The comparison trap

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.

When technology helps and when it hurts

Technology in the classroom is rarely simple for children living with ADHD. In this honest episode, Mon shares why her family had to pause technology use altogether for one of her boys, what the latest research says about screen use and self-regulation, and how to tell the difference between technology that supports learning and technology that costs more than it gives. Real life, backed by research. Be Everything You Are! Organiser [https://www.beeverythingyouare.com.au/products/2026-undated-school-15-week-organiser] Science reference:Duerden, E.G., et al. (2026). How screen use, not just screen time, relates to self-regulation and learning in neurodiverse children. Heliyon.

Iron, zinc and the ADHD brain

If your child is living with ADHD, iron and zinc are two nutrients worth knowing about. Research shows that deficiencies in both are common in children living with ADHD, and both play a direct role in dopamine production and regulation. In this episode, Mon breaks down what the science says, what to look for in everyday meals, and why a simple conversation with your GP is the best place to start. Practical, research-backed, and built for busy families. Well Nourished Link [https://wellnourished.com.au/family-affiliate-refer/ref/283/] Natural Super Kids [https://www.naturalsuperkids.com/] Science reference:  Di Lorenzo, R., Balducci, J., Poppi, C., Arcolin, E., Cutino, A., Ferri, P., D'Amico, R., & Filippini, T. (2021). The role of iron and zinc in the treatment of ADHD among children and adolescents: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Nutrients, 13(11), 4059. DOI: 10.3390/nu13114059

Connection is a habit worth teaching

In this episode, Mon shares why building the habit of connection matters so much for children living with ADHD, what the science says about their friendship difficulties, and the simple ways parents can model and support connection at home. Be Everything You Are! Organiser [https://www.beeverythingyouare.com.au/products/2026-undated-school-15-week-organiser] Science references: Mikami, A.Y. (2010). The importance of friendship for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 13(2), 181–198. DOI: 10.1007/s10567-010-0067-y Cavioni, V., et al. (2023). The friendships of children and youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0289539. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289539