ADHD Families Podcast

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. Sharon unpacks what ADHD medication actually does in the brain, what the research really says (including what often gets left out), the truth about side effects, and five practical questions to ask before you decide. This episode won't tell you what to do — it will give you the clarity to figure out what's right for your child.Freebie: 🎁 Download your free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why the medication decision feels so chaotic — and why that's completely normal ✅ The fears every ADHD parent holds: "What if I'm numbing my child? What if I'm taking the easy way out?" ✅ Sharon's own family story — the diets, the therapies, the pressure, and the turning point ✅ What ADHD medication actually does in the brain (hint: it's not a sedative) ✅ The MTA Study — the most comprehensive ADHD treatment research ever done, and what gets left out of the headline ✅ Why medication alone isn't enough — and what the research actually shows works best ✅ What a 2025 longitudinal MRI study found about timing and brain development ✅ Long-term outcomes: what the research says about medication, substance use, and quality of life ✅ Side effects — the honest, evidence-based answer every parent deserves ✅ Five questions to ask before deciding whether medication is right for your child ✅ Why the medication decision isn't a knowledge problem — it's a systems problem ✅ The most important reframe: choosing medication isn't taking the easy road ⚠️ If you've been going back and forth on this decision while the pressure from school, family, and your own head keeps building — this episode will help you think more clearly. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – The fear and chaos that comes with the medication question01:00 – Sharon's disclaimer: not medical advice, but real family experience 01:37 – Sharon's family story: diagnosis, pressure, and trying everything first 03:08 – The exhaustion of pursuing every alternative 04:12 – Getting ADHD advice from the barista (and other unhelpful moments) 06:21 – The turning point: what Sharon's husband disclosed that changed everything 07:48 – The second realisation: medication alone isn't enough 08:24 – What ADHD medication actually does in the brain 09:06 – What the research says: the MTA Study and what gets left out 11:06 – Effectiveness rates, the 2025 MRI findings, and long-term outcomes 12:06 – Side effects — the real, evidence-based answer 14:54 – Five questions to ask before deciding on medication 20:39 – Closing: you are not a bad parent either way 🎁 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles — FREE DOWNLOAD You're already doing the hard work of understanding your child's ADHD. But in the heat of the moment — when emotions explode and everything escalates — it can feel impossible to know what to actually do. This free guide gives you five simple, ADHD-informed strategies to help you respond to big emotions with calm and confidence, without it turning into a power struggle every single time. Because when you know what to do in the moment, everything feels a little more manageable. 👉 Download your free guide HERE. 🗺️ The ADHD Family Quest — Join the Waitlist If you're trying to make clear decisions — like the medication question — while your family life still feels like organised chaos, that's not a knowledge problem. That's a systems problem. The ADHD Family Quest is a structured, practical pathway for families navigating ADHD. It gives you the roadmap, the routines, and the clarity to move from reactive to responsive — not with a list of tips, but with real systems built around how your family actually works. When your home has a foundation, every decision — including this one — becomes clearer. 📋 JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE 🔔 Next Steps & Resources Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Share this episode with a parent who is navigating the medication decision right now Download the free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles Join the waitlist for the ADHD Family Quest 💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a PCC credentialed ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family. She works with parents of children with ADHD who are exhausted by the daily battles — the mornings, the meltdowns, the school emails, the emotional dysregulation — and helps them build a family life that actually works. Sharon's approach is practical, ADHD-informed, and built around real family systems — not generic parenting advice that wasn't designed for your child's brain. With Sharon's support, families: Understand what's really driving their child's behaviour — and respond strategically instead of reactively Build the executive function skills their child needs, in a way that actually sticks Replace daily conflict and overwhelm with calm, connection, and confidence Create routines and systems that hold — even on the hard days Move from survival mode to a family life that feels genuinely functional and joyful Whether you're brand new to the ADHD diagnosis or years in and still feeling stuck — there is a way through. You don't have to keep pushing through alone. 👉 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com

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 in ADHD brains, what's really sitting underneath those explosive reactions, and why discipline and reasoning make dysregulation worse. If you've ever felt like you're walking on eggshells around your child's emotions, Sharon shares a simple 3-step strategy — Name, Validate, Regulate — that you can use in the moment, even when you're exhausted. 🎁 Download your free guide:5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why big emotions in ADHD children build beneath the surface — often all day✅ Why one small question can trigger a massive explosion✅ The truth: "Big emotions are small worries that didn't have the words to come out earlier"✅ Why children with ADHD feel everything more intensely — joy, rejection, shame✅ Why emotional regulation is an executive function skill — not a behaviour choice✅ Why discipline, logic and reasoning don't work during ADHD meltdowns✅ The "closed gate" brain — why your child's thinking brain goes offline when dysregulated✅ The 3-step strategy: Name, Validate, Regulate✅ Why validation is the most skipped step — and the most powerful✅ How connection calms an ADHD child's nervous system faster than correction✅ Practical, in-the-moment regulation tools that work even when you're depleted✅ Why go-to scripts are a game changer for parents of kids with ADHD ⚠️ If your child can go from completely fine to explosive in seconds — and leave you wondering what just happened — this episode will completely reframe those moments. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – When ADHD meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere02:24 – Why emotional regulation is an executive function skill04:41 – Introducing the strategy: Name, Validate, Regulate05:00 – Step 1: Name — helping your child put words to the feeling07:00 – Step 2: Validate — the step most parents skip08:00 – Step 3: Regulate — helping the nervous system come back online09:23 – Mindset shift: having a hard time vs giving a hard time10:00 – Conclusion + free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles  🎁 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles - FREE DOWNLOAD A simple guide for parents of children with ADHD. Big emotions are part of life with ADHD. But when those emotions turn into meltdowns, it can feel overwhelming for the whole family. Many parents tell me the same thing: "I want to help my child… but I don't know what to do in the moment." This guide will give you five simple strategies you can use to support your child through big emotions — without turning the moment into a power struggle. 👉 Download your free guide HERE.  🧹 Also This April —Something A Little Different Your home is supposed to be your soft place to land. But for a lot of ADHD families — it's just another source of overwhelm. If that's you, I have something coming that I think you're going to love. Declutter Along With Me — 5 days. 45 minutes a day. Side by side, together. No pressure. No perfect plan. Just focused, supported action that finally sticks. 📅  6–10 April 2026👉 [GRAB YOUR SPOT HERE] 🔔 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it Download the free guide: 5 Ways to Navigate Big Emotions Without Power Struggles Join us on 6-10 April 2026 for 5-Day ADHD Friendly - Declutter Along With Me  💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from reactive, overwhelming days to calm, connected and functional family life — using ADHD-friendly strategies that actually work for sensitive nervous systems. Through her coaching and resources, families: Support emotional regulation without power struggles Build executive function skills step by step Reduce daily conflict and overwhelm Create systems that support the whole family Strengthen connection — even in the hardest moments Parenting ADHD does get easier. But not by pushing through. It gets easier when you understand what's really happening — and respond strategically. You are too important to stay in survival mode.

