Journey With Me Through ADHD: A podcast for kids

Latest Episodes:

Movement Helps Your ADHD Brain Grow: Interview with Dr. LaCount Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

Did you know that movement actually has the power to help your brain grow and function better throughout the day!? It's true!

In this episode, you will meet Dr. Patrick LaCount who is a Psychologist from Fort Collins Colorado. Dr. LaCount specializes in helping those living with ADHD explore how their brains are built and how to individually thrive using customized treatment! One thing he is most passionate about is encouraging those with ADHD to get their bodies moving!! He shares how movement releases those endorphins, norepinephrine, and dopamine of course! These joy chemicals not only make us feel emotionally better, but also improve focus, motivation, and productivity, along with memory benefits and overall improvements in executive function skills. He shares the greatest secret about movement and that is the fact that it actually acts like water to our growing minds! We are not only exercising our bodies, but our brain reeps the benefit of getting stronger as well!! Wohoo!

Movement to start your day, throughout breaks in the day, and/or before an activity that requires focus is a great way to incorperate the joy feeling along with all the benefits of what movement releases to your brain! YES, it is HARD sometimes to get your body moving, especially when you just don't feel like it! BUT, this is when we encourage you to investigate that mindset and MAKE your body move! Your brain will thank you for it!

You can find Dr. LaCount at www.practicalpsychservices.com where you can learn more about him and his services as well as discover other ways to connect with him!

Hop on my website www.katelynmabry.com to get on my mailing list to recieve my weekly episodes sent straight to your inbox with additional tips and resources.

Happy Thanksgiving to my US friends and I celebrate all of your around the world as I am thankful for each and every one of you!!!

Love you all!

Did You Know ADHD is Hereditary!? Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

ADHD is a neurological difference that research shows often runs in the family! In this episode, we talk about why it is important to get your ADHD diagnosis so that it can act as a roadmap for how your brain works differently. On this journey you will discover which Executive Function skills are extra tricky, they why behing big, intense emotions, what it means to have rejection sensitivity in relationships, and so much more! Investigating these things allows you to lean into your strengths as you continue to put tools in your toolbox to work through the struggles. The more we know, the more we grow!

I also share this new and upcoming online diagnosis option. Go to https://get.donefirst/katelyn to check them out. I was honestly hesitant at first, but after talking with founders of this company, I hear the passion and urgency to help people who are wondering if they might have ADHD and want to figure out next steps. They work to better themselves as an online option day by day. After a quick free assessment, you are partnered with a licensed Psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD (these can be hard to find in your area). Once diagnosed, you will be offered an individualize treatment plan. They do offer medication and as you all know, I feel this can be a helpful TOOL given the correct type and amount, however your treatment should never stop there! They offer 24/7 customer care and resources on their site. Please know that different treatment options work for different people, but this is a great way to skip a long line and discover the explanation behind the challenges faced. Please let me know how your experience is with them!

If you are diagnosed, you can look into more resources at www.katelynmabry.com. Check out my book, "Hi, It's Me! I have ADHD" as a conversation starter and print out my printable facial expressions as a follow up activity to begin identifying those big emotions. 1:1 Coaching is another option I offer. I am currently booked, but am taking clients come the New Year! Visit www.focusforwardadhd.com to schedule a free consultation and learn more! You were made to thrive with the incredible brain you've been given! I am here for you!

Love you all!

How to Respond to a Bored Busy Brain with Dr. Tish Gentile Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Raise your hand if you hear "I'm bored" or you struggle internally with this thought!!? We have busy brains, what can be boring about that;) This is a common struggle that those of us with ADHD brains have because we are constantly seeking that dopamine and when we are low, we feel a deep sense of bordom.

In this episode, you will hear from Dr. Tish Gentile, who is a doctor of health and science from New England. She is an ADHD advocate and mentor as she shares her personal story of growing up with ADHD and has a passion for helping others on their journey!

Keep listening as we dive deeper into the hot topic of bordom! Dr. Tish shares her personal reaction to bordom being getting in fights with her siblings, impulsive shopping and more! She encourages listeners to be patient with yourself as you learn to respond best to your brain. The first step is identifying those moments of bordom and how you are in the habit of reacting. If it's with big, intense emotions and unhealthy habits, then look at tools you can add to your toolbox or strategies you can try to discover new habits to form in those moments. Allow your brain to be creative and expressive. Ask yourself, "how can I entertain my brain?"

You can find Dr. Tish on IG @ truly_tish_adhd... there is a link in her bio to find her blog and podcast! She says to send her a direct message if you have any questions too! Wohoo!

As always you can visit my website www.katelynmabry.com to get on my email list so you can get my weekly emails that include the newest episode along with further resources and tips to try! You can also order a copy of my book "Hi, It's Me! I have ADHD" if you'd like another recource for jumpstarting that conversation about ADHD! Please message me with questions or set up a consult if you'd like to learn more about coaching!

We are on this journey together! Love you all!

