Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

If you're trying to support your child with ADHD naturally and feel overwhelmed by where to start, this episode is for you. ADHD health practitioner Dana Kay shares the three podcast episodes every parent should listen to first. She explains exactly where she would send you if you were sitting together over coffee asking one simple question: "Where do I even start?" Dana breaks down why understanding what's really driving ADHD is the foundation, why traditional ADHD treatments don't always lead to lasting change, and why hearing another parent's real journey can shift everything. These three episodes help parents stop chasing every new solution, start seeing patterns instead of isolated problems, and finally feel grounded in what actually helps their child thrive. If you're new to The Soaring Child Podcast or feeling stuck, confused, or exhausted, this episode gives you clarity, direction, and a starting point that actually makes sense. Dana also shares a glimpse of what's coming in the new year and why it may change how you see your child and their ADHD journey.  Links Mentioned in the Show 3 of the Best Soaring Child Podcast Episodes:  ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-166/ ▶  https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-111/ ▶  https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-178/ Key Takeaways [00:49] Why more information doesn't always bring clarity [01:06] The power of focusing on the "right three" resources [02:07] Why this episode avoids hacks and protocols [02:26] What's happening beneath ADHD behaviors [02:58] Why this episode is the foundation for everything else [03:02] How understanding root causes brings steadiness [06:27] Seeing patterns instead of isolated problems [06:48] Why this perspective changes where parents put their energy Memorable Moments "More information does not equal more clarity." "Sometimes you need just the right three." "No hacks, no protocols, no checklist." "That explains so much." "This is the foundation episode." "Things start lining up in a way that feels really steady." "You start seeing patterns instead of isolated problems." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Let's be honest,  public school wasn't designed for kids with ADHD. Too often, these kids are labeled, misunderstood, and pushed into systems that don't fit how their brains learn best. But what if the problem isn't your child, but the system itself? In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, ADHD health practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Method for Kids speaks with Leslie Dernberger, founder of Aspire Education, mom of four, and one of the nation's leading experts in K–12 education for neurodiverse learners. Drawing on her legal background and over a decade of experience helping families, Leslie unpacks why traditional schooling often fails ADHD kids and what parents can do about it. From understanding homeschool laws and navigating deschooling, to structuring the day and busting common misconceptions, this episode is filled with practical guidance and encouragement. Whether you're curious about homeschooling, exploring hybrid options, or just want to better support your child's learning, this conversation will give you hope and actionable tools. Links Mentioned in the Show:▶ Aspire Education: https://www.aspireeducation.us/ ▶ Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): https://hslda.org Key Takeaways: [00:00] Public school isn't built for many ADHD learners andwhy fit-the-mold systems backfire. [02:37] Meet Leslie Dirnberger (Aspire Education): mom of four, homeschool veteran, legal background, supports thousands of families. [04:23] The "catalyst event": what finally pushes parents to seek alternatives. [06:03] Spotting the signal: "the spark is gone" and nothing at school is fixing it. [07:16] First steps legally: understand your state's rules; public vs. private education; where homeschooling fits. [10:05] Deschooling 101: reset the parent first; museum/nature learning to reconnect. [13:38] Foundation step: define "a good education" as a family; ask kids what learning should look like. [15:24] Myth-busting socialization: why homeschoolers often get better real-world social practice. [18:30] Colleges love homeschoolers: time management, self-advocacy, executive function. [26:27] Standardized tests miss the mark, especially for ADHD,  focus on mastery instead. Memorable Moments: "The truth is, your child doesn't need to be fixed. They need an education that actually fits their brain." "There is a catalyst event that has occurred that creates a situation that the parents go, wait a second, let's take a step back here." "The spark has gone out, the light has gone out of their eyes and the parents know something's wrong." "The hardest part of homeschooling? Looking myself in the mirror and challenging my own beliefs." "What does a good education look like for your family and for your children?" "Nothing could be further from the truth — homeschoolers are often better socialized." "Colleges love homeschoolers because they know how to manage their time and advocate for themselves." "Accreditation is a game. It is absolutely garbage. It doesn't mean a thing." "Everything is geared towards standardized testing in government schools. And that's why they're in a box and they ram it through, which is terrible for ADHD kids." "Your children can own their own education and advocate for themselves at school." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Is it normal…or is it ADHD? That's the question that keeps so many parents of neurodivergent kids up at night, especially when old behaviors resurface after months or years of progress.  In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay, board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, 2X international bestselling author, and mom of a child with ADHD, opens up about the emotional whiplash that can come with raising a neurodiverse child.  