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 reduce overwhelm immediately — without adding more to your plate. 🎁 Join The ADHD Family Quest and create your family’s tailored plan:https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/quest 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why ADHD nervous systems create chronic overwhelm ✅ The hidden hypervigilance mums carry (and why it’s exhausting) ✅ Why traditional parenting advice doesn’t work for ADHD ✅ The invisible load of school notes, meltdowns and mental juggling ✅ Why overwhelm is an energy problem — not a time problem ✅ The Rainbow Wall tool to rebalance negativity bias ✅ Why rest is critical (and not something you “earn”) ✅ How tracking sleep and your cycle builds strategic self-compassion ⚠️ If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen thinking “I can’t keep doing this”, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Remembering “busy” before kids 02:20 – Why ADHD parenting feels heavier 04:30 – Hypervigilance starts in the baby years 07:00 – The nervous system toll of constant dysregulation 08:45 – Why traditional parenting advice fails ADHD families 09:20 – The invisible load mums carry 12:30 – The “slab of the house” foundation: sleep, cycle, energy 13:50 – It’s not a time problem — it’s an energy problem 18:30 – Tool #1: Protecting your energy 19:45 – Tool #2: The Rainbow Wall 23:15 – Tool #3: Rest is not a reward 25:30 – Tracking sleep, cycle and capacity 27:45 – Recap: 3 practical tools 29:00 – Why ADHD support must be strategic 30:00 – ADHD Family Quest invitation 🎁 Join The ADHD Family Quest Coaching Experience If you’re standing in the kitchen thinking, “I can’t keep doing this”… this is for you. If your body is on high alert. If the school calls, the meltdowns and the mental load never seem to stop. If you’re exhausted from carrying the invisible backpack. You don’t need to try harder. You need more capacity.   🚀 The ADHD Family Quest – Now Open The ADHD Family Quest is a 12-month, coaching-led experience designed to help families move from overwhelm to calmer, more functional daily life. And you don’t get there alone. Your whole family moves forward together — because it was never meant to sit on mum’s shoulders. This isn’t therapy. It isn’t a course. And it’s definitely not a quick fix. It’s structured, supported, ADHD-specific coaching that creates real, lasting change. You don’t have to keep carrying this by yourself. You just have to say yes to support. 📅 Starts 11 March 🔗 https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/quest 🔔 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest is open till 11 March 2026💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from survival mode to functional, calm and connected — using ADHD-friendly systems that honour how sensitive nervous systems actually work. Inside The ADHD Family Quest, families: • Build environmental systems first (Base Camp) • Learn behavioural strategies that work for ADHD brains • Develop executive function skills for life • Strengthen the whole family as a team • Receive layered coaching support across 12 months Parenting ADHD does get easier. But not by accident. It gets easier when you’re strategic. You are too important to stay in survival mode.

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 seat feels like a battlefield — or even the 10-minute school run drains you — this episode will give you practical, regulation-first tools that actually work. 🎁 Join Sharon’s free ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week (2–6 March) and create your family’s tailored plan: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why cars act like a “pressure cooker” for ADHD nervous systems ✅ What really happens when your child’s brain goes offline ✅ Why logic and threats make car meltdowns worse ✅ The 3-step system to reduce car ride explosions ✅ The “crunch factor” and how jaw input supports regulation ✅ When screens are a safety tool (and why guilt isn’t helpful) ✅ The Parent Pivot: how to regulate yourself mid-chaos ✅ Why sometimes pulling over is the strategy ⚠️ If car trips are your predictable problem area, this episode will help you pre-plan instead of firefight. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – When car rides become a pressure cooker 02:00 – Why confinement triggers ADHD nervous systems 04:30 – Monkey brain: when logic leaves the building 06:30 – Predictable problems vs surprise meltdowns 08:00 – Step 1: Acknowledge the storm 10:00 – Step 2: Environmental shifts (crunch factor, devices, audio) 14:30 – Step 3: The Parent Pivot (regulate yourself first) 17:00 – When pulling over is the strategy 18:30 – If it’s not just the car (whole-family pressure) 19:15 – ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week invitation + next steps 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) ADHD Roadmap FREE Coaching Week 📅 2–6 March ⏰ 4 Quick Trainings + Daily Live Coaching 💰 $1,000 in Cash Prizes Across the Week If car rides — or daily family life — feel like constant conflict, this free 4-day experience will help you move from chaos to functional. This isn’t theory. This is practical, doable change. And yes… we’re giving away cash prizes every single day to celebrate families who show up and take action. 💬 Daily Live Sessions + Cash Prizes Join Sharon at 1:00pm inside the Facebook group for connection, clarity and celebration. Comment during the Live to enter the daily cash prize draw: 💵 Day 1 → $100 💵 Day 2 → $200 💵 Day 3 → $300 💵 Day 4 → $400 Show up. Engage. Take action. You could walk away with a personalised plan and a cash bonus. 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to functional using personalised systems that honour how ADHD nervous systems actually work. Through coaching, structured programs, and community support, families reduce pressure, strengthen executive function skills, and build sustainable routines — without trying to fix everything at once. If your car feels like a battlefield, it’s not a parenting failure. It’s a predictable pressure point. And with the right roadmap, pressure turns into progress.

