In this episode of Under the Hat, we unpack the real, daily needs of the ADHD brain—movement, nutrition, sensory input, and the tools that actually help kids regulate and focus. Inspired by the Brain Boosters series and layered with personal experience, this episode explores what it means to fuel focus instead of forcing it. From fidgets to food routines, we’re building a survival kit that supports ADHD brains in real life—not just theory.

In this kickoff episode of my new series, Under the Hat: What ADHD Kids Wish We Knew, I take you inside the real struggles behind ADHD behavior and how we can reroute the parenting and teaching roadmap with compassion, structure, and calm. Inspired by the Calm Parenting Podcast and Kirk Martin’s Brain Boosters series, this episode is filled with hard-earned insight, practical tools, and stories that will resonate—whether you're parenting an ADHD child, teaching in a classroom, or trying to better understand your own neurodivergent brain. From emotional meltdowns to behavior plans that miss the mark, we unpack why typical responses often backfire and what works instead. This week’s message? “Take it easy.” And not in a passive way—but as a reminder that calm and connection always beat chaos and control.

This week, I’m solo on the mic — and feeling it — as I dive into one of the hardest lessons for ADHD brains: patience. Inspired by a weekend stuck on I-70 (again), I’m sharing real stories, including the birth of my son, and unpacking why waiting feels so impossible for us. We’ll talk time blindness, emotional spirals, impulsive decisions, and how to build patience like a muscle — even when every part of you wants to hit the gas. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this one’s for you. You’re still moving, even when life slows you down.