Looking for natural ways to help your child with ADHD? The Soaring Child Podcast helps parents understand what may be contributing to their child's ADHD symptoms and what they can do to support focus, emotional regulation, behavior, sleep, and overall health naturally.
Hosted by Dana Kay, Board-Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner, bestselling author of Thriving with ADHD, and mom of a child with ADHD, the podcast explores practical, science-informed approaches to supporting children with ADHD.
Each week, Dana and her expert guests explore topics including ADHD nutrition, diet and food sensitivities, gut health and the gut-brain connection, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, detoxification, ADHD supplements, sleep, screen time, emotional regulation, behavior, focus, and parenting children with ADHD.
You'll learn how food, nutrition, gut health, lifestyle, and other biological factors may influence ADHD symptoms, along with practical strategies you can use at home.
Dana knows firsthand how hard it can be when your child is struggling with meltdowns, impulsivity, hyperactivity, lack of focus, emotional dysregulation, or challenges at school. Her goal is to give parents another way of looking at ADHD and practical steps that can support their child.
Dana has helped more than 1,600 families and has been featured in Forbes, Fox, CBS, parenting summits, podcasts, and other media.
If you're searching for natural ADHD support, ADHD diet and nutrition strategies, supplements for kids with ADHD, gut health support, or ways to help your child with ADHD without relying solely on medication, you're in the right place.
Because children with ADHD deserve the chance to soar.
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Données mises à jour le 03/10/2026
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228: Why Don’t ADHD Kids Listen? with Luba Patlakh
jeudi 1 octobre 2026 • Durée 30:21
When a child repeatedly fails to follow instructions, gives one-word answers, or has an intense reaction to a small request, it may look like defiance. But the real challenge may be how their brain is processing, organizing, and communicating information after they hear it. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay speaks with speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist Luba Patlakh about one of the most overlooked areas of ADHD: communication. They explore how executive functioning, hearing, language processing, sensory needs, airway health, sleep, and emotional regulation can all influence a child's ability to listen and respond. Luba also explains why parents should be cautious about being told to simply "wait and see" when they notice developmental or communication concerns. She shares the signs that may warrant a professional evaluation, how speech therapy differs from occupational and physical therapy, and why a multidisciplinary approach can help families better understand what is happening beneath a child's behavior. Parents will also learn practical strategies they can begin using immediately, including how to pause before reacting, gather meaningful observations, model language, and use Luba's "field of two" technique to encourage children to communicate their needs more clearly. This conversation is a supportive reminder that behavior is often communication, and that understanding the reason behind a child's struggle can lead to more compassionate and effective support.
The Growth Lab Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowthlabpodcast KEY
TAKEAWAYS
[00:00] A child may hear a parent's instruction but struggle with what happens next, including processing, organizing, remembering, and responding to the information.
[03:53] Parents should examine when and where communication breakdowns occur rather than immediately assuming a child is ignoring them or behaving badly.
[05:10] A lack of response can be useful information. Luba encourages parents to collect observations and consider executive functioning, hearing, cognition, and language processing.
[06:34] Formal assessments from qualified professionals can help distinguish attention difficulties from speech, language, communication, or cognitive delays.
[08:55] Speech-language pathologists may address articulation, language, comprehension, vocabulary, feeding, swallowing, airway health, and communication.
[10:14] Occupational therapy focuses on sensory processing, fine-motor skills, grasping, writing, feeding skills, and functioning in daily environments.
[13:04] Myofunctional therapy examines how the mouth, tongue, lips, nose, breathing, posture, and airway are working together.
[13:41] Chronic mouth breathing and difficulty maintaining a full lip seal may affect sleep, regulation, attention, and behavior.
[16:37] Parents should not automatically accept "wait and see" when they have ongoing concerns about communication, development, behavior, or regulation.
[19:22] Luba's story of a three-year-old illustrates how speech, movement, eating, digestion, sleep, medication side effects, and development can be interconnected.
