“Mom, what’s wrong with me?”

If your ADHD child has ever asked you this heartbreaking question at bedtime, you know the weight of that moment. The way you respond will shape how your child thinks about themselves for years to come. That’s why this conversation matters so much.

In this episode, we're walking you through exactly how to talk to your child about ADHD in a way that builds confidence, reduces shame, and helps them understand their brain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ✅ How to answer “What’s wrong with me?” so your child knows they’re not broken, just wired differently.
• 🧠 What to say when your child asks “What is ADHD?” (age-appropriate answers for little kids vs. teens).
• 🚦 Kid-friendly metaphors (like the “race car brain” with brakes that need tuning) that make ADHD easy to understand.
• 🙋 How to handle “Why am I always in trouble?” and help your child separate behavior from identity.
• 💊 Talking about ADHD medication with kids — how to explain it as “glasses for the brain” instead of a punishment.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Making ADHD conversations open, not secretive — why including siblings and family reduces stigma.
• 📚 Book recommendations for starting the conversation.

Resources + Next Steps:

• 📖 Books mentioned:
  • My Brain is a Race Car by Nessie Learning
  • All Dogs Have ADHD by Kathy Hoopmann
  • A Kid’s Book About ADHD by Ellie Booth
• 🎧 Go back to Episode 1: What ADHD Really Is for a deeper foundation.
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram @raisingADHD_org for more parent-tested strategies.

🎧 Listen now and get the words you need for one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with your ADHD child.

Some parents swear that giving their ADHD child a soda or latte before school helps with focus. But is caffeine actually a natural alternative to ADHD medication or just a myth that can backfire?

In this episode of Raising ADHD, we're breaking down the science, the risks, and the truth about caffeine and ADHD so you can stop guessing and start making informed choices.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why caffeine comes up in ADHD discussions
• What’s happening in the brain
• What the research actually says
• The risks of caffeine in kids with ADHD
• Why soda at 3 pm is different for kids than adults
• When (if ever) caffeine makes sense

Resources + Next Steps:

• Document what you observe if you try caffeine with your child (mood, focus, sleep, appetite).
• Always talk to your child’s doctor before mixing caffeine with ADHD medications.
• Revisit Episode 4: Should I Medicate My Child for ADHD? for a deeper dive on stimulant vs. non-stimulant medications.
• Follow us on Instagram @raisingADHD_org for more parent-tested tips and resources.

🎧 Listen now to learn why caffeine isn’t the magic fix for ADHD and what actually works.

Decoding the dreaded after-school meltdown doesn’t have to feel impossible. In this episode of Raising ADHD, we're explaining why after-school restraint collapse happens, what’s going on in the ADHD brain (executive function fatigue, sensory overload), how stimulant medication rebound can play a role, and a 3-step after-school routine you can start tonight.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Why ADHD kids melt down after school
• What’s happening in the brain
• Stimulant wear-off and rebound
• The 3-Step After-School Plan (use tonight)
• Parent scripts that reduce conflict
• Homework without battles
• Co-regulation for calmer evenings

Resources Mentioned

Grab the 3-Step After-School Meltdown Plan checklist: raisingadhd.org/meltdown

Disclaimer

This podcast is educational only. Always discuss medical or medication questions with your child’s provider.

Subscribe to Raising ADHD for weekly, practical tools that work. If this helped, share it with another parent who needs a calmer 4 pm.