Parenting with Impact
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...
EP254: Gender Differences in ADHD and Neurodiversity with Dr. Janina Maschke
ADHD doesn’t look the same for every kid—especially as children grow into teens and young adults. In this episode, Dr. Janina Maschke explains how gender, stigma, and internalized behaviors can shape diagnosis, coping mechanisms, and self-esteem. Press play to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how parents can offer the support their kid really needs.
What to expect in this episode:
Why is ADHD often missed or diagnosed late in girls and womenHow internalized behaviors mask hyperactivity and executive function strugglesThe connection between undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and low self-e...EP253: Get Curious, Not Furious: A Better Way to Parent Complex Kids
Feeling quick to anger or stuck in constant conflict with your child? It doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we'll explore how leading with curiosity can help parents slow down, regulate emotions, and understand what's really driving their complex kids' behavior. Press play to learn how getting curious can restore calm, connection, and clarity to your home.
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What to expect in this episode:
Why leading with curiosity helps parents regulate their own emotions before reactingHow slowing down to understand context can change problem-solving outcomesWhat “get curious, not furious” really means in da...EP252: How To Advocate For Kids Struggling In School With Scotti Weintraub
If school feels like a constant battle, you’re not alone. When your child struggles in school, it’s easy to feel lost, frustrated, or blamed. In this episode, Scotti Weintraub shares how understanding your child’s brain and reframing diagnosis as empowerment can turn that frustration into confidence. Tune in to learn how small mindset shifts and stronger partnerships with teachers can transform your child’s school experience.
What to expect in this episode:
Why viewing your child’s school struggles with curiosity, not frustration, can change everythingHow reframing a diagnosis as a gift...EP251: Befriend Your Brain: Parenting, Compassion, and Practical Neuroscience with Dr. Rachel Barr
What if the secret to thriving isn’t fixing your brain but befriending it? Neuroscientist Rachel Barr shares powerful insights on how curiosity, compassion, and small daily shifts can unlock calm, clarity, and confidence. Discover why pushing harder keeps you stuck and what actually helps your brain work for you. Tune in to learn how to make your brain your greatest ally starting today.
What to expect in this episode:
Why "try harder" sets your brain up for failure and how the right environment can set it up for success.How befriending yo...EP250: Parent Mentor Success Story: Calm, Connection, And Growth That Lasts
One small shift can turn family tension into trust. In this episode, parent mentor Georgia F. shares how curiosity, collaboration, and assumed best intentions transformed her family after an autism diagnosis. You’ll hear practical tools for calmer communication, stronger relationships, and raising confident, independent kids. Press play to learn how changing how you show up can change everything.
What to expect in this episode:
How a moment of “I didn’t sign up for this” can become purposeThe brief family conversation that shifted tone and trustWhy curiosity works better than judgment in reduc...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...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 risk...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 pu...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:
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:
EP244: How To Build Executive Skills With Rachel Kapp & Stephanie Pitts
If homework battles and school stress feel never-ending, you’re not alone. This episode reveals how educational therapy helps kids build confidence, strengthen executive function, and become independent learners. Discover how small shifts, the right timing, and a coach approach can turn daily struggles into lasting success at home and school.
What to expect in this episode:
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 th...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...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 lead...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...EP239: Ted Dintersmith: Future Skills Schools Should Teach Now
Is school preparing kids for the future or just training them to chase scores? In this episode, Ted Dintersmith reveals why outdated priorities fail students and how creativity, agency, and happiness are the real keys to success. Tune in to discover what kids truly need to thrive in an AI-driven world.
What to expect in this episode:
Why test scores don’t reflect real learning or future successThe truth behind pandemic “learning loss” and what really mattersHow AI is reshaping your child’s future and what they need to know A powerful school mo...EP238: Rick Green on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What is It & How to Manage It?
Why does rejection hit so hard for people with ADHD? In this episode, Rick Green joins us to unpack the emotional toll of rejection sensitivity. We’ll explore how it shows up in daily life, why it’s often misunderstood, and what can actually help. With humor, insight, and real-life examples, this conversation sheds light on a powerful but often hidden struggle.
What to expect in this episode:
What RSD is and how it affects people with ADHD in the momentWhy ADHD brains sense more rejection and how that shapes confidenceWhat it mean...EP237: Dr. Marielly Mitchell: Connecting Sensory Processing and Sleep Quality
What if the real reason your child struggles to regulate emotions or stay focused isn't behavior at all? Dr. Marielly Mitchell reveals how airway health, mouth breathing, and sensory processing play a surprising role in brain development. This episode challenges what you think you know about sleep, stress, and why your child just can’t seem to sit still.
What to expect in this episode:
How sensory integration affects your child's emotional regulationThe link between airway health, sleep quality, and brain developmentWhat mouth breathing might reveal about your child's nervous systemSigns of po...EP236: Executive Function & ADHD: What Parents Need To Know
Struggling with motivation, time management, or emotional outbursts? It might not be what you think. In this episode, we will unpack the real impact of executive function and why it matters more than ever. Tune in to learn what’s really going on behind the behavior, and what parents can do differently starting today.
