This is a podcast where I speak straight into the heart and mind of kids with ADHD. Helping them learn and understand the way their brain is wired differently and come up with tools and strategies that work best for them! This is a great conversation tool for trusted adults to use as you navigate this diagnosis alongside your child. I have many wonderful guests who are full of knowledge and great resources too!
Music isn't just something we listen to- it can become one of the most powerful tools in your family's ADHD toolkit! I know it is ours! In this final episode of our Regulating Through Music series, we explore how to intentionally weave music into our everyday life to make routines feel easier, transitions feel smoother, and family connection feel stronger! Speaking of family, I have my little man with me in this episode, helping me share some of the ways music helps our family on a daily basis! Music can provide our ADHD brains predictability, momentum, emotional regulation, and an overall sense of calm when things feel overwhelming! Guess what the best part is!? You don't have to be "musical" to use it! A simple playlist, a favorite song, or even a quick dance break can make a HUGE difference. In this episode, we will share practical ways you can use music throughout the day, including: Starting mornings with an energizing "hype song." Creating a clean up playlist that makes chores more fun. Turning car rides into moments of family connection. Using dance parties to reset big feelings and busy bodies. Building stronger family memories through shared music. Create playlists for different moods, routines and activities to have set and ready to play any day! You will also learn why music can help the ADHD brain find steady rhythm- just like a drumbeat helps musicians stay together. When life feels busy or overwhelming, music can help your brain know what comes next and make the day feel a little easier to follow. This week's target: You don't have to create a perfect routine overnight. Start with ONE song, one playlist, or one family dance party! Small rhythm repeated overtime can make a HUGE impact! Take away: Music is like giving your busy brain a steady beat to follow. It won't make every hard moment disappear, but it can help life feel smoother, calmer, and a whole lot more fun! Thank you for joining us on this regulation through music series! If you like what you hear make sure you subscribe and share this podcast with a friend who is on this ADHD journey too! We are all in this together! Please reach out with future episode ideas or if you'd like to know more about my 1:1 coaching services www.katelynmabry.com ! I love and appreciate each one of you!
Have you ever felt like your feelings were so BIG they almost felt like a storm inside your brain? Sometimes happiness makes you want to jump up and down. Sometimes sadness feels too heavy for words. The good news is that your feelings aren't bad- they just need a safe place to go. In this episode of Journey With Me Through ADHD, we're exploring how music can become one of your brain's favorite regulation tools. Whether you love to sing, dance, drum on a table, write songs, or simply listen to your favorite playlist, music can help your emotions move instead of staying stuck inside. Together we'll discover: How music gives big feelings somewhere safe to go. Why moving your body to rhythm helps calm your nervous system. Simple dance breaks and drumming activities can be great emotional regulation strategies. How songs can help you recognize and name your emotions. Fun ways to create "big feeling playlists" like happy, calm, brave, or even frustrated. Why many ADHD kids feel deeply understood through music. Remember this: Feelings are like storms inside your brain, and music can help the rain come out safely . You don't have to keep your emotions bottled up. Music gives them a healthy, creative way to be heard. So grab your headphones, turn up your favorite song in the car or kitchen, and let's discover how music can help your amazing ADHD brain express those big feelings in healthy ways! Because every feeling deserves a safe place to go- and sometimes that place is a SONG! If this episode encouraged you and your family, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and SHARE it with other families you know who are on this ADHD journey! Every share helps more children discover that their ADHD brain is wonderful, capable, and never alone! Until next week, keep growing, keep learning, and keep journeying with me through ADHD! Love and appreciate each and every one of you!! www.katelynmabry.com
Does music actually help your brain find focus? The answer is yes for me and my kiddos too, how about you!? In this episode, you will become a "focus exploror" as you learn to discover which kinds of music might be helpful, powerful tools to find your focus, stay productive, engaged and find calm in different situations! We will activate the power of noticing too! Because you may find that your brain works better with a little backgroung music instead of complete silence. If this is a reality for you, it's SO true! We will talk about how the right kinds of music can help quiet some of the extra "brain chatter" that makes it hard to focus. Instead of silence feeling distracting or uncomfortable, music can give your brain just enough background noise entertainment to help you stay on task. Think of it like giving your busy brain a gentle rhythm to follow while you work. In this episode, you will discover... Why many ADHD brains focus better with music then with complete silence. How music can help calm the feeling of overwhelm. The difference between instrumental music and songs with lyrics. Ways to use music during homework, reading, chores, or creative projects. How to create your own "focus beats" playlist. Why everyone's brain is differetn- and it's okay to experiment to find what works best! Music isn't JUST something we listen to- it can be a regulation tool that helps our brains feel organized, steady, and ready to learn! So grab your headphones, press play, and let's discover how the right beat might help your amazing ADHD brain find focus! Remember: Your ADHD brain isn't broken- it just works differently. Sometimes the right song is exactly what your brain needs to help you do your best! If you've enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another family raising amazing ADHD warriors too! Every episode helps you better understand your incredible one of a kind mind- one journey at a time! Visit me at www.katelynmabry.com for more resources or to contact me! I would love to hear from you! Have a blessed day!
