kapp-stephanie-pitts-podcast244/Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

Does parenting sometimes feel overwhelming or chaotic? In this episode, Dr Chris Willard shares how mindfulness, humor, and small daily practices can shift the tone of your home and build resilience for kids. He explains why calm begins with you and how presence matters more than perfection. Listen now to discover one simple shift that can bring more peace and connection into your family life.What to expect in this episode:Dr Chris Willard’s journey with ADHD, sobriety, and mindfulnessMindfulness as play, humor, movement, and creativityHow a few breaths can calm the body and sharpen focusWhy parent regulation shapes child regulationSimple daily tools to reset stress and restore connectionAbout Christopher Willard, PsyDDr. Christopher is a clinical psychologist, author, and consultant based in Massachusetts. He teaches at Harvard Medical School and has shared his expertise on mindfulness and mental health in over forty countries, including two TEDx events. Dr. Willard is the author of twenty books, such as Alphabreaths (2019), Growing Up Mindful (2016), Feelings Are Like Farts (2023), and College Mental Health 101 (2025). His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, mindful.org, CNN.com, and many other outlets.  Connect with Dr. ChristopherWebsite: Dr. Christopher Willard Instagram: @drchriswillardRelated Links: Helping Young Adults Get Back On Track https://impactparents.com/helping-young-adults-get-back-on-track The Power of Good Enough: Progress Over Perfection https://impactparents.com/the-power-of-good-enough-progress-over-perfectionSimplifying Mindfulness (and How to Start Small) https://impactparents.com/simplifying-mindfulness-and-how-to-start-small Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Read the full blog here:https://impactparents.com/fun-simple-mindfulness-for-adhd-families-with-dr.-chris-willard Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

If you feel like someone in your home is always shutting down, melting down, or firing back, you’re not imagining it. Reactivity takes over fast, especially in stressed or neurodiverse families. In this episode, we’ll explain why it happens, how to spot each SODA pattern, and what to do in the moment to create safety and calm. Tune in to learn one shift that can lower stress for everyone in your home.What to expect in this episode:Why reactivity comes from the body, not willpower, and how that changes your approachHow the SODA framework explains shutdowns, defensiveness, explosions, and avoidance The “wrong equals bad” belief that drives shame and emotional overwhelm in kidsWhy emotional safety matters more than logic when helping kids learn and regulateHow co-regulation can interrupt spirals and bring everyone back to calmRelated Links: EP187: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting https://impactparents.com/emotionally-intelligent-parenting EP200: Reduce Family Stress by Taking Aim https://impactparents.com/reduce-family-stress-by-taking-aim EP207: Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversations https://impactparents.com/rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the-slate-conversations Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgiftRead the full blog here:https://impactparents.com/emotional-reactivity-in-kids-safety-matters-more-than-willpowerConnect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

Can changing a few words in an IEP change a child’s future? Speech Dude Chris Wenger shares how to reframe support plans to empower neurodivergent kids instead of pushing them to mask. Learn why connection, regulation, and self-advocacy matter more than compliance and how actually to build those skills into your child’s education plan.What to expect in this episode:Why IEPs often miss the mark and how to fix themHow to replace deficit language with strength-based reframesWhy connection and regulation need to come before learningHow co-creating goals with kids leads to better outcomesThe power of self-advocacy compared to complianceAbout Chris WengerChris also known as Speech Dude, is a high school speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth. As a neurodivergent educator himself, he brings a unique perspective to his work. Chris is also an internationally recognized presenter who shares practical, affirming strategies to improve speech therapy and better support neurodiverse students.Connect with ChrisWebsite: Speech Dude | NeuroAffirm Facebook: Speech DudeYouTube: Speech DudeInstagram: @speechdudeTiktok: @speechdudeX: @speechdude)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-make-ieps-neuro-affirming-and-student-ledConnect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

Ever been told your child has “mild ADHD”? In this episode, we’ll talk about why no ADHD is ever “a little” and how understanding it early can change everything. You’ll hear how small shifts in awareness and support can help your child feel more capable and connected. Tune in to discover a new way to see and support your child’s unique brain.What to expect in this episode:Why “mild to moderate ADHD” can be as misleading as being “a little bit pregnant”How gifted kids can mask ADHD challenges until they suddenly hit a wallThe real hallmark of ADHD: inconsistency across settings and tasksWhat happens when ADHD goes untreated and starts to snowball into anxiety or burnoutWhy managing ADHD means engaging the brain, not just taking medication Related Links:EP158: ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment: From Skepticism to Evidence-Based Innovationhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-158-adhd-diagnosis-treatment-from-skepticismEP231: ADHD And Productivity: How To Work Smarter, Not Harderhttps://impactparents.com/adhd-and-productivity-how-to-work-smarter-not-harder EP236: Executive Function & ADHD: What Parents Need To Knowhttps://impactparents.com/executive-function-adhd-what-parents-need-to-know Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Read the full blog here:https://impactparents.com/mild-to-moderate-adhd-why-labels-mislead-in-helping-your-child-thriveConnect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