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 is trying their best. Instead of behaviour charts or stricter routines, Sharon shares small, practical shifts that support regulation first, reduce pressure, and work with the ADHD brain — not against it. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why ADHD mornings fall apart before the day even begins ✅ How boring tasks and transitions overload the ADHD brain ✅ Why time pressure triggers stress, not cooperation ✅ The “movie of the mind” gap that trips kids up ✅ Why behaviour issues are often regulation injuries ✅ How micro-connection changes everything ✅ Practical strategies that reduce pressure without adding work ✅ How to soften mornings without yelling, threats, or burn ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Why mornings feel harder than the rest of the day 01:30 – The emotional toll of school drop-offs and burnout 03:20 – Why ADHD brains struggle with boring tasks 05:10 – Transitions, sequencing, and time blindness explained 07:00 – Why pressure backfires in ADHD mornings 08:30 – Behaviour vs regulation: what’s really happening 10:00 – Start with regulation, not demands 12:00 – Micro-connection that supports cooperation 13:40 – Protein, positioning yourself as a teammate 15:30 – Reducing decisions before 9am 17:30 – Using music as a regulator and timer 19:30 – Screens, dopamine, and when to delay them 21:00 – Choosing one friction point to start with 23:00 – Free ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week invitation 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) ADHD Roadmap Coaching Week 📅 Dates: 3-6 March 2026 ⏰ Live + on-demand support designed for real families If mornings are draining your energy and confidence, this free coaching week will help you move from chaos to clarity — without adding more to your plate. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Identify the real barriers behind morning struggles ✔️ Support regulation before expectations ✔️ Reduce daily friction without power struggles ✔️ Build a personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity using personalised systems that honour how ADHD nervous systems actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn how to reduce pressure, build executive function skills, and create sustainable routines — without trying to fix everything at once. When mornings soften, everything else gets lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

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 diagnosis, the overwhelm that followed, and why urgency is often mistaken for importance. She explains why ADHD is not an emergency, why doing more isn’t always better, and how burnout often begins with good intentions but no clear roadmap. This conversation will help you move from panic to clarity, from reactive decision-making to confident, intentional next steps - without pressure or perfection. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why the post-diagnosis phase is where burnout often begins ✅ The pressure parents feel to “do everything” straight away ✅ Why ADHD is not an emergency — and doesn’t need fixing ✅ The difference between urgency and importance ✅ Why parenting support should come before everything else ✅ How to identify your child’s real needs beyond the label ✅ The power of choosing one focus instead of carrying it all ✅ How to build a steady, sustainable ADHD roadmap for your family ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – You’ve received the ADHD diagnosis… now what? 01:10 – Relief, panic, and the pressure to fix everything 02:30 – Sharon’s own diagnosis story and the overwhelm that followed 04:10 – Why booking everything leads to burnout 05:40 – ADHD is not an emergency (and doesn’t need fixing) 07:10 – Urgency vs importance: where parents get stuck 08:40 – Why parenting support should come first 10:30 – Coming back to the child you already know 12:00 – Identifying your child’s real needs and strengths 13:40 – Choosing one focus instead of doing it all 15:00 – Free ADHD Roadmap coaching week + next steps 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) 3–6 March 2026 · Sydney Time Four days. Four core shifts. One clear plan for your family. If you’re parenting a primary-school-aged child with ADHD and feeling overwhelmed, this free coaching week will help you move from confusion to calm — without pressure or perfection. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Understand what really drives your child’s behaviour ✔️ Decide what to focus on first (and what can wait) ✔️ Reduce daily friction and emotional load ✔️ Create your personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 🕖 Daily videos: 7:00 am 🕐 Live sessions: 1:00 pm (Sydney time) 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  🎯 Replay: Get the Back to School Workshop & templates (Discounted) A clear, practical session to help ADHD families set school up early — without stress or burnout. ✔️ ADHD Learning Support Plan ✔️ Clear teacher communication ✔️ Confident advocacy 🎥 Now $147 AUD (was $197) until 31 Jan Code BACKTOSCHOOL2026 👉 Access here : https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/offers/SZ2euSGj?coupon_code=BACKTOSCHOOL2026 🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity using personalised systems that honour how ADHD brains actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn what to focus on first — without trying to do everything at once. When you stop carrying everything alone, parenting gets lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

