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

It can be really tricky to know when to step in and help your kid when they're having anxiety. Unfortunately, this is a really common situation: 10 percent of kids have diagnosable levels of anxiety. So on this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, we're going to learn three key things:What is anxiety?How can you help them manage it?When should you step in as a parent?Related resourcesThe difference between typical anxiety and an anxiety problemClassroom accommodations for anxietyThe connection between anxiety and stress   Timestamps(0:54)   What is anxiety?(3:28) How can I respond to my child's anxiety? (9:37)  How should we talk about anxiety with kids?(14:03 ) How parents can project on kids  Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parenting is tough enough. But when differences in processing or development come into play, it can become even more complex.As you begin making parenting decisions, it’s common to experience self-doubt, guilt, and confusion. These feelings are understandable — and there are ways to manage them.In this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explores parenting self-doubt and offers guidance on how to navigate and support those difficult emotions. Plus, tips on how to care for yourself along the way.Related resourcesGuided meditation for stressed parents8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHDNavigating your child’s diagnosis: Self-care tips for parentsTimestamps(1:05)  What’s causing the self-doubt?(2:38)  What does it look like when self-doubt takes over? (6:35)  How to manage your self-doubt physicallyFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When a child lies, it can be really tricky for parents. Even overwhelming at times.What’s the difference between a white lie and a serious one? How do I handle it if my kid keeps lying over and over? Can I ever lie to my child? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will share information on why your child lies, what those lies are telling you, and how to help your child learn to tell the truth.Related resourcesADHD and lying: Why kids with ADHD might lie a lotWhy does my child lie so much?8 ways to help your grade-schooler with ADHD stop lyingTeens with ADHD and lyingTimestamps(00:46)  What do kids’ lies look like? (04:08)  How do I make sense of my kid’s lies? (07:41)  How can I help my child be more truthful? (13:06)  Why parents should admit their own mistakes(17:25)  White lies vs. serious lies  (19:11)  Is it ever OK to lie to your kid?For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joining a club, sports team, or other extracurricular activity can be a rite of passage for kids. It’s a great way to make new friends, practice life skills, and learn about themselves. With this, we also expect — or at least hope — our neurodivergent kids will succeed in those environments just like their neurotypical peers. But there’s no guarantee that adult leaders, like coaches, understand learning and thinking differences. Since we rely on them, it can be in your and your child’s best interest to share helpful information with them ahead of time.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn discusses why it’s important to share information about your child with the other adult leaders in their life — and tips that can help.We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.Related resources6 ways to improve your child’s self-esteem with extracurricular activitiesDo IEPs cover extracurricular activities?How to get your child involved in sportsTimestamps(00:56) Why you should share information about your child (03:01) How to talk about your child(06:15) Finding the right activity for your childFor a transcript 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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 If your child is on medication for ADHD, you may have heard of a medication vacation or a drug holiday. In short, it means taking a break from their usual medication — for a few days, weeks, or even months. It sounds simple enough, but deciding whether it’s right for your child is a different story.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks with Dr. Liz Harstad, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, to get the scoop.  Related resourcesAll about ADHD medicationThe difference between stimulant and non-stimulant medication for ADHDA history of ADHD medicationTimestamps(1:30) Why would someone take a “drug holiday”?  (2:29) How has thinking evolved over time?(3:42) What are the impacts of a break?For a transcript 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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 In general, it’s an advantage when kids have two parents caring for them. But it gets challenging when those parents have a strained relationship. Things can get really tricky when your child is neurodivergent. Many questions come up: Should we get a special education evaluation for our child? Should they be on medication? Should our child have counseling? Not only are these difficult questions, but they’re also sources of potential conflict with parents.On this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, you’ll learn how to navigate disagreements between co-parents and figure out how to advocate for your child’s best interests.Related resourcesParenting disagreements: How to get on the same page11 tips for working with your ex to parent your child8 ways to help kids with ADHD cope with divorceHow to build strong parent-child bondsTimestamps(0:56)  Why it’s key to identify shared beliefs(2:34) Do we agree on what we’re seeing?(4:19) How do I take the lead on getting help?(8:14) Nothing seems to work. What now?For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org.We love to hear from our listeners. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, you’ll hear all sorts of creative answers. Some kids have surprisingly practical goals—others, not so much.Neurodivergent kids are particularly interesting because they're creative and think about all kinds of outside-the-box things. On this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, you'll learn about how to help kids create appropriate and realistic career goals and help them work on the path toward having real, reinforcing work in their lives.Related resourcesAll about careers for kids who learn and think differently8 steps to help your child set personal goals6 steps for easing the transition to workTimestamps(0:54) How to encourage skill development(1:59) What can help kids with learning differences?(4:04) How to turn interests into actual skills(9:49) Accurate self-assessments and neurodivergent kidsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is your child having difficulties with reading? Do they struggle to recognize letters, understand what they read, or sound out words on a page?In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explores how to identify dyslexia in kids. Tune in to learn the common signs of dyslexia and what steps to take if you think your child may have this learning difference.Related resourcesWhat is dyslexia?Video: Dyslexia and the brainSigns of dyslexia at different agesTimestamps(0:44) What is dyslexia?