Parenting with Impact

Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster
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Mar 25, 2026 • 27min

EP259: From Control to Cooperation: Rethinking Screen Time

Struggling with screen time, online safety, or other tech battles at home? It might not be about increasing control. In this episode, Elaine and Diane explore how shifting from fear to curiosity, and prohibition to cooperation, can help kids build healthy, sustainable relationships with technology. Press play to learn how communication and empowerment can change everything.  What to expect in this episode:●     How to build a healthy relationship with tech beyond setting screen limits●     Why agreements work better than rules for managing technology use●     How to stop treating technology as the enemy in your home●     How (and why) to shift from control to long-term self-management●     Strategies for navigating tech use and school work without constant conflict Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift. Connect with Impact Parents:●     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents●     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents●     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents Sponsors "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.  Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com 
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Mar 18, 2026 • 41min

EP258: Gap Years for Neurodiverse Teens: What Parents Need to Know with Jason Sarouhan

Not every student is ready to go straight from high school to college—and that doesn’t mean they are falling behind. In this episode, Jason Sarouhan explains how taking intentional time after high school can help neurodiverse young adults build confidence, resilience, intention, and real-world skills before taking their next step. Tune in to explore a more flexible, growth-centered path for your graduating teen.  What to expect in this episode:●     What a gap year really is—and why it is more than just taking time off●     How intentionality, structure, mentorship, and peer relationships shape a strong gap year experience●     Why neurodiverse students may need to stretch, not stress, in their next step after high school●     How experiential learning can reveal both what young adults want—and what they do not want●     What role parents can take in supporting exploration without forcing their own agenda  About Jason SarouhanJason Sarouhan is a leader with the Gap Year Association, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting access to meaningful gap-year opportunities that foster personal growth, experiential learning, and global citizenship. Through his work, Jason helps students and families understand how structured gap year experiences, such as travel, service, internships, and independent projects, can build resilience, self-awareness, and real-world skills before entering college or the workforce. He advocates intentional gap-year planning that supports both personal development and long-term educational success. Connect with Jason●     Website: Gap Year Association●     Instagram: @gapyearassociation Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift. Connect with Impact Parents:●     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents●     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents●     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents Sponsors "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.  Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Mar 11, 2026 • 27min

Ep257: A Psychiatrist's View on Focus for ADHD Brains with Kourosh Dini

Kourosh Dini, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, musician and creator of Waves of Focus, shares his approach to helping wandering ADHD minds find sustainable attention. He discusses why pausing clarifies emotions, how a one-breath “visit” rebuilds agency, and replacing urgency with play, interest, novelty and connection. Practical ideas for teens, adults, and overwhelmed minds are highlighted in short, actionable segments.
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Mar 4, 2026 • 29min

EP256: Parenting ADHD: How To Handle School Refusal With Confidence

What if school refusal is not defiance, but a signal? In this episode, we look beneath the surface at the real reasons kids resist school—from executive function challenges and shame, to sensory overload and fear. Learn how to respond with curiosity instead of control, and how to work with your child to build solutions together. Tune in to solve school battles and restore your kid’s confidence for learning.What to expect in this episode:Why school refusal is often about overwhelm, not lazinessThe emotional layers of shame, anxiety, and perfectionismSocial stress, bullying, and peer rejection as hidden driversWhy safety and nervous system regulation matter for learningHow to use the ACE tool to open productive conversationsRelated Links: 3 Step Method to ACE Communication with Complex Kids & Teenshttps://impactparents.com/blog/complex-kids/3-steps-to-ace-communication-with-complex-kids-teens/EP114: Curiosity & the Coach-Approach Transformed the Tone of Her Homehttps://impactparents.com/the-coach-approach-to-parenting/ EP138: How Do I Get My Kids to Talk To Me? 4 Communication Toolshttps://impactparents.com/child-communication-tools/ EP207: Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversationshttps://impactparents.com/rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the-slate-conversations/EP253: Get Curious, Not Furious: A Better Way to Parent Complex Kidshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep253-get-curious-not-furious-a-better-way-to/id1565976964?i=1000749220683Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Feb 25, 2026 • 32min