Do you find yourself overstimulated, feeling anxious, irritable, or have a hard time focusing in different day to day scenerios!? If so, you are not alone and this is the episode is for you. In this episode, you will discover how different types of music can help regulate different moods and your nervous system in different situations. The right music can help your brain feel safer and calmer. I share how I use music to move through different tricky tasks and transitions, as well as give tips on how you can embed music in so many different ways too! Creating different safe playlists to go along with your daily routine of to dos is a great idea too! Calming playlist for overwhelm Using music during transitions Music for morning or bedtime routines Using music for activation and momentum when a task feels tedious You will discover that lyrics and tempo affect emotions and use music to regulate your mood. This is a great jumpstart to heighten your self-awareness around how music affects you. We even use the analogy of music being like a dimmer switch for our busy brains, instead of the on and off switch we tend to have. I would love to hear how music affects you! Send me a message on my website at www.katelynmabry.com so I can hear more about your ADHD journey and I would love to hear some future podcast episode ideas too! I love and appreciate you all so much! Have a blessed day!
You are all in for a musical treat with this episode! Do you ever feel stuck or have a hard time creating better habits as you work on exercising those executive functions skills that feel tricky!? I know I do, and have found that music is my favorite momentum maker and memory tool too, how bout you? For many ADHD brains, music can be a powerful tool for focus, memory, emotional regulation, and getting started with every day tasks! In this fun-filled episode, we're joined by JP and Kat, who are an amazing married duo, whose music has been featured on beloved shows like Seseme street, Gabby's Dollhouse, Blaze and the Monster Machine, Pigeon Finds a Hotdog, Blues Clues, and MORE. They are Emmy award winners and parents to two kiddos who have busy brains just like you and I do! They share how they create songs that help kids learn, remember important skills, and build memory throughout the day! We're also joined by our new 8 year old friend ADDEE, who shares how music helps her ADHD brain move throughout her daily routines, manage big feelings, abd stay regulated when life feels overwhelming. Together we explore, Why music is such a powerful tool for ADHD brains. How songs can improve memory and help us remember routines, or to simply put things away. Using music to build momentum when it's hard to get started. How music can help move through big emotion moments. You will hear three fabulous jingles written by Kat and JP that you can start using right away... "Anything Else", "Put It Away", and "Learning More Everyday" from "ADDIE'S WORLD" Whether you are getting ready for school , cleaning your room, calming down after a busy day, or just looking for a little extra momentum, this episode is full of practical ideas from a child's perspective and joyful music to help your brain thrive! Remember, you don't have to force your brain to work like everyone else's. Sometimes it needs the right rhythm to feel it's best! Let's keep moving, keep singinng, and journeying together through ADHD! You can find Aidee's world on YouTube & IG= @aiddeehd_official
What if the internet felt less like a giant candy store and more like a place designed to help your brain do what it wants to do in a safe and fun way? In this episode, I sit down with the creators of "Notsus", Jim and Adam, who designed a kid-friendly web browser built to help kids stay creative, curious, and productive online without getting pulled into endless distractions. We talk about why many browswers are designed like candy stores filled with the ultimate treats, making it hard for the ADHD brain to stay focused on what actually needs to get done. Creators, Jim and Adam, share how they created a safer digital space where kids can walk past the distractions, get where they want to choose to go, and keep creating along the way. In this episode, you'll learn: Why ADHD brains are