Why 'if-then' plans work for children living with ADHD

Why 'if-then' plans work for children living with ADHD

One simple sentence structure brought children living with ADHD to the same impulse control level as their peers in a research setting. In this episode, Mon shares how she uses if-then plans daily at home and in her classroom, why the immediate reward built into the structure matters so much for the ADHD brain, and how to start using this tool today. Be Everything You Are! Organiser [https://www.beeverythingyouare.com.au/products/2026-undated-school-15-week-organiser]Science reference:Gawrilow, C., & Gollwitzer, P.M. (2008). Implementation intentions facilitate response inhibition in children with ADHD. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 32, 261–280. DOI: 10.1007/s10608-007-9150-1

The habit of boundaries

Consistency isn't about being strict. It's about being predictable. In this episode, Mon unpacks the science behind why clear, consistent boundaries help children living with ADHD feel safer, behave better, and learn more. Be Everything You Are! Organiser [https://www.beeverythingyouare.com.au/products/2026-undated-school-15-week-organiser] * Patterson, G. R. (1982). Coercive Family Process. Castalia Publishing. * Patterson, G. R., Reid, J. B., & Dishion, T. J. (1992). Antisocial Boys. Castalia Publishing. * Luman, M., Oosterlaan, J., & Sergeant, J. A. (2005). The impact of reinforcement contingencies on AD/HD: A review and theoretical appraisal. Clinical Psychology Review, 25(2), 183–213. * Doffer, D. P. A., et al. (2023). Sustained improvements by behavioural parent training for children with ADHD. JCPP Advances, 3, e12196. * Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits. Penguin Random House.

The podcast is changing

After 54 episodes in two months, Mon is making a change. Three episodes a week with the same science and the same honesty.

Heavy work and why it calms the ADHD brain

Carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting. Heavy work might be the simplest and most underused movement strategy for children living with ADHD. In this episode, Mon explains the body's sensory awareness system in plain language, shares what she has seen firsthand through a school heavy work program, and gives practical everyday examples any family can build into their daily routine. Backed by a 2026 randomised controlled trial from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. Be Everything You Are! Organiser [https://www.beeverythingyouare.com.au/products/2026-undated-school-15-week-organiser] Science reference: Kaya Özçelik, A., & Kayıhan, H. (2026). Comprehensive effects of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration in children with ADHD: A randomised controlled trial. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(1). DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2026.050529

Why disappointment hits harder for ADHD kids

From a cancelled plan to a wrong colour cup, for children living with ADHD, disappointment can feel huge, and the research explains why. In this episode, Mon shares the neuroscience behind big feelings over small things, and introduces a simple daily habit of practising small disappointments to build tolerance over time. Backed by research, and grounded in real family life.Be Everything You Are! Organiser [https://www.beeverythingyouare.com.au/products/2026-undated-school-15-week-organiser] Science references: Graziano, P.A., & Garcia, A. (2016). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and children's emotion dysregulation: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 46, 106–123. Barkley, R.A. (1997). Behavioral inhibition, sustained attention, and executive functions: constructing a unifying theory of ADHD. Psychological Bulletin, 121(1), 65–94.