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

SHINING WITH ADHD

#211: Executive Function Made Easy: Yes, Game Night Totally Counts!

The Childhood Collective

1/21/2026

SUMMARY

What if building executive function didn’t have to mean adding more to your already-full plate? In this episode, we are sharing five easy ways to boost your child’s executive function… just by doing everyday things you’re probably already doing! From planning a family night, to baking together, or packing for a trip, these real-life moments are packed with opportunities to build skills like planning, organization, and flexibility. You’ll walk away feeling encouraged (and maybe even a little proud) of how much you’re already doing to support your ADHD child’s brain development (no flashcards or charts required!)

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 #211 Transcript

Creating Calm Course

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

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

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

#210: ADHD in the Classroom: Real-Life Strategies from a Teacher Who Gets It

The Childhood Collective

1/7/2026

SUMMARY

What does ADHD look like in a real classroom, and how can parents and teachers work together to help kids thrive? In this episode, we’re joined by Kristina Manning, a former general education teacher who shares TONS of practical, real-life strategies she has used to support students with ADHD. Kristina gives several whole-class ideas like morning meetings and communication boxes, as well as more individualized ideas you can bring to your child's teacher. Whether you’re an ADHD parent, teacher, or both, you’ll walk away with simple, realistic ways to help your child shine at school.

MEET KRISTINA MANNING

Kristina is a seasoned ADHD Parenting Coach with a wealth of experience in fostering harmonious family dynamics. With a background spanning 15 years in the education sector as both a classroom teacher and school counselor, Kristina founded Calm Minds Parent Coaching to address the critical need for parental support. She helps parents create peaceful and thriving home environments. Her passion lies in empowering parents of kids with ADHD to embody the principles of peaceful parenting and nurturing healthier relationships within the family unit.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #210 Transcript

Kristina's Website

Kristina's Free ADHD Parenting Guide

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

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