EP255: Managing ADHD Through Conversation, Not Willpower with Jeff Copper

When follow-through keeps breaking down, the answer isn't planning harder. In this episode with ADHD coach Jeff Copper, we unpack why executive function struggles come from ambiguity, not lack of effort, and why direct conversation is a powerful accommodation. Press play to learn what actually helps kids and adults with ADHD move from planning to action.What to expect in this episode:Why people with ADHD struggle to execute plans even when the goal is clearHow ambiguity, not laziness, disrupts follow-through and problem-solvingWhat executive functions really are and how they operate as cognitive toolsThe power of direct conversation for improving clarity, focus, and emotional regulationADHD accommodations that are practical and often hide in plain sightAbout Jeff CopperJeff Copper, cognitive engineer and ADHD coach, is founder of DIG Coaching Practice and host of Attention Talk Radio and Video. He developed Cognitive Ergonomics From the Inside Out™, a new ADHD intervention using an engineering approach to address executive function challenges. Jeff holds an MBA from the University of Tampa and credentials from ICF, PAAC, ADDCA, and CTI. A member of ADDA, ACO, CHADD, PAAC, and ICF, he received ACO’s 2022 Professional Excellence Award. His work continues to innovate and redefine ADHD coaching through practical insights and a focus on how minds truly work. Connect with JeffWebsite: DIG Coaching PracticeInstagram: @dig.coachingFacebook: DIG Coaching PracticeX: @digcoaching Related Links: EP92: Pushing the Reset Button to Solve Problems Collaboratively https://impactparents.com/solve-problems-collaboratively/ EP138: How Do I Get My Kids to Talk To Me? 4 Communication Tools https://impactparents.com/child-communication-tools/ EP172: Parenting Paradox: Avoid ‘Fix-It Mode’ for Better Problem-Solving https://impactparents.com/avoid-fix-it-mode-parenting/ EP207: Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversations https://impactparents.com/rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the-slate-conversations/Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Feb 18, 2026 • 35min

EP254: Gender Differences in ADHD and Neurodiversity with Dr. Janina Maschke

ADHD doesn’t look the same for every kid—especially as children grow into teens and young adults. In this episode, Dr. Janina Maschke explains how gender, stigma, and internalized behaviors can shape diagnosis, coping mechanisms, and self-esteem. Press play to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how parents can offer the support their kid really needs.What to expect in this episode:Why is ADHD often missed or diagnosed late in girls and womenHow internalized behaviors mask hyperactivity and executive function strugglesThe connection between undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and low self-esteemWhy unhealthy coping mechanisms often emerge without proper supportWhat parents can do to support teens and young adults without pushing them awayAbout Dr. Janina MaschkeDr. Janina is a cognitive psychologist, ADHD and executive functioning coach, and subject matter expert focused on ADHD across the lifespan. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, conducts research on ADHD and women with George Washington University, and is the author of A Feminist’s Guide to ADHD. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, she helps neurodivergent individuals understand their brains, build confidence, and thrive.Connect with Dr. JaninaWebsite: ADHD Empowerment Coaching Instagram: @adhd_empowerment_coachingRelated Links:EP28: Gender & Queer Kids with Neurodiversityhttps://impactparents.com/queer-kids-with-neurodiversity/ EP43: Autism & Anxiety In Girlshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-043-autism-anxiety-in-girls/EP56: Missed Diagnosis: Autism In Girlshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-056-missed-diagnosis-autism-in-girlsEP82: Gender Confusion: A Primer for Parentshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-082-gender-confusion-a-primer-for-parents/EP225: The Connection Between Complex Kids, Gender & Sensory Issueshttps://impactparents.com/the-connection-between-complex-kids-gender-sensory-issues/ Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Feb 11, 2026 • 26min

EP253: Get Curious, Not Furious: A Better Way to Parent Complex Kids

Feeling quick to anger or stuck in constant conflict with your child? It doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we'll explore how leading with curiosity can help parents slow down, regulate emotions, and understand what's really driving their complex kids' behavior. Press play to learn how getting curious can restore calm, connection, and clarity to your home. What to expect in this episode:Why leading with curiosity helps parents regulate their own emotions before reactingHow slowing down to understand context can change problem-solving outcomesWhat “get curious, not furious” really means in day-to-day parenting momentsThe role emotional regulation plays in making tactical solutions more effectiveWays curiosity strengthens compassion, connection, and long-term independenceRelated Links:EP108: Why Kids Resist Help and How To Change Ithttps://impactparents.com/why-kids-resist-help/EP114:Curiosity & the Coach-Approach Transformed the Tone of Her Homehttps://impactparents.com/the-coach-approach-to-parenting/ EP150: Recognizing and Managing Stress Triggers as Parentshttps://impactparents.com/managing-stress-as-a-parent/EP200: Reduce Family Stress by Taking Aimhttps://impactparents.com/reduce-family-stress-by-taking-aim/Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Feb 4, 2026 • 33min