Is school preparing kids for the future or just training them to chase scores? In this episode, Ted Dintersmith reveals why outdated priorities fail students and how creativity, agency, and happiness are the real keys to success. Tune in to discover what kids truly need to thrive in an AI-driven world.What to expect in this episode:Why test scores don’t reflect real learning or future successThe truth behind pandemic “learning loss” and what really mattersHow AI is reshaping your child’s future and what they need to know A powerful school model that blends hands-on skills with new-economy careersHow to protect your child’s confidence and stop school from crushing their giftsAbout Ted DintersmithTed is a leading voice in education innovation and the founder of WhatSchoolCouldBe.org, a platform highlighting student-centered learning across the country. After a successful career in venture capital, he produced the Sundance-premiered documentary Most Likely to Succeed and authored What School Could Be, based on his visits to classrooms in all 50 states. Through his films, books, and speaking, Ted inspires educators, parents, and policymakers to reimagine learning and prepare kids for the future. Connect with TedWebsite: Ted Dintersmith | What School Could Be LinkedIn: Ted DintersmithUpcoming Book: AftermathUpcoming Film: Multiple ChoiceGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Read the full blog here:https://impactparents.com/ted-dintersmith-future-skills-schools-should-teach-nowConnect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

Why does rejection hit so hard for people with ADHD? In this episode, Rick Green joins us to unpack the emotional toll of rejection sensitivity. We’ll explore how it shows up in daily life, why it’s often misunderstood, and what can actually help. With humor, insight, and real-life examples, this conversation sheds light on a powerful but often hidden struggle.What to expect in this episode:What RSD is and how it affects people with ADHD in the momentWhy ADHD brains sense more rejection and how that shapes confidenceWhat it means to reclaim the brain during emotional overwhelmHow silence can become your most effective tool in conflictA simple question that can shift your mindset fast: What’s the best that can happen? About Rick Green, CM, OOnt, BScRick is a celebrated Canadian comedian, writer, and ADHD advocate best known for his roles in The Red Green Show, The Frantics, and the cult favorite Prisoners of Gravity. After being diagnosed with ADHD, Rick co-created the award-winning documentary ADD & Loving It?!, which has helped millions better understand the condition. With a background in physics and a career spanning over 700 episodes of TV and radio, Rick blends science, humor, and heart in his ongoing mission to educate and empower the neurodivergent community. He is a recipient of the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada for his contributions to culture and mental health. Connect with RickWebsite: Rick Has ADHDFacebook: Rick Has ADHDYouTube: Rick Has ADHD  Patreon: Rick GreenRelated Links:EP16: What Story Are You Telling Yourself? https://impactparents.com/what-story-are-you-telling-yourselfEP150: Recognizing and Managing Stress Triggers as Parents https://impactparents.com/managing-stress-as-a-parent Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Read the full blog here:https://impactparents.com/rick-green-on-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-what-is-it-how-to-manage-it Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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 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 regulationThe link between airway health, sleep quality, and brain developmentWhat mouth breathing might reveal about your child's nervous systemSigns of poor sleep in neurodivergent kids and what to try firstWhy lack of sleep can look like or worsen ADHD symptomsAbout Dr. Marielly Mitchell, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, SWCDr. 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. MariellyWebsite: 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-itADHD & Sleep pt 2: Getting Kids In & Out of Bed https://impactparents.com/adhd-sleep-pt-2-getting-kids-in-out-of-bedFrom 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-qualityConnect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo 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

Delve into the crucial role of executive function in parenting. Learn how it influences motivation, time management, and emotional control. Discover why medication alone won't teach essential skills and the difference between remediation and accommodation strategies. Understand the importance of home support beyond school IEPs. Get insights on reframing challenging behaviors and teaching kids self-management. This conversation equips parents with practical tools to foster independence and emotional safety.

Yulia Rafailova, founder of MindFull Education, and Dan Leibowitz, an experienced educator and parent coach, discuss transforming family dynamics during the tween years. They highlight the impact of parent self-regulation on children's behavior and the importance of playfulness and belief in a child's potential. The guests introduce crucial strategies, like the driving-the-car metaphor, which encourages tween ownership in decision-making, along with practical visual tools to create a structured, stress-free environment.