Episode notes
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…
The ADHD Parenting Podcast
by The ADHD Parenting Podcast · English · Kids & Family
The ADHD Parenting Podcast helps parents of children and teens with ADHD improve behavior, emotional regulation, executive function, and cooperation at home and school. Hosted by Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, founder of ADHD Dude, and Mike McLeod, SLP, executive function specialist and author of The Execut
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E46 · 26 Nov 2025 · 22 min
Your Child Is Not Your Co-Parent | part 1
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. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG Find Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube {{chapters}}…
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E45 · 12 Nov 2025 · 31 min
When Love and Empathy Turn into Disabling
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…
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E44 · 22 Oct 2025 · 36 min
Answering Parents' Questions
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. Find…
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E42 · 24 Sep 2025 · 24 min
Parent Coaching Session with the Father of a 14-Year-Old
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…
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E41 · 10 Sep 2025 · 33 min
Answering Parents' Questions
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. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG Find Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube {{chapters}} [00:00:00] Start [00:05:00] Addressing Neighborhood Conflicts [00:15:00] Young Adult Independence and Boundaries [00:25:00] Scaffolding Social Situations for ADHD…
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E40 · 27 Aug 2025 · 40 min
Answering Listener Questions
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. Find Mike @ …
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E66 · 23 Sep 2026 · 16 min
Understanding ADHD medications: What Parents Need to Know - Part Two
ADHD Parenting Podcast – Episode 66: Understanding ADHD Medications: What Parents Need to Know – Part Two Hosts Ryan and Mike continue their two-part deep dive into ADHD medications by walking through the actual medication categories and how they differ. They cover the two stimulant families — methylphenidate-derived (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Jornay PM) and amphetamine-derived (Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine) — and explain why a poor response to one class doesn't mean all stimulants will fail. From there they break down alpha agonists like clonidine and guanfacine, non-stimulants including…
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E65 · 9 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Understanding ADHD medications: What Parents Need to Know - Part One
Hosts Ryan and Mike tackle one of the most frequently asked questions from parents: Is ADHD medication safe? In this first installment of a two-part series, they break down what the long-term research actually shows about stimulant medications, address common fears around side effects — including appetite suppression, sleep difficulties, growth concerns, personality changes, tics, and cardiovascular risks — and explain how each is typically monitored and managed by prescribers. They also discuss the medication holiday debate, make the case that medication decisions should be adult-guided…
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E64 · 26 Aug 2026 · 20 min
Top Three Tips For A Successful School Year (High School)
Hosts Ryan and Mike deliver the high school companion to their elementary and middle school back-to-school episode, focusing on the shift parents need to make from managing their teen to consulting. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG Find Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube {{chapters}} [00:00:00] Start [00:04:26] Tip 1: Stop Rescuing Executive Functions [00:06:43] Tip 2: Set Technology Expectations Now [00:10:00] The Phone You Bought Is Your Problem [00:14:01] Tip 3: Build Independence, Not…
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E63 · 12 Aug 2026 · 26 min
Top Three Tips For A Successful School Year (Elementary & Middle School)
Hosts Ryan and Mike share the three things that will have the biggest impact on an ADHD child's school year — and none of them involve buying supplies. First, they explain why setting clear, specific expectations before school starts (morning routines, homework, electronics, bedtime, after-school activities) prevents the negotiation battles that derail families every fall. Second, they walk through building routines now rather than scrambling once school begins, with particular emphasis on keeping school-issued laptops out from behind closed doors and advocating with the school when…
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