[22:00] Pausing before solving and observing before reacting can help parents recognize patterns and bring clearer information to professionals.
[25:54] The "field of two" technique encourages communication by presenting two choices, allowing the child to select one, and then modeling the language needed to express that choice.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
[05:10] "That lack of communication at that moment is your data."
[13:41] "If a child cannot have a full lip seal, it dysregulates the body."
[15:57] "So it's called a recipe for disaster."
[16:37] "I am a firm believer and I'm always going to be an advocate of begin yesterday."
[17:56] "Why are we waiting for it to be worse? Like, what are we waiting for?"
[20:45] "And that's so, imagine she would have waited and seen. What was she waiting and seeing?"
[22:00] "You need to pause before you solve the situation and observe before you react."
[23:18] "It's a process. So my advice is just slow down, really take a look at what's happening."
[24:33] "If they're overreacting, throwing a fit somewhere in the store, you know, you wanna take a closer look at what's happening."
[25:54] "You do wanna start doing what I call a field of two."
227: How Can I Help My ADHD Child with Homework & Executive Function Skills? With Ann Dolin
mercredi 23 septembre 2026 • Durée 29:25
Tune in as we continue our Summer Series with another fan favorite episode!
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.
[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.
226: How Do I Regulate My ADHD Child’s Nervous System? With Dr. Tony Ebel
mercredi 16 septembre 2026 • Durée 39:24
Have you ever wondered why your child struggles with meltdowns, impulsivity, anxiety, or digestion issues? The answer might not be behavioral—but neurological. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we continue our summer series of Fan Favorite Episodes with host Dana Kay and Dr. Tony Ebel, a pediatric wellness chiropractor.
Together, they explore the vagus nerve—the “unsung hero” of the nervous system. They discuss how vagus nerve dysfunction affects kids with ADHD and why gut issues, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation challenges may all trace back to this critical nerve.
Dr. Tony shares groundbreaking insights from his Perfect Storm Clinic, explaining how birth trauma, chronic stress, and inflammation impact the vagus nerve and what parents can do to help their child regulate their nervous system naturally. From chiropractic adjustments to simple at-home strategies, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed solutions to support your child’s brain, body, and emotional well-being.
[2:50] Understanding the Vagus Nerve: The “Unsung Hero” of the Nervous System
[8:12] How Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Affects Kids with ADHD
[13:20]The Link Between Gut Health, Sensory Processing & ADHD
[14:06] Signs Your Child May Have Vagus Nerve Imbalance
[14:11] How Birth Trauma & Stress Impact the Vagus Nerve
[19:48] At-Home Strategies to Support Vagus Nerve Function
[23:34] The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments in Healing the Nervous System
225: What Can I Do About Parenting Burnout? with Ashley Gobeil
mercredi 9 septembre 2026 • Durée 39:23
Parental burnout is a common struggle among many parents of children with ADHD. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast - a continuation of our summer series of fan favorite episodes - Ashley Gobeil, our resident ADHD-specific Child and Family therapist, shares more about the telltale signs of parental burnout.
She shares critical tips on how to take care of yourself and avoid burning out in the first place.
If you’re struggling with feeling overwhelmed as a parent of a child with ADHD, tune in this episode with returning guest Ashley Gobeil.
[5:38] Why parents of kids with ADHD develop “blocked care” and overwhelmed nervous systems
[10:20] Signs that a parent’s nervous system is overwhelmed
[20:41] The importance of self-care for parents of kids with ADHD
[25:05] Things to avoid that could exacerbate parents’ overwhelm
[27:20] Techniques to help parents soothe their stressed nervous systems and avoid burnout
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
“Parenting a child who is having daily meltdowns, emotional outbursts, aggression, impulsivity, resistance to tasks and listening…As a parent, when you are constantly experiencing that, it can take a huge toll on the nervous system.”
”Blocked care can happen…It’s like we want to avoid that interaction, and it shuts down that part of our brain that wants to care for our kids.”