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 parenting moment, Sharon shows how fear, exhaustion, and missing information sit beneath behaviour confusion and how understanding executive function changes the way we respond. This conversation will help you move from judgement to clarity, and from reacting in the moment to responding with confidence. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why ADHD behaviour is often mistaken for defiance ✅ The hidden fear behind parenting self-doubt ✅ How executive function challenges show up as rudeness or escalation ✅ Why discipline doesn’t work when skills are lagging ✅ How to tell the difference between boundary-testing and skill-based behaviour ✅ What parents actually need to move forward (hint: it’s not more opinions) ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – ADHD or bad behaviour? The question that creates so much confusion 02:00 – Why parents constantly second-guess themselves 04:00 – When “won’t” is actually “can’t yet” 06:30 – Where behaviour confusion really comes from 08:30 – A real-life parenting moment that changed everything 12:00 – Why punishment doesn’t fix lagging skills 15:00 – Responding with clarity instead of fear or guilt 18:00 – What parents actually need (and it’s not more opinions) 20:00 – Creating a clear ADHD roadmap for your family 22:00 – Free coaching week invitation + next steps 🎁 Get the Back to School Workshop & templates — Replay Available Missed the Back to School Workshop? You can still access the full replay. This practical workshop helps ADHD families set their child up for the year.  In this practical session, Sharon guides you to create an ADHD specific learning support plan (your school will thank you!), an all about me form (so that your teacher understands your child from day 1), email templates to your child's school to set up positive communication and gives you a strategy bank to support you and your child's teacher when things get messy. 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) 3–6 March 2026 · Sydney Time Four days. Four core shifts. One clear plan for your family. If you’re parenting a primary-school-aged child with ADHD and feeling overwhelmed, this free coaching week will help you move from confusion to calm — without pressure or perfection. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Make sense of behaviour ✔️ Support skills that need development ✔️ Reduce daily friction at home ✔️ Create your personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 🕖 Daily videos: 7:00 am 🕐 Live sessions: 1:00 pm (Sydney time) 👉 Join here: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity using personalised systems that honour how ADHD brains actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn what to focus on first — without trying to do everything at once. When behaviour starts to make sense, parenting gets lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

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 conversation will help you stop chasing more strategies and start creating alignment that works for your family — without pressure, perfection, or burnout. 👉 Free coaching opportunity mentioned in this episode:Create your family’s tailored ADHD Roadmap in just 4 days — completely free. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why “trying harder” doesn’t work for ADHD families ✅ The difference between urgency and pressure (and why it matters) ✅ How nervous system overload shows up as behaviour ✅ The underrated power of pausing instead of fixing ✅ Why generic ADHD advice often makes parents feel worse ✅ How clarity restores confidence and function at home ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – A deep breath for exhausted parents 01:30 – Why most ADHD parents are already doing too much 02:45 – The “more and more” trap 04:30 – A real-life parenting moment that changed everything 06:40 – Pressure vs urgency in ADHD households 07:50 – The power of the pause 09:10 – Why ADHD families need alignment, not more strategies 10:30 – Introducing the free ADHD Family Roadmap coaching week 🎁 Freebie: Create Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap (FREE) 3–6 March 2026 · Sydney Time Four days. One clear ADHD roadmap for your family. This free coaching week helps overwhelmed parents move from confusion to calm using practical, ADHD-aligned strategies that work in real life. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Understand behaviour ✔️ Support skills that need support ✔️ Reduce daily friction ✔️ Create your personalised ADHD Family Roadmap 🕖 Daily videos: 7:00 am 🕐 Live sessions: 1:00 pm (Sydney time) No pressure. No perfection. Just clear direction. 👉 Join here: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap  🚀 Next Steps & Resources 🔔 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast 📩 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it 🎁 The ADHD Family Quest Waitlist is now available 💻 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon supports ADHD families to move from overwhelm to clarity with personalised systems that honour how ADHD brains actually work. Through coaching, programs, and community support, families learn what to focus on first - without trying to do everything at once. When you stop trying to do everything, things start to feel lighter. And that’s where real change begins.

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 reactivity. Whether you’re working, travelling, or home full-time with your kids, this episode will help you adjust expectations, protect your energy, and design school holidays that genuinely suit your family. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why school holidays aren’t a break — they’re a structural shift✅ How to check your daily capacity before the day runs you✅ Why matching demand to reality changes everything✅ Ditching packed schedules and using simple daily anchors✅ Supporting ADHD kids through transitions without meltdowns✅ Using HALT to decode “behaviour”✅ What to do when things go sideways (meltdown reset sequence)✅ Guilt-free regulation strategies for parents✅ Why adult regulation comes first — always✅ Free support to help your family through the holidays ⏱️ Timestamps: (0:00) School holidays expectations vs reality for ADHD families (0:28) Why the goal is survival, not “thriving” (1:40) Reframing school holidays as a structural shift (2:34) Why parent demands rise when kids are home (3:02) Strategy 1: Daily capacity check-in (match demand to reality) (4:28) Strategy 2: Ditch packed schedules & build simple anchors (5:56) Strategy 3: Transitions, meltdowns & lunch timing (7:18) Strategy 4 & 5: HALT, behaviour clues & reset sequences (11:05) Strategy 6: Guilt-free regulation strategies for parents (13:23) Free resources, support & final reflections on doing holidays your way 🚀 Next Steps + Resources: 🎧 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast so you never miss an episode📩 Join the newsletter for weekly ADHD family strategies🧠 Join the free ADHD Family Quest training week 🧠 Free Coaching Week – Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap 📅 3–6 March 2026 ⏰ Daily short videos released at 7:00 am 🎥 Live coaching sessions at 1:00 pm (Sydney time) This free coaching week will help you create a clear, practical ADHD roadmap tailored to your family — with daily guidance, live support, and actionable strategies you can use straight away. 👉 Register at: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 🗂️ Free decluttering checklist for ADHD-friendly homes 📋 “Start the Year Right” checklist for calmer family rhythms 💼 Work With Sharon Sharon is an PCC Credentialed ADHD family coach who helps overwhelmed parents create calm, functional homes through practical strategy — not fluff. Inside The Functional Family, you’ll find coaching, programs, and tools designed for real life with neurodivergent kids. 🌐 Website: thefunctionalfamily.com 📱 Follow on social media for daily ADHD insights and support💛 Final Note Your family doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. School holidays don’t need to be perfect - they just need to be sustainable. Protect your nervous system first, lower the pressure, and do holidays your way.