epecially vulnerable to online distractions. How the internet is often designed to grab and keep your attention. The "candy store" analogy that makes screen habits easy to understand. Ways to build a more regulated digital environment. How "Notsus" helps kids stay focused on creativity, learning and exploration. Whether you're a kids with ADHD or a parent looking for tools to support healthier screen time habits, this conversation shares practical ideas for creating a digital home that works with your brain- not against it. Episode challenge: Think about one online distraction that feels like candy for your brain. What could help you walk past it and get to what you really want to accomplish online? It takes small reflective change to make the biggest long term impact!! You can download the web browser for free at http://notsus.net/ Be sure to also download our June sponsor's app at www.storymii.com where the possibility for creating stories you love are endless! Type in the code: "adhdjourney" to recieve a free month of exploring and creating on the app! Story Mii is a fabulous tool for every kiddo with ADHD's toolbox! Not only can you use those amazing imaginations to create any type of story you dream up, but you can also connect with friend's and create quizzes to amp up the educational experience, while keeping the joy alive! Research shows that kids read more when it's something that they have come up with! So what better way to ignite a love for reading this summer then with Story Mii! Check it out and enjoy!! You can visit me at www.katelynmabry.com for more resources or to reach out with questions! I would love to hear from you! You are loved, valued and seen! Have a blessed day!
Hey there! Who was able to do the technology fast alonside my family and I last week!? If you took a break and would like to share how it went, please reach out to me @ www.katelynmabry.com so I can hear about your journey too! If you aren't sure what I am talking about, take a look at episode 252 and consider taking some sort of screen time fast that would fit your family best as a means of resetting and then revisiting what tech time looks like each day... Meanwhile, have you ever wondered WHY screens feel SO hard to put down? In this episode, we explore a differnt way of thinking about screen time. Sometimes screens aren't just entertainment- they become a safe place when something in life feels difficult! It's super important to raise self-awareness of this truth, so that you can best respond to it! Using the metaphor of a fort, we will talk about how kids may retreat into screens when they are feeling lonely, socially stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, or trying to avoid difficult emotions. When we can name it, then we can tame it and reframe it! We will also explore whey screens can feel especially comforting for ADHD brains and how curiosity can help us better understand our needs. Shed any shame of "too much screen time makes me bad" and instead ask, "what is my screen time helping me with right now and how can I respond to it in a different, healthier way!?" In this episode, you'll learn: Why screens can feel like a safe hiding spot. How lonliness, stress, and overwhelm can increase screen use Why ADHD brains are often drawn to screens Questions to help you understand what your brain really needs How to build support on and off screens Key takeaway: The goal isn't to get rid of the fort- it's to make the world outside of the fort feel safer too! As you are exploring a new normal with regulating healthy amounts of screen time, make sure you check out our June sponsor, Story Mii @ www.storymii.com where your child's imagination will be brought to life with these AI generated stories!! Creativity is ignited and characters are created to come up with a one of a kind story that your kiddos will fall back in love with reading! And if you have summer reading to do, this is a great tool to use that also has the capacity to create quizzes for comprehension and kids can even interact to build off of each other's story creations!! My kids love it and I know it will ignite a newfound love for reading in your kids too! I look forward to being with you next week! Have a blessed day! Love you all!