What to expect in this episode:
Why executive function affects everything we think, feel, and do Why medication doesn’t actually solve executive function issues and what can help insteadHow to understand the difference between remediation and accommodation at ho...EP235: Improve Executive Function And Family Dynamics In The Tween Years
Summary
What if the real breakthrough in parenting starts with you? In this episode, discover how the power of pause, play, and presence can reshape your relationship with your tween. Instead of rushing to fix behavior, you’ll explore how shifting your own approach creates space for growth, connection, and lasting change. Tune in and uncover what truly moves the needle in your family dynamic.
What to expect in this episode:
Why “driving the car” is a metaphor every parent should understandHow visual tools and playful structure reduce stress at hom...EP234: How To Support Young Adults Through Nonlinear Life Paths
What if growing up doesn’t follow a straight line anymore, and that’s perfectly normal? This episode explores the evolving journey of emerging adulthood, the hidden challenges today’s young people face, and how parents can support them without falling into outdated expectations. From delayed independence to collaborative planning, discover why there's no one-size-fits-all path to thriving.
What to expect in this episode:
Why the path to adulthood looks different nowWhat college readiness really meansHow to recognize when your child needs a pause before a planWhy collaboration, not control, helps emerging adults...EP233: Why Homework Is Hard: Executive Function, Stress, and Real Solutions
Homework struggles aren’t always about motivation. Sometimes, the biggest obstacles are invisible, like executive function challenges or stress overload. In this episode, we will discover what’s really going on when kids avoid or resist assignments, why your go-to solutions might not be working, and how to take a fresh approach that actually helps. If you’re tired of nagging and want a smarter way forward, this is your next listen.
What to expect in this episode:
Why executive function impacts every stage of the homework processThe 12 invisible steps kids must take t...EP232: How To Build Trust And Emotional Security In Kids
What if the change your child needs starts with you? This episode explores how rethinking your role through an attachment lens can unlock new ways to connect, support, and truly understand your child. Discover what happens when you stop trying to fix and start seeing differently. You may never look at parenting the same way again.
What to expect in this episode:
Why real change begins when caregivers feel just as empowered as their kidsHow an attachment-based lens helps reframe behavior and connectionWhat reflective parenting looks like and why it builds trust...EP231: ADHD And Productivity: How To Work Smarter, Not Harder
Struggling to get things done might not be about effort; it could be something deeper. Psychologist Ari Tuckman uncovers the emotional roadblocks behind productivity, from shame to decision paralysis. Discover how to rethink prioritization and tap into meaningful motivation. A must-listen for anyone who wants to work smarter, not just harder.
What to expect in this episode:
Why productivity struggles often start with emotional roadblocks, not lack of effortHow to figure out what’s really getting in the way when you’re stuckWhat it means to define a problem clearly before jumping to solutionsWhy lear...EP230: Structure Time: Back to School with Systems That Work
Back-to-school season brings more than sharpened pencils and new routines. It is a full-spectrum shift in structure, emotion, and identity. This episode unpacks what is really happening beneath the surface for both kids and parents during this transition. From resistance to readiness, discover why slowing down, tuning in, and getting curious might be the most powerful back-to-school tools of all.
What to expect in this episode:
Why structure can feel empowering for some and exhausting for othersHow to partner effectively with teachers (without overwhelming them)Why flexible systems beat rigid rules in...EP229: Simplifying Mindfulness (and How to Start Small)
What if doing nothing is exactly what your nervous system needs? In this episode, meditation teacher Jeff Warren joins the conversation to explore mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the power of presence. Learn why fewer thoughts can mean fewer problems and how simple grounding moments can shift the way you parent. This isn’t about fixing; it’s about noticing, being, and allowing space for something new to emerge.
What to expect in this episode:
EP228: Screen Time, Safety, and Smart Tech Use with Common Sense Media
Today’s kids are growing up online, and parenting hasn’t kept pace. In this episode, Betsy Bozdech from Common Sense Media unpacks the real challenges of raising digital natives. From screen time to AI, the conversation dives into what families need to know but rarely talk about. If you think tech is the problem, think again.
What to expect in this episode:
Why technology is not just a distraction, but a lifeline for today’s kidsHow digital life blends with real life for digital nativesWhat parents need to understand before removing screen...EP227: Key Lessons from 14 Years of Parent Coaching
In this special anniversary episode, Parenting with Impact celebrates four years of podcasting and 14 years since the launch of ImpactParents.com. We will reflect on how the coaching model has grown, what core truths continue to guide us, and why emotional regulation and collaborative parenting matter now more than ever. From tech challenges to teen transitions, the conversation offers timeless guidance for today’s families. Celebrate with us and see why this journey is only just beginning.
What to expect in this episode:
Why emotional regulation remains the fo...EP226: Math Anxiety in Kids: How to Close the Learning Gap
If your child dreads math, the problem may not be numbers—it may be a hidden gap in understanding. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Aditya Nagrath explains why math anxiety is more about language and belief than ability. Discover what happens when kids stop feeling “stupid” and start feeling seen, supported, and capable.
