

Parenting with Impact
Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster
The Parenting with Impact Podcast with Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster, co-creators of ImpactParents.com, inspires parents and professionals guiding complex kids, teens and young adults all over the world to become capable, independent adults. ImpactParents.com is an online community, award-winning blog, and direct service provider for parents and professionals. Elaine and Diane are certified professional coaches with their own lived experience raising children with complex challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, gender identity issues, and more. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, they teach and inspire parents and professionals to raise and empower complex kids with confidence and calm. Scroll down for links and to download a free parenting guide. The Parenting with Impact Podcast will:Feature leading experts, bringing you cutting edge information to address your child’s challengesTeach you real-life, practical strategies for creating lasting changeDemonstrate how a coach-approach can improve all of your communications, one conversation at a time For the essentials of ImpactParent's coach-approach to parenting, download a free parenting guide at: ImpactParents.com/Podcast Find out about Sanity School®, a program for Parents, at: https://impactparents.com/programs-offerings/parent-training-sanity-school/ For information about professional continuing education: https://impactparents.com/for-professionals/ Visit Impact Parents at: https://impactparents.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2026 • 29min
EP249: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids: From Information to Real Change
Trying everything but still feeling stuck with your complex kid? The problem may not be your strategy, but how you are managing yourself. In this episode, we break down why information alone does not create change and what actually helps families move forward. Press play to rethink what support really looks like.What to expect in this episode:Why managing yourself is the foundation for supporting complex kidsWhat makes coaching skills more effective than collecting more parenting adviceHow collaborative problem solving builds real buy-in and independenceWhy community and feedback accelerate change when strategies stallHow focusing on goals instead of tools shifts family dynamicsRelated Links:EP49: Parent Behavior Traininghttps://impactparents.com/parent-behavior-training/ EP54: Success Story: Providers Need Help, Too!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-054-success-story-providers-need-help-too/id1565976964?i=1000557760841 EP101: Success! Navigating Resistant Kids and Teens With a Coach-Approachhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-101-success-navigating-resistant-kids-and-teens/id1565976964?i=1000604238108 EP114: Curiosity & the Coach-Approach Transformed the Tone of Her Homehttps://impactparents.com/the-coach-approach-to-parenting/ EP200: Reduce Family Stress by Taking Aimhttps://impactparents.com/reduce-family-stress-by-taking-aim/ If you’re done with parenting tips that don’t stick, Sanity School shows you how to turn insight into action with practical, neuro-informed coaching tools. Learn more at https://sanityschool.com/Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 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

Jan 7, 2026 • 38min
EP248: The Truth About High-THC Cannabis And Complex Kids with Dr. Yasmin Hurd
Is cannabis really harmless for teens? Neuroscientist Dr. Yasmin Hurd reveals what parents need to know about today’s high-THC products, brain development, and the real risks of early use. Learn how addiction can form, why anxiety and psychosis are rising, and the signs parents should watch for. Press play to hear the truth behind the science and how to protect your teen with facts, not fear.What to expect in this episode:What “epigenetics” really means and how early cannabis exposure rewires the brainWhy today’s cannabis is drastically stronger and far riskier than parents realizeHow to shift from lecturing teens to empowering them with facts and trustThe myth of “non-addictive” marijuana and what science actually showsThe mental health red flags linked to heavy THC use in teensAbout Yasmin Hurd, PhdDr. Yasmin is the Ward-Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience and Director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai. A world-renowned neuroscientist, her groundbreaking research explores the neurobiology of addiction and related psychiatric disorders through a multidisciplinary, translational lens. Dr. Hurd’s work bridges molecular neuroscience with real-world impact, focusing on how genetics and early exposure to substances like cannabis influence brain development and vulnerability to addiction. Her team also leads pioneering clinical trials aimed at developing new therapies for opioid use disorder. Connect with Dr. YasminWebsite: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai LinkedIn: Yasmin Hurd, PhD Related Links: EP117: Treating ADHD Improves Outcomes for Treating Addiction https://impactparents.com/adhd-and-addiction EP144: Helping Young Adults Get Back On Track https://impactparents.com/helping-young-adults-get-back-on-trackGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 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

Dec 31, 2025 • 40min
EP247: Best ADHD, Sleep, and Parenting Insights of the Year
Many of the challenges families face are more connected than they appear. In this episode, we bring together key insights from this year to explore how executive function, nervous system regulation, and sleep shape behavior and daily life. You’ll hear why surface-level strategies fall short and what helps families move forward with intention. Tune in to connect the dots.What to expect in this episode:Why executive function and nervous system regulation drive sleep and morningsHow circadian rhythms shape sleep timing, not willpowerWhat shifts when kids co-create routines instead of being pushedHow parent regulation sets the tone for problem-solvingWhat actually builds executive function over time, and what doesn’tRelated Links:EP196: Why Sleep Is SO Hard for Neurospicy People (& what to DO about it)EP198: ADHD & Sleep pt 2: Getting Kids In & Out of BedEP227: Key Lessons from 14 Years of Parent CoachingEP236: Executive Function & ADHD: What Parents Need To KnowEP240: Mild to Moderate ADHD? Why Labels Mislead in Helping Your Child ThriveGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 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

