Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn: Your Guide to Getting Through the Hard Times
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tackling teacher troubles | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:13:43 | |
Your child might come home from school and say some troubling things about their teacher. “My teacher hates me. I can’t do anything right!” “I’m so messy, and she tells me that I just can’t get my space cleaned up.” If you’re hearing things like this, it’s usually a sign that there’s some challenge between your child and their teacher. These can be difficult issues to navigate, but there are strategies to manage teacher troubles. Tune in to this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn for ways to help. Related resources
Timestamps (00:44) Figuring out your child’s perceptions (01:51) Validating your child’s feelings (05:29) Validating the teacher’s experience (07:03) How to find solutions (09:13) How challenges can help kids grow and thrive (10:42) What to do if the situation is really bad We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to have a successful parent-teacher conference | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:11:11 | |
Parent-teacher conferences can seem like high-pressure events. There are only 10 or 15 minutes, at most, for you and the teacher to discuss many important things. Plus you want to keep things positive and the teacher engaged. It’s a lot to consider. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about some things you can do to make the conference as successful as possible. Related resources
Timestamps (00:54) Basic ways to prepare before the conference (02:29) Advance communication (04:44) How to prepare emotionally (08:16) Special considerations for neurodivergent kids
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| What triggers you as a parent | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:07:24 | |
Your child’s tantrums or meltdowns can make you angry or upset. But it’s harder to think clearly when you’re having big emotions. That’s why it’s essential to learn your parenting triggers and use self-calming skills to help you parent more effectively during heated moments. In this seven-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to look inward and notice signs you’ve been triggered. You’ll also learn common ways kids trigger their parents and quick mindfulness strategies to help you calm down. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related resources Timestamps (00:39) Why you need to know your parenting triggers Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Identifying your child’s behavior triggers | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:07:06 | |
Do your child’s outbursts seem to come out of nowhere? In this seven-minute episode of “What Now? A Parent’s Guide,” psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to find your child’s behavior triggers to prevent tantrums and meltdowns. Learn which details to track to help you spot patterns, like time of day, what your child was doing just before the outburst, and who else was there. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. \ Related resources Timestamps (1:08) Why parents need to be detectives Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Using praise to prevent your child’s outbursts | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:05:09 | |
It may sound surprising, but praising your child for what they did correctly when they got upset can help prevent future tantrums or meltdowns. In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to notice your child’s self-calming efforts and give detailed praise so they’ll know what you want them to do again in the future. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related resources Timestamps (00:40) Why the right kind of praise can make a big difference Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to talk to your child after a tantrum or meltdown | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:06:31 | |
Talking to your child after a tantrum or meltdown can help you find out what caused the outburst. But timing is crucial. Try to talk too soon, and you may rev up big emotions. Wait too long, and your child may lose track of key details that can help you figure out what triggered the outburst. In this 6-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to know when your child is ready to talk and how to start the conversation. Get expert tips including the best open-ended questions to ask after your child has a tantrum or meltdown. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. way. Related resources Timestamps (00:41) Why timing is really important Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to take a time-out with your child | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:08:21 | |
It’s stressful when your child is having a tantrum or outburst, and your reaction can ramp up their behavior. One way to lower the tension is to ask for a sports-style time-out so you and your child can take a quick break from the action. In this eight-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to take a mutual time-out when your child is upset. One key detail: Tell your child when you’ll come back together. This can help kids use the time apart to calm down instead of worrying about being abandoned. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related resource Timestamps (00:44) Why mutual time-outs are so helpful Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| The first step to help your child calm down | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:05:38 | |
The single most important step to calm your child’s tantrums or outbursts is to look calm — even if you don’t feel calm. In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains why the way you look and sound can have a big impact on your child's behavior. He also offers tips for staying cool during heated moments — or fake it till you make it. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related Resources Timestamps (00:45) Why you need to look calm Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to tell the difference between tantrums and meltdowns | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:07:25 | |