(1:50) Common signs of dyslexia(4:02) How can you be sure your child has dyslexia?(6:42) How is dyslexia diagnosed?(10:45) What to do if you feel overwhelmedFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior episode page on Understood.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at parentingbehavior@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even if summer seems far in the future, it’s probably not too early to begin planning for what your child will do during their break from school. Once you find a program that looks interesting, then comes the rest of the work. Is it a good fit for my child? How am I going to pay for it? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about the best time to start planning for summer camps and the key questions parents should ask. He also shares insights on choosing the right camp or program for your child.Related resourcesSummer guide for families8 types of summer camps for kids who learn and think differentlyChecklist: Questions to ask when evaluating summer campsTimestamps(00:50) What type of program is right for your child?  (03:57) When should I start planning?(07:37) How can you pay for camp?(09:38) How to get the best information on a campFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at parentingbehavior@understood.org   Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s common for adults to take a supplement like melatonin to help when they’re having trouble falling asleep, or just need a really good night of rest. Melatonin has been shown in numerous studies to help people fall asleep, and in some cases, improve the quality of their sleep. Plus, it’s sold over the counter at many kinds of stores. But when it comes to kids, some questions come up. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn gets some advice from Dr. Liz Harstad. Liz is a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. She has more than 15 years of experience caring for children with learning and attention differences and developmental conditions.Is it OK to give your child melatonin? What about other supplements or medications? What does a sleep problem look like in a child, anyway? Listen or watch to get Liz’s answers. Related resourcesHow ADHD can affect your sleep4 ways lack of sleep affects how kids learnChild can’t wind down at night? Why some kids struggle to go to sleep   Timestamps(1:20) How can you tell if there is a sleep problem?(3:42) What are the benefits of melatonin?(6:38) What are the risks of taking it?(8:37) Are there alternatives?For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at parentingbehavior@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Siblings don’t always get along. Fights, disagreements, jealousy — it’s a common thing.These clashes can get even more complicated when one or more of your kids is neurodivergent. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will share tips for managing sibling conflict to benefit both you and your kids.Related resources7 ways to help your kids build a strong relationshipHow to talk with kids about their sibling’s challengesADHD and siblings: Tips from an expertTimestamps(0:35) What do these problems look like?(3:32) Strategies for how to respond(11:18) Managing the emotional components For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please note: Dr. Andy Kahn is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication. This episode is for informational purposes only. For further questions about ADHD medications, please consult your medical provider. 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 resourcesAll about ADHD medicationHow ADHD medication worksTypes of ADHD medicationsTimestamps(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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please note: Dr. Andy Kahn is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication. This episode is for informational purposes only. For further questions about ADHD medications, please consult your medical provider. 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 resourcesAll about ADHD medicationHow ADHD medication worksTypes of ADHD medicationsTimestamps(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 childWe’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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resourcesWhat are positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)?7 ideas for using rewards and consequencesThe power of motivation for kids who learn and think differentlyHow to give praise that builds kids’ self-esteem“I’m not yelling—you’re yelling!” Tips for staying calm when kids act outTimestamps (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 behaviorsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. Understood.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.orgWe’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.Related resourcesWhy kids who learn and think differently might feel lonelyMy child likes being alone. Does this mean he’s lonely?What to do when kids say “no one will play with me”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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resourcesWhat is growth mindset?Why kids have trouble following a routine or scheduleBehavior: What is it, and how can parents affect it?Timestamps(0:47) Coping with discomfort(4:11) Developing a “growth mindset”(6:37) Watch-outs for parentsFor 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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources5 low-cost ways to create a sensory-friendly chair6 types of fidgets for kids with ADHD7 apps to help teens with ADHD manage everyday challengesTimestamps(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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resourcesHow to make the holidays more fun for your child  16 holiday survival tips for kids with ADHDUnderstood Assistant 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 eatersWe’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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resourcesThe importance of positive self-esteem for kidsADHD and self-esteem: What to say to your childWhy kids say negative things about themselvesTimestamps(00:47) What is self-esteem?(02:15) Practical strategies(07:37) Social media and self-esteem(10:41) The importance of love and careWe’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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources8 steps to take if your child is being bullied at schoolBullying and being bullied: Why it happens and what families can doBullying, learning differences, and how to helpTimestamps(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.org 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.