In Your Face! The power of visual tools for your brain Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Do you ever feel like you are in a constant state of forgetting things or unsure of what to do next!? This is because working memory, organizing, prioritizing, and even task switchig can feel tricky for our ADHD brains!!

This is also why you NEED to practice the strategy and use tools that get visual reminders/checklists/schedules IN YOUR FACE!

Investigating this area of struggle and discovering which "in your face" systems work best for your brain will allow for you to feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your day.

In this episode, you will meet behavior specialist Megg Thompson, who shares with us the value of visual support as she shares some great tips and tools to try both in school and at home!

The big take away to try is a mini-visual accountability checklist to have attached to the outside of your backpack in order to make your morning and after school routine of getting everything to and from school go smoother! This also grows confidence and independence!

Visit Megg on her website at www.meggthompsonbehavior.com for more resources and to follow her on all her other social media platforms! She creates fun filled content that is super informative too!

Check out my website www.katelynmabry.com to get on my email list so that you can get weekly episodes sent each Friday, along with other tips, tools, and takeaways!

Have a great day! Love you all!

Let's Talk About Your ADHD Journey Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

This episode took a turn when my 10 year old ADHD warrior sat at my desk and said, "mom! I want to record an episode on my own!" What started off as a quick audio recording, turned into her taking notes and sharing some of her ADHD journey with you all, along with some tools and strategies that she finds helpful!

I just had to run with it and turn it into this episode! Validating her voice, thoughts, and feelings is empowering to her and I hope that this episode empowers you to share your journey too! Too often we tie shame to getting diagnosed with ADHD, but that is something we can change! Shame only lives in our minds if we allow it to. The way we present our differences to ourselves and each other will steer self- confidence and self- esteem.

This being the last episode of ADHD Awareness Month, I wanted to really encourage you to practice that self-awareness of how your brilliantly created brain works differently, so that you can first celebrate the strength while you name and tackle the struggles head on with the tools and strategies that work best for you!

Again, I know I have touched on this topic, but that's how important it is!! We often need to hear things at least 3 times, for me even more to really comprehend and begin making a change! Let's continue on this journey together one step at a time!

Sign up for my weekly newsletter on my website www.katelynmabry.com, where you will recieve my latest podcast episode, along with some more added resources!! Please reach out if you'd like to send it an audio clip of your child sharing part of their ADHD journey!!! Kids absolutely LOVE to hear from each other!! Another reason I had to push this episode ahead so your kiddos can hear from my little lady! Have a great day! Love you all!

Coming up...episodes on things needing to be "in your face" in order to remember them and a fabulous psychologist friend is coming on to share the reality of ADHD and bordom! You won't want to miss it!

Becoming "Habit Aware" of your Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

Confession time...When I was a young teen, I started picking my eyebrows and eyelashes. What started as a repetitive behavior when my brain was anxious or dysregulated, quickly turned into a habit that I was ashamed of and didn't want anyone to know about. Who else can relate?

In this episode, you will meet Aneela Idnani who is also a habitual hair puller (suffering from the medical term "trichotilomania"). Aneela felt the shame and confusion of hair pulling as a pre-teen all the way into her adult life. She was caught picking by her husband who came alongside her to come up with a brilliant bracelet called "Keen2" that you wear to help become more aware of not only hair pulling, but also nail biting, and skin picking. You can actually train the bracelet to vibrate when you are in the area of picking or pulling. This is what Aneela calls giving you a "hug on the wrist" as a reminder to take care of yourself in that moment. This awareness is the first step to taking control of this habit.

Check out more about the Keen2 bracelet and find other fantastic resources on Aneela's website www.habitaware.com . Better understanding these conditions and growing awareness also encourages compassion and a better response from loved ones as well! It's not as simple as "just stop!" This is a journey also that you don't have to travel alone!

You can alway check out my website www.katelynmabry.com to get on my email list and recieve the lastest podcast episode each Friday with additional resources. Please reach out of you want to schedule a coaching consult or be a guest on an future podcast episode!! I'm here to support and encourage you any way possible!

Love you all!

What's in your ADHD Toolbox? Oct 13, 2022

Show notes

Have you done a self-assessment/reflection lately of what tools you are using to make your days successful? This might sound like an adult thing to do, but kids need to do this too!

In this episode, you will first hear a song, sung impromptu, by my 6 year old ADHD warrior! She sings of heartbreak and being on this ADHD journey together in her own sweet way! ADHD can be a challenging journey if its traveled alone and without any tools for success!

I encourage you to dig into your toolbox to find what you are using that works and which tools you are missing in your day to day life to succeed and thrive!

