Getting into college isn’t just about grades. It’s about finding the right fit emotionally, socially, and academically. In this episode, Dr. Pamela Ellis shares how families can approach the high school-to-college transition with more clarity, less stress, and renewed confidence. From building trust with your teen to letting go of outdated expectations, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what success really looks like for them and for you.

What to expect in this episode:

• The overlooked framework that helps teens find their perfect college fit
• Why believing in your kid might matter more than their GPA
• The surprising reason parents struggle most with letting go
• What many families get wrong about gap years and how to use them right
• How to support your teen’s independence without losing your influence

About Dr. Pamela Ellis
Dr. Pamela is the founder of Compass College Advisory and a Stanford-educated expert in the high school-to-college transition. With decades of experience as a researcher, advisor, and parent, she helps families navigate the college admissions process with confidence, clarity, and heart. Known as “The Education Doctor,” Dr. Ellis empowers complex kids and their parents to find the right college fit without the stress.

Connect with Dr. Pamela

• Website: Compass College Advisory
• LinkedIn: Pamela Ellis, PhD, MBA

Get Dr. Pamela Ellis’s free College Confidence Blueprint by messaging “blueprint25” on LinkedIn.

Related Links:

• It’s All About Control: Are You Ready?
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-135-its-all-about-control-are-you-ready/id1565976964?i=1000634092094
• Helping Young Adults get back on Track https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-144-helping-young-adults-get-back-on-track/id1565976964?i=1000641123620
• Parenting & Hope: Helping Kids Navigate an Uncertain Future
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-186-parenting-hope-helping-kids-navigate-an/id1565976964?i=1000674953062

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:

https://impactparents.com/college-confidence-for-complex-teens-finding-the-right-fit

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 Intervention

Do 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

They’re adults now, but they’re still stuck—and nothing you try seems to help. You push, they resist. You back off, they stall. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells and unsure how to actually support your young adult, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what really gets in the way, and how a small shift in your approach can make a big difference.

What to expect in this episode:

• The hidden reasons your child may appear “lazy” or unmotivated
• What to do instead of pushing your agenda when they feel stuck
• Redefining your role from director to collaborator
• Understanding the 30 percent developmental delay and what it means for your 25-year-old
• Why emotional detachment is not cold and how it helps you parent more effectively

Parenting a stuck young adult?
Join the Back on Track Summit live on July 17 and get practical strategies from experts like Jessica McCabe and Dr. Sasha Hamdani.

Register free or get the VIP Pass for lifetime access: https://impactparents.pages.ontraport.net/BackOnTrack2025?utm_campaign=imp-back-on-track-2025&utm_source=show-notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=summit-free-access

Related Links:

• Parenting Emerging Adults
  https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-008-parenting-emerging-adults/id1565976964?i=1000534651910
• Effective Agreements
  https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-044-effective-agreements/id1565976964?i=1000550515513
• If They Would Just ... Guiding Kids to Take Ownership of Their Own Agenda https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-132-if-they-would-just-guiding-kids-to-take-ownership/id1565976964?i=1000631685807
• Helping Young Adults get back on Track https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ep-144-helping-young-adults-get-back-on-track/id1565976964?i=1000641123620

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/parenting-tips-when-emerging-adults-feel-stuck

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 Intervention

Do 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

What if imagination could build real-world skills? In this episode, we will explore how tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like D&D help neurodiverse kids develop confidence, communication, and connection. Guests Bex Taylor-Klaus and Mischa Stanton share how these games create powerful opportunities for growth. Ready to rethink what play can do? Hit play and join the adventure.

What to expect in this episode:

• How tabletop games help kids explore emotions in a way that feels safe and empowering
• Why fantasy worlds reveal real-life struggles, your child may not know how to name
• How made-up heroes give kids the language to express who they really are
• What collaborative storytelling teaches about empathy, autonomy, and connection
• Why entering your child’s world can be the bridge to stronger relationships
  
  

About Mischa Stanton (xe/they)
Mischa is a Los Angeles–based storyteller, sound designer, and game consultant whose acclaimed work spans projects for MARVELS, Netflix, LeVar Burton Reads, and Audible. Mischa specializes in sci-fi, fantasy, and tabletop roleplay.

AboutBex Taylor-Klaus (they/them)
Bex is a producer, actor, and imaginative force of nature whose voice spans mediums from screen to storytelling. Known for genre-defying creativity and heartfelt performances, Bex brings humor, insight, and bold authenticity to their work.

