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Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

By: Dana Kay
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 Here is a place where you will learn how to address your child's ADHD symptoms naturally so you can stop walking on eggshells & bring back peace & calm to your home. Hosted Dana Kay, board certified health & nutrition practitioner, author of the best selling book Thriving with ADHD, leading ADHD expert but most importantly a mom with a child with ADHD who gets it. As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child & the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes, on Fox & CBS, & various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting & ADHD summits & podcasts. Her goal with the Soaring child is to give hope & answers to parents of children with ADHD who are looking for alternative (natural) and effective means of helping them learn to thrive at home, at school, and in life. Because children with ADHD deserve to soar, just like every other child. Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • 175: How to Help a Child with ADHD Focus—Without the Daily Battles

    175: How to Help a Child with ADHD Focus—Without the Daily Battles
    Sep 11 2025
    In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay challenges one of the most common myths about ADHD—that kids with ADHD simply can’t focus. As a Board-Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner, Dana unpacks what focus really is, explaining how skills like impulse control, working memory, and planning all come together to create what we think of as “attention.” She also explores how these skills develop at different ages and why setting realistic expectations is so important. From brain science to real-world parenting strategies, Dana shares the foundational pillars—diet, sleep, movement, and stress reduction—that set the stage for focus. She also offers practical, everyday tools parents can start using right away, including games that build focus, reducing environmental stressors, and safe supplementation. This episode is full of encouragement and actionable steps that will help parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to support their child’s unique ADHD brain. Link Mentioned in the Show: Free Focus Game Guide - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/free-download-focus-game-guide Curcumin Supplement - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/curcumasorb-mind-60-capsules.html Optimal Focus Supplement - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/optimal-focus-90-capsules.html Functional Lab Testing (heavy metals, gut-brain connection, zinc/copper ratio) - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-83/ ADHD Diet Part 1 - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-5/ ADHD Diet Part 2 - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-6/ Key Takeaways: [04:21] Redefining what focus really is (not just “paying attention”). [07:02] Developmental stages of focus and why kids aren’t “behind”—their brains may simply not be ready yet. [11:15] How setting realistic expectations can reduce stress and power struggles at home. [14:48] Why diet, sleep, and movement are essential foundations for attention and self-regulation. [18:09] Environmental and internal stressors that sabotage focus—and how to reduce them. [21:32] Fun, brain-building games that improve focus in just 15 minutes a day. [25:14] How supplements like Curcumin and Optimal Focus can provide added support. [28:50] Why celebrating small wins helps build long-term confidence and resilience. Memorable Moments: "If you've been told to just accept that your child with ADHD can't focus, this episode will flip that script." "What looks like distraction or defiance is often a brain waiting for the right support." "Sometimes we expect our kids to focus at a level their brain literally isn't ready for yet." "Focus isn't just sitting still and staring at a teacher or a workbook—it's a bunch of different skills working together." "Diet, sleep, and movement are absolutely essential for setting the stage for focus." "When kids are constantly in fight-or-flight mode, it's almost impossible for them to focus." "Fifteen minutes of focus-building games a day can do more than an hour of nagging." "Focus isn’t built overnight—it’s built in small moments." "Even little changes can have a big ripple effect over time." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstituteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK: Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhdADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
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    16 mins
  • 174: ADHD, Homework, and Executive Function with Ann Dolin

