Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn: Your Guide to Getting Through the Hard Times

How to adjust and manage your child’s ADHD medication Feb 05, 2025

Once your child has been prescribed ADHD medication, that’s not the end of the journey.

You might be wondering: What are the possible side effects? And what if we need to change the dose?

Tune in to this episode of Parenting Behavior to get expert advice from host Dr. Andy Kahn on side effects, fine-tuning medication, talking to providers, and more.

Related resources

Timestamps

(0:39) Side-effects and dosing

(2:52) How and when to tweak medications

(4:57) Questions to ask your child’s provider

(7:02) Other key points on medication

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.

We love hearing from our listeners. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

ADHD medication for kids: Stimulants vs. non-stimulants Jan 22, 2025

Are you considering medication for your child with ADHD but need more information?

In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn gives an overview of ADHD medications for kids. He shares the ins and outs of stimulant and non-stimulant medications, what the research says, and important side effects to consider.

Tune in to learn more about ADHD medications and how to get medication management services for your child.

Related resources

Timestamps

(1:16) An important disclaimer

(2:12) Stimulant medications

(04:19) How stimulants work

(6:36) Non-stimulant medications

(08:11) Getting medication management services for your child

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Candy or money as a reward? The answer might surprise you (From the “In It” podcast) Jan 08, 2025

This week on Parenting Behavior, we’re sharing an episode of another great Understood.org podcast, In It, where Dr. Andy Kahn is a regular guest. The show is all about raising kids who learn and think differently.

On this episode, Andy joins the In It hosts to talk about a big parenting debate: Bribes vs. rewards.

You probably know how it goes: Your child is refusing to do something that, to you, seems super reasonable. Do you offer them a reward to get them to cooperate? Where is the line between bribery and rewarding a child? Will that ruin them?

Listen to get Andy’s expert advice, and follow In It wherever you get your podcasts.

Related resources

Timestamps

(1:22) The difference between a bribe and a reward

(5:08) Pairing verbal praise with reinforcement

(8:31) How close to the behavior should the reward be

(16:03) Money as a reward

(21:08) Behavior charts and LTDs

(25:14) Helping kids change behaviors

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page at Understood.org

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

“Is my child lonely?” What to do when your child is struggling socially Dec 17, 2024

There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as the question, “Is my child lonely?”

It’s common for parents to worry if a child is having challenges connecting, or if their social skills seem like they're not aligned with their peers.

But it’s also important to consider our perceptions as parents. Are the concerns legit, or do we just need to look differently at our child?

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about loneliness and social skills for kids.

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:51) Is it loneliness, or is it you?

(03:00) How does your child feel about the situation?

(06:09) How do I help my child with social struggles?

(09:51) Quick recap

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How to get your child to try new things Dec 11, 2024

Sometimes, our kids just won’t try anything new. This can be something small, like not wanting to try a new food. But it can also be a bigger issue, like your child refusing to go to a new after-school activity they’ve joined.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about how to get your child to engage in new activities, especially those that make them feel afraid or anxious.

Related resources

Timestamps

(0:47) Coping with discomfort

(4:11) Developing a “growth mindset”

(6:37) Watch-outs for parents

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How assistive technology can help with your child’s ADHD Nov 27, 2024

Assistive technology can be a bit of a buzzword in parenting and educational circles. It’s not always well-defined or well-understood.

But assistive technology can be helpful for people with ADHD. Options range from virtual calendars and voice recording apps to things that don’t even seem like “technology” at all.

Related resources

Timestamps

(0:48) What is assistive technology?

(3:00) Specific examples

(6:32) Artificial intelligence vs. assistive technology

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

5 tips to get ready for the holidays Nov 13, 2024

For parents, the happiest time of the year can also be the most stressful.

Busy parties. Strange foods served to picky eaters. The dread of worrying how your child will respond if they don’t like the sweater grandma gave them.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn and guest Dr. Karen Wilson share five key tips to prepare your family for the holiday season.

Karen is a clinical neuropsychologist and, like Andy, a parent. So, get ready for tips that come from a mix of professional expertise and real-life parenting.

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:55) What makes the holidays so hard?

(02:45) Tip #1: Prepare yourself for stress

(03:59) Tip #2: Set up your child for success

(06:35) Tip #3: Create a schedule that works for you

(09:04) Tip #4: How to teach your child to accept gifts

(11:31) Tip #5: Plan ahead for picky eaters

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How to boost your kid’s self-esteem Oct 30, 2024

The concept of self-esteem can seem abstract.

And when it comes to improving your child’s self-esteem, it can be an uphill battle for parents.

