When it comes to supporting kids with ADHD or other conditions that impact executive functioning, it can be challenging to understand some of the behaviors we’re seeing. Sometimes figuring out why they act the way they do can be confusing, especially when it appears that they’re engaging in certain self-sabotaging behaviors. This might include (but…
Category: Social and emotional development
EP 026: Does your family need an operating system? (with Kate Wendell)
We’re always updating the operating systems on our devices, but do we ever think about updating the “operating system” we use to live our lives? The truth is, a lot of people end up living with their “default” setting; doing things not because it’s what they want, but because it’s what they think they’re “supposed”…
EP 025: The problem with positive thinking
In this episode, I talk about “toxic positivity” in both the parenting and professional communities for therapists and teachers. If you’ve ever felt dismissed when someone told you to “look on the bright side” or “be grateful for what you have”, you’ll appreciate this discussion. I share:✅Why telling someone to “just think positive” can make an…
EP 012: Body image and media: What stories are we telling our kids? (with Dr. Kate Browne)
In this episode, I sit down with writer and speaker Dr. Kate Browne to talk about the narratives being told in the media, the impact it has on our beliefs, and the way it’s effecting our kids’ health and well-being. In this interview, Dr. Browne shares both her personal experiences that led to her becoming…
EP 11.5 Burnout, boundaries, and systems
In this special pop-up episode, I take a break from the regular content to talk about burnout and boundaries; and specifically how I use systems to help me set healthy boundaries and reduce burnout. Back when I started working as an SLP in 2004, I found there was one area of my life (work-related) that…
EP 011: Your mental health: Why it’s impacting your kids (with Katherine Endy)
In episode 011 of the Are They 18 Yet? Podcast, I sit down with Katherine Endy from The Family Life Coach. Katherine is a social worker, mom of 3, and doctoral candidate at the University of Maryland. If you’re a parent, you’ve likely spent a lot of time thinking about your kids’ behavior and mental…
EP 010: Single parenting and emotional well-being after divorce (with Mary Leonard)
If you or someone you know is going through a divorce with kids involved, you’re not going to want to miss this episode of the Are they 18 yet?™ Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Mary Leonard, and talk about how to help your kids build resiliency when coping with big…
EP 009: Time Management and Device Use Boundaries for kids with ADHD (with Mike McLeod)
I don’t know about you, but I secretly miss the days when I would use the phone to actually TALK to people. I was late to the cell phone party…and was certainly one of the last ones to get a phone that was multifunctional. Now that I’ve joined the dark side and had a phone…
EP 008: Building accountability and motivation in kids with ADHD (with Mike McLeod)
When it comes to working with kids who have ADHD, it’s easy to mistake skill-based issues with behavioral issues. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say things like: “They’re just lazy.” “He doesn’t care about doing well in school.” “I’ve tried giving rewards and punishments…nothing motivates her.” In many cases, it seems like…