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

SHINING WITH ADHD

#212: ADHD and Self-Esteem: How to Help Your Child Feel Good About Who They Are

The Childhood Collective

2/4/2026

SUMMARY

We are talking with Penny Williams, host of the Beautifully Complex podcast, about ADHD and self-esteem. Penny vulnerably shares how her own social anxiety once made her overly critical, driven by a need for her kids to look “put together” as a reflection of her. We explore how letting go of others’ opinions can be a powerful turning point, especially for parents raising kids with ADHD and autism. Penny introduces the authenticity mirror and offers practical ways to reflect acceptance, confidence, and pride back to your child so they can feel good about who they truly are.

MEET PENNY WILLIAMS

Penny Williams is a behavior and parenting coach, author, and educator who supports families raising neurodivergent kids, including those with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Through her science-informed, compassion-centered SIGNAL Parenting™ framework, she helps parents understand what behavior is communicating and respond with connection instead of punishment.

Penny is the award-winning author of Boy Without Instructions, host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast with over 5 million downloads, and founder of the Regulated Kids Project. Her work has been featured in leading parenting and neurodiversity publications.

At the heart of Penny’s work is one powerful belief: Behavior isn’t the problem — it’s the signal.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #212 Transcript

Penny's Website

Beautifully Complex Podcast

Penny's 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:

Customizable ADHD Printables

If you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off! Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs.

Printables

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

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