Parenting with Impact

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 From building trust with your teen to letting go of outdated expectations, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what success really looks like for them and for you.
 
 What to expect in this episode:

The overlooked framework that helps teens find their perfect college fitWhy believing in your kid might ma...

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...

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:

How tabletop games help kids explore emotions in a way that feels safe and empoweringWhy fantasy worlds reveal real-life struggles, your child may not know how to nameHow made-up heroes g...

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:

Uncover the surprising gaps in teacher edu...

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...

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...

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:

The difference between enco...

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...

Parenting through transitions isn’t just about preparing your child for what’s next. It’s also about redefining your own role in the process. In this episode, Elaine and Melanie dive into the emotional shifts, mindset changes, and quiet growth moments that often go unseen. If you've ever wondered how to stay connected while letting go, or how to support your child without losing yourself, this conversation is for you.

What to expect in this episode:

Why managing your own emotional baggage is crucial during your child's transitionsHow to spot and adjust...

Not every young adult follows a path from point A to point B after high school, and that might be the key to growth. In this episode, we will explore how parents can support complex kids during one of life’s most uncertain transitions. From building trust to stepping back at the right time, this conversation challenges traditional ideas of success and opens the door to something more meaningful. 

What to expect in this episode:

Why traditional post-high school paths don’t work for everyoneThe power of strengths-based reflection and active listeningReasons failure is a...

What if the way we view our kids could literally shape their brains? In this eye-opening conversation, Sue Langley blends neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories to explore how strengths-based parenting can shift everything. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply curious, this episode invites you to rethink what’s possible for your child and for yourself.

 What to expect in this episode:

Why every brain is “neurodiverse” and why that mattersHow the brain rewires itself through thoughts, emotions, and habitsThe dangers of over-identifying with labels and how to move beyond themHow to use strengths-based parenti...

You’ve tried the white noise, the cozy bedtime stories, even the perfectly timed evening routine. And still, sleep feels like a nightly mystery. If you relate to this, then this episode is for you! Dial in as we explore the subtle but powerful shifts that can make a real difference for complex kids who struggle to fall and stay asleep with sleep specialist Hilliary Giglio. Don’t miss this conversation, which just might offer the clarity and hope you’ve been looking for.

 What to expect in this episode:

Why “bedtime routine” means something d...

Uncover the critical intersection of executive function and educational success. This enlightening discussion reveals why some of the smartest kids face unexpected challenges in school and how understanding these hidden barriers can transform their academic journey. Tune in for unique insights and expert strategies to support your child's learning process.

What to expect in this episode:

Understanding the impact of executive function challenges on school successThe importance of emotional regulation and frustration tolerance in academic environmentsStrategies for identifying and addressing specific executive function issuesThe role of parental involvement in managing and accommodating...

What happens when you stop trying to control your kids and start truly collaborating with them? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rosensweet to explore fresh perspectives on raising complex kids. Sarah shares stories, strategies, and insights that can challenge how you think about parenting. Tune in and see how changing your approach can transform not just your relationship with your children, but the way you see yourself as a parent.

What to expect in this episode:

The essential difference between controlling your child and collaborating with themHow to handle...

Elaine sits down with leadership expert Ed Gerety to discuss the intersection of leadership and parenting teens. Drawing on decades of experience working with youth, Ed shares actionable strategies for fostering open communication, focusing on effort over outcomes, and helping teens develop independence. If you’re looking for practical tools and fresh perspectives on raising resilient, capable teens, don’t miss this conversation.

What to expect in this episode:

How to build trust and deeper connections with your teens Why it's crucial to acknowledge your teen's hard work even when they don't achie...

Rebuilding trust within a family is no small feat, especially when past hurts linger. In this episode, Elaine and Diane tackle the complexities of mending relationships and navigating emotional barriers. They share practical insights and a transformative strategy -- cleaning-the-slate conversations -- to guide families in clearing old wounds and creating space for growth and connection.

What to expect in this episode:

How to acknowledge and address lingering resentments that hinder communicationThe “clean the slate” approach to resetting relationships and moving forwardStrategies for creating alignment and building trust with children of all...

What happens when a seasoned corporate leader finds herself rethinking everything she thought she knew about neurodiversity? Join us as Kristen Pressner shares how unexpected insights reshaped her perspective at home and at work, changing the way she approaches challenges, relationships, and what it really means to thrive.

What to expect in this episode:

How neurodiversity manifests differently in each personThe concept of being a “brain friend” and how it fosters understanding and productivityPractical tips for supporting neurodivergent family members and colleaguesThe benefits of seeing the strengths in diverse brain functionsWays to integrate more incl...

Discover how embracing imperfection and redefining beauty can transform self-image and strengthen family bonds. Bridgett Brown, founder of the Beyond Beauty Project, shares her personal journey and offers fresh insights into representation, self-trust, and self-acceptance. Together, we’ll explore how we can empower parents and children to build confidence, resilience, and a healthier relationship with their bodies and minds! This is an inspiring conversation. Tune in now and find out how you can support yourself and your kids on this journey.