She shares what it's like to second-guess every behavior, even the ones that might just be typical childhood moments. Tune in to discover the difference between developmentally typical behavior and patterns that signal deeper dysregulation. Links Mentioned in the Show ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/breakfastguide ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplements ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/parenting ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book Key Takeaways with Timestamps [00:16] Why calm can trigger panic for ADHD parents [02:41] The "Is this normal or ADHD?" fear spiral [04:27] What counts as developmentally typical behavior [06:05] When patterns—not moments—signal deeper concerns [06:53] Why one meltdown feels heavier after progress [08:26] A client story: panic when the school didn't call [10:12] Why children (and adults) naturally have off days [11:34] How biology—gut, nutrients, inflammation—affects behavior [12:20] Questions parents can ask when behaviour worries them [14:17] Why hyperactive boyhood isn't pathology [16:42] Tracking patterns over time rather than reacting to one-offs [18:13] Validation that every parent needs to hear   Memorable Moments with Timestamps (Exact Quotes) "If peace somehow feels unsafe, it's not your fault." "I felt my whole body tighten… that hot flush that runs through every bone in your body." "One school phone call… and we spiral." "That fear doesn't mean everything is unraveling. It means that you care." "Progress hits harder when you finally experience peace." "For years, silence meant brace yourself—something bad's coming." "It means they're human children." "We've been conditioned to expect our children to behave better than most adults do." "These aren't signs of ADHD symptoms returning—these are signs of life." "Let them be messy. Let them be human. Let them be in process." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if the words you speak in frustration are slowly eroding the relationship you most want to protect? In this deeply honest episode, Dana Kay welcomes back Ashley Gobeil, our resident child and family therapist, to explore how parents can repair, reconnect, and rebuild trust after conflict. Ashley shares why ADHD behaviors are rooted in nervous-system dysregulation and why healing begins when parents learn to co-regulate and model emotional accountability. Together, they unpack why traditional reward and punishment systems backfire, how to set firm yet compassionate boundaries, and what "connection before correction" looks like in everyday moments. Listeners will hear moving examples of repair conversations, simple regulation tools, and encouraging reminders that it's never too late to change the tone in your home. This episode will leave parents feeling seen, hopeful, and empowered to begin healing their own family patterns—one calm, connected moment at a time. Links Mentioned in the Show ▶ ADHD Thrive Jumpstart for Parenting → https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/parenting ▶ Ashley Gobeil → https://ashleychildtherapies.com.au ▶ Parenting ADHD Teens Calmly with Ashley Gobeil - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/177-parenting-adhd-teens-calmly-with-ashley-gobiel/id1619834565?i=1000728325539 Key Takeaways: [02:35] Kids with ADHD require a different parenting lens rooted in nervous-system awareness. [05:50] Parents co-regulate their children's nervous systems every day. [09:30] Teens turn to peers when trust and repair are missing. [12:45] "Connection before correction" changes the tone of discipline. [18:30] Controlling and fear-based models collapse as teens seek independence. [19:20] How to apologize and repair without losing authority. [25:10] Don't take "I hate you!" personally — hear the emotion beneath the words. [26:50] Why authenticity is more regulating than forced calm. [32:10] Learn your own triggers to break generational cycles. [39:20] Ashley's final tip: "Drop everything and connect — say 'I love you no matter what.'" Memorable Moments: "If I spoke to my friends the way I speak to my child, I'd have no friends left." "We hold the keys to our child's nervous system." "They're not giving you a hard time, they're having a hard time." "It's never too late to repair." "Connection before correction, that phrase will be your friend." "I'd rather parents choose authenticity over calm." "Go connect and say 'I love you no matter what.'" Connect with Ashley: ▶ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healing_with_ashley ▶ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gobeil.50 ▶ Website – https://ashleychildtherapies.com.au Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Ultra-processed food isn't just junk. It's engineered to hijack kids' brains, emotions, and habits. But what happens when kids themselves decide to fight back? In this powerful episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with four inspiring brothers,  Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari, known as The Holistic Kids. They are leading a wellness revolution for their generation. These young changemakers, ages 10 to 17, have ditched junk food, launched their own health podcast, and co-authored The Teen Health Revolution, a guidebook helping kids reclaim their health, energy, and focus naturally. From gut health and brain function to emotional balance and community leadership, this conversation reveals how small changes in food and mindset can spark massive transformation. Whether you're a parent looking for hope or a teen ready to make a difference, this episode will remind you that true change starts young and it's absolutely possible. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW ▶ The Holistic Kids Show Podcast▶The Teen Health Revolution Book▶The Holistic Kids Show Website▶ADHD Thrive Institute Connect with The Holistic Kids: ▶ Website: theholistickidsshow.com ▶ Instagram: @holistickidsshow ▶ Facebook: facebook.com/theholistickidsshow ▶ Book: theteenhealthrevolution.com ▶ Apple Podcasts: The Holistic Kids Show ▶ Spotify: The Holistic Kids Show Key Takeaways: [00:00] Ultra-processed food and how it hijacks children's brains [02:11] Meet The Holistic Kids — the brothers leading a food revolution [04:18] The science behind junk food addiction and marketing to kids [06:27] Navigating peer pressure and eating healthy at school [09:17] Why eating color and real food matters for brain and body [12:18] "You are what you eat" — microbiome explained in simple terms [14:13] The gut-brain connection and ADHD [17:16] The smoothie trick: how their mom made healthy food fun [19:54] Inside The Teen Health Revolution book [22:25] Inspiring kids everywhere to take charge of their health Memorable Moments: "Ultra-processed food is like a science experiment — not real food." "Eating real food is weird now, and that's sad." "Food is medicine, food is power." "If you eat junk, you're going to turn out as junk." "What you put in your gut affects your brain — even ADHD." "It starts with breakfast — that's where change begins." "We just want teens to take back control of their bodies and lives." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/