Is your working memory a struggle? Do you have reminders set, visuals in place, or post-its in your face to help you remember? Do tasks/assignments feel overwhelming? Then are there tools in your toolbox to break things into chunks (checklists, only do ONE step at a time and celebrate it when completed!) Are you late due to time blindness? Then discover a tool that you can use to help you manage time better (ie: visual timer, alarms, set clock ahead, use Alexa, etc.) Are you completely disregulated emotionally? Then which tools can you use to find your calm? (ie: breathing techniques, going to a calming corner, coloring, fidgeting, get moving in some way!) Movement is fantastic tool that you can pull out to help east all executive function challenges as it releases chemicals that our brains crave to calm down!

Visit my website www.katelynmabry.com to get on my email list and recieve weekly episodes with added tips and resources! Send me a message if you'd like to be on my show too! I'd love to hear from you! Or leave a review to help others see how this podcast has been helpful to you!

Love you all! Have a great week!

Navigating Your Journey with ADHD Life Coach Tyler Dorsey Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

Go to www.katelynmabry.com to get on my email list and recieve the latest podcast episode each week with additional resources on the topic at hand!

Welcome back to episode 101! We made it past 100 and I am super excited to learn and grow alongside you all. Thank you for being here on this ADHD journey with me!

Side Note: This episode runs a little longer because of the extra treat I share at the beginning...

During this episode, you will first hear my absolute favorite parody "ADHD-"Under the Sea" written and performed by Tye Holderness (Holderness Family Music). I literally listen to this on a regular basis because it makes me smile and I hope it makes you smile too as you connect to the lyrics, feeling seen and heard! Check out the entire music video on YouTube!

In this episode, you will also meet ADHD Life Coach Tyler Dorsey who shares the number 1 things she wants kids to know about their ADHD and we discuss how ADHD can feel like you are lost in the woods on a journey, wrestling with wild animals, AKA challenges, but that coaching can help lead you on a path to thrive each day as you discover what works best for your beautifully unique brain!

You can learn more about what ADHD life coaching is at www.focusforwardadhd.com and set up a free consult to find if coaching with me or another specialized coach would be the right fit for you!

Also check out www.katelynmabry.com if you'd like to order my book, "Hi, It's Me! I have ADHD", request info on having me as your child's ADHD advocate for school, or to send me a message sharing an episode topic idea! I always love to hear from you!!! Love and appreciate each of you!

Celebrating Your ADHD Gifts & Strengths with ADHD Brain Health Coach Brittany Hochstetler Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

AHHH! We made it to episode 100!!! Wohoo! To celebrate in a special way, this episode starts off with some of our fabulous ADHD warrior friends who were brave to share their personal strengths and gifts with us!! I always love to hear from my listeners, so please reach out if you would like to send in an audio clip for a future episode!

You are in for a treat with this episode as you will hear from Brittany Hochstetler who is a certified Brain Health Professional, an M.A. in Positive Psychology, and focuses soley on ADHD. She and her 11 year old son live with ADHD brains too! She is passionate about sharing what is at the heart of getting to know your ADHD brain better and the best thing you can do when faced with the challenges of ADHD!

You guessed it...she shares how identifying and celebrating the unique gifts and strengths that you possess is a key to growing on your journey! She also shares a great experience with her son struggling with his working memory, but instead of dwelling on that, she celebrates how is a natural leader and salesman! She shares the story of Author, David Pilkey, who wrote the famous "Captain Underpants" series, yet struggled to stay focused in school as a child. It's a story of hope and perserverence.

You can find Brittany on IG @adhdbrainhealth and update this description with her website once it is up and running!

You can visit my website www.katelynmabry.com for more resources, to check out my book, or to reach out for a free coaching consult www.focusforwardadhd.com! I am here for you during all of your phases and stages of your journey!

Love you all!

Diving Deep into Emotional Dysregulation with Dr. Carrie Jackson Sep 22, 2022

Show notes

Do you feel like your emotions feel like a rollercoaster at times!? That's because they are often on the wild ride of emotional dysregulation! In this episode, you will meet Dr. Carrie Jackson, a brilliant child phychologist from San Diago California, who specializes in the ADHD brain!

In this episode, Dr. Carrie dives deeper into what emotional dysregulation looks like, how we experience it, and gives a great technique to use to calm/slow down those rollercoaster of emotions! The technique is called the "temperature skill." This is when you take an ice pack, a really cold wash cloth, or a cold bath/shower to calm your big emotions down. The ice cold against your forehead/body will phycially slow your heart rate down and calm your entire body with your mind and emotions following suit. I'm excited for you to hear what other animal does this to calm itself down! Can you guess?

Dr. Carrie is also a professor at the University of San Diago, as well as a speaker and content creator in our ADHD community! You can find her on Instagram @i.parent.therapist or visit her website www.iparentadhd.com to learn more about her and the resources she has to share!

If you want to take a next step on your ADHD journey, you can visit www.focusforwardadhd.com to book a free consult call and discover if myself or another coach would work best for you!

Visit my website www.katelynmabry.com for more resources, to order my book, or to reach out if your kiddo would like to be on a future episode!! I love hearing straight from the mouths of kids who are living with ADHD! We are on this journey together! Have a great day! Love you all!