Connect with Mischa and Bex

• Website: The Wandering Path
• Podcast: The Wandering Path
• YouTube: The Wandering Path
• Instagram: @wanderingpathpod

Related Links:

• Yes, You Can Teach Life Skills Through Gaming
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-075-yes-you-can-teach-life-skills-through-gaming/id1565976964?i=1000579408872
• 2022 International Conference on ADHD Takeaways Part 2: Technology & Gaming Addiction
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-096-2022-internl-conf-on-adhd-takeaways-part-2-technology/id1565976964?i=1000598581977

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/tabletop-gaming-social-emotional-skills-for-neurodiverse-kids?preview=true

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 Intervention
Do 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

If you’ve ever sat in a school meeting thinking, “They just don’t get my kid,” this episode is for you. Guest Cindy Goldrich, an ADHD and executive function expert, reveals what most teachers don’t know about ADHD, why school support often misses the mark, and how to advocate with compassion, not conflict. Whether you're a parent seeking support or an educator feeling overwhelmed, Cindy shares a powerful lens on collaboration, stress, and building spaces where complex kids truly thrive.

What to expect in this episode:

• Uncover the surprising gaps in teacher education when it comes to neurodiversity
• Why universal design isn’t about special treatment, but smarter teaching for all kids
• The powerful link between anxiety and attention
• How approaching schools with curiosity instead of conflict can make all the difference
• Why your child’s voice might be the most important one in the conversation
  
  

About Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD - CCSP
Cindy is a leading ADHD and executive function expert and the founder of PTS Coaching. She equips parents, educators, and professionals with research-backed tools to support children with ADHD. Through certified training programs, one-on-one coaching, and nationwide teacher workshops, Cindy helps others build practical strategies for success. She's the author of 8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD and ADHD, Executive Function & Behavioral Challenges in the Classroom, a CHADD Public Policy Committee member, and a regular contributor to ADDitude magazine.

Connect with Cindy

• Website: PTS Coaching
• Email: cindy@ptscoaching.com
• Facebook: PTS Coaching
• Instagram: @ptscoaching
• LinkedIn: Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M. ADHD-CCSP

Advocate for Teacher Training: https://ptscoaching.com/2024/09/advocate-for-adhd-teacher-training/

Train All Teachers about ADHD Challenges: https://ptscoaching.com/2023/08/train-all-teachers-adhd/

Meet the Teacher: How to Build Relationships: https://ptscoaching.com/2022/09/meet-the-teacher/

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-help-adhd-students-succeed-in-the-classroom

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 Intervention

Do 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

Family meetings often sound rigid or old-fashioned—but what if they were the key to deeper connection, trust, and teamwork at home? In this episode, Diane and Elaine share a modern, lighthearted approach to turning family meetings into something everyone looks forward to. With practical tips and a focus on communication (not control), you’ll learn how to create a safe space where every voice matters.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why connection, not correction, should be the goal of family meetings
• What happens when kids feel heard and involved in decision-making
• How rotating leadership empowers kids and builds real-life skills
• Why a celebration and calendar check is all you need to start
• What makes a meeting feel safe, playful, and sustainable

Related Links:

• Effective Agreements With Your Children
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-044-effective-agreements/id1565976964?i=1000550515513
• Navigating Drama Triangles and Family Dynamics
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-120-navigating-drama-triangles-and-family-dynamics/id1565976964?i=1000622354108
• Reduce Family Stress by Taking Aim
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep200-reduce-family-stress-by-taking-aim/id1565976964?i=1000689309013

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/family-meetings-for-better-communication-trust-and-connection

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents
  
  

Sponsors
"Time Timer" – Because When Time is Visible, It’s Manageable
Kids with ADHD often struggle to visualize time, making it harder to plan ahead, transition between tasks, or remember important events. Time Timer turns time into something they can see—supporting the brain’s ability to build routines and recall meaningful moments.

Visit timetimer.com/ip and use code IP25 for 5% off your order.

The world your child plays in is bigger than you think, and it’s changing faster than most parents can track. In this eye-opening episode, Dina Lamdany, a product manager at Roblox, joins us to unpack how the platform is evolving to protect kids and spark healthier digital conversations. But this isn't just about parental controls or privacy settings. It’s about how we stay connected to our kids in a digital world that won’t slow down. If you’ve ever wondered whether “no” is the safest answer, or if there’s a smarter way to say “let’s figure this out together,” this conversation will help you take the next step.