But host Dr. Andy Kahn has some practical strategies for boosting your child’s self-esteem that he’ll share on this episode of “Parenting Behavior.”

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:47) What is self-esteem?

(02:15) Practical strategies

(07:37) Social media and self-esteem

(10:41) The importance of love and care

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Bullying and neurodivergent kids Oct 16, 2024

Bullying can be one of the most difficult parts of being a kid and being a parent.

And for neurodivergent kids with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia, it can be an additional challenge.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about handling those challenges — whether your child is being bullied, or is engaging in bullying behavior themselves.

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:49) What is bullying?

(02:49) How to talk to your child about bullying

(04:13) Bullying and neurodivergent kids

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Tackling teacher troubles Oct 02, 2024

Your child might come home from school and say some troubling things about their teacher. “My teacher hates me. I can’t do anything right!” “I’m so messy, and she tells me that I just can’t get my space cleaned up.”

If you’re hearing things like this, it’s usually a sign that there’s some challenge between your child and their teacher.

These can be difficult issues to navigate, but there are strategies to manage teacher troubles. Tune in to this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn for ways to help.

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:44) Figuring out your child’s perceptions

(01:51) Validating your child’s feelings

(05:29) Validating the teacher’s experience

(07:03) How to find solutions

(09:13) How challenges can help kids grow and thrive

(10:42) What to do if the situation is really bad

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How to have a successful parent-teacher conference Sep 18, 2024

Parent-teacher conferences can seem like high-pressure events.

There are only 10 or 15 minutes, at most, for you and the teacher to discuss many important things. Plus you want to keep things positive and the teacher engaged. It’s a lot to consider.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about some things you can do to make the conference as successful as possible.

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:54) Basic ways to prepare before the conference

(02:29) Advance communication

(04:44) How to prepare emotionally

(08:16) Special considerations for neurodivergent kids

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Tuning in to signs of learning challenges in kids Sep 04, 2024

Learning challenges in kids can be really tricky to spot.

It can be hard to tell whether your child can’t do something, or if they just won’t. And sometimes it’s not clear what’s an in-the-moment challenge and what’s a pattern.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will explain how to spot what might be a learning difference in your child.

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Related resources

Timestamps

(0:53) How to gather good data

(1:57) Looking for patterns

(3:09) Using homework to find clues

(5:37) How to spot motor or physical difficulties

(7:29) Why frustration can be a good thing

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Talking through social struggles Aug 21, 2024

Let’s face it. Embarrassment is a big part of growing up. And it can impact kids in many ways.

They may worry that trying a new outfit will embarrass them in front of their peers, or feel ashamed when a classmate comments on their appearance. Embarrassment and the emotions that come with it can be tough to navigate, for both kids and parents.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explains how to help young children deal with embarrassment and strategies for getting ahead of it.

Related resources

Timestamps

(01:04) Embarrassment vs. shame
(02:06) How to help kids prepare for anxiety-provoking situations
(02:58) How learning or thinking differences can affect embarrassment
(04:28) Making yourself ‘in’ on the joke

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Why kids have trouble listening Aug 07, 2024

One of the most frustrating parts of parenting is when your child won’t listen to you. It can be difficult to tell the difference between when your child is ignoring you and when they can’t pay attention to you.

If reading this is already stressing you out, take a deep breath — this episode is here to help.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn will explain the many possible reasons why your child may have difficulties with listening or understanding. And he’ll go over some ways you can help.

Timestamps

(0:52) Anxiety, fear, and emotional distractions

(4:29) Focus and attention issues

(5:48) What does “developmental” really mean?

(7:51) Understanding your child’s comprehension challenges

(9:50) When to use consequences and punishments

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Bedtime battles: Why won’t my kid just go to sleep? Jul 23, 2024

If you have a young child, bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of your daily routine.

Kids often have a lot on their mind at night. There’s Roblox, Netflix, and 100 other things competing for their attention as they try to go to sleep. Plus, they have a full day of school ahead.

But as a parent, you need some time for yourself at night, too. It’s your “me” time to relax, get tasks done, or spend time with a partner. This can create tension between you and your child at bedtime.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for how to handle the communication issues that come up at bedtime. Plus, how to create a healthy bedtime routine and more.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

“I’m not yelling — you’re yelling!”: Tips for staying calm when kids act out Jul 10, 2024

Many things we do as parents can make us feel awful afterward. Whether it’s raising our voice in frustration or setting a firm limit and watching our child cry in response.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for handling things in the moment when your child acts out. He also talks about striking a balance between giving yourself grace for your actions and taking time for self-reflection.

