The ADHD Parenting Podcast

In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, Mike and Ryan answer several listener questions about common challenges parents face when raising children with ADHD. They discuss why some children struggle to initiate friendships despite wanting them, the role of social anxiety and executive functioning in social behavior, and why screen time can reinforce avoidance of real-world interaction. The hosts also address sibling conflict when children are at different developmental stages, explain why brain scans and “types of ADHD” promoted by certain authors lack scientific support, and offer strategies for parents dealing with teens who claim to feel sick to avoid responsibilities. Find Mike @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.grownowadhd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Ryan @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.adhddude.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ {{chapters}} [00:00:00] Start [00:01:01] Podcast Intro And Updates [00:04:10] Question: Child Struggles Making Friends [00:09:00] Social Anxiety And ADHD [00:13:00] Path Of Least Resistance Brain [00:15:55] Sibling Conflict And Age Gaps [00:23:20] Brain Scans And ADHD Myths [00:28:55] Teen Avoidance And “Feeling Sick”

In this episode, Ryan and Mike discuss how screen time impacts the executive functioning skills already delayed in kids with ADHD — things like impulse control, attention shifting, and cognitive flexibility. They challenge the popular online messaging that frames screens as "social" or "regulating" for neurodivergent kids, arguing that these messages make parents feel better but don't actually build skills in children. They also cover practical advice for managing school-issued devices, why parents don't need their child's buy-in to set screen limits, and why short-term calm from screens comes at the cost of long-term development. (2025). Association of screen time with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and their development: The mediating role of brain structure. Translational Psychiatry, 15, Article 447. Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168. Diamond, A., & Ling, D. S. (2016). Conclusions about interventions, programs, and approaches for improving executive functions that appear justified and those that do not. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 18, 34–48. Doebel, S. (2020). Rethinking executive function and its development. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15 (4), 942–956. Nigg, J. T. (2017). Annual research review: On the relations among self-regulation, self-control, executive functioning, effortful control, cognitive control, impulsivity, risk-taking, and inhibition for developmental psychopathology. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58 (4), 361–383.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan walk through the core questions parents often ask about independence, responsibility, and executive functioning in kids with ADHD—using the framework developed in Mike’s recent book and workbook. Rather than focusing on behavior management or short-term strategies, the conversation centers on how internal skills develop over time and how parents can support that development in realistic, age-appropriate ways.

In this listener Q&A episode, Ryan and Mike tackle some of the most challenging real-life situations parents of kids with ADHD face at home. From bedtime anxiety that spirals into nightly meltdowns, to medication concerns around mood changes and irritability, to constant attention-seeking and dysregulation at home, this episode focuses on what’s really driving these behaviors—and how well-intentioned parenting can sometimes make them worse. They also discuss how to think about summer camps for kids with ADHD, especially when explosive behavior has led to removals from programs in the past. As always, the emphasis is on practical, research-informed strategies that help kids build independence while protecting parents’ sanity.

In this episode of the Mike and Ryan break down four widespread myths about ADHD that continue to circulate on social media, in parent groups, and even in professional settings. Using research-based evidence and clinical experience, they explain what’s accurate, what’s not, and why these misconceptions can be unhelpful for families.

This episode breaks down the major misconceptions about ADHD treatment and clarifies what decades of research, major clinical guidelines, and leading experts actually recommend. Ryan and Mike explain why weekly talk therapy is not an evidence-based treatment for ADHD, why parent training and environmental structure are consistently shown to improve outcomes, and how parents can make informed decisions without getting pulled into common myths. Barkley’s research on effective ADHD treatments [00:09:11] Evidence on CBT, DBT, and play therapy [00:19:21] Why office-based therapy doesn’t translate to real-world behavior [00:22:29] Rumination and how talk-heavy approaches can backfire [00:31:19] Treatments with the strongest evidence (medication, parent training) ⁠⁠⁠ Citations: 1. AAP Guideline (Parent Training + Medication as First-Line) Wolraich, M. L., et al. (2019). Clinical practice guideline for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 144 (4), e20192528. 2. AACAP Treatment Parameter (Medication + Behavioral) Pliszka, S. R., & AACAP Work Group. (2007). Practice parameter for ADHD. JAACAP, 46 (7), 894–921. 3. Barkley: ADHD as Performance Disorder Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive functions. Guilford Press.Barkley, R. A. (2015). ADHD: Handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed.). Guilford Press. 4. CBT Evidence (Adolescents/Adults, Not Young Children) Safren, S. A., et al. (2010). CBT vs relaxation for adults with ADHD. JAMA, 304 (8), 875–880.Solanto, M. V. (2011). CBT for adult ADHD. Guilford Press.Langberg, J. M., et al. (2008). Organization skills intervention for adolescents. JCCP, 76 (6), 967–982. 5. DBT-Informed (Pilot Trials, Emotion Dysregulation) Murray, D. W., et al. (2022). DBT skills group for adolescents with ADHD. J Attention Disorders, 26 (11), 1421–1430. 6. Play Therapy (Insufficient Evidence) Hassan, R. A., & Shaker, N. S. (2014). CBPT for ADHD symptoms. Int J Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, 4 (6), 221–229. 7. EF Skills: Experience-Based, Not Language-Based Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive functions. Guilford Press. 8. Rumination and ADHD Ostojic, D., et al. (2021). Mind wandering and rumination in youth with ADHD. J Abnormal Child Psychology, 49, 1203–1216.Seymour, K. E., et al. (2014). Emotion regulation mediates ADHD-depression relationship. J Abnormal Child Psychology, 42, 611–621. 9. Time Blindness/Temporal Processing Toplak, M. E., & Tannock, R. (2005). Time perception deficits in ADHD. J Abnormal Child Psychology, 33 (5), 639–654.Barkley, R. A., et al. (2008). ADHD in adults: What the science says. Guilford Press. 10. Parent Behavior Training (Evidence-Based) Chronis, A. M., et al. (2006). Evidence-based treatments for children with ADHD. Clinical Psychology Review, 26 (4), 486–502.Evans, S. W., et al. (2014). Evidence-based treatments for ADHD. JCCAP, 43 (4), 527–551. 11. Medication as First-Line Faraone, S. V., et al. (2021). Stimulant effectiveness and safety. World Psychiatry, 20 (3), 314–329.Swanson, J. M., et al. (2017). MTA study long-term outcomes. JAACAP, 56 (3), 228–240.