224: What Can I Do About Picky Eating In My ADHD Child? With Andrea Daigle
mercredi 2 septembre 2026 • Durée 23:56
Is every mealtime a battle with your picky eater? You’re not alone! Picky eating is a common struggle, especially for children with ADHD.
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we continue our Summer Series with host Dana Kay, an ADHD health practitioner, and returning guest Andrea Daigle, expert coach at the ADHD Thrive Institute. Together, they dive into the root causes of picky eating, including sensory issues, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies—and more importantly, how to turn it around without stress or frustration.
Andrea shares proven strategies to help parents encourage new foods, reduce mealtime stress, and break the picky eating cycle. You’ll also learn how nutrient deficiencies like zinc and omega-3s impact food preferences and simple ways to test for them at home. If you’re ready to make mealtime peaceful and expand your child’s diet, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using today! Plus, check out the show notes for helpful resources, including a Family Food Challenge guide, a zinc deficiency test, and recommended supplements.
223: Could Artificial Flavors & Colors Be Affecting My Child’s ADHD
mercredi 26 août 2026 • Durée 27:56
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we are continuing our Summer Series by sharing another fan favorite episode. Tune in to learn more about how artificial colors affect ADHD kids.
Did you know that certain artificial flavors and colors could be influencing your child’s behavior and focus? In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, we dive into the world of artificial flavors and colors.
Have you ever wondered why these synthetic additives are everywhere in our food? From why manufacturers prefer them over natural options to their significant impact on kids with ADHD, we’re uncovering it all in this week’s episode.
This is a conversation every family navigating ADHD needs to hear. We also explore the types of products most likely to contain these additives, arming you with the knowledge to make informed choices at the grocery store.
[3:52] What are artificial flavors and colors, and why are they so prevalent in our food?
[9:19] Why do manufacturers use artificial flavors instead of the real thing?
[9:54] How artificial flavors & colors can affect kids with ADHD
[16:40] What types of products have artificial flavors and colors in them?
[24:07] How to avoid artificial flavors and colors
[25:01] Brands that often avoid artificial flavors and colors
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
“For families of kids with ADHD, understanding the potential impact of these artificial ingredients is crucial in managing symptoms and promoting a more balanced and focused state of mind.”
222: How Does My Child’s Gut Health Affect Their Mental Health with Dr. Elisa Song
jeudi 20 août 2026 • Durée 41:45
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we are continuing our Summer Series by sharing another fan favorite episode with special guest, Dr. Elisa Song!
“We are in a state of emergency for children’s mental health.” Dr. Elisa Song
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, discover the most up-to-date information about children’s mental health and how gut health directly impacts mental health. Dr. Elisa Song joins the show to share what parents can do to build resilience in their children.
Elisa Song, MD, is an integrative pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert, and most importantly, a mother to two thriving children. She has dedicated her career to helping parents and practitioners bridge the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics with an evidence-based, pediatrician-backed, parent-approved approach.
Dr. Song has lectured around the world at leading integrative and functional medicine conferences and premier parenting events. She has also been featured in hundreds of top podcasts, print, and online media outlets. Her book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, is available now.
[3:39] The current state of children’s mental health
[6:53] The gut-brain connection and how it relates to mental health
[17:16] The most common factors that disrupt our kids’ microbiomes
221: Can Magnesium Help ADHD? with Dana Kay
Épisode 221
jeudi 13 août 2026 • Durée 19:06
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we are continuing our Summer Series by sharing another fan favorite episode. Tune in as Dana Kay shares all about magnesium for ADHD.
What are the benefits of magnesium for children with ADHD? Which types of magnesium are the most effective and beneficial?
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay, board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, explores the benefits of magnesium for children with ADHD.
KEY TAKEAWAYS [2:45] Benefits of magnesium [4:04] Why magnesium will never be the be-all-end-all solution for ADHD [8:05] The importance of functional lab testing [10:34] 8 types of magnesium and when to use which [13:14] Dana's favorite form of magnesium for kids with ADHD [15:50] Foods that are naturally high in magnesium
MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Magnesium is a great supplement to start with for many people. It is used in over 300 biochemical processes in the body."
