Shining With ADHD by The Childhood Collective

SHINING WITH ADHD
#211: Executive Function Made Easy: Yes, Game Night Totally Counts!
The Childhood Collective
1/21/2026
SUMMARY
What if building executive function didn’t have to mean adding more to your already-full plate? In this episode, we are sharing five easy ways to boost your child’s executive function… just by doing everyday things you’re probably already doing! From planning a family night, to baking together, or packing for a trip, these real-life moments are packed with opportunities to build skills like planning, organization, and flexibility. You’ll walk away feeling encouraged (and maybe even a little proud) of how much you’re already doing to support your ADHD child’s brain development (no flashcards or charts required!)
MEET OUR TEAM
We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Episode #211 Transcript
Creating Calm Course
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
Mentioned in this episode:
Creating Calm Course
Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Creating Calm Course
Board Games for Kids with ADHD
Board games are a natural way to help kids build their executive functioning and cooperation skills. When we polled the community about your favorite board games for kids with ADHD, you gave us hundreds of ideas!

We narrowed them down to the games that got the most votes, and sorted them by age. Check out our top recommendations for board games for kids with ADHD, and let us know how it goes.
Board Games for Kids with ADHD
Hungryroot
Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.
Hungryroot

SHINING WITH ADHD
#210: ADHD in the Classroom: Real-Life Strategies from a Teacher Who Gets It
The Childhood Collective
1/7/2026
SUMMARY
What does ADHD look like in a real classroom, and how can parents and teachers work together to help kids thrive? In this episode, we’re joined by Kristina Manning, a former general education teacher who shares TONS of practical, real-life strategies she has used to support students with ADHD. Kristina gives several whole-class ideas like morning meetings and communication boxes, as well as more individualized ideas you can bring to your child's teacher. Whether you’re an ADHD parent, teacher, or both, you’ll walk away with simple, realistic ways to help your child shine at school.
MEET KRISTINA MANNING
Kristina is a seasoned ADHD Parenting Coach with a wealth of experience in fostering harmonious family dynamics. With a background spanning 15 years in the education sector as both a classroom teacher and school counselor, Kristina founded Calm Minds Parent Coaching to address the critical need for parental support. She helps parents create peaceful and thriving home environments. Her passion lies in empowering parents of kids with ADHD to embody the principles of peaceful parenting and nurturing healthier relationships within the family unit.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Episode #210 Transcript
Kristina's Website
Kristina's Free ADHD Parenting Guide
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
Mentioned in this episode:
Shining at School
Shining at School is a video-based course that will teach you how to help your child with ADHD go from surviving to thriving at school for elementary and middle schoolers. On your own time. At your own pace. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Shining at School Course
Hungryroot
Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.
Hungryroot
Time Timer
We can’t have your attention and not mention Time Timer. This amazing tool helps with activity transitions, independence, and building executive function skills. Head to and use the code TCC to get a site-wide discount.
Time Timer

SHINING WITH ADHD
#209: An Episode for the Whole Family: Kindness + Gratitude in the Holiday Season
The Childhood Collective
12/24/2025
SUMMARY
Amidst the busy holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in to-do lists and chaos. This special holiday episode is a chance for kids (and their grown-ups!) to slow down and focus on what really matters: kindness and gratitude. Together, you’ll learn how small acts of kindness and moments of gratitude can help our brains feel calm and connected.
After listening, take a few minutes to chat about these questions as a family:
What’s one kind thing someone has done for you recently?
What’s something small you could do today to be kind to someone else?
When do you feel thankful? What does that feeling feel like in your body?
What’s one thing about your family that makes you feel grateful
How can we make kindness a little habit—something we do every day?

MEET OUR TEAM
We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Episode #209 Transcript
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at [email protected]

SHINING WITH ADHD
#208: Twice Exceptional Kids and ADHD: What Parents Need to Know
The Childhood Collective
12/10/2025
SUMMARY
Parenting twice exceptional (2e) kids with ADHD comes with unique challenges and incredible strengths. In this episode, gifted education specialist Chris Wiebe shares practical tips for supporting 2e children, from leaning into their strengths to finding mentors they can connect with. Chris describes how parents can help twice exceptional kids thrive at school and at home. This episode is packed with encouragement and realistic strategies for families raising twice exceptional kids.

MEET DR. CHRIS WIEBE
Chris Wiebe, Ed.D., is an educator specializing in twice-exceptional (2e) students - those who are gifted and have developmental differences like ADHD. After seven years as a classroom teacher, he moved into administration, designing curriculum, supporting neurodiverse learners and families, and serving as managing editor for an online 2e education publication. He co-authored a chapter on institutional programming for 2e students published by Oxford University Press and has written on pedagogy, technology, and diversity in higher education. After nearly 20 years in 2e education, Dr. Wiebe became the parent of a gifted son with ADHD.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Episode #208 Transcript
Recommended books on Twice Exceptional Learners
Bridges Academy Online (online high school specifically for 2e students)
Bridges Graduate School (certifications and degrees in neurodiversity education)
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
Mentioned in this episode:
Creating Calm Course
Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Creating Calm Course
Hungryroot
Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.
Hungryroot
Board Games for Kids with ADHD
Board games are a natural way to help kids build their executive functioning and cooperation skills. When we polled the community about your favorite board games for kids with ADHD, you gave us hundreds of ideas!

We narrowed them down to the games that got the most votes, and sorted them by age. Check out our top recommendations for board games for kids with ADHD, and let us know how it goes.
Board Games for Kids with ADHD

SHINING WITH ADHD
#207: Does My Child REALLY Need an ADHD Diagnosis?
The Childhood Collective
11/26/2025
SUMMARY
Deciding whether to pursue an ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Parents often wonder if the label will change how teachers see their child, or worry that it might affect their child’s self-esteem. We are talking through what a diagnosis really means, how it can open doors to support, and when it might make sense to wait a little while. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the “should we or shouldn’t we” stage, this conversation will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
MEET OUR TEAM
We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Episode #207 Transcript
Creating Calm Course
ADHD Treatment Guide
Episode #115: Who Can Diagnose ADHD? Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Professional
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
Mentioned in this episode:
Shining at School
Shining at School is a video-based course that will teach you how to help your child with ADHD go from surviving to thriving at school for elementary and middle schoolers. On your own time. At your own pace. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Shining at School Course
Hungryroot
Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.
Hungryroot
Customizable ADHD Printables
If you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs.

Printables