This is part 2 of "Your Child Is Not Your Co-Parent". Ryan and Mike continue examining why popular “gentle” and heavy emotional-validation parenting approaches often backfire for kids with ADHD. They break down the research, explain the leadership needs of ADHD brains, and outline why overtalking, overprocessing, and overnegotiating increase dysregulation rather than calming it. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11 (1), 56–95. Chronis-Tuscano, A., et al. (2011). Parenting behavior and child conduct problems in children with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 40 (1), 44–57. Evans, S. W., Owens, J. S., & Bunford, N. (2014). Evidence based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 43 (4), 527–551. Johnston, C., & Mash, E. J. (2001). Families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 30 (4), 479–495. Ma, I., van Duijvenvoorde, A. C. K., & Scheres, A. (2020). Cognitive rigidity in ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24 (5), 707–718. Steinberg, L. (2001). We know some things: Parent adolescent relationships in retrospect and prospect. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11 (1), 1–19.

In this first half of a two-part episode, Ryan and Mike break down why many modern parenting approaches—especially those centered on constant negotiation and seeking a child’s input for every decision—backfire for kids with ADHD. They outline how clear leadership, predictable structure, and authoritative (not authoritarian) parenting create emotional safety, reduce conflict, and support executive functioning. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11 (1), 56–95. Chronis-Tuscano, A., et al. (2011). Parenting behavior and child conduct problems in children with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 40 (1), 44–57. Evans, S. W., Owens, J. S., & Bunford, N. (2014). Evidence based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 43 (4), 527–551. Johnston, C., & Mash, E. J. (2001). Families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 30 (4), 479–495. Ma, I., van Duijvenvoorde, A. C. K., & Scheres, A. (2020). Cognitive rigidity in ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24 (5), 707–718. Steinberg, L. (2001). We know some things: Parent adolescent relationships in retrospect and prospect. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11 (1), 1–19.

Today's episode is a re-release of episode 23. I wanted to bring this episode back because it gets to the core of what Mike and I are always trying to teach: helping kids with ADHD move from dependence to independence. This conversation started with a powerful listener comment about how “doing everything out of love” can actually leave kids feeling helpless and incapable. That story stuck with me—it perfectly illustrates what happens when empathy turns into over-accommodation. In this episode, Mike and I talk about why confidence comes from experience, not protection, and how kids only build real executive functioning skills when they’re trusted to try, fail, and try again. We also dig into why too much therapy, too much prompting, and too much hovering can actually hold kids back. We decided to re-release it now because this message matters more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance empathy with accountability—or how to stop “lovingly disabling” your child—this is the episode to revisit.

The ADHD Parenting Podcast returns with another episode to address real-life questions from parents about managing ADHD. Topics include handling therapeutic classroom recommendations, navigating the challenges of a political climate for a curious preteen, managing prompt dependency in routines such as eating and showering, and dealing with lying and exaggeration. They provide practical advice on executive function growth and the importance of appropriate medication regimens. Key takeaways are aimed at equipping parents with effective strategies rather than offering superficial advice.

In this episode of The ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan Wexelblatt and Mike McLeod explore what it means to “step into your parental authority.” Drawing from research and clinical experience, they discuss how authoritative parenting—balancing warmth with structure—helps children with ADHD develop self-regulation, emotional safety, and independence. The hosts challenge social media’s rebranding of permissive parenting as “gentle” or “compassionate” and explain why consistency, clear expectations, and calm modeling are key. They also tackle the fears many parents have about being “too firm,” offering practical examples of how to set limits with empathy and predictability while nurturing connection and confidence in their children.