This coming week, my family is doing something different- We are taking a "technology fast" and we'd love for you to join us! Before you check out, hear us out! This is NOT a punishment, but it IS a gift for your brain! In this episode, we will talk about why screens can be especially tricky for our ADHD brains to regulate, how dopamine plays a role, and what happens when we take a break! We will share what a tech fast looks like in our home, what we're replacing screentime with, and why the first few days can feel uncomfortable. You will even hear from my son who shares his raw feelings about it all! We will keep the conversation honest, realistic, and completely shame- free. What you will learn in this episode: Why ADHD brains love screens What dopamine withdrawal can feel like What a technology fast looks like for our family and ways you can customize it to fit your own family! Screen-free activities to try instead What to do when it gets hard Why slipping up doesn't mean you've failed Kid friendly analogy/reminder: Taking a break from screens is like letting a sore muscle rest- it may feel uncomfortable at first, but your brain comes back stronger! We would LOVE for you to JOIN us! Try your own version of tech fasting this week and when the fast in over, send a message to share... What's been hard What surprised you What you've done instead of screens Your tech-fast WINS! This is not about perfection. It's about giving your brain a chance to breathe, reset, rewire, regulate, reignite deeper creativity and discover new ways to have fun! As your plan for reintroducing tech time after the fast, make sure to check out our June sponsor's App...StoryMii www.storymii.com is a brilliant AI story generating program set up to make reading fun for all ages! Is reading a battle in your home too!? With Story Mii, kids can turn their imagination into actual stories that they dream up! With StoryMii, kids don't just read stories, they create their own custome adventures, while using their imaginations to write anything they think of, with unique images that match the story every step of the way! Story Mii is especially great for kids with busy, creative brains because it makes reading feel fast moving, interactive, and fun! Instead of forcing kids to fit into one way of learning, Story Mii taps into their natural curiosity and imagination to help reading really click! They also have exciting features like personalized quizzes, and add chapters to their friends stories, so kids can keep exploring, creating, and learning in ways that match their interest and imagination. It's a science backed reading tool designed to help kids stay engaged, think bigger, and enjoy the learning process while building confidence along the way. Ignite a newfound love for reading and story creating with Story Mii!! It will transform your summer reading for sure!! Make sure you visit my website at www.katelynmabry.com to sign up for my monthly newsletter, check out my book, or reach out to learn more about 1:1 coaching! We are on this journey together! Have a blessed day! Love you all!
HAPPY JUNE ALL!! Welcome to the beginning of our Summer series! Let me be SUPER clear that I am not promoting more screen time through this series (I am even doing a screen fast to start our Summer off), BUT we will be looking at the ways we can regulate screen time throughout the summer months and use screen time in beneficial ways when/if it is used! I am super excited for you to hear from our guest on this episode, Nancy Sun! She is the founder of the incredible app called "StoryMii." She shares all about her personal love for technology and how she came up with this brilliant platform. This science-backed reading platform brings your kids imaginations to life, while also igniting a new love for reading!! StoryMii helps kids become creators instead of just reading, by allowing them to customize thier own adventures with unique images that match their story every step of the way! Your busy, creative, ADHD brains will be lit up by this app in the most positive ways. It is interactive, fast moving, and fun!!! Instead of forcing one style of learning, the platform taps into curiosity, imagination, and creativity to help reading finally click! You will love to hear all of the updates StoryMii has made since her last episode with us a year ago! Creativity supports confidence and learning to read Personalized storytelling helps kids stay engaged There are interactive features like quizzes You have the ability to add friends and share stories There are so many ways StoryMii encourages you to think bigger and enjoy the learning process. This is a fabulous tool for those Summer months with down time, road trips, and a desire to keep the skill of reading alive and active! If you love adventure, storytelling, creativity, or making imaginative worlds of your own, this is an espisode you will love in every way! You can learn more about our June podcast sponsor, StoryMii @ www.storymii.com . Gain a month of free access through their website by using the code, "adhdjourney." This is a great opportunity to check it and see if it's a helpful, fun reading tool for your family! Sign up for my newsletter @ www.katelynmabry.com so that we can stay in touch and I can share upcoming episode and more resources!!
AHHH! We made it to episode 250 and I could not be more grateful for each of you to be listening and coming back each week so that we can be on this ADHD together!! Guess what!? Not everybody feels better doing the same kind of movement and that's completely OKAY! That's why it's so important for you to listen to this episode of our Regulation Through Movement series, where we explore how different types of movement help different brains find calm, focus, and become regulated. Some kids like fast movement like running or dancing, while others feel best with slow stretching, swinging, walking, or quiet solo movement. There is no "right" way to move your body. In this episode, you will also learn how to notice what kind of movement helps your mind, body, and emotions feel better, while giving yourself permission to try new moves too! This episode also encourages you to become that detective as you get curious about... Fast vs slow movement Solo (on your own) vs. movement with others Big energy activities vs. calming movements How movement changes how your body and brain feels Find what works for YOU! Key Take away: The best movement is the movement that helps YOU feel better overall! You do not have to move like everyone else. Your body is allowed to like what it likes! Let's build that unconditional confidence and name what works best for you! I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you! Visit my website www.katelynmabry.com to sign up for my newsletter, check out resources or reach out with future episode ideas! Love and appreciate each of you!!!
