Connected and Capable

21. ADHD + Nutrition: What the Research Actually Says

If you’ve ever wondered… does nutrition actually affect ADHD symptoms? Or is it all hype online? In this episode of the Connected + Capable Podcast, we’re digging into what the research really says about ADHD and nutrition in a practical, parent-friendly way. We’re talking about: ▶️ elimination diets and anti-inflammatory eating ▶️ food dyes and processed foods ▶️ fish oil and omega-3s ▶️ iron/ferritin and zinc ▶️ vitamin D and magnesium ▶️ what the studies actually show (and what they don’t) As both a pediatric OT and a mom of a child with ADHD, I know how overwhelming this conversation can feel. One person says nutrition changes everything… another says it doesn’t matter at all. The truth is much more nuanced. This episode is NOT about “curing” ADHD or giving you a giant list of supplements to start tomorrow. Instead, I want to help you understand: - where the evidence is strongest - which approaches may help some kids - why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer - and how to think through these options without fear or pressure We also talk honestly about sensory-based picky eating, the emotional toll of restrictive diets, how to approach nutrition without all-or-nothing thinking, and why supporting a child’s relationship with food matters too If your child struggles with ADHD, emotional regulation, hyperactivity, attention, sleep, or picky eating, this conversation will give you a grounded place to start. LINKS + RESOURCES MENTIONED: Supplement links + research articles referenced [https://yourkidstable.com/adhd-nutrition-what-the-research-actually-says] Free picky eating workshop: 3 Keys to Turn Around Picky Eating [https://yourkidstable.com/free] MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH [https://yourkidstable.com/TCH] LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable [https://instagram.com/Yourkidstable] Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable [https://facebook.com/Yourkidstable] Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable [https://pinterest.com/Yourkidstable] If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

20. The surprising reasons kids bite and what you can do about it

Biting can feel shocking, frustrating, and honestly… a little scary especially if it seems to come out of nowhere. Whether your child is biting others, biting themselves, or it’s happening in those intense, dysregulated moments, it’s important to know what's actually what’s going on. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really behind biting, and why it’s often not about hurting someone at all. We’re going to look at the 4 underlying drivers that are easy to miss, especially when it feels random or happens so fast you don’t see it coming. I’ll also walk you through3 foundational strategies you can start using right away to help decrease biting and support your child in a safer, more effective way. And if you’ve ever felt unsure how to respond in the moment, or like nothing you’ve tried is working consistently this episode is for you! Want to go deeper on helping your kid with aggression? A new deep dive workshop is happening this week: How to Decrease Aggressive Behaviors, sign up here: https://yourkidstable.com/aggressive-behaviors/ [https://yourkidstable.com/aggressive-behaviors/ ] Key Timestamps: 03:09 What causes biting 11:30 Sensory and calming reasons 16:38 Dysregulation and survival mode 18:40 Helping your child instead 22:11 Crunching and safe mouth options 25:00 When to seek extra support 26:54 Encouragement and next steps MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH [https://yourkidstable.com/TCH] LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable [https://instagram.com/Yourkidstable] Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable [https://facebook.com/Yourkidstable] Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable [https://pinterest.com/Yourkidstable] If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

19. 5 Tricks for Kids that Hate Getting Their Hair Washed

If hair washing turns into tears, resistance, or full-blown meltdowns in your house… I’m breaking down what’s really going on beneath the surface when kids struggle with having their hair washed, especially for sensory and neurodivergent kids. Because once you understand why this everyday task feels so overwhelming, everything starts to shift. We’ll talk about how past experiences, sensory sensitivities, and even hidden systems like the vestibular system can play a bigger role than you might think. And why some kids seem “fine”… until suddenly they’re not. I’m also sharing 5 simple, practical strategies you can start using right away to make hair washing feel safer, calmer, and more doable for everyone.  If bath time has been a battle, this episode will help you look at it differently—and take the first step toward changing it. Mentioned in this episode: How to Decrease Aggressive Behaviors Workshop: https://yourkidstable.com/aggressive-behaviors/ Vestibular sensitivity podcast episode Key Timestamps: 00:00 Why hair washing can turn into a meltdown 01:20 What’s really going on (it’s not just behavior) 03:30 The hidden sensory trigger most parents miss 08:00 Strategy #1 that changes everything fast 12:30 Small tweaks that make a big difference 17:10 The step most parents skip (but matters most) MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH [https://yourkidstable.com/TCH] LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable [https://instagram.com/Yourkidstable] Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable [https://facebook.com/Yourkidstable] Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable [https://pinterest.com/Yourkidstable] If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

18. Kid Stuck in Negative Thinking? Do this Today.

Does your child quickly jump to: “I’m bad.” “I never do anything right.” “Everything always goes wrong.” That kind of negative thinking can be exhausting for kids and heartbreaking for parents to watch. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s often really happening underneath these thought patterns in kids with ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs, and other uniquely wired challenges. I’m also sharing a simple shift you can start using today to help your child move out of all-or-nothing thinking, build confidence, and feel more emotionally steady. If your child is hard on themselves, melts down after mistakes, or always expects the worst, this episode will help you see them differently and know where to start next. Key Timestamps: 02:18 What’s really happening under “I’m bad” thoughts 05:12 The hidden link between ADHD, anxiety, and self-talk 09:45 Why logic doesn’t work in the moment 13:08 The first thing to do before teaching confidence 16:42 A simple script to shift black-and-white thinking 22:05 How to build self-esteem in everyday moments Grab your free printable copy of our 5 Big Calming Techniques for Big Emotions + Dysregulation-- https://yourkidstable.com/emotions-printable/ If you're a therapist join me inside our Therapist membership and unlock hours of CEU's, treatment planning center, a community to collaborate and more: yourkidstable.com/taam/ MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH [https://yourkidstable.com/TCH] LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable [https://instagram.com/Yourkidstable] Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable [https://facebook.com/Yourkidstable] Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable [https://pinterest.com/Yourkidstable] If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

17. 3 Steps for When Your Too Dysregulated to Help Your Kid

We hear it from parents so often... how do I help my kid when I'm dysregulated myself? That's a wise question and one many are wrestling with.   In this episode I'm sharing why we often feel like we're falling short, what to do about the dysregulation you feel, and 3 simple steps you can start today!  We'll also talk about why neurodivergent parents may feel more dysregulation. There's hope, tune it to get started.  Key Timestamps: 02:23 Regulation and nervous system 09:17 Three steps to start 13:05 Notice your dysregulation 16:54 Use a calming tool 22:17 Fill your cup daily 24:52 Slow down and recharge 26:33 Encouragement and next support Grab your free printable copy of our 5 Big Calming Techniques for Big Emotions + Dysregulation-- https://yourkidstable.com/emotions-printable/ Parent Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNKZ_bD9Oh/ MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH [https://yourkidstable.com/TCH] LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable [https://instagram.com/Yourkidstable] Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable [https://facebook.com/Yourkidstable] Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable [https://pinterest.com/Yourkidstable] If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.