    174: ADHD, Homework, and Executive Function with Ann Dolin
    Sep 3 2025
    In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with Ann Dolin, an award-winning educator, author, and expert in ADHD, executive function, and academic coaching. Together, they unpack one of the most common and stressful challenges for families raising kids with ADHD—homework. With over three decades of experience helping children who think and learn differently, Ann shares practical, tested strategies to reduce homework battles, build executive function skills, and bring more calm to busy evenings. Dana Kay, a Board-Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute, approaches this topic as both a professional and a parent who’s been in the trenches. Whether your child procrastinates, feels overwhelmed by multi-step directions, or struggles to get started, you’ll walk away with actionable advice you can use tonight to make homework time more peaceful and productive. Link Mentioned in the Show: Educational Connections – https://ectutoring.com Book – Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework Facebook – Educational Connections, Inc. | Alexandria VA Instagram – EC Virtual Tutoring & Coaching (@educationalconnections) YouTube – Ann Dolin Key Takeaways: [07:54] Practical tip: Break big assignments into smaller chunks and involve kids in deciding the order to build independence. [09:56] What executive function skills are and how weaknesses in these areas impact homework, focus, and emotions. [14:10] How to work collaboratively with teachers to modify homework and avoid nightly power struggles. [15:28] Why setting a homework start time is more effective than focusing only on the end time. [18:47] Using timers and the Pomodoro method to help kids with ADHD get started and stay on task. [21:05] Building confidence with specific positive feedback to shift mindset and motivation. [23:14] Stepping back and asking guiding questions instead of micromanaging homework. Memorable Moments: “It’s not always about motivation. Sometimes it’s about executive function.” “Most kids don’t want to do poorly. They just don’t know how to start.” “The number one thing that helps is structure and consistency.” “Procrastination isn’t laziness — it’s often overwhelm.” “Sometimes the best thing we can do is step back, not step in.” “A checklist is like a GPS for the brain.” “Kids with ADHD often need external reminders to manage time and tasks.” “When parents micromanage, it can actually backfire.” “Homework should never be a battle zone.” “Parents are doing the best they can with the tools they have.” How to Connect with Ann Dolin Website: https://ectutoring.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/educationalconnections/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EducationalConnectionsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@annkdolin Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstituteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK: Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhdADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
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    27 mins
  • 173: ADHD & Sensory Processing Explained with Michael Soria

    173: ADHD & Sensory Processing Explained with Michael Soria
    Aug 28 2025
    In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay dives into some often overlooked aspects of ADHD—sensory processing challenges. She’s joined by Michael Soria, a global special education consultant and dad of a neurodivergent child, who brings over 35 years of insight and heart to the conversation. If your child melts down in the cereal aisle or fights over wearing socks, it may not be “just ADHD”—it could be their sensory system crying out for help. Dana and Michael explore how sensory overload can mimic or magnify ADHD symptoms, and what parents and educators can do to support these children more effectively. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the three hidden senses (vestibular, proprioception, and interoception), how to distinguish behavior from sensory triggers, and four powerful Cs—Consistency, Calm Transitions, Communication, and Compassion—for building a more supportive home and school environment. Link Mentioned in the Show: Sensory Toys & Products from Playlearn: https://playlearn.comContact Michael: michael@playlearn.comConnect with Michael on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: [04:56] Learn about the three hidden senses often overlooked in ADHD care [09:05] Sensory red flags at home—like picky eating or trouble finishing meals [16:25] The power of the 95-point sensory checklist to clarify what’s really going on [22:05] Michael’s “4 Cs” for supporting children with ADHD and sensory challenges [29:38] How a custom calming space or a “comfort portfolio” can change behavior in the moment Memorable Moments: “What if your child isn’t misbehaving — their sensory system is just overwhelmed?” “Transitions are where most antecedents become behavior problems.” “The best activities you can do with your kids are the ones they tell you they like the most.” “Even if they don’t have sensory challenges, every child benefits from calming tools.” “Teachers are experts in loving our students, and that’s invaluable.” “How cool would it be if I’m having a meltdown and I open a little book and see a photo of me and my dog?” “Knowledge is power—and so is community.” “If we do this activity at school, parents please also do it at home.” “We’re not looking at the behavior; we should be looking at what caused the behavior.” “When your kid screams over socks... it might not be bad behavior.” How to Connect to Caz: 📧 Email: michael@playlearn.com 💼 LinkedIn: Michael Soria on LinkedIn 🌐 Playlearn: https://playlearn.com Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstituteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK: Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhdADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
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    41 mins
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