220: The ADHD Parent's Guide to a Non-Toxic Summer
Épisode 220
jeudi 6 août 2026 • Durée 27:49
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we are continuing our Summer Series by sharing another fan favorite episode. Tune in as Dana Kay shares how to have a non-toxic summer.
Summer is full of outdoor activities and memorable adventures. But it's also a time when our children are more exposed to various environmental toxins, like chlorine from swimming pools, chemicals in sunscreens, etc. These toxins can add a significant load to their bodies, exacerbating ADHD symptoms.
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, discover how to have a non-toxic summer (and how to safely and effectively detox from any toxins your child might be exposed to).
KEY TAKEAWAYS [3:20] Common toxins kids are exposed to during the summer [7:20] Tips to make swimming less toxic [11:38] What to look for in a sunscreen [15:38] How parents can ensure a toxin-free environment at summer camp [18:14] Natural ways to support detoxification and reduce the impact of toxins
219: Managing Screen Time with ADHD Kids with Ashley Gobeil
Épisode 219
jeudi 30 juillet 2026 • Durée 39:27
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we are continuing our Summer Series by sharing another fan favorite episode. Tune in as Dana Kay talks with Child and Family therapist, Ashley Gobeil, about screen time and its effects on children, especially those with ADHD. Ashley Gobeil has over 15 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health, and this important discussion unpacks how technology impacts emotional regulation, impulsivity, and overall well-being.
Ashley provides valuable insights into the neuroscience behind screen time's effects on ADHD brains, as well as practical strategies for parents to manage it. From setting boundaries to navigating meltdowns and fostering healthier habits, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to create a balanced approach to technology in their homes.
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.”
”When we’re in a chronic stress environment, our window of tolerance gets smaller and smaller.”
”The more we’re noticing what’s happening in our minds, in our bodies, physiologically, sensationally, we start to get to know ourselves better, then we can put in steps or get ourselves out of the dynamic.”
”Just being aware means we can slow it down before it starts to impact our mental health.”
”We can’t soothe our kids’ nervous system if our nervous system is shot.”
”One thing that can really help is to remember, ‘I’m doing the best I can with the resources I have..’”
”If you could be doing better, you would be. But when you can, you will.”
”When we are heightened, we want to extend our exhale. When we’re really low and lethargic, we want to extend our inhale.”
”Artificial colors, also known as food dyes, are chemical substances developed in laboratories. They’re used in a wide array of foods to enhance appearance, making them more visually appealing.”
”Artificial flavors, similar to artificial colors, are chemical compounds created in laboratories.”
“Unlike natural flavors that are derived from actual food sources, artificial flavors are synthesized to mimic natural tastes. These flavors are engineered to replicate the taste of fruits, nuts, spices, and other natural foods.”
“Artificial flavors are often complex mixtures of numerous chemicals.”
”Here are some common terms indicating artificial flavors or colors: Artificial Flavors, Artificial Colors, Synthetic Flavors, Artificial Flavoring Substances, Synthetic Food Coloring.”
”Studies have illuminated a concerning link between artificial additives and ADHD symptoms.”
”In Britain, food is made with real ingredients, while in America, chemicals are often added with no warning label. This needs to change. American consumers deserve the same consideration as those outside the USA.”
”When chemicals are added to food, we should be informed. It’s baffling that the United States continues to allow ingredients that are not even food, contributing to staggering health issues.”
”Artificial flavors and colors are everywhere. Even a lot of things that are clear or white in color have dyes or flavors in them.”
”My best tip is to eat fewer processed foods as these additives are always in processed foods and to read those labels.”
“My rule of thumb is, if you can’t pronounce an item, put that item back on the shelf. The shorter the ingredient list, the better.”
[26:16] Tips for creating gut-brain resilience in children
[37:12] Healthy Kids, Happy Kids – Dr. Song’s book
[40:28] Where to find Dr. Elisa Song online
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
"We are in a state of emergency for children’s mental health.”
