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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 resources
How to make the holidays more fun for your child 16 holiday survival tips for kids with ADHDUnderstood AssistantTimestamps
(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 eaters
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood 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
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If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.
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 resources
The 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 care
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood 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
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If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.
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 resources
8 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 [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood 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
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If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.
Your child might come home from school and say some troubling things about their teacher. “My teacher hates me. I can’t do anything right!” “I’m so messy, and she tells me that I just can’t get my space cleaned up.”
If you’re hearing things like this, it’s usually a sign that there’s some challenge between your child and their teacher.
These can be difficult issues to navigate, but there are strategies to manage teacher troubles. Tune in to this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn for ways to help.
Related resources
9 steps to take if the teacher hurts your child’s feelingsMy child’s teacher is mean to her. What can I do?8 steps to advocating for your child at schoolTimestamps
(00:44) Figuring out your child’s perceptions
(01:51) Validating your child’s feelings
(05:29) Validating the teacher’s experience
(07:03) How to find solutions
(09:13) How challenges can help kids grow and thrive
(10:42) What to do if the situation is really bad
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood 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
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If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.
Parent-teacher conferences can seem like high-pressure events.
There are only 10 or 15 minutes, at most, for you and the teacher to discuss many important things. Plus you want to keep things positive and the teacher engaged. It’s a lot to consider.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about some things you can do to make the conference as successful as possible.
Related resources
3 ways I engage my child in parent-teacher conferences Teachers weigh in: What I wish parents asked at parent-teacher conferencesListen: How to make the most of parent-teacher conferencesDownload: Parent-teacher conference worksheetTimestamps
(00:54) Basic ways to prepare before the conference
(02:29) Advance communication
(04:44) How to prepare emotionally
(08:16) Special considerations for neurodivergent kids
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood 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
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If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.
Learning challenges in kids can be really tricky to spot.
It can be hard to tell whether your child can’t do something, or if they just won’t. And sometimes it’s not clear what’s an in-the-moment challenge and what’s a pattern.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will explain how to spot what might be a learning difference in your child.
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
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What are learning and thinking differences?The difference between learning disorder and learning disabilityLearning disabilities: What they are and aren’tKids with multiple learning and thinking differences: What you need to knowTimestamps
(0:53) How to gather good data
(1:57) Looking for patterns
(3:09) Using homework to find clues
(5:37) How to spot motor or physical difficulties
(7:29) Why frustration can be a good thing
Understood 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
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Let’s face it. Embarrassment is a big part of growing up. And it can impact kids in many ways.
They may worry that trying a new outfit will embarrass them in front of their peers, or feel ashamed when a classmate comments on their appearance. Embarrassment and the emotions that come with it can be tough to navigate, for both kids and parents.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explains how to help young children deal with embarrassment and strategies for getting ahead of it.
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Social and emotional skills at different agesManaging emotionsI’m letting go of the shame I felt about my ADHD and learning disabilitiesTimestamps
(01:04) Embarrassment vs. shame
(02:06) How to help kids prepare for anxiety-provoking situations
(02:58) How learning or thinking differences can affect embarrassment
(04:28) Making yourself ‘in’ on the jokeWe’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood 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
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One of the most frustrating parts of parenting is when your child won’t listen to you. It can be difficult to tell the difference between when your child is ignoring you and when they can’t pay attention to you.
If reading this is already stressing you out, take a deep breath — this episode is here to help.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn will explain the many possible reasons why your child may have difficulties with listening or understanding. And he’ll go over some ways you can help.
Timestamps
(0:52) Anxiety, fear, and emotional distractions
(4:29) Focus and attention issues
(5:48) What does “developmental” really mean?
(7:51) Understanding your child’s comprehension challenges
(9:50) When to use consequences and punishments
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Related resources
Why some kids don’t listenHow I got my child to listen (without yelling)Trouble with receptive language: What you’re seeingUnderstanding why kids have trouble with focusUnderstood 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
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If you have a young child, bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of your daily routine.
Kids often have a lot on their mind at night. There’s Roblox, Netflix, and 100 other things competing for their attention as they try to go to sleep. Plus, they have a full day of school ahead.
But as a parent, you need some time for yourself at night, too. It’s your “me” time to relax, get tasks done, or spend time with a partner. This can create tension between you and your child at bedtime.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for how to handle the communication issues that come up at bedtime. Plus, how to create a healthy bedtime routine and more.
Related resources
Download: Bedtime checklists for kidsChild can’t wind down at night? Why some kids struggle to go to sleepMy child with ADHD can’t fall asleep. But I’m so tired. What can I do?Understood 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
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Many things we do as parents can make us feel awful afterward. Whether it’s raising our voice in frustration or setting a firm limit and watching our child cry in response.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for handling things in the moment when your child acts out. He also talks about striking a balance between giving yourself grace for your actions and taking time for self-reflection.