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, sustainability, and intentional action. If you’re an ADHD parent feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this reflective episode will help you spot the clues that lead to calmer family life and better decisions next year. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ Why success really leaves clues (and how to spot them) ✅ What worked — and didn’t — in ADHD family business life ✅ Why boundaries strengthened everything ✅ The truth about burnout, sustainability, and growth ✅ Health, chronic illness, and advocating for yourself ✅ Why action beats mindset every time ✅ Letting go of the invisible load for ADHD mums ✅ How to reflect without pressure or shame ✅ Choosing one word to guide your year (hello, faith) ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why this vulnerable year-in-review matters 03:30 – A different way to reflect: discernment, not pressure 06:45 – What worked in business (and why alignment matters) 12:10 – ADHD coaching credentials & mentoring other coaches 18:40 – The biggest business lessons of 2025 26:00 – Boundaries, burnout & unsustainable growth 33:20 – Why action beats mindset every time 39:45 – Team challenges & email overwhelm 45:10 – Letting go of overworking and people-pleasing 50:30 – Personal reflections: health, pain & resilience 58:15 – Travel, confidence & rebuilding identity 1:05:40 – Sleep, perimenopause & nervous system care 1:12:10 – Invisible load & the ADHD Family Quest 1:18:00 – Standing in your power & choosing a word for 2026 1:23:30 – Final reflections & what to carry forward 🚀 Next Steps + Resources 🎧 Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast so you never miss an episode 📩 Join the newsletter for weekly ADHD family strategies 🧠 Join the free ADHD Family Quest training week Free Coaching Week – Your Family’s Tailored ADHD Roadmap📅 3–6 March 2026⏰ Daily short videos released at 7:00 am🎥 Live coaching sessions at 1:00 pm (Sydney time) This free coaching week will help you create a clear, practical ADHD roadmap tailored to your family — with daily guidance, live support, and actionable strategies you can use straight away.👉 Register at: thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap 💼 Work With Sharon Sharon is an ADHD family coach who helps overwhelmed parents create calm, functional homes through practical strategy — not fluff. Inside The Functional Family, you’ll find coaching, programs, and tools designed for real life with neurodivergent kids. 🌐 Website: thefunctionalfamily.com 📱 Follow on social media for daily ADHD insights and support 💛 Final Note You don’t need to become someone new next year. You just need to upgrade what’s already working — and let go of what’s draining you.

👀 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 expertise00:03:25 – Michael explains his role as a specialist intervention tutor00:04:36 – Beginning explanation of the “3Ds” (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)00:05:36 – In-depth explanation of dyslexia: what it is and its challenges00:08:12 – What is dysgraphia? Michael’s own experience and discussion00:11:24 – What is dyscalculia? Characteristics and how it differs from other learning challenges00:14:28 – Michael’s personal journey growing up with undiagnosed learning difficulties00:18:47 – How are the 3Ds linked to ADHD?00:22:06 – Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed by new diagnoses00:26:58 – Who can diagnose the 3Ds?00:27:31 – Common myths and misconceptions about the 3Ds00:30:49 – “Specific learning disability” (SLD) reports and what they mean00:32:06 – Tech tools and accommodations for students with the 3Ds00:37:02 – Practical accommodations to ask for at school after an SLD diagnosis00:43:49 – How Michael’s children experienced school with learning differences00:45:34 – How to find Michael, his podcast, and resources for parents and teachers00:50:28 – Wrapping up and final thoughts -------------- Michael is a specialist literacy and maths interventionist, working with students who live with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ASD, and other learning difficulties. He is also a director of Word Cracking—software and resources designed specifically for students who find standard intervention too hard. Connect with Michael: Website: https://dyscastia.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr9MZukIRt8ZPplvj4b6BfQ Facebook: hhttps://www.facebook.com/Dyscastia --------------------------- KEY POINTS ADHD and the “3Ds” are deeply connected. Around 30–40% of kids with ADHD also live with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, making learning challenges much more common than many parents realize . The struggles go beyond academics. Difficulties with reading, writing, and maths can cause embarrassment, low confidence, and a negative self-image in kids—sometimes lasting well into adulthood . Early expert support is key. Parents don’t need to have all the answers right away. Reaching out to specialist tutors, educational psychologists, or organisations like Speld can provide clarity and practical next steps . Common myths are harmful. Many people—including teachers—still wrongly believe that conditions like dyslexia or dysgraphia don’t exist, or that kids “just need to try harder.” These misconceptions can damage children’s self-esteem . Compassion and de-escalation help at home. Reducing homework loads, allowing breaks, and using supportive tech tools (like voice-to-text or read-aloud features) can relieve pressure and make learning more manageable  NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