What to expect in this episode:

• What Roblox is doing differently with kids under 13
• How to block games, limit screen time, and monitor your child’s experience
• Why your child’s input is key to digital safety (how to invite it and avoid trying to control them)
  
  

About Dina Lamdany
Dina Lamdany is a product manager at Roblox, where she leads efforts to build safer, more transparent digital experiences for kids and families. With a focus on users under 13, she works across engineering, design, legal, and policy teams to develop parental controls, privacy protections, and age-appropriate content systems. A strong advocate for user safety and digital literacy, Dina brings both technical and legal expertise to her work, drawing from past experience at YouTube, the U.S. Congress, and the Federal Trade Commission.

Connect with Dina

• Website: Dina Lamdany
• LinkedIn: Dina Lamdany

For parents looking to understand and support their child’s Roblox experience, roblox.com/family-center offers trusted tools, guides, and resources—all in one place.

Related Links:

• Adult Material Online: Risks & Prevention for Children & Pre-Teens
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-176-adult-material-online-risks-prevention-for-children/id1565976964?i=1000666070786
• No Time for Judgment: Talking to Teens About Pornography
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-177-no-time-for-judgment-talking-to-teens-about/id1565976964?i=1000666857225

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/roblox-safety-tips-for-parents-new-parental-controls

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents
  
  

Sponsors
"Time Timer" – Because When Time is Visible, It’s Manageable
Kids with ADHD often struggle to visualize time, making it harder to plan ahead, transition between tasks, or remember important events. Time Timer turns time into something they can see—supporting the brain’s ability to build routines and recall meaningful moments.

Visit timetimer.com/ip and use code IP25 for 5% off your order.

What if forgetfulness isn't a flaw but a clue to how the brain really works? In this fascinating episode, memory researcher and ADHD coach Daniella Karidi helps us unravel the layers of how we remember, why we forget, and what makes memory especially tricky for those with ADHD. You’ll walk away questioning everything you thought you knew about reminders, routines, and recall. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone trying to stay organized, this conversation offers surprising insights and practical takeaways.

What to expect in this episode:

• The difference between encoding, storage, and retrieval, and why each step plays a critical role
• How forgetting can be a natural brain function rather than a personal failure
• Why working memory struggles under pressure and what you can do to support it
• How curiosity and partnership can build better memory habits and deepen trust
• Why tying memory to meaningful events is more effective than relying on specific times

About Daniella Karidi, Ph.D., CPC
Daniella Karidi, Ph.D., CPC, is a certified professional coach and founder of ADHDtime in Encino, California. With a Ph.D. from Northwestern University focused on memory and ADHD and a master’s in Learning Disabilities from the University of Haifa, she blends research expertise with compassionate coaching. Daniella supports neurodiverse individuals through challenges like time management, impulsivity, and life transitions. A CHADD of Greater Los Angeles board member and former director at Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Students with Disabilities, she’s also a proud mom of two teens. Learn more at www.ADHDtime.com.


Connect with Dr. Daniella

• Website: ADHDTime
• Facebook: ADHDtime
• Instagram: @adhdtime
• LinkedIn: Daniella Karidi, PhD, CPC

Memory Types Guide: A Quick Reference to How Your Brain Stores Information: https://witty-mover-8744.kit.com/95f0e32d50

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/adhd-memory-its-so-important-i-forgot

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 Intervention
Do 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

Sibling tension is a normal part of family life, but when one or more kids are neurodivergent, the challenges can feel even more intense. In this episode, we peel back the layers of comparison, conflict, and misunderstanding to reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. Join us as we explore how to support every child’s needs, create a sense of fairness, and build stronger sibling connections that last.

What to expect in this episode:

• What if those constant fights are actually your child’s way of learning emotional intelligence?
• Why does meeting each child’s unique needs build more trust than trying to treat them the same?
• How humor, honesty, and real conversations can ease sibling tension before it turns toxic
• Why stepping back from sibling drama and coaching through conflict leads to stronger, smarter kids
• How to create a family culture where kids lift each other up—even when their needs and personalities clash

Related Links

• Navigating Drama Triangles and Family Dynamics
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-120-navigating-drama-triangles-and-family-dynamics/id1565976964?i=1000622354108
• How Do I Get My Kids to Talk to Me? 4 Communication Tools
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-138-how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk-to-me-4-communication-tools/id1565976964?i=1000636865856
  
  

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/parenting-siblings-neurodiversity-conflict-fairness


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 Intervention
Do 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