

The ADHD Parenting Podcast
The ADHD Parenting Podcast
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 22min
Your Child Is Not Your Co-Parent | part 1
In this insightful discussion, Ryan and Mike reveal why treating children as co-parents can hinder those with ADHD. They highlight the advantages of authoritative parenting, emphasizing warmth paired with clear expectations. Research shows that structure fosters emotional regulation and better behavior, while consistent high expectations reduce a child's reactivity. The hosts also explore how too many choices can overwhelm ADHD kids and propose that routines can enhance executive function, boosting independence.

28 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 31min
When Love and Empathy Turn into Disabling
This re-release dives into the intricate balance between empathy and enabling behaviors for kids with ADHD. A powerful listener's comment sparks a discussion about how too much protection can lead to learned helplessness. The hosts emphasize that real confidence stems from experiences, not over-helping. They also outline daily stress points and provide actionable steps to replace verbal prompts with clearer expectations. The takeaway? High expectations combined with empathy can foster independence and executive function growth.

Oct 22, 2025 • 36min
Answering Parents' Questions
Dive into practical advice for parents tackling ADHD challenges! Discover insights on managing therapeutic classroom recommendations without backfiring, and navigate the complexities of a preteen’s political curiosity. Learn strategies to reduce prompt dependency during routines like meals and showers. Plus, explore effective ways to address lying and exaggeration in teens, with keen focus on their social and memory skills. Tune in for actionable tips that go beyond the surface!

Oct 8, 2025 • 38min
Stepping Into Your Parental Authority
The hosts delve into the concept of authoritative parenting, emphasizing warmth and structure to help children with ADHD thrive. They discuss the drawbacks of permissive parenting, linking it to increased ADHD symptoms and poor self-regulation. Key strategies include modeling calm behavior and setting clear, consistent limits. They also challenge social media's portrayal of permissiveness as nurturing, highlighting the long-term benefits of high expectations. Practical tips are provided to help parents foster responsibility and resilience in their children.

Sep 24, 2025 • 24min
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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 33min
Answering Parents' Questions
Mike and Ryan dive into listener inquiries, addressing how to handle neighborhood exclusion for kids and the best practices for setting boundaries with young adults living at home. They also explore strategies for navigating chaotic social events, emphasizing the importance of preparation. Plus, they discuss supporting children's reading preferences, particularly engaging with graphic novels, and how these can enhance comprehension. Tune in for practical, relatable guidance on parenting in the ADHD landscape!

15 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 40min
Answering Listener Questions
Hosts tackle pressing questions from parents of children with ADHD. They explore how to motivate kids for home therapy without rewards. Strategies for managing emotional outbursts in sports are discussed, especially during medication wear-off. The importance of setting clear boundaries is emphasized. Additionally, they address screen addiction and the need for community support. Real-life challenges and effective communication with teens round out the conversation, highlighting practical parenting tips for navigating ADHD.

Aug 13, 2025 • 45min
The Hidden Heartbreak of Teen ADHD: A Real Story
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike tackle a question about the complex challenges faced by a high school boy with ADHD, as highlighted in a heartfelt email from a concerned parent. How can parents effectively support their children in navigating emotional intensity and social skills? What role does rejection sensitivity play in their relationships? As they explore the impact of impulsivity on friendships and romantic interests, listeners will discover practical strategies for fostering resilience and self-regulation. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube[00:00:00] Start[00:03:04] Navigating emotional intensity in teens.[00:05:39] Rejection sensitive dysphoria explained.[00:08:17] Feedback and emotional resilience.[00:12:41] Parenting strategies for ADHD kids.[00:14:11] Social isolation and motivation.[00:17:38] Overcoming task avoidance in ADHD.[00:20:49] Video game boundaries and addiction.[00:26:29] Community centers for kids.[00:29:28] Anger and social relationships.[00:31:09] Understanding romantic relationships in ADHD.[00:34:12] Impulsiveness and ADHD challenges.[00:38:05] Sharing internal dialogue examples.[00:42:34] In-person relationships for ADHD kids.[00:44:08] Professional advice disclaimer.

Jul 23, 2025 • 25min
How Neurodiverse Parenting Content Can Harm Your Child
Hosts dive into the pitfalls of misleading neurodiverse parenting content on social media. They discuss how overly simplistic views can harm a child's development by reducing their identity to a diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on fostering a growth mindset and critical thinking when evaluating online parenting advice. The conversation highlights the need for strategies that promote independence while balancing empathy and high expectations. Ultimately, they encourage parents to view their child as more than just their medical condition.

17 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 30min
Raising Resilient Kids with ADHD: 4 Parenting Shifts That Break the Fragility Cycle
This discussion challenges the idea that children with ADHD are fragile, promoting a shift towards resilience through 'anti-fragile' parenting. It emphasizes building frustration tolerance instead of over-protection. Host delve into practical strategies for fostering emotional regulation and independence in kids. They explore how high parental expectations can influence behavior and the importance of coaching children through stress rather than shielding them. Celebrate effort, embrace growth mindsets, and empower kids to thrive through challenges!