Plus, he shares tips for picking your battles and preparing a default response when emotions are high.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Behavior: What is it and how can parents affect it? Jun 26, 2024

Many parents think about behavior as something negative, a problem they don’t want to deal with. However, behavior is really a form of communication.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the truth behind kids’ actions. He also shares how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Introducing Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn Jun 12, 2024

Parenting is one of the toughest things we do in life. It can be even harder when we can’t get our kids to do the things we need them to do.

On Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn offers bite-size tips for all kinds of parenting challenges. From how to stay calm when your child is acting out to helping with bedtime battles, listen as Dr. Kahn shares both evidence-based and mindful approaches for helping your child.

Tune in for upcoming episodes wherever you get your podcasts and on Understood’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/understoodorg.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Guided meditation for stressed parents Oct 05, 2023

Parenting is stressful. In this six-minute guided meditation, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn helps you calm your mind and body so you can respond to your child more effectively.

This is the last episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns. Explore the rest of Season 1 for more strategies to help you confidently handle your child’s big emotions.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

Related Resources

Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulate

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

What triggers you as a parent Oct 05, 2023

Your child’s tantrums or meltdowns can make you angry or upset. But it’s harder to think clearly when you’re having big emotions. That’s why it’s essential to learn your parenting triggers and use self-calming skills to help you parent more effectively during heated moments.

In this seven-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to look inward and notice signs you’ve been triggered. You’ll also learn common ways kids trigger their parents and quick mindfulness strategies to help you calm down.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

Related resources

What your child’s anger might be telling you

Timestamps

(00:39) Why you need to know your parenting triggers
(01:40) How to identify your parenting triggers
(04:31) What to do after you identify what triggers you
(05:47) What you can practice ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Identifying your child’s behavior triggers Oct 05, 2023

Do your child’s outbursts seem to come out of nowhere? In this seven-minute episode of “What Now? A Parent’s Guide,” psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to find your child’s behavior triggers to prevent tantrums and meltdowns.

Learn which details to track to help you spot patterns, like time of day, what your child was doing just before the outburst, and who else was there.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. \

Related resources

What your child’s anger might be telling you

Timestamps

(1:08) Why parents need to be detectives
(2:53) How to identify your child’s triggers
(5:27) What you can practice ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Using praise to prevent your child’s outbursts Oct 05, 2023

It may sound surprising, but praising your child for what they did correctly when they got upset can help prevent future tantrums or meltdowns.

In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to notice your child’s self-calming efforts and give detailed praise so they’ll know what you want them to do again in the future.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

Related resources

The best way to praise kids who learn and think differently

Timestamps

(00:40) Why the right kind of praise can make a big difference
(02:38) How to praise proactively
(03:45) What you can practice ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How to talk to your child after a tantrum or meltdown Oct 05, 2023

Talking to your child after a tantrum or meltdown can help you find out what caused the outburst. But timing is crucial. Try to talk too soon, and you may rev up big emotions. Wait too long, and your child may lose track of key details that can help you figure out what triggered the outburst.

In this 6-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to know when your child is ready to talk and how to start the conversation. Get expert tips including the best open-ended questions to ask after your child has a tantrum or meltdown.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. way.

Related resources

Download: Feelings wheel

Timestamps

(00:41) Why timing is really important
(02:16) How to know when your child is ready to talk
(03:44) How to start the conversation
(04:55) What you can practice ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How to take a time-out with your child Oct 05, 2023

It’s stressful when your child is having a tantrum or outburst, and your reaction can ramp up their behavior. One way to lower the tension is to ask for a sports-style time-out so you and your child can take a quick break from the action.

In this eight-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to take a mutual time-out when your child is upset. One key detail: Tell your child when you’ll come back together. This can help kids use the time apart to calm down instead of worrying about being abandoned.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

Related resource

Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulate

Timestamps

(00:44) Why mutual time-outs are so helpful
(01:37) How to take a mutual time-out
(07:00) What you can practice ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

The first step to help your child calm down Oct 05, 2023

The single most important step to calm your child’s tantrums or outbursts is to look calm — even if you don’t feel calm.

In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains why the way you look and sound can have a big impact on your child's behavior. He also offers tips for staying cool during heated moments — or fake it till you make it.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

Related Resources

Managing emotions

Timestamps

(00:45) Why you need to look calm
(02:39) How to project calm in heated moments
(03:45) What you can practice ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How to tell the difference between tantrums and meltdowns Oct 05, 2023

Not all outbursts are the same, and how you respond can have a big impact on your child’s behavior. In this 7-minute episode of of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to tell the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and what to do next.

For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

Related resources

Timestamps

(00:35) Why it helps to know the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown
(04:45) How to tell a tantrum from a meltdown
(06:09) What you can do ahead of time

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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