ADHD: Why Traditional Approaches Fail, Episode #176

In this episode, we sit down with education leader and co-author Mike Goldstein to unpack a fresh, real-world perspective on ADHD—based on his book I’ll Do It Later: Surviving School (and Renewing the Love) with Your ADHD Son. Drawing on detailed case studies of boys navigating school, motivation, and daily life, Mike challenges the idea that ADHD can be solved with simple strategies or quick fixes. Instead, he highlights a deeper truth: many children with ADHD genuinely want to succeed but struggle with task initiation, follow-through, and sustaining attention—especially outside structured environments like school.

Together, we explore why traditional approaches often fall short, how modern factors like technology and shrinking attention spans are influencing ADHD, and what actually helps. Mike shares practical insights for parents and educators, including how to better understand executive functioning challenges, reduce frustration, and support kids in building motivation and independence over time.

This conversation moves beyond labels and quick solutions, offering a compassionate, realistic look at what it’s like to live with ADHD—and how we can better support children who are trying, even when it doesn’t look like it.  

What you’ll learn:

*Why ADHD is often misunderstood as a motivation problem rather than an execution challenge

*How executive functioning impacts homework, routines, and follow-through

*Why many well-intended strategies don’t stick—and what to do instead

*The role of environment, relationships, and coaching in supporting ADHD

*How to shift from frustration to understanding in your parenting approach

To find out more about Mike, click here

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