Dec 24, 2025 • 37min
EP246: How To Stay Grounded When Parenting Young Adults With Dayna Abraham
Do you ever feel like your needs and your child or young adult’s needs are constantly clashing? In this episode, Dayna Abraham shares how small daily steps, honest conversations, and self-awareness can ease tension and rebuild trust. Listen now to discover one powerful shift that brings more calm, clarity, and connection at home.What to expect in this episode:Why you are not the only one and how the community breaks the isolation of parentingWhat “late to launch” really means and why delays often widen after 18How the GRIT method (Ground, Release, Invite, Take action) helps parents manage real worriesWhy must connection come before skills when guiding young adultsHow transparency and negotiation can ease clashing needs at homeAbout Dayna AbrahamDayna is the bestselling author of Calm the Chaos: A Fail-Proof Roadmap for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids. A National Board Certified educator and parent of three neurodivergent children, Dayna also lives with ADHD herself, giving her a deeply personal and practical perspective on raising kids in today’s world. Through her compassionate Calm the Chaos framework, she has guided millions of parents worldwide to move beyond traditional strategies, find peace at home, and connect with their children in meaningful, lasting ways.Connect with DaynaFacebook: Calm the Chaos Parenting Instagram: @calmthechaosparentingPodcast: Calm The Chaos Podcast Book: Calm the Chaos Related Links: EP144: Helping Young Adults get back on Trackhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-144-helping-young-adults-get-back-on-track/id1565976964?i=1000641123620 EP200: Reduce Family Stress by Taking Aimhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep200-reduce-family-stress-by-taking-aim/id1565976964?i=1000689309013 EP221: Parenting Tips When Emerging Adults Feel Stuckhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep221-parenting-tips-when-emerging-adults-feel-stuck/id1565976964?i=1000715430261 Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 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

Dec 17, 2025 • 31min
EP245: What Happens At The International ADHD Conference
Ever wondered what it feels like to be surrounded by more than a thousand people who truly get the ADHD experience? In this episode, we explore the energy, connection, and unexpected moments that shaped our time at the International Conference on ADHD. We share what community support really looks like and why being in the room matters more than you think. Press play to hear the insights and inspiration we brought home from this powerful event. What to expect in this episode:How connecting with an ADHD community can shift your entire experience in ways you didn’t see comingWhy parents travel to ADHD conferences and what they’re really searching for beneath the surfaceThe hallway conversation that can change everything, even more than the sessions themselvesWhat you discover when you finally acknowledge the true impact of support workHow a single coach-approach skill can reshape the energy of a whole teamRelated Links: EP1: Welcome to Parenting With Impacthttps://impactparents.com/parenting-with-impact EP121: Every Day's a New Day: Success with Community Support & Parent Coachinghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-121-every-days-a-new-day-success-with/id1565976964?i=1000623129840 EP202: ADHD Can Help You Succeed in Unexpected Ways with Ari Tuckman, Psy.D.https://impactparents.com/adhd-can-help-you-succeed-in-unexpected-ways-with-ari-tuckman There is nothing quite like being in a room full of people who truly understand ADHD. If you want that same sense of connection, support, and practical learning, join us at the 2026 International Conference on ADHD. Learn more and register at https://www.theadhdconference.org/adhdiconnect2026/9979287.Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 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

Dec 10, 2025 • 33min
EP244: How To Build Executive Skills With Rachel Kapp & Stephanie Pitts
In this insightful discussion, Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts, both Board-certified educational therapists, explore the transformative power of educational therapy. They clarify how this approach differs from tutoring by focusing on developing executive function and independence in learners. Listeners will discover the importance of collaboration between parents and educators, signs indicating when a child is ready for support, and practical strategies to empower students. With warmth and humor, they share actionable advice for fostering growth and confidence.

Dec 3, 2025 • 34min
EP243: Fun, Simple Mindfulness for ADHD Families with Dr. Chris Willard
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

Nov 26, 2025 • 28min
EP242: Emotional Reactivity In Kids: Safety Matters More Than Willpower
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

Nov 19, 2025 • 34min
EP241: How to Make IEPs Neuro-Affirming and Student-Led with Chris Wenger
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

Nov 12, 2025 • 26min
EP240: Mild to Moderate ADHD? Why Labels Mislead in Helping Your Child Thrive
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