Did you know that sometimes the best reset is as simple as stepping outside!? It's true! How cool is that for me and you! In this episode of the regulation through movement series, we will explore how fresh air, nature, movement, and open space can help our ADHD brains find calm, feel more clear and more focused. You will learn that when your brain feels busy, overwhelmed, wiggly, or stuck, outside time can help your nervous system reset and recharge. Using the idea that "outside time helps your brain breath and reset," we talk about how even a few minutes outdoors can make a world of difference! We also use a fun metaphor that with help you understand: just like phones need to recharge when their battery is low- outside time is like plugging your brain back in! Key messages to lean into: Exploring how nature and fresh air can help the body and brain find calm. Outdoor movement can improve focus and emotions. Gamifying outside time, like naming the sounds that you hear in nuture! There are so many simple ways to get outside: Take a walk, run around house, swing, shoot hoops, sit in the sunshine, run, jump and stretch as you use your imagination with what you have outside! Pairing movement with fun helps regulation feel easier and more natural! Key Takeaway: Outside time isn't extra- it's a support for your brain and body that is a neccessity to thrive with a busy brain each day. This episode is a great reminder that you don't need to stay stuck when you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes the reset you need is waiting right outside the door! I would love to hear from you at www.katelynmabry.com and for you to gain more resources! Love you all and appreciate you being here! Have a blessed day!
Have you ever been told, "sit still," or "can't you just stop moving?" And you think, "my body needs to move!" If so, you are not alone and I have good news for you...YOU ARE RIGHT!! Your brain was made to move! This episode will jumpstart our series this month called "Regulating Through Movement." We will start by exploring a super important idea: Movement isn't a distraction- it's actually how the brain helps itself find focus , regulate and feel better . We will gently reframe our movement experience to shed the shame and shine a light on the benefits of movement. When you feel wiggly, restless, or simply overwhelmed, it's not a sign that something is wrong-it's a signal that your brain and body are trying to work together! Get your imagination caps on as we think about it like a shaken up soda bottle. Imagine energy and emotions building up inside the body, just like soda in a shaken bottle. Without a way to release that pressure, it can feel like everything might EXPLODE! Movement helps release that pressure little by little, making it easier to find calm, focus, and stay in control. Sitting still can feel especially hard for our busy ADHD brains. Movement supports your attention, emotional regulation, and helps you think more clearly by helping the brain organize what's going on inside! So let's just get started raising that self-awareness flag and notice your body signals- those early hints like fidgeting, bouncing legs, or restlessness-and start pausing to respond with movement instead of fighting against it. This exercises that self-awareness muscle and builds confidence in understanding what your body needs to succeed. You will take away simple, accessible ways to move throughtout the day, whether through small movements like stretching and tapping or bigger movements like jumping, dancing or walking! Key Takeaways: Movement is NOT a problem-It's a helpful brain tool to pull out of your toolbox. Feeling wiggly or restless is your body trying to help. Movement can improve focus, calm big emotions, and organize thinking. Sitting still can be challenging because the brain may need movement to function well. Listening to your body's signals is an important skill to exercise, Small or big movement can both make a difference. Your brain loves to move. Movement helps you feel better, find focus faster, and be the best version of yourself. This episode will empower you to understand your brain/body connection with compassion and curiosity. It will help you replace shame with confidence and see movement as a strength, not a struggle! Visit me at www.katelynmabry.com for more resources or to reach out with questions and future episode ideas! I would love to hear from you! Have a blessed day!
Do you feel your energy go up and down throughout the day!? Does this effect you in every way!? If you do, me too! Our energy often matches the many intense emotions we rollercoaste through in different situations and environments. In this episode, we will hear from communication and emotions expert, Elizabeth Sautter, who encourages us all to become energy detectives! When we can discover when our energy rises and falls, that's when we can truly discover the best tools and strategies to add to our toolbox. You can visit Elizabeth's website http://elizabethsautter.com for some incredible free resources, including a "Focus & Flow Workbook" (website + /focus-flow-toolkit) to track your energy and a daily regulation check in tool to use. You will also find a link to check out her most recent workshop replay to learn more about what it actually means to build emotional regulation and resilience! You can reach out to me at www.katelynmabry.com to stay connected or check out my resources too! Always here for you! Love you all!
