SHINING WITH ADHD

#215: ADHD School Advocacy: When You’ve Tried Everything and Nothing Is Working

The Childhood Collective

3/18/2026

SUMMARY

If you’ve already done the meetings, asked for evaluations, followed the usual steps, and still feel like you’re hitting a wall, this episode is for you. ADHD school advocacy can feel exhausting and emotional when you’re trying so hard to get your child the support they need. As professionals (and moms) who have guided hundreds of families through complex school situations, we’re sharing what we’ve seen work when the typical routes haven’t moved the needle. You don’t have to keep spinning your wheels, and you don’t have to figure out the next steps alone.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #137: ADHD at School: The One Thing Every Parent NEEDS to Know

Episode #161: Back to School - You've Got This!

Episode #165: 504 Plan vs. IEP: Which One Does My ADHD Child Need?

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Shining at School

Shining at School is a video-based course that will teach you how to help your child with ADHD go from surviving to thriving at school for elementary and middle schoolers. On your own time. At your own pace. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Shining at School Course

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.

Hungryroot

Board Games for Kids with ADHD

Board games are a natural way to help kids build their executive functioning and cooperation skills. When we polled the community about your favorite board games for kids with ADHD, you gave us hundreds of ideas! We narrowed them down to the games that got the most votes, and sorted them by age. Check out our top recommendations for board games for kids with ADHD, and let us know how it goes.

Board Games for Kids with ADHD

SHINING WITH ADHD

#214: ADHD in Middle School: Why Everything Feels Harder (and What Helps)

The Childhood Collective

3/4/2026

SUMMARY

ADHD in middle school can feel like the "perfect storm." If you’re navigating this season and wondering why homework, organization, and the fight for independence suddenly feel harder, this episode is for you. We’re joined by executive function expert Jessi Dall, former teacher and owner of Sophos Academics, to share practical, realistic strategies that actually help. You’ll walk away with clearer expectations, doable tools, and reassurance that you’re not behind, you’re just parenting through a tough stage (and we are right there with you!).

MEET JESSI DALL

Jessi Dall is a wife, mom of three, and founder of Sophos Speech and Academics in Phoenix, Arizona. After teaching in public and private schools, she launched Sophos in 2008 with a family-centered vision that has grown into a million-dollar business serving thousands of families. With over 20 years of experience, Jessi leads a compassionate team providing speech therapy, occupational therapy, dyslexia intervention, customized homeschooling, and executive function coaching.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #214 Transcript

Sophos Speech & Academics - mention “Childhood Collective Podcast Discount” to receive 50% off their comprehensive Executive Function Diagnostic and Customized Consultation (that’s a $400 value!)

Sophos Speech & Academics Instagram

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Shining at School

Shining at School is a video-based course that will teach you how to help your child with ADHD go from surviving to thriving at school for elementary and middle schoolers. On your own time. At your own pace. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Shining at School Course

Time Timer

We can’t have your attention and not mention Time Timer. This amazing tool helps with activity transitions, independence, and building executive function skills. Head to and use the code TCC to get a site-wide discount.

Time Timer

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.

Hungryroot

SHINING WITH ADHD

#213: Your Questions Answered: ADHD, Sports, and Big Feelings

The Childhood Collective

2/18/2026

SUMMARY

ADHD and sports can be an amazing opportunity for confidence and connection, but they can also bring big emotions, frustration, and a lot of tough parenting decisions. In this listener Q&A episode, we answer your questions about ADHD and sports, including how to support your child when they lose, when quitting might actually be the right choice, and whether to talk to the coach about an ADHD diagnosis. We break down how executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social skills show up on the field, not because kids aren’t trying, but because their brains work differently. If you’re navigating ADHD and sports and want practical tools that protect your child’s confidence and your relationship, this episode is for you.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #213 Transcript

Episode #164: Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Creating Calm Course

Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Creating Calm Course

Climbing Products for Kids with ADHD

Calling all parents with energizer bunnies! With ADHD kids, the energy can be super fun and also super challenging at times. We have to be very thoughtful about giving our kids opportunities to run, climb, and move their bodies. We asked for your best climbing ideas, and you came through with amazing recommendations! We took all of your climbing favorites and compiled them into a list to share with you.

Climbing Products

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.

Hungryroot