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 that actually makes life easier. 🧩 In This Episode Jack’s story of ADHD, addiction, and finding purpose through cycling The link between stimulation-seeking and addiction cycles How sport, movement, and structure can support mental wellbeing How Jack's parents navigated his addiction and recovery and what we need to learn from this Sharon’s grounded advice for parents supporting ADHD children ⏱️ Episode Flow 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 03:20 – Jack’s early life and undiagnosed ADHD 07:45 – The path to addiction and what he was really seeking 14:10 – Finding clarity and healing through cycling 21:30 – The ADHD diagnosis that reframed everything 29:00 – How structure became Jack’s self-regulation tool 36:00 – Sharon’s insight: parenting from understanding, not control 44:15 – Reframing success for ADHD kids 51:00 – Final reflections: hope, humility, and healing 🧠 Key Takeaways ADHD isn’t a deficit — it’s a brain difference that requires the right supports Dysregulation is contagious Real change happens when we stop fixing and start understanding Connection always precedes correction Routine, interest, and safety are the foundation of growth 🔗 Connect with Jack 🌍  jackultracyclist.com  📸 Instagram: @jackultracyclist  🎥 YouTube: Jack Ultra Cyclist  💼 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a credentialed ADHD Coach & Parenting Consultant, founder of The Functional Family, and mum to three boys with ADHD. She’s helped over 40,000 families move from chaos to calm through her signature programs, coaching, and community. 📚 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com  📧 hello@thefunctionalfamily.com  📸 Instagram: @thefunctionalfamily  🗞️ Join the ADHD Family Community Join our free support group HERE. Subscribe to The ADHD Family Newsletter for grounded guidance, parenting strategies, and stories that remind you — you’re not alone, and it can get easier.  

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 episode, Sharon covers: ✅ Why telling your child they have ADHD early builds resilience and self-esteem ✅ The biggest mistake parents make when keeping it a “secret” ✅ How to frame ADHD as a unique brain wiring rather than a disorder ✅ Simple ways to weave ADHD into everyday chats, not “big sit-down talks” ✅ How to highlight your child’s strengths — not just their challenges ✅ Real-life language you can use to explain ADHD to different age groups ✅ How to stay curious and keep the conversation going as your child grows ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Finding the right words to tell your child about ADHD 02:15 – Why Sharon felt lost after her first diagnosis 04:00 – The importance of empowering children with the truth 06:30 – Why avoiding “the label” can cause more harm than good 09:45 – How to keep the conversation casual and positive 13:10 – Reframing ADHD as unique brain wiring 15:20 – Using relatable role models to inspire your child 18:00 – Sharing your own ADHD story (without assumptions) 21:15 – Highlighting strengths and self-understanding 25:00 – Encouraging ongoing questions and curiosity 28:00 – Teaching that “everything is figureoutable” 30:45 – Sharon’s free workshop for parents: 3 Steps to an Easier Family Life with ADHD 💡 Next Steps + Resources 🎧 Subscribe to The Functional Family Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 🎁 Join the free workshop: thefunctionalfamily.com/easier  📘 Download Sharon’s ADHD resources via her website 💬 Follow Sharon on Instagram at @thefunctionalfamily  💼 Work With Sharon Sharon helps parents of children with ADHD create calmer homes and confident families through coaching, workshops, and practical ADHD resources. Start with her free workshop, “3 Steps to an Easier Family Life with ADHD,” or explore her signature Functional Family Membership for deeper support and community. 🌐 Visit thefunctionalfamily.com  to learn more.  

👀 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 Children 09:39 "Regulation and Sensory Processing Impact" 11:16 Managing Sensory Overwhelm 16:15 Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents 18:04 Managing Post-School Emotions 22:42 Family Dynamics and Emotional Regulation 25:05 Invest in OT; Encourage Active Play 30:43 "Morning Sensory Routines for Kids" 33:46 Evening Playtime and Activity Tips 36:39 "OTs: Embracing Deeper Problem Solving" -------------- Rebecca Torpie is the founder of Sensory Smart Kids, an Occupational Therapy clinic in Belmont, and support children and families in the Greater Geelong area. They see children in their clinic as well as offering home and community based intervention. Connect with Rebecca: Website: https://www.sensorysmartkidsot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensorysmartkidsot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensorysmartkidsot/ --------------------------- KEY POINTS Sensory profiles help you understand your child’s unique likes, dislikes, and triggers. Children with ADHD often have stronger sensory seeking or avoiding behaviours. Sensory overload can lead to overwhelm or “meltdowns” for both kids and parents. Heavy work activities (like pushing or pulling) help kids feel more regulated. Not every sensory tool works for every child—find what fits your family! NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