Have you ever been told, "You are just being too sensitive!"? If so, you are absolutely not alone! In this final episode of our Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) series, we bring everything together by focusing on self-compassion and a powerful thought reframe: Your sensitivity is not a flaw-it's a strength! After learning what rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is and how it can show up in your thoughts, feelings, and reactions, this episode will help you take the next step- understanding yourselves in a kinder, more empowering way. Instead of seeing big feelings as "too much," we explore what those feeling actually mean! Key Takeaways: Feeling deeply is NOT something to fix: You may feel more intensely, but that doesn't mean there is something is wrong with you, it means that you care deeply!!! That's beautiful gift! Sensitivity and empathy often go together: Yes, our ADHD brains often feel things strongly: However, we are also incredibly empathetic, aware of others emotions, and passionate about fairness, kindness and connection . These are powerful strengths! RSD awareness gives you power-not labels: Understanding RSD helps you recognize what's happening in your brain so that you can respond with more control and self-compassion. It's all about gaining the tools for your toolbox to help your thrive in your thoughts and emotions day by day! You can learn to pause and name what's happening : When those big feelings strike, practicing skills like pausing, intentional deep breathing, and naming the emotion can help you respond with control instead of reacting right away. Mistakes and criticism don't define you: Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you respond to them. Failure is fuel- and rememebering that your worth isn't based on the moment or a feeling...your thoughts aren't always telling you the whole story! Put your imagination caps on and visualize your emotions like a volume dial on a speaker. Sometimes you feel like the volume is turned up to a 8,9, or even a 10! The goal isn't to turn the volume off, it's to learn how to gently adjust it! With practice and continued self-awareness, you will begin to notice when your volume is getting too loud and use your tools to bring it down to a level that feels more manageable! Remember this... You are NOT "too sensitive." You are someone who feels deeply, and with the right tools, that sensitivity becomes one of your greatest strengths-helping you connect, care, and understand the world in a powerful way! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey toward learning more about naming and combatting RSD in a mighty way! Reach out to me at www.katelynmabry.com to reach out to learn more about 1:1 coaching as a means to dive deeper into exercising these skills with a coach that can help! I would also love to hear from you if there is a episode topic idea you'd like to share too! If you are overwhelmed NOW and would love a masterclass to help you explore next steps, click to register now for "Navigating ADHD Chaos," lead by master ADHD Coach, Tyler Dorsey, who is also the founder of Focus Forward ADHD Coaching. You will walk away from this 5-day masterclass with a deeper understanding of what's going on beneath the surface of the behavior seen, why things feel so hard, and what true progress looks like. You will also leave with a renewed hope and a clearer path forward for you and your family! You don't want to miss it! I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your day! Love and appreciate you all! I look forward to being with you again next week as we explore all that ADHD energy!!!
Big feelings can show up FAST! Especially for those of us with ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). In this episode, we will continue to explore this very important topic together. Bottom line... your feelings are always real and important...but the story your brain tells you in the moment, isn't always complete! Get ready to put your imagination cap on as we relate playing the thoughts in our head like a movie... if we fastforwarded to the end of the movie, we wouldn't have all of the information, so we would need to pause and go back to gather all of the info before coming to a conclusion. We too, want to practice pausing before reacting. In this episode, we will add this tool to our toolbox= Pause--breathe--check the story! You will learn how to... Practice pressing the pause button when emotions feel overwhelming. Use simple deep, slow, intentional breathing. Give your brain time to gather more information. Ask helpful questions like, "what else could be true!?" We also will discuss how important it is to practice self compassion and be reminded that it's ok to have big feelings while exercising the skill of responsing in a thoughtful way. Key takeaway: You don't have to believe every thought right away. You can pause, check the story, and choose what happens next!! Please reach out to me anytime through my website @ www.katelynmabry.com . Check out my book, take a look at other resources I have to offer, or schedule a consultation to learn more about 1:1 ADHD Life Coaching! I look forward to hearing from you! ONE MORE IMPORTANT REMINDER... if you are feeling like you need a class now to help you in the state of frustration or overwhelm you are in to help navigate your child's uniquely wired mind... "NAVIGATING ADHD CHAOS" is a 5-day masterclass disigned to help you understand what's really going on beneath the surface of the behavior, why things feel hard, and what progress truly looks like. You will walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and a clearer path forward for you and your family. More details and registration opens April 20th. You don't want to miss it! http://focusforwardadhd.com/katelyn