Not all outbursts are the same, and how you respond can have a big impact on your child’s behavior. In this 7-minute episode of of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to tell the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and what to do next. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related resources Timestamps (00:35) Why it helps to know the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Tuning in to signs of learning challenges in kids | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:10:58 | |
Learning challenges in kids can be really tricky to spot. It can be hard to tell whether your child can’t do something, or if they just won’t. And sometimes it’s not clear what’s an in-the-moment challenge and what’s a pattern. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will explain how to spot what might be a learning difference in your child. We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org. Related resources
Timestamps (0:53) How to gather good data (1:57) Looking for patterns (3:09) Using homework to find clues (5:37) How to spot motor or physical difficulties (7:29) Why frustration can be a good thing Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Talking through social struggles | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:06:42 | |
Let’s face it. Embarrassment is a big part of growing up. And it can impact kids in many ways. They may worry that trying a new outfit will embarrass them in front of their peers, or feel ashamed when a classmate comments on their appearance. Embarrassment and the emotions that come with it can be tough to navigate, for both kids and parents. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explains how to help young children deal with embarrassment and strategies for getting ahead of it. Related resources
Timestamps (01:04) Embarrassment vs. shame We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Why kids have trouble listening | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:13:23 | |
One of the most frustrating parts of parenting is when your child won’t listen to you. It can be difficult to tell the difference between when your child is ignoring you and when they can’t pay attention to you. If reading this is already stressing you out, take a deep breath — this episode is here to help. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn will explain the many possible reasons why your child may have difficulties with listening or understanding. And he’ll go over some ways you can help. Timestamps (0:52) Anxiety, fear, and emotional distractions (4:29) Focus and attention issues (5:48) What does “developmental” really mean? (7:51) Understanding your child’s comprehension challenges (9:50) When to use consequences and punishments We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org. Related resources
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Bedtime battles: Why won’t my kid just go to sleep? | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:08:14 | |
If you have a young child, bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of your daily routine. Kids often have a lot on their mind at night. There’s Roblox, Netflix, and 100 other things competing for their attention as they try to go to sleep. Plus, they have a full day of school ahead. But as a parent, you need some time for yourself at night, too. It’s your “me” time to relax, get tasks done, or spend time with a partner. This can create tension between you and your child at bedtime. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for how to handle the communication issues that come up at bedtime. Plus, how to create a healthy bedtime routine and more. Related resources
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| “I’m not yelling — you’re yelling!”: Tips for staying calm when kids act out | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:10:06 | |
Many things we do as parents can make us feel awful afterward. Whether it’s raising our voice in frustration or setting a firm limit and watching our child cry in response. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for handling things in the moment when your child acts out. He also talks about striking a balance between giving yourself grace for your actions and taking time for self-reflection. Plus, he shares tips for picking your battles and preparing a default response when emotions are high. Related resources
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Behavior: What is it and how can parents affect it? | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:07:16 | |
Many parents think about behavior as something negative, a problem they don’t want to deal with. However, behavior is really a form of communication. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the truth behind kids’ actions. He also shares how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors. Related resources
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Introducing Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:00:56 | |
Parenting is one of the toughest things we do in life. It can be even harder when we can’t get our kids to do the things we need them to do. On Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn offers bite-size tips for all kinds of parenting challenges. From how to stay calm when your child is acting out to helping with bedtime battles, listen as Dr. Kahn shares both evidence-based and mindful approaches for helping your child. Tune in for upcoming episodes wherever you get your podcasts and on Understood’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/understoodorg. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Guided meditation for stressed parents | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:06:06 | |