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 practical, strength-based strategies you can use right now. What you’ll learn: Rapid-fire ideas for what to outsource (and what to let go of) Real-life scripts for saying “no” (without feeling like the bad guy) Tips for using tech and community to lighten your load A big permission slip to ditch the martyrdom and invest in your family’s wellbeing ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 ADHD Families: Ease and Joy 06:29 Earn Extra Doing What You Love 08:33 "Finding Time-Value Balance" 11:17 Outsourcing Tips and Costs 15:05 Efficient Home Maintenance Strategies 16:52 Efficient Task Management and Meal Planning 21:54 Outsourcing Veggie Prep Benefits 23:26 Budget Shopping and Delivery Choices 28:00 AI Uncovers Hidden Subscriptions 30:44 Sunday Productivity Tips 36:30 Balancing Kids' Schedules & Downtime 37:19 Choose One Activity Per Child 41:05 Personal Styling Service Time Saver 45:55 Outsourcing for Family Well-being 50:04 Outsource and Barter for Efficiency ------------------ The Art of Saying “No” (Without the Guilt) Don’t fill your freed-up time with more obligations! Use Sharon’s go-to script: “Thank you for the offer, I’ll get back to you.” Then set a reminder and check if it actually fits your values and schedule. Remember: Future you is just as busy as present you. Don’t overcommit on the hope that “it’ll calm down soon.” Key Takeaways Outsourcing is an investment in your family’s wellbeing—not a failure. Start with your biggest pain point. Just pick one thing to try outsourcing and see how much lighter life feels. Use tech and community to your advantage—reminders apps, shared notes, and even AI can help you manage admin and subscriptions. Barter with friends! Swap the jobs you hate for the ones you love. Links & Resources Time Audit Resource: Click HERE Meal Planning Mini Course: Coming soon—my ADHD-friendly meal planning system. Loved this episode?Share it on your socials, leave a review, and help us start a conversation about ADHD. For more support, strategies, and a sprinkle of humour, check out thefunctionalfamily.com. Remember, you don’t have to do it all. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help (or outsource the washing!). This week’s challenge:Pick just one task that drains your energy or always gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list—and outsource it. It could be as simple as hiring someone to fold your laundry, getting your groceries delivered, or asking a friend to swap chores with you. Don’t overthink it! Choose the task you dread most or the one that would buy you the most breathing room. Try it once—just as an experiment. Notice how it feels to have that space back in your day. Bonus points: Share your outsourcing win (or fail!) in the ADHD Families Facebook group to inspire and support other families. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH ME I help parents of children with ADHD through my: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog    

👀 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 00:45 Identify and prioritise personal values 01:56 Jane's background 02:27 Perfectionism trap for women with ADHD 02:31 Actionable strategies for managing to-do lists and perfectionism 32:07 The concept of “energy accounting” 33:18 Burn-out wave 36:44 Acknowledging that everyone’s limits are different. 38:37 The value of honest, ongoing conversations about each family member’s needs and challenges     -------------- Jane McFadden is the Autistic and ADHD Aussie mum behind the podcast ADHD Mums.  She believes motherhood is hard - really hard - especially when you're neurodivergent or raising kids who are. She believes in speaking honestly about the mental load, the guilt, the overwhelm, and the absolute chaos that comes with parenting while trying to function in a world that doesn't make space for us. She believes in sharing the struggles without sugarcoating them - but also finding the humour in it all because sometimes you just have to laugh or you'll cry (again).  Connect with Jane: Website: https://adhdmums.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHD-Mums/100091850469503/ Tiktok: https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHD-Mums/100091850469503/ Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/adhdmums --------------------------- KEY POINTS The episode explores the unique challenges of parenting children with ADHD, emphasising the need to adapt parenting strategies and understand each child’s individual needs and pace. Jane and Sharon discuss the cycle of burnout and perfectionism many mothers with ADHD face, sharing practical strategies for managing overwhelming to-do lists and encouraging decisions based on personal values, not societal “shoulds”. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon Sign up to our upcoming workshop: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/mums   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

