Heavy work and why it calms the ADHD brain

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.

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.