What to expect in this episode:

How so...

Discover how embracing imperfection and redefining beauty can transform self-image and strengthen family bonds. Bridgett Brown, founder of the Beyond Beauty Project, shares her personal journey and offers fresh insights into representation, self-trust, and self-acceptance. Together, we’ll explore how we can empower parents and children to build confidence, resilience, and a healthier relationship with their bodies and minds! This is an inspiring conversation. Tune in now and find out how you can support yourself and your kids on this journey.

What to expect in this episode:

How so...

Could food be the missing piece in your child's development? Learn the answer in this episode with nutrition expert Kelly Dorfman, M.S., who explores the hidden connection between diet and neurodiversity. Listen until the end for practical strategies to support your neurodiverse child through targeted nutrition!

What to expect in this episode:

The relationship between brain chemistry and nutrition for neurodiverse kidsHow to identify and address potential dietary irritantsThe role of essential nutrients in supporting cognitive function and learningPractical ways to reduce the “toxic load” on the brain and enhance lear...

What if perfectionism is actually holding you back? In this episode, Elaine and Diane discuss how to shift your focus from impossible standards to steady improvement. Learn why striving for “perfect” often backfires and how you can find more freedom and growth by choosing progress instead.

Here's what to expect in this episode:

The different forms of perfectionismImportance of a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset in parentingStrategies for helping kids overcome the fear of failureHow parents’ own perfectionist tendencies can influence their children’s behaviorBenefits of celebrating progress and small victorie...

If you're living with ADHD or love someone who is, you know it's more than just forgetting keys. This episode dives deep into the emotional realities of ADHD with Ari Tuckman, Psy.D., exploring self-acceptance, family dynamics, and the power of community. Get ready for a conversation that finally "gets it." Listen now!

Here's what to expect in this episode:

A deep dive into the emotional landscape of ADHDPractical strategies for managing ADHD in daily lifeThe significance of community support and connection for individuals and families affected by ADHDGuidance for individuals...

Parenting in today’s world can feel more complex than ever, especially for those raising neurodivergent kids. In this episode, we engage in an inspiring conversation with Peter Fitzpatrick, the co-founder of Fawn Friends, to explore innovative ways parents can cultivate emotional trust, safety, and intelligence in their children. Tune into this episode to discover fresh perspectives on enhancing your child’s emotional and social development.

Here is what to expect in this episode

How technology can create safe spaces for children to express themselvesThe role of emotional trust and how...

We're celebrating 200 episodes of the Parenting with Impact podcast with a deep dive into what it really takes to create lasting change. In this special episode, we explore the first step of our proven Impact Model: Take Aim. Learn how to cut through the noise and pinpoint the one area you want to focus on to achieve actionable change. Tune in now to reduce stress, increase family harmony, and start seeing real progress!


Here's what to expect in this episode:

Why “taking aim” is essential for managing complex parenting challengesHow to dist...

Raising kids with ADHD can be a journey filled with unique challenges and incredible growth opportunities. In this episode, we dive into a dynamic and insightful conversation with Ryan Wexelblatt, widely known as the ADHD Dude. We’ll uncover powerful strategies to help parents guide their children with ADHD toward greater independence and resilience. From cultivating a growth mindset to tackling social and executive function hurdles, this episode equips parents with practical tools to empower their kids to flourish.

Don’t miss this episode with Ryan Wexelblatt and discover effective ways to support your chil...

Bedtime battles for younger kids, sleep schedules for older kids, and morning chaos for everyone are some challenging transitions for parents and kids alike! In this episode of Parenting with Impact, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster return to tackle sleep challenges in part two of their discussion. They explore how parents can apply the coach approach to foster collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience during these tricky times. From addressing executive function challenges to experimenting with creative wake-up solutions, this episode is packed with practical insights to help families transition smoothly in (and out) of sleep routines.

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Navigating the school system can be overwhelming for parents of children with learning differences. In this episode, Elaine Taylor-Klaus sits down with Alyson Young who shares key information about what parents need to understand to advocate for kids with learning challenges. Tune in to learn how to unlock your child's potential and navigate school support systems and IEPs like a pro!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

A clear breakdown of remediation, accommodation, and modificationWhy children with learning differences often slip through the cracksHow to see a diagnosis as...

Are you someone with neurodiversity who’s struggling with sleep? Join us as we dive into the unique challenges of sleep for neurodiverse individuals and explore why it’s often a struggle for families. From uncovering the deeper reasons behind sleep difficulties to sharing actionable tips for building healthier habits, this episode is packed with insights. Tune in to discover how to transform your nights and wake up ready to take on the day!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Why sleep is often a challenge for families with n...

Have you ever thought about that word: Parenting?Parenting is actually about us, not about our kids. Sure, part of the job of parenting is 'child-rearing,' or 'raising kids,' or whatever you want to call it. With one of my kids, I used to say that it is "my privilege to supervise her while she raises herself." But really -- parenting is not about them. It's about WHO we're BEING while we are doing the work of loving them and guiding them. Our journey is to be with them on their journey -- and that can get complicated...

Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Elaine and Diane as they highlight their Impact Parent success stories. In this special episode of Parenting with Impact, you will hear clips from inspiring success stories from our very own Impact Parents.  These clips and stories are the best from this year.  You can find link to the full episodes below.  Related Links:Success! Curiosity & the Coach-Approach Transformed the Tone of Her Home:  https://youtu.be/CcHgigVXwFkSuccess! A Mother’s Journey From Shame to Acceptance:  https://youtu.be/nXuBh5n8DEg?si=V9xAbko0eE8G-UTESuccess! “Dad’s Fun, But I Can Talk to M...

Dr. Brandi Bolling is a triple-board-certified psychiatrist and pediatrician specializing in ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. With nearly a decade of experience and approximately 20,000 patients seen, she empowers mothers and educators to support children with ADHD through her concierge practice, speaking engagements, and annual ADHD summit. Dr. Brandi earned a neuroscience degree from Vanderbilt University, an MD from Meharry Medical College, and completed her triple board residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. Passionate about mental health awareness, she engages audiences via media, panels, keynotes, and her weekly Facebook livestream, *Focus on It Friday*. Listen to this Parenting With Impact e...

One of the trickiest aspects of parenting with ADHD is that, very often, the best parenting strategies -- the ones that help our kids the most -- require calm, well-regulated parents. And that’s not always easy to accomplish when parents have their own big emotions. In this conversation, we’ll identify at least 2 of the 10 main differences in an ADHD brain that create more intense negative emotions (in kids and adults), and get guidance on 2 essential components to manage those challenges. We’ll talk about why ADHD brains feel their feelings so intensely, and how we can manage our own em...

To say that this conversation is inspirational and heartfelt, thoughtful and emotional, and fundamentally captures all that this summit intends to convey to our listeners -- well, that’s an understatement. This conversation with Marvyn Harrison offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be an adult diagnosed with ADHD, what it means to be a black man diagnosed with and treated for ADHD, what it means to be a father with ADHD, a partner, an entrepreneur, a thought-leader. You get the picture. This conversation is a meta conversation about ADHD. And while it will appeal to everyone, it’s li...

Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Elaine and Diane as they discuss emotional intelligence and social dynamics.Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Elaine and Diane explain understanding one's own emotions and being empathetic towards others are key components of emotional intelligence.Building a supportive environment within the family involves prioritizing relationships and self-care, Elaine and Diane note.Elaine and Diane acknowledge that social skills develop over time and require patience. By meeting children where they are and guiding them towards healthier interactions, parents can empower them to navigate social dynamics effectively.  Related Links:What...

Since 2010, Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright have been the co-hosts of the award-winning podcast, Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, speaking to adults with ADHD all over the globe. Over 29 seasons—and more than 600 episodes—Nikki and Pete continue to offer support and strategies for adults living with ADHD. And now they decided to write their first book, Unapologetically ADHD. Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright about becoming ‘Unapologetically ADHD’.Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Nikki and Pete advocate for fostering a safe and supportive environment by engaging in curiosity-d...

What does it mean to break down information in order to build up social competencies? And how does that relate to people with compelling social anxiety? In this discussion with the founder of Social Thinking, Michelle Garcia Winner, we explore the relationship between "being social" and social cognition (ie. social thinking). We touch on four areas of executive function that can foster our ability to learn how to take action on social dynamics that we want to do and are important to us. Get a better understanding of social dynamics and how to help your kids navigate them. Michelle Garcia W...

Parenting With ImpListen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Elaine and Diane as they discuss Emotional Intelligence. Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Elaine and Diane explain children learn by example, so showing them how to express emotions in a healthy and constructive way can have a lasting impact.Elaine and Diane suggest helping your children develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions, such as deep breathing exercises.Elaine highlights that children on the spectrum may encounter challenges in interpreting social cues; stressing the need for custom strategies to help developing these skills. Rela...

Dr. Andreas Krafft holds a doctorate in Management Sciences from the University of St. Gallen, specializing in Organizational Psychology, Culture, and Development. With academic expertise in Social, Work, and Health Psychology, as well as Positive Psychology from the University of Zürich, he serves as an associate researcher and lecturer at St. Gallen and teaches at universities in Zürich, Lisbon, and Berlin. He is co-president of swissfuture, a board member of SWIPPA and DACH-PP, and leads the International Research Network of the Hope-Barometer, with multiple publications on hope. Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Dr. Andreas Krafft abo...

Listen to this Parenting With Impact episode with Elaine and Diane as they discuss the three A’s: Awareness, Acknowledgment, and Action. Here is what to expect on this week’s show:Elaine and Diane emphasize the importance of approaching challenges with an open mind and a willingness to experiment."Commit to calm before you take action;" By cultivating a sense of calm and mindfulness, parents can make more deliberate and effective decisions in response to their children's behaviors.Elaine and Diane highlight the value of involving children in the decision-making process and seeking their feedback. Related Links:Welcome to Parent...