Plus, he shares tips for picking your battles and preparing a default response when emotions are high.
Related resources
How to manage behavior problems in young kidsListen: How to tell the difference between tantrums and meltdowns5 tips for taking a mutual time-out with your childUnderstood 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
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Many parents think about behavior as something negative, a problem they don’t want to deal with. However, behavior is really a form of communication.
On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the truth behind kids’ actions. He also shares how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors.
Related resources
Listen: Understanding your child’s behavior as communicationHow to manage behavior problems in young kidsThe difference between discipline and punishmentUnderstood 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
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Parenting is one of the toughest things we do in life. It can be even harder when we can’t get our kids to do the things we need them to do.
On Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn offers bite-size tips for all kinds of parenting challenges. From how to stay calm when your child is acting out to helping with bedtime battles, listen as Dr. Kahn shares both evidence-based and mindful approaches for helping your child.
Tune in for upcoming episodes wherever you get your podcasts and on Understood’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/understoodorg.
Understood 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
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Parenting is stressful. In this six-minute guided meditation, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn helps you calm your mind and body so you can respond to your child more effectively.
This is the last episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns. Explore the rest of Season 1 for more strategies to help you confidently handle your child’s big emotions.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.
Related Resources
Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulateUnderstood 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
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Your child’s tantrums or meltdowns can make you angry or upset. But it’s harder to think clearly when you’re having big emotions. That’s why it’s essential to learn your parenting triggers and use self-calming skills to help you parent more effectively during heated moments.
In this seven-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to look inward and notice signs you’ve been triggered. You’ll also learn common ways kids trigger their parents and quick mindfulness strategies to help you calm down.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.
Related resources
What your child’s anger might be telling youTimestamps
(00:39) Why you need to know your parenting triggers
(01:40) How to identify your parenting triggers
(04:31) What to do after you identify what triggers you
(05:47) What you can practice ahead of timeUnderstood 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
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Do your child’s outbursts seem to come out of nowhere? In this seven-minute episode of “What Now? A Parent’s Guide,” psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to find your child’s behavior triggers to prevent tantrums and meltdowns.
Learn which details to track to help you spot patterns, like time of day, what your child was doing just before the outburst, and who else was there.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. \
Related resources
What your child’s anger might be telling youTimestamps
(1:08) Why parents need to be detectives
(2:53) How to identify your child’s triggers
(5:27) What you can practice ahead of timeUnderstood 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
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It may sound surprising, but praising your child for what they did correctly when they got upset can help prevent future tantrums or meltdowns.
In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to notice your child’s self-calming efforts and give detailed praise so they’ll know what you want them to do again in the future.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.
Related resources
The best way to praise kids who learn and think differentlyTimestamps
(00:40) Why the right kind of praise can make a big difference
(02:38) How to praise proactively
(03:45) What you can practice ahead of timeUnderstood 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
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Talking to your child after a tantrum or meltdown can help you find out what caused the outburst. But timing is crucial. Try to talk too soon, and you may rev up big emotions. Wait too long, and your child may lose track of key details that can help you figure out what triggered the outburst.
In this 6-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to know when your child is ready to talk and how to start the conversation. Get expert tips including the best open-ended questions to ask after your child has a tantrum or meltdown.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. way.
Related resources
Download: Feelings wheelTimestamps
(00:41) Why timing is really important
(02:16) How to know when your child is ready to talk
(03:44) How to start the conversation
(04:55) What you can practice ahead of timeUnderstood 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
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It’s stressful when your child is having a tantrum or outburst, and your reaction can ramp up their behavior. One way to lower the tension is to ask for a sports-style time-out so you and your child can take a quick break from the action.
In this eight-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to take a mutual time-out when your child is upset. One key detail: Tell your child when you’ll come back together. This can help kids use the time apart to calm down instead of worrying about being abandoned.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.
Related resource
Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulateTimestamps
(00:44) Why mutual time-outs are so helpful
(01:37) How to take a mutual time-out
(07:00) What you can practice ahead of timeUnderstood 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
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The single most important step to calm your child’s tantrums or outbursts is to look calm — even if you don’t feel calm.
In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains why the way you look and sound can have a big impact on your child's behavior. He also offers tips for staying cool during heated moments — or fake it till you make it.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.
Related Resources
Managing emotionsTimestamps
(00:45) Why you need to look calm
(02:39) How to project calm in heated moments
(03:45) What you can practice ahead of timeUnderstood 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
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Not all outbursts are the same, and how you respond can have a big impact on your child’s behavior. In this 7-minute episode of of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to tell the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and what to do next.
For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.
Related resources
Taming tantrums vs. managing meltdowns When older kids still have tantrums: What to know
Timestamps
(00:35) Why it helps to know the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown
(04:45) How to tell a tantrum from a meltdown
(06:09) What you can do ahead of timeUnderstood 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