What to expect in this episode:
EP225: The Connection Between Complex Kids, Gender & Sensory Issues
There’s more to your child’s behavior than what you see. What if the real struggle isn’t defiance but the way the world feels to them, both inside and out? This episode offers a powerful new lens on neurodivergence, gender, identity, and safety. It’s a conversation that invites you to pause, reconsider, and stay curious from beginning to end.
What to expect in this episode:
EP224: Success! Strategies for Better Relationships With Complex Teens
When parenting feels like a constant battle, is there another way forward? In this episode, Marina G. shares her powerful shift from stress and control to calm and connection. Listen until the end and discover what happens when, through subtle but meaningful changes, a parent chooses curiosity over command.
What to expect in this episode:
Why letting go of control might be the most powerful parenting move you makeHow doing nothing changed everything in Marina’s relationship with her daughterWhat shifted when curiosity replaced correctionThe surprising moment Marina realized she wa...EP223: Avoid Meltdowns & Shutdowns with ADHD Communication Tools
Meltdowns aren’t always what they seem, and your child’s silence might be saying more than you think. In this episode, we explore the hidden connection between communication struggles and emotional blow-ups. Therapist Holly Blanc Moses joins us to unpack the subtle signals parents often miss, the assumptions that can get in the way, and the small shifts that can transform your relationship. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind the shutdowns, this conversation will make you think twice and inspire you to try something new.
What to expect in this...
EP222: College Confidence for Complex Teens: Finding the Right Fit
Getting into college isn’t just about grades. It’s about finding the right fit emotionally, socially, and academically. In this episode, Dr. Pamela Ellis shares how families can approach the high school-to-college transition with more clarity, less stress, and renewed confidence. From building trust with your teen to letting go of outdated expectations, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what success really looks like for them and for you.
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 What to expect in this episode:
EP221: Parenting Tips When Emerging Adults Feel Stuck
They’re adults now, but they’re still stuck—and nothing you try seems to help. You push, they resist. You back off, they stall. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and unsure how to actually support your young adult, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what really gets in the way, and how a small shift in your approach can make a big difference.
What to expect in this episode:
The hidden reasons your child may appear “lazy” or unmotivatedWhat to do instead of pushing your agenda when they feel stuc...EP220: Tabletop Gaming: Social & Emotional Skills for Neurodiverse Kids
What if imagination could build real-world skills? In this episode, we will explore how tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like D&D help neurodiverse kids develop confidence, communication, and connection. Guests Bex Taylor-Klaus and Mischa Stanton share how these games create powerful opportunities for growth. Ready to rethink what play can do? Hit play and join the adventure.
 What to expect in this episode:
EP219: How to Help ADHD Students Succeed in the Classroom
If you’ve ever sat in a school meeting thinking, “They just don’t get my kid,” this episode is for you. Guest Cindy Goldrich, an ADHD and executive function expert, reveals what most teachers don’t know about ADHD, why school support often misses the mark, and how to advocate with compassion, not conflict. Whether you're a parent seeking support or an educator feeling overwhelmed, Cindy shares a powerful lens on collaboration, stress, and building spaces where complex kids truly thrive.
 What to expect in this episode:
EP218: Family Meetings for Better Communication, Trust, and Connection
Family meetings often sound rigid or old-fashioned—but what if they were the key to deeper connection, trust, and teamwork at home? In this episode, Diane and Elaine share a modern, lighthearted approach to turning family meetings into something everyone looks forward to. With practical tips and a focus on communication (not control), you’ll learn how to create a safe space where every voice matters.
What to expect in this episode:
Why connection, not correction, should be the goal of family meetingsWhat happens when kids feel heard and involved in decision-makingHow rota...EP217: Online Safety for Kids: Roblox New Parental Controls
The world your child plays in is bigger than you think, and it’s changing faster than most parents can track. In this eye-opening episode, Dina Lamdany, a product manager at Roblox, joins us to unpack how the platform is evolving to protect kids and spark healthier digital conversations. But this isn't just about parental controls or privacy settings. It’s about how we stay connected to our kids in a digital world that won’t slow down. If you’ve ever wondered whether “no” is the safest answer, or if there’s a smarter way to say “let’s figure this out...
EP216: ADHD & Memory: It's So Important, I Forgot
What if forgetfulness isn't a flaw but a clue to how the brain really works? In this fascinating episode, memory researcher and ADHD coach Daniella Karidi helps us unravel the layers of how we remember, why we forget, and what makes memory especially tricky for those with ADHD. You’ll walk away questioning everything you thought you knew about reminders, routines, and recall. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone trying to stay organized, this conversation offers surprising insights and practical takeaways.
What to expect in this episode:
EP215: Parenting Siblings: Neurodiversity, Conflict & Fairness
Sibling tension is a normal part of family life, but when one or more kids are neurodivergent, the challenges can feel even more intense. In this episode, we peel back the layers of comparison, conflict, and misunderstanding to reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. Join us as we explore how to support every child’s needs, create a sense of fairness, and build stronger sibling connections that last.
What to expect in this episode:
What if those constant fights are actually your child’s way of learning emotional intelligence?Why do...