Parenting is stressful. In this six-minute guided meditation, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn helps you calm your mind and body so you can respond to your child more effectively. This is the last episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns. Explore the rest of Season 1 for more strategies to help you confidently handle your child’s big emotions. For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related Resources
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to boost your kid’s self-esteem | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:15:32 | |
The concept of self-esteem can seem abstract. And when it comes to improving your child’s self-esteem, it can be an uphill battle for parents. But host Dr. Andy Kahn has some practical strategies for boosting your child’s self-esteem that he’ll share on this episode of “Parenting Behavior.” Related resources
Timestamps (00:47) What is self-esteem? (02:15) Practical strategies (07:37) Social media and self-esteem (10:41) The importance of love and care We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Bullying and neurodivergent kids | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:07:50 | |
Bullying can be one of the most difficult parts of being a kid and being a parent. And for neurodivergent kids with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia, it can be an additional challenge. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about handling those challenges — whether your child is being bullied, or is engaging in bullying behavior themselves. Related resources
Timestamps (00:49) What is bullying? (02:49) How to talk to your child about bullying (04:13) Bullying and neurodivergent kids
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| “Is my child lonely?” What to do when your child is struggling socially | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:11:35 | |
There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as the question, “Is my child lonely?” It’s common for parents to worry if a child is having challenges connecting, or if their social skills seem like they're not aligned with their peers. But it’s also important to consider our perceptions as parents. Are the concerns legit, or do we just need to look differently at our child? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about loneliness and social skills for kids. For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Related resources
Timestamps (00:51) Is it loneliness, or is it you? (03:00) How does your child feel about the situation? (06:09) How do I help my child with social struggles? (09:51) Quick recap
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to get your child to try new things | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:11:28 | |
Sometimes, our kids just won’t try anything new. This can be something small, like not wanting to try a new food. But it can also be a bigger issue, like your child refusing to go to a new after-school activity they’ve joined. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about how to get your child to engage in new activities, especially those that make them feel afraid or anxious. Related resources
Timestamps (0:47) Coping with discomfort (4:11) Developing a “growth mindset” (6:37) Watch-outs for parents For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How assistive technology can help with your child’s ADHD | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:09:58 | |
Assistive technology can be a bit of a buzzword in parenting and educational circles. It’s not always well-defined or well-understood. But assistive technology can be helpful for people with ADHD. Options range from virtual calendars and voice recording apps to things that don’t even seem like “technology” at all. Related resources
Timestamps (0:48) What is assistive technology? (3:00) Specific examples (6:32) Artificial intelligence vs. assistive technology
We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| 5 tips to get ready for the holidays | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:14:49 | |
For parents, the happiest time of the year can also be the most stressful. Busy parties. Strange foods served to picky eaters. The dread of worrying how your child will respond if they don’t like the sweater grandma gave them. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn and guest Dr. Karen Wilson share five key tips to prepare your family for the holiday season. Karen is a clinical neuropsychologist and, like Andy, a parent. So, get ready for tips that come from a mix of professional expertise and real-life parenting. Related resources
Timestamps (00:55) What makes the holidays so hard? (02:45) Tip #1: Prepare yourself for stress (03:59) Tip #2: Set up your child for success (06:35) Tip #3: Create a schedule that works for you (09:04) Tip #4: How to teach your child to accept gifts (11:31) Tip #5: Plan ahead for picky eaters We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| ADHD medication for kids: Stimulants vs. non-stimulants | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:10:19 | |
Please note: Dr. Andy Kahn is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication. This episode is for informational purposes only. For further questions about ADHD medications, please consult your medical provider. Are you considering medication for your child with ADHD but need more information? In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn gives an overview of ADHD medications for kids. He shares the ins and outs of stimulant and non-stimulant medications, what the research says, and important side effects to consider. Tune in to learn more about ADHD medications and how to get medication management services for your child. Related resources Timestamps (1:16) An important disclaimer (2:12) Stimulant medications (04:19) How stimulants work (6:36) Non-stimulant medications (08:11) Getting medication management services for your child We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Candy or money as a reward? The answer might surprise you (From the “In It” podcast) | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:30:07 | |
