ADHD Families Podcast helps parents raising children with ADHD create a calmer, more functional family life.
Hosted by Sharon Collon, a PCC Credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Consultant and Founder of The Functional Family, this podcast shares practical strategies for parenting children with A
***Join Managing Sibling Conflict & ADHD Session*** Why does one child seem to know exactly how to push their sibling’s buttons, then keep going until the whole house explodes? Sibling baiting is incredibly common in ADHD families. It can look small from the outside. Standing too close to a prized possession. Making a particular noise. Saying the one thing they know will get a reaction. But underneath that behaviour, there can be much more going on. In this episode, Credentialed ADHD family Coach Sharon Collon is joined by registered Psychologist Jacquie Ward to unpack why ADHD sibling…
***Join the ADHD Family Quest*** How many tabs about ADHD do you have open right now? On your phone, on your laptop. The one about dopamine. The one about demand avoidance. The routine chart someone swore by at 11pm. You are not short on information about ADHD. You could probably explain executive function better than your GP can. And your Tuesday morning at 7:40am still falls apart. That gap between everything you know and what actually happens in your house is not a knowledge problem. In this episode, Sharon Collon breaks down the two traps almost every ADHD family gets stuck in: knowledge…
Week one, the reward chart is magic. Your child is racing to the fridge for their gold star. The school bag is actually being put away. Nobody is nagging. Nobody is arguing. And you think, finally, THIS is the thing that is going to change our family. Then week two arrives. The magnets are missing. The stickers are on the floor. Nobody cares about the chart anymore and another beautifully laminated parenting system gets shoved into the kitchen drawer where hope goes to die. So, why do reward charts seem to work brilliantly for children with ADHD, until suddenly they don’t? In this episode,…
They held it together all day. The teacher says they were fine. Maybe they even had a great day. Then they walk through the front door and within 10 minutes, everything falls apart. The bag gets thrown. There are tears over the wrong snack. A sibling looks at them the wrong way. Something tiny turns into a full meltdown that wipes out the entire evening. So why does your child with ADHD manage all day at school — then completely unravel at home? In this episode, Sharon explains after-school restraint collapse and why home is often the place where children finally release everything they’ve…
The toast was cut the wrong way. That’s all it took. Suddenly there are tears, slammed doors and an emotional reaction so huge you’re standing there wondering, how is THIS the hill we’re dying on today? If your child with ADHD can go from zero to completely overwhelmed over something that seems tiny, this episode will help you understand why. Sharon breaks down what’s really happening underneath ADHD emotional dysregulation, meltdowns and big emotional reactions and why the size of the reaction often has very little to do with the size of the trigger. You’ll also learn why reasoning with…
Why does your child melt down at exactly 7:15am, 3:15pm and 8:45pm, like clockwork? On the ADHD Families Podcas t , Sharon Collon, PCC credentialed ADHD coach and founder of The Functional Family , explains why ADHD meltdowns aren't random. They run to a very tight timetable, and that timetable is the most useful information you've got. Sharon unpacks the three windows where most ADHD families break (morning launch, after school landing and the bedtime encore), answers the question every parent asks her, and walks you through four practical moves to plan for the pattern instead of reacting…
You've found the support. You've done the research. You know your teenager could benefit from ADHD coaching... But every time you bring it up, you're met with, "I'm fine." or "I don't need it." If you're wondering how to help a reluctant teen without pushing them further away , this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon is joined by ADHD Teen Coach Kimberley , who shares why so many teenagers resist support, what ADHD coaching actually looks like, and how parents can introduce help in a way that builds trust instead of resistance. Together, they…
School camp can feel like a huge milestone… but for parents of children with ADHD, it often comes with a whole lot of worry. Will they sleep? Will they remember their medication? Will they make friends? Will they cope without me? If you've ever found yourself staring at the camp permission slip while mentally preparing for every possible scenario, you're not alone. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon shares practical, ADHD-friendly strategies to help your child prepare for school camp, manage the challenges while they're away, and recover well once they return home.…
Has your child ever dropped the F-bomb at exactly the worst possible moment? Maybe it was at a family dinner, in the school pickup line, or right in front of Grandma. If so, you're definitely not alone. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon , PCC Credentialed ADHD Family Coach, unpacks one of the most common challenges parents bring to coaching sessions: swearing. Sharon explains why swearing is often linked to ADHD impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, novelty-seeking behaviour, and dopamine-driven reactions , rather than disrespect or poor character. You'll learn why…
What if your ADHD habits were quietly costing your family thousands every single year — and you could start getting that money back this week? 💸 In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , host Sharon Collon shares practical, ADHD-friendly ways families can stop money leaks without restrictive budgeting, shame, or complicated spreadsheets. Sharon unpacks the real-life systems behind The Money Hunt , including subscription audits, bill renegotiation scripts, Medicare rebate redirects, and hidden cash sweeps that help families reclaim lost money fast. After helping one client uncover $1,400…