Are you constantly walking on eggshells around your child with ADHD? Feeling like you’re failing as a parent or just plain exhausted from the daily battles? You’re not alone—and there’s hope! In this episode, Sharon Collon shares the three simple but powerful skills that can transform your family dynamic and help you move from reactive to responsive parenting. Sharon, award-winning ADHD coach and founder of The Functional Family, introduces her signature CRC method—Curious, Regulated, and Clear. With over 17 years supporting families and her own lived experience, she knows traditional parenting advice often misses the mark for children with ADHD. Instead, Sharon’s CRC approach is practical, research-backed, and designed to work with your child’s brain, not against it. What You’ll Learn Why most parenting strategies fail families with ADHD—and what to do instead The CRC Method: Curious: Shift from frustration to curiosity. See your child’s behaviour as communication, not defiance. Ask, “I wonder what’s going on for them in this moment?” to get to the root of tricky behaviours. Regulated: Manage your own emotional state first. Dysregulation is contagious! Learn simple ways to slow things down, model calm, and help your child regulate by leading by example. Clear: Give specific, achievable instructions. Ditch the vague “be good” and go for concise, one-step directions your child can actually follow. Less is more—sometimes just two words and a kind face do the trick. ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Transformative ADHD Parenting Skills 03:47 Curiosity Over Judgment 09:23 Concise Instructions Essential 10:42 ADHD Parenting: Key Skills Overview ------------------------------------------------------ Sharon’s Top Tips Don’t stack instructions—one thing at a time! Practice saying your instruction in your head before you say it out loud to keep it short and clear. Remember: Your child’s dysregulation isn’t about you—it’s about their developing brain. The CRC method isn’t just theory; it’s a game-changer for daily life. Challenge of the Week Which CRC skill will you focus on first? Share your choice in our free support group and connect with other parents on the same journey! Loved this episode?Share it on your socials and leave a review on iTunes to make this mum do a happy dance! Want more resources, strategies, and support? Visit thefunctionalfamily.com. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Dr Mary Barson, founder of Real Life Medicine, about: ✅ Real-life strategies for ADHD & weight management ✅ The truth about dopamine, eating, and shame ✅ Family-friendly, flexible health solutions ✅ Why traditional diets don’t work for ADHD ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Struggling with Weight and Transformation 05:06 ADHD's Impact on Dieting Struggles 07:08 ADHD, Food Cravings, and Eating Habits 11:48 High-Protein Meal Prep Ideas 17:20 "Shame and People-Pleasing Origins" 20:08 Stress Response and Hyperarousal Explained 23:09 Break the Shame Spiral 25:22 Reconsidering ADHD Perceptions 30:36 High-Protein Diet Benefits 34:14 Emotional Aspect of Weight Loss 36:25 Make Healthy Choices Easier 38:45 "Real Health & Weight Loss Resources" -------------- Dr Mary Barson is a GP based on the Victorian Surf Coast. She is an absolute genius and has an honours degree in biochemistry, as well as a medical degree. Dr Mary understands all things “sciencey”. She is our go-to person for interpreting scientific research, and can separate out true science from popular “woo”. Dr Mary marries this with her skills as a counsellor and hypnotherapist, and has a huge interest in lifestyle medicine. She practices compassion-based therapy. Connect with Mary: Website: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_life_medicine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifemedicine Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1XRiZ7sJ-thR6CobrH5Vg Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/real-health-and-weight-loss-podcast/id1539858012 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-medicine/ --------------------------- KEY POINTS Dr. Mary Barson shares her personal journey with ADHD, PCOS, and overcoming lifelong weight struggles using real, sustainable health strategies. The episode uncovers why traditional dieting and “just use willpower” advice don’t work for ADHD brains, and how dopamine and shame impact eating habits. You’ll get practical, family-friendly tips for high-protein breakfasts, supporting picky eaters, and building flexible routines that actually fit neurodiverse households. NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Sam Taylor, founder of Go Beyond Therapy, about: ✅ Why parents are more burnt out than ever (and what to do about it) ✅ The “bucket” analogy that makes sense of your overwhelm ✅ Tiny, doable self-care moments that actually work ✅ How to spot the warning signs before you hit meltdown mode ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Parental Emotional Regulation Challenges 04:49 Practical Self-Care for Parents 07:49 Managing Emotional Overflow in Parents 11:55 Parental Burnout Strains Relationships 15:52 Mindful Parenting for Emotional Regulation 20:07 Balancing Family Sensory Needs 22:22 "Strategies for Reducing Daily Stress" 26:56 Understanding Occupational Therapy's Role 31:23 Progressing Towards Big Goals Incrementally 32:29 Individualised Goal Strategies in OT -------------- Sam is an occupational therapist with experience supporting children with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, and many more. She has been working and volunteering in the pediatric disability space for over 10 years. Her journey in this field is not just professional, but also personal. Having navigated challenges similar to dyslexia and auditory processing difficulties herself, she understands the hurdles that families face within the education system, therapeutic environments, and everyday life. Her approach to therapy is holistic and family-centered. She recognises that enhancing a child’s well-being goes beyond traditional milestones like handwriting. She believes in nurturing self-confidence and resilience—qualities that form the cornerstone of building a fulfilling life. She sees each child’s belief in themselves as a crucial building block upon which all progress is built. Connect with Sam: Website: https://www.gobeyondtherapy.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go.beyond.therapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobeyondtherapy/  ---------------------------  KEY POINTS Every parent has a “coping bucket” with different capacities. Self-care is small and practical, not grand gestures. Deep breathing, whispering instead of raising your voice, stepping away briefly if safe, or using sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones helps parents co-regulate. Meeting sensory needs through alternatives like weighted items, heavy work activities, or trampolines to reduce physical demands on the parent while supporting the child’s regulation.   NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog  

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Natalia Aiza about: ✅ The real differences between OCD and anxiety (and why it matters) ✅ Surprising signs of OCD in kids with ADHD ✅ Common myths that hold families back from getting help ✅ Practical ways to support your child at home and school   ⏰ Timestamps ⏰ 00:00 Managing ADHD and OCD Anxieties 05:40 "OCD vs. Anxiety: Key Differences" 09:06 ADHD, OCD, & Time Management 10:20 OCD's Rule of Threes 15:29 Nighttime Routines and Child OCD 18:44 ADHD and OCD Dual Understanding 22:10 OCD Therapy Challenges and Success 25:38 Teaching Children to Handle Distress 27:05 "Do Less Parenting Approach" 31:50 Compassionate Approach to School Refusal 34:59 OCD: Hormonal Influence and Cycles 37:29 Overcoming Attachment to Number Rituals 42:06 Contact for OCD & Parental Coaching 43:37 "Parental Guidance and Insight" ------------- Natalia Aíza is a multicultural, multilingual counsellor with a modern approach.  Her therapeutic style is warm and welcoming, but also practical.  Natalia believes that therapy should be time-limited and goal-oriented.  She aims to empower her clients and encourages both children and adults to be active participants in their own therapy.  Natalia works alongside her small therapy dog, Miszu. Natalia is a seasoned therapist, parent trainer, writer, and entrepreneur. Her core missions are to facilitate awareness and healing for those with OCD, and to amplify OCD competency among mental health practitioners. She is the co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective, an innovative therapy center that specializes in OCD and Anxiety Disorders. In the last three years, Kairos has expanded to four locations in Colorado and has served over two thousand families and individual clients. Connect with Natalia: Website: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/natalia-aiza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/kairos-wellness-collective/  ---------------------------  KEY POINTS OCD is often misunderstood and goes far beyond just cleaning or counting rituals. The main difference between OCD and anxiety is that OCD involves repetitive actions to relieve specific fears. OCD and ADHD frequently overlap, making both conditions harder to recognise and diagnose. Signs of OCD in kids often include rigid routines, high need for reassurance, and distress if rituals aren’t followed exactly.   NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon   WORK WITH Sharon Collon Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her: ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com   CONNECT 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/🔗 Website: https://thefunctionalfamily.com🔗 Free Tools: https://thefunctionalfamily.com/blog