This week on Parenting Behavior, we’re sharing an episode of another great Understood.org podcast, In It, where Dr. Andy Kahn is a regular guest. The show is all about raising kids who learn and think differently. On this episode, Andy joins the In It hosts to talk about a big parenting debate: Bribes vs. rewards. You probably know how it goes: Your child is refusing to do something that, to you, seems super reasonable. Do you offer them a reward to get them to cooperate? Where is the line between bribery and rewarding a child? Will that ruin them? Listen to get Andy’s expert advice, and follow In It wherever you get your podcasts. Related resources
Timestamps (1:22) The difference between a bribe and a reward (5:08) Pairing verbal praise with reinforcement (8:31) How close to the behavior should the reward be (16:03) Money as a reward (21:08) Behavior charts and LTDs (25:14) Helping kids change behaviors For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page at Understood.org We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Should my child try a “drug holiday”? | 14 May 2025 | 00:08:09 | |
If your child is on medication for ADHD, you may have heard of a medication vacation or a drug holiday. In short, it means taking a break from their usual medication — for a few days, weeks, or even months. It sounds simple enough, but deciding whether it’s right for your child is a different story. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks with Dr. Liz Harstad, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, to get the scoop. Related resources
Timestamps (1:30) Why would someone take a “drug holiday”? (2:29) How has thinking evolved over time? (3:42) What are the impacts of a break? For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org. We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to handle disagreements with a co-parent | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:11:25 | |
In general, it’s an advantage when kids have two parents caring for them. But it gets challenging when those parents have a strained relationship. Things can get really tricky when your child is neurodivergent. Many questions come up: Should we get a special education evaluation for our child? Should they be on medication? Should our child have counseling? Not only are these difficult questions, but they’re also sources of potential conflict with parents. On this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, you’ll learn how to navigate disagreements between co-parents and figure out how to advocate for your child’s best interests. Related resources
Timestamps (0:56) Why it’s key to identify shared beliefs (2:34) Do we agree on what we’re seeing? (4:19) How do I take the lead on getting help? (8:14) Nothing seems to work. What now? For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org. We love to hear from our listeners. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How do I help my child set realistic career goals? | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:14:54 | |
When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, you’ll hear all sorts of creative answers. Some kids have surprisingly practical goals—others, not so much. Neurodivergent kids are particularly interesting because they're creative and think about all kinds of outside-the-box things. On this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, you'll learn about how to help kids create appropriate and realistic career goals and help them work on the path toward having real, reinforcing work in their lives. Related resources
Timestamps (0:54) How to encourage skill development (1:59) What can help kids with learning differences? (4:04) How to turn interests into actual skills (9:49) Accurate self-assessments and neurodivergent kids For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| What if I think my child might have dyslexia? | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:13:32 | |
Is your child having difficulties with reading? Do they struggle to recognize letters, understand what they read, or sound out words on a page? In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explores how to identify dyslexia in kids. Tune in to learn the common signs of dyslexia and what steps to take if you think your child may have this learning difference. Related resources Timestamps (0:44) What is dyslexia? (1:50) Common signs of dyslexia (4:02) How can you be sure your child has dyslexia? (6:42) How is dyslexia diagnosed? (10:45) What to do if you feel overwhelmed For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior episode page on Understood. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at parentingbehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to plan ahead for a successful summer | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:17:08 | |
Even if summer seems far in the future, it’s probably not too early to begin planning for what your child will do during their break from school. Once you find a program that looks interesting, then comes the rest of the work. Is it a good fit for my child? How am I going to pay for it? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about the best time to start planning for summer camps and the key questions parents should ask. He also shares insights on choosing the right camp or program for your child. Related resources
Timestamps (00:50) What type of program is right for your child? (03:57) When should I start planning? (07:37) How can you pay for camp? (09:38) How to get the best information on a camp For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at parentingbehavior@understood.org
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Is melatonin safe to give to kids? | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:13:59 | |