Have you ever wondered where your money is actually going - even when you’re trying your best to stay on top of things? In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , ADHD parenting expert Sharon Collon unpacks the very real cost of the “ADHD tax” and how small forgotten admin tasks can quietly drain thousands from family finances. Sharon shares honest stories about impulsive spending, budgeting struggles, dyscalculia, and the emotional load many ADHD households carry during a cost-of-living crisis. You’ll learn why ADHD brains often avoid money management, how financial overwhelm builds…
***Blakey's new film - In pieces together *** What happens when a world-record surfing challenge becomes a mission to save lives? In this inspiring episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon sits down with world-record endurance surfer, surf coach, and mental health advocate Blakey Johnston to explore the powerful connection between mental health, ADHD, anxiety, movement, and purpose. Blakey shares the deeply personal story behind his 40-hour world-record surf attempt and how losing his father to suicide became the catalyst for helping men speak openly about mental health. Sharon…
It's Sunday afternoon. Your kids can't walk past each other without it turning into something. Every interaction is a battle. And somewhere in the middle of it, you're thinking — when they grow up, are they ever going to be friends? If that's your house, stay with us. Sharon is joined by Jacquie Ward — Registered Psychologist and mum of three, including a child with ADHD — to talk about one of the most common and most misunderstood challenges in ADHD family life. Why sibling conflict is more intense in your home, and what to actually do about it. 👀 In This Episode: Why sibling conflict is…
Every week in my support group, parents share the same quiet ache — they wish they had people in their lives who actually got them. They feel lonely. And they're often so busy supporting their child's social struggles that their own go unspoken. This episode is for you. The parent. The adult. I am joined by Caroline Maguire (M.Ed, ACCG, PCC) — ADHD coach, social emotional learning expert, and author of Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults — for one of the most honest and relieving conversations the ADHD Families Podcast has had. ✨ About the Guest: Caroline Maguire (M.Ed, ACCG, PCC) is…
Are you stuck in the impossible loop of should I or shouldn't I — and feeling judged no matter which way you lean? If you're a parent of a child with ADHD, the medication question is one of the most emotionally loaded decisions you'll face. And it doesn't get easier when everyone around you seems to have a very strong opinion — whether they know anything about ADHD or not. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , shares her own family's messy, exhausting, emotionally charged journey through this exact decision.…
Does your child go from 0 to 100 in seconds and you're left wondering what just happened? If you're parenting a child with ADHD, you already know that big emotions don't just happen, they explode. And no matter how calm you try to stay, it pulls you in every single time. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon, ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , unpacks why emotional meltdowns in children with ADHD aren't behaviour problems — they're nervous system responses. Sharon explains why emotional regulation is an executive function skill that develops later…
Why does parenting a child with ADHD feel relentlessly overwhelming — even when you’re doing everything “right”? ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , unpacks why ADHD parenting overwhelm isn’t a time problem, it’s an energy and nervous system problem. Sharon explains why traditional parenting advice fails ADHD families, how the invisible mental load builds quietly in the background, and why your body may still be in hypervigilance years after the baby stage. If you’re stuck in survival mode, Sharon shares three practical tools to…
Why do car rides explode faster than anywhere else? In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , unpacks why car trips trigger meltdowns — even in families who’ve “figured out” everything else. Car rides combine confinement, sensory overload, transitions, and nervous system stress into one high-pressure environment. Sharon shares why logic fails when kids’ brains go offline, how parents get pulled into survival mode too, and the three simple steps that reduce car chaos without threats, yelling, or guilt. If your back…
Do your mornings feel like you’ve already lived an entire day before 9am? If school mornings are full of rushing, resistance, yelling, or tears — and you’re left completely depleted before work even begins — this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , breaks down why mornings are uniquely hard for children with ADHD — and what actually helps. Sharon explains how boring tasks, constant transitions, time pressure, and nervous system overload combine to create morning chaos — even when everyone…
Have you just received an ADHD diagnosis for your child and found yourself thinking, “Okay… now what?” If your next instinct is to book all the appointments , consume all the information , and "fix" everything immediately , this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family - slows down the moment after diagnosis so parents don’t burn themselves (or their child) out before they’ve even had a chance to understand what their child truly needs. Sharon shares her own experience of receiving her son’s ADHD…
Have you ever looked at your child’s behaviour and thought, “Is this ADHD… or are they just being rude, defiant, or pushing boundaries?” If that question leaves you stuck between guilt and frustration, this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , breaks down why this question is so loaded - and why it keeps parents second-guessing themselves. Sharon explains how ADHD behaviour often looks like “won’t” on the outside, when underneath it’s actually a “can’t yet”. Through a powerful real-life…