EP252: How To Advocate For Kids Struggling In School With Scotti Weintraub

If school feels like a constant battle, you’re not alone. When your child struggles in school, it’s easy to feel lost, frustrated, or blamed. In this episode, Scotti Weintraub shares how understanding your child’s brain and reframing diagnosis as empowerment can turn that frustration into confidence. Tune in to learn how small mindset shifts and stronger partnerships with teachers can transform your child’s school experience.What to expect in this episode:Why viewing your child’s school struggles with curiosity, not frustration, can change everythingHow reframing a diagnosis as a gift empowers kids to understand their own brains and begin to thrivePractical ways to build stronger, more collaborative relationships with teachersWhy middle and high school “walls” aren’t failures, but opportunities for growth and advocacyHow small steps in self-advocacy prepare kids for independence and lifelong confidenceAbout Scotti Weintraub, MAScotti Weintraub, MA, founder of Reframe Parenting, is a parent coach, school navigator, problem-solver, and educator. She knows exactly how hard it is to support a child who’s struggling at school. Parenting her own 2 teens has taught her about unexpected things like anxiety, ADHD, learning disabilities, and the exhausting process of advocating with schools. She helps other parents cut through the noise, understand what their child’s needs really are, and finally feel confident walking into school conversations that used to feel impossible.  Connect with ScottiWebsite: Reframe Parenting Podcast: The Unlocking School Success Podcast Instagram: @reframeparentingThreads: @reframeparentingRelated Links: EP210: Why Smart Kids Struggle in School and What Executive Function Has to Do With Ithttps://impactparents.com/why-smart-kids-struggle-in-school-and-what-executive-function-has-to-do-with-it/EP219: How to Help ADHD Students Succeed in the Classroomhttps://impactparents.com/how-to-help-adhd-students-succeed-in-the-classroom/EP230: Structure Time: Back to School with Systems That Workhttps://impactparents.com/structure-time-back-to-school-with-systems-that-work/ Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Jan 28, 2026 • 35min

EP251: Befriend Your Brain: Parenting, Compassion, and Practical Neuroscience with Dr. Rachel Barr

What if the secret to thriving isn’t fixing your brain but befriending it? Neuroscientist Rachel Barr shares powerful insights on how curiosity, compassion, and small daily shifts can unlock calm, clarity, and confidence. Discover why pushing harder keeps you stuck and what actually helps your brain work for you. Tune in to learn how to make your brain your greatest ally starting today.What to expect in this episode:Why "try harder" sets your brain up for failure and how the right environment can set it up for success.How befriending your brain can transform how you live and learnThe power of compassion to silence pressure and perfectionismWhy small, meaningful actions matter more than big life overhaulsWhat happens when we protect curiosity instead of forcing kids to fit the moldAbout Dr. Rachel BarRachel Barr is a neuroscientist, science communicator, and author with over a million followers across social media. She holds a master’s in molecular neuroscience and is completing her PhD on memory formation during sleep. Passionate about demystifying brain science, Rachel creates engaging content that bridges academic research with everyday life, empowering audiences to make informed choices about mental health. Her playful storytelling makes neuroscience accessible and entertaining, establishing her as a standout voice in science communication. Rachel’s first book, How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend (DK), has recently been published in the UK and US. Connect with Dr. RachelBook: How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend | HardcoverInstagram: @drrachelbarrTikTok: DrRachelBarr Related Links: EP203: The Power of Good Enough: Progress Over Perfection https://impactparents.com/the-power-of-good-enough-progress-over-perfectionEP206: Neurodiversity is not a Character Flaw: How to be a Brain Friend https://impactparents.com/ep206-neurodiversity-is-not-a-character-flaw-how-to-be-a-brain-friendEP212: Beyond the Label: How to Help Your Child Flourish Using Brain Science https://impactparents.com/beyond-the-label-how-to-help-your-child-flourish-using-brain-science Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com
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Jan 21, 2026 • 41min

EP250: Parent Mentor Success Story: Calm, Connection, And Growth That Lasts

One small shift can turn family tension into trust. In this episode, parent mentor Georgia F. shares how curiosity, collaboration, and assumed best intentions transformed her family after an autism diagnosis. You’ll hear practical tools for calmer communication, stronger relationships, and raising confident, independent kids. Press play to learn how changing how you show up can change everything.What to expect in this episode:How a moment of “I didn’t sign up for this” can become purposeThe brief family conversation that shifted tone and trustWhy curiosity works better than judgment in reducing conflictThe mindset shifts that stop power struggles earlyHow teaching kids to ask for help builds confidenceRelated Links:EP203: The Power of Good Enough: Progress Over Perfectionhttps://impactparents.com/the-power-of-good-enough-progress-over-perfection/ EP207: Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversationshttps://impactparents.com/rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the-slate-conversations/EP214: The Secret to Letting Go: Supporting Teens Without Micromanaginghttps://impactparents.com/the-secret-to-letting-go-supporting-teens-without-micromanaging/ Discover your unique parenting style in just minutes, take the free Impact Parents Parenting Styles Quiz and get clarity you can use right away: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/ParentingStylesQuizGet your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

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