It’s common for adults to take a supplement like melatonin to help when they’re having trouble falling asleep, or just need a really good night of rest. Melatonin has been shown in numerous studies to help people fall asleep, and in some cases, improve the quality of their sleep. Plus, it’s sold over the counter at many kinds of stores. But when it comes to kids, some questions come up. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn gets some advice from Dr. Liz Harstad. Liz is a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. She has more than 15 years of experience caring for children with learning and attention differences and developmental conditions. Is it OK to give your child melatonin? What about other supplements or medications? What does a sleep problem look like in a child, anyway? Listen or watch to get Liz’s answers. Related resources
Timestamps (1:20) How can you tell if there is a sleep problem? (3:42) What are the benefits of melatonin? (6:38) What are the risks of taking it? (8:37) Are there alternatives? For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood. We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at parentingbehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Sibling struggles: What to do when your kids clash or don’t get along | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:15:31 | |
Siblings don’t always get along. Fights, disagreements, jealousy — it’s a common thing. These clashes can get even more complicated when one or more of your kids is neurodivergent. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will share tips for managing sibling conflict to benefit both you and your kids. Related resources
Timestamps (0:35) What do these problems look like? (3:32) Strategies for how to respond (11:18) Managing the emotional components For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How to adjust and manage your child’s ADHD medication | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:11:58 | |
Please note: Dr. Andy Kahn is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication. This episode is for informational purposes only. For further questions about ADHD medications, please consult your medical provider. Once your child has been prescribed ADHD medication, that’s not the end of the journey. You might be wondering: What are the possible side effects? And what if we need to change the dose? Tune in to this episode of Parenting Behavior to get expert advice from host Dr. Andy Kahn on side effects, fine-tuning medication, talking to providers, and more. Related resources Timestamps (0:39) Side-effects and dosing (2:52) How and when to tweak medications (4:57) Questions to ask your child’s provider (7:02) Other key points on medication For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How do I handle my child’s lying? | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:21:51 | |
When a child lies, it can be really tricky for parents. Even overwhelming at times. What’s the difference between a white lie and a serious one? How do I handle it if my kid keeps lying over and over? Can I ever lie to my child? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will share information on why your child lies, what those lies are telling you, and how to help your child learn to tell the truth. Related resources
Timestamps (00:46) What do kids’ lies look like? (04:08) How do I make sense of my kid’s lies? (07:41) How can I help my child be more truthful? (13:06) Why parents should admit their own mistakes (17:25) White lies vs. serious lies (19:11) Is it ever OK to lie to your kid? For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood. We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| Talking to coaches and other adult leaders about your child | 28 May 2025 | 00:09:59 | |
Joining a club, sports team, or other extracurricular activity can be a rite of passage for kids. It’s a great way to make new friends, practice life skills, and learn about themselves. With this, we also expect — or at least hope — our neurodivergent kids will succeed in those environments just like their neurotypical peers. But there’s no guarantee that adult leaders, like coaches, understand learning and thinking differences. Since we rely on them, it can be in your and your child’s best interest to share helpful information with them ahead of time. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn discusses why it’s important to share information about your child with the other adult leaders in their life — and tips that can help. We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Related resources
Timestamps (00:56) Why you should share information about your child (03:01) How to talk about your child (06:15) Finding the right activity for your child For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood.org. We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How can you help an anxious child? | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:19:14 | |
It can be really tricky to know when to step in and help your kid when they're having anxiety. Unfortunately, this is a really common situation: 10 percent of kids have diagnosable levels of anxiety. So on this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, we're going to learn three key things:
Related resources
Timestamps
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||
| How can I manage self-doubt as a parent? | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:09:38 | |
Parenting is tough enough. But when differences in processing or development come into play, it can become even more complex. As you begin making parenting decisions, it’s common to experience self-doubt, guilt, and confusion. These feelings are understandable — and there are ways to manage them. In this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explores parenting self-doubt and offers guidance on how to navigate and support those difficult emotions. Plus, tips on how to care for yourself along the way. Related resources
Timestamps (1:05) What’s causing the self-doubt? (2:38) What does it look like when self-doubt takes over? (6:35) How to manage your self-doubt physically For a transcript and more resources, visit the Parenting Behavior page on Understood. We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give | |||