Are you exhausted from trying everything — routines, charts, consequences — and still feeling like nothing sticks? If you’re parenting a child with ADHD and wondering why “trying harder” only makes things worse, this episode is for you. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon Collon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family , explains why most parents aren’t under-doing — they’re overloaded. Sharon shares a powerful personal moment that changed her entire approach to parenting ADHD, and why clarity, not control, is what actually calms the nervous system. This…
What if school holidays didn’t have to end in burnout, meltdowns, and guilt? In this practical and reassuring episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon — ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family — shares a realistic framework for surviving school holidays without burning yourself out. Rather than aiming to thrive , Sharon reframes school holidays as a structural shift , not a break. She walks parents through six supportive strategies that prioritise the adult nervous system, lower pressure, and help ADHD families navigate long days at home with more calm and less…
What if your biggest breakthroughs came from reflecting on what didn’t work? In this vulnerable year-in-review episode of the ADHD Families Podcast , Sharon , ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family, shares her honest reflections on 2025 — both in business and personal life. From ADHD coaching credentials and client wins to burnout, boundaries, health challenges, and hard financial lessons, Sharon breaks down what she loved, what she learned, and what she’s letting go of as she heads into 2026. This episode isn’t about hustle or highlight reels — it’s about discernment,…
👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Michael Shanahan, founder of Dyscastia, about: ✅ The real challenges behind reading, writing, and maths struggles (it’s not laziness!) ✅ How to support kids when school feels impossible ✅ What myths about learning difficulties we need to throw away—now ✅ Why parents don’t need to “know it all” immediately (and where to find expert help) ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:02:04 – Introducing Michael Shanahan’s background and expertise 00:03:25 – Michael explains his role as a specialist intervention tutor 00:04:36 – Beginning explanation of the “3Ds” (dyslexia,…
ADHD, Addiction, and Turning Pain Into Purpose — with Jack Thompson In this episode, Sharon sits down with ultra-endurance cyclist Jack Thompson , who shares his powerful story of ADHD, addiction, recovery, and purpose. Jack’s journey offers a raw look at what happens when ADHD goes misunderstood — and how deep self-understanding and compassion can rebuild a life. Together, they unpack Jack's story and uncover Jack's parent's important actions that we all need to know about when things get rocky. 👉 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast for real stories, practical strategies, and support…
How do you tell your child they have ADHD without making it feel scary, overwhelming or negative? In this episode, Sharon, ADHD coach and parent mentor , walks you through exactly how to approach this sensitive conversation with warmth and confidence. You’ll learn how to turn a diagnosis into empowerment — and how to nurture your child’s self-understanding from the start. If your child has recently been diagnosed, Sharon’s free workshop “3 Steps to an Easier Family Life with ADHD” will help you feel equipped and confident. Grab your spot now at thefunctionalfamily.com/easier 💛 👀 In this…
👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Rebecca Torpie, founder of Sensory Smart Kids, about: ✅ What sensory profiles actually mean for children with ADHD ✅ The difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding (and why your child might flip between the two) ✅ How to spot common sensory challenges—and what to do about them ✅ The truth about all those sensory tools (where to invest, what to skip) ✅ Real-life strategies to make home life calmer, happier, and less…well, sticky! ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Discovering Sensory Integration Passion 05:03 Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in…
Ever feel like you need to clone yourself just to get through the week? Trust me, you’re not alone! If your to-do list is longer than your arm and you’re running on coffee and hope, I’ve got something that will make you feel seen (and maybe even make you laugh). In this episode, I spill all my best-kept secrets for buying back your time, reducing stress, and creating a home that actually works for your beautiful, busy family. From clever outsourcing hacks (think: veggie-chopping superheroes and laundry angels) to the art of saying “no” without the guilt, this episode is packed with…
👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Jane McFadden, founder of ADHD Mum Podcast, about: ✅ Why so many ADHD mums fall into the “all or nothing” trap, and how perfectionism can turn even simple tasks into overwhelming mountains ✅ The double-edged sword of to-do lists for neurodivergent mums, and how to create systems that work for you (not against you) ✅ The importance of recognising different types of burnout and why neurodivergent people often burn out harder and more often ✅ Energy accounting for families ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:16 The unique challenges of parenting children with ADHD…
About ADHD Families Podcast
ADHD Families Podcast helps parents raising children with ADHD create a calmer, more functional family life.
Hosted by Sharon Collon, a PCC Credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Consultant and Founder of The Functional Family, this podcast shares practical strategies for parenting children with A
ADHD Families Podcast is a English kids & family podcast from Sharon Collon. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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