“By the time kids are 18, 1 in 2 will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.”
“When we are talking about our children’s mental health…we always need to look at their guts.”
“Antibiotics given to infants…can significantly increase – by up to 50% – the risk of that child having mental health concerns by the time they are older kids or teenagers.”
“The vast majority of neurotransmitters are made by our gut microbiome.”
“If we do not have a healthy balance of all of these beneficial bacteria that make our neurotransmitters, there’s no way we can have optimal or healthy brain development or brain functioning.”
“One of the single most insidious and persistent and ever-present disruptors are our ultra-processed foods.”
“Not only do these ultra-processed foods affect our gut microbiome, they also affect our kids’ brains.”
“It takes only 2 months of a steady diet of ultra-processed foods to change our brain, we can reverse that trend with a steady diet of gut-nourishing, brain-nourishing food.”
“Psychological stress can disrupt your gut microbiome in the matter of an hour.”
“Stress is not necessarily a bad thing.”
“Having no stress may be more stressful and inflammatory to your body and brain than having some stress that you can overcome.”
“When you want your kids to expand their pallets, the best way is to get them cooking.”
"Magnesium is a really great supplement with a lot of great benefits! The problem comes in when magnesium is NOT what your child's body needs."
"No one supplement is going to be the game changer."
"There is no 'one size fits all' approach to ADHD symptoms."
"It is true that supplements can play a very important role in nutrition and healing, but sadly no single supplement is going to solve all of your problems."
"I always strongly recommend before considering supplementation that you address diet first or specific functional lab testing to identify underlying malfunctions and stressors."
"Using magnesium is not as simple as just running to your local pharmacy and picking up any bottle. Formulation matters."
"During the summer, children are often more active and spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, which, while very beneficial for kids with ADHD, also increases their exposure to various environmental toxins."
"Because children's bodies are still developing, they are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of chemical exposures. Their smaller size, higher rates of metabolism, and the fact that they're closer to the ground (where some toxins settle) further increase their risk."
"Though chlorine isn't ideal, there are things you can do to help your kids detox those chemicals before and after swimming."
"You can still use sunscreen but choose a cleaner brand and this will go a long way in reducing your child's overall toxic load!"
"It's much easier to limit a child's toxic exposure when they're at home with us under our supervision, but many of our kids will also be going to summer camps so we need to think about this too."
"The goal is to support the body's natural detoxification processes, which include the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and skin, in a gentle and supportive way."
"Remember, small tweaks can make a significant impact."
[3:14] The Impacts of Screen Time on ADHD Symptoms [11:21] How Screen Time Affects Emotional Regulation and Dopamine Loops [11:47] Social and Cognitive Effects of Excessive Screen Time [12:04] Strategies for Managing Screen Time Effectively [16:08] Setting Boundaries Around Screen Time [20:21] Tips for Navigating Screen Time Detox and Alternatives [36:35] Practical Scripts and Tools for Parents
MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Screen time can act as a temporary escape for kids, but it doesn't increase their internal regulation." "For children with ADHD, screen time often becomes a way of seeking dopamine, creating a reward loop that's hard to break." "Screen time doesn't just overstimulate—it can actually decrease a child's ability to control impulses." "Excessive screen use inhibits imagination, natural play, and the development of critical emotional processing skills." "We're not here to eliminate screens completely but to find a healthy balance that supports emotional and mental well-being." "Screen time is designed to leave children wanting more—it's a bucket with a hole that can never be filled." "Setting boundaries is hard but essential. It's okay for kids to feel big emotions when limits are set—it's part of learning." "Boredom isn't a bad thing—it's an opportunity for kids to build creativity, imagination, and self-regulation." "Start small, stay consistent, and be proactive about setting screen time rules—it will pay off in the long run." "Healthy screen habits are a team effort. Explain your decisions to your kids, and adjust based on what works for your family."
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