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.

Join Mike and Ryan as they tackle listener questions on the ADHD Parenting Podcast. This episode covers practical advice for managing neighborhood conflicts, setting boundaries for young adults with ADHD, and supporting children's reading preferences.

In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael tackle pressing questions from parents navigating the complexities of raising children with ADHD. How can parents motivate their kids to engage in home therapy exercises without resorting to rewards or threats? What strategies can help a child manage emotional outbursts during sports, especially when medication wears off? As they work through these challenges, they also explore the importance of setting firm boundaries and the role of supporters in fostering self-regulation. [00:05:41] ADHD and self-motivation challenges. [00:07:53] Emotional regulation in sports. [00:11:02] ADHD and sports strategies. [00:13:20] Therapy not effective for ADHD. [00:16:40] Managing screen addiction in children. [00:20:10] Digital detox for teenagers. [00:25:31] Parenting and ADHD challenges. [00:26:57] Connecting past successes to present. [00:30:15] Disrespectful behavior in parenting. [00:33:05] ADHD behavior in the home. [00:35:44] Daily expectations for children.

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. [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.

In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike look at the troubling impact of misleading neurodiverse parenting content on social media. Are parents unknowingly harming their children by accepting the notion that their child's identity is solely defined by their diagnosis? As they explore the fine line between support and disempowerment, Ryan and Mike provide actionable strategies for discerning credible advice from harmful ideologies. Discover how to empower your child and foster a growth mindset amidst the noise of social media! [00:04:19] Trauma narratives and parenting. [00:08:44] Growth mindset in parenting. [00:12:44] Parenting and child resilience. [00:14:56] Lived experience vs. professional advice. [00:18:13] Parenting with high expectations. [00:21:16] Parental accommodation and neurodiversity. [00:24:49] Professional advice and consultation.

In this enlightening episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike challenge the conventional approach to parenting children with ADHD. They explore the critical shift from treating kids as fragile to fostering anti-fragility—can children truly thrive through challenges? Discover the importance of building frustration tolerance and setting high expectations while maintaining empathy. What strategies can parents implement to coach their children through stress rather than shield them from it? Listen to uncover actionable insights that will empower both parents and kids to embrace resilience and growth. [00:05:32] Planned struggle moments for children. [00:09:26] Emotional manipulation in parenting. [00:12:42] Daily expectations for children. [00:16:45] Coaching through challenge, not stress. [00:20:36] Celebrate effort, not perfection. [00:22:10] Shifting to growth mindset language. [00:27:43] Growth mindset in parenting. [00:29:12] Raising anti-fragile kids.

Ryan coaches the parents of nine-year-old Cobe, who is grappling with social challenges linked to ADHD. They look into the impact of medication on social skills and explore whether anxiety plays a role in Kobe's reluctance to form friendships. Can black-and-white thinking hinder his social development? As they discuss strategies for fostering social skills and preparing for the transition to middle school, listeners will discover whether smaller school environments truly offer a solution. [00:04:49] Black and white thinking. [00:08:49] Social struggles in middle school. [00:10:15] Social skills development challenges. [00:14:33] Social skills development challenges. [00:18:42] School rejection and ADHD challenges. [00:21:02] School options for ADHD children. [00:25:56] Better equipped schools for ADHD. [00:27:15] Reciprocity in relationships. [00:30:55] Scouts and social skills benefits.

In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike offer six tips for parenting a child with ADHD while navigating their own ADHD challenges. How can parents shift from a fixed mindset to embrace growth? What strategies can help combat all-or-nothing thinking that often leads to frustration? They explore the importance of accountability and the necessity of taking breaks for self-care. [00:03:46] Importance of cognitive behavior therapy. [00:08:45] Striving for realistic expectations. [00:11:15] Parenting is an imperfect science. [00:14:04] Gentle parenting misconceptions. [00:19:00] Parenting and personal life balance. [00:20:37] Parenting identity and independence. [00:23:42] Modeling accountability in parenting.

Listen in on a coaching call between Ryan and the father of Scott, an 11-year-old who is increasingly glued to screens. Dad is raising concerns about his son's social development and interests. How can parents effectively set healthy screen time boundaries without constant battles? What strategies can help Scott transition from screen dependency to exploring new hobbies? Discover how to shift screen time from an entitlement to a privilege, and learn about the importance of establishing clear expectations at home. [00:03:31] Screen time management strategies. [00:08:00] Screen time management strategies. [00:10:06] Screen time and ADHD challenges. [00:12:22] Balancing screen time and play. [00:15:48] Social engagement in scouts. [00:20:28] Gradual transition to bedtime. [00:24:35] Family dynamics and ADHD challenges.