Bottom line, RSD can be one of the most painful parts of ADHD, so let's keep exploring how we can name it to tame it!! In this episode of our Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria series, you will learn how to recognize and start to name big feelings and pain points in the moment, especially when those feelings show up fast and feel overwhelming! To recap, RSD is when the brain reacts strongly and the body experience different intense feelings when experiencing different forms of rejection. It may be real, possible, or just something the brain is guessing, but the emotional response remains intense either way! This episode with help you spot common signals that RSD might be happening, including: Sudden shame or embarrassment Quick bursts of anger Wanting to shut down or hide Feeling exposed or judged Wanting to quit somthing right away (You will even hear examples from my son who also has ADHD and often experiences RSD)- This is scripted, but honestly rings very true for him too! You will even hear him sharing some silly voices and that goes along with the character analogy I share! Giving our intense fixed thoughts silly voices is a strategy to de-stress and shine light on the fact that we can talk back to those voices... The key is to NAME THE FEELING... I use the metaphor of putting a name tag on emotions as an imaginative visual of identifying what they are feeling- like, "this is shame, or this might be RSD." the feelings become less confusing and easier to manage. Naming the feeling helps: Slow down the brains reaction Take away some of the mystery Create space for reacting The goal isn't to fix everything instantly, but to build awareness in the moment . This week's challenge: Try to notice just ONE big feeling and put a name tag on it! Because when you start to name it, then you CAN tame it!! TRUSTED ADULTS: DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MASTERMIND CLASS!? Check it out if you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or constantly wondering why nothing seems to be working when trying to help your child with a uniquely wired ADHD brain? Here is the most ideal masterclass that will speak straight into the struggle... "NAVIGATING ADHD CHAOS" is a 5-day masterclass designed to help you understand what's really happening beneath the behavior, why things feel hard, and what process actually looks like. You will walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and a clearer path forward for you and your family. More details and registration opens April 20th... http://focusforwardadhd.com/katelyn Check out my website for more resources, order my book, or to reach out about being a guest on my podcast! I would also love to hear your future episode ideas too! www.katelynmabry.com
Do you ever feel left out, ignored, or like someone doesn't like you? You feel it to your core, but not sure why or how to respond to it!? If so, you are not alone my friend! In this episode, we are going to put on our investigator hats to solve a tricky mystery: Was that real rejection, or is my brain just guessing!? Our busy, colorful, ADHD brains tend to work super fast and try to fill in the blanks- especially in social situations with peers. If a friend doesn't text/respond back, a teacher gives a stern look or harsh tone, or someone laughs nearby, our brain might jump to conclusions like, "they don't like me." but just like a detective, we need evidence before solving the case! In this episode, you will learn: Why ADHD brains sometimes "guess" instead of waiting for all of the clues. Practice becoming a "thought detective" instead of jumping to conclusions. Spot the difference between real rejection and percieved rejection. Try simple questions you can ask yourself to check the facts. Start to build confidence by strengthening the breaks of your thinking and giving others benefit of the doubt. Your brain is like an investigator trying to solve a mystery- but sometimes it tries to solve the case too quickly. Let's practice pausing, gathering information/evidence, and become a wise, careful detective rather that rushing through a guessing game! Not every feeling of rejection means you were actually rejected. Does this make rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) go away? NOPE! I still struggle with it as an adult. But it sure helps with starting to move through it more quickly and not feeling stuck in the thoughts and feeling that flood in. Remember that you have the power to check the facts. Lets practice this takeaway: Next time you have the feeling of rejection flood in...after regulating with your tools and strategies, once your thinking brain is back online, ask yourself, "am I solving this mystery with all of the clues...or just guessing? What do I know to be true?" You have a beautiful, brilliant brain! Your brain just needs some help coming up against those big, intense emotional experiences sometimes! Tackle one moment at a time! You will continue to grow stronger and wiser! I believe in you and love you just the way you are! Thank you for being on this ADHD journey with me! HEY PARENTS, GUESS WHAT!? Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or consistently wonderin why nothing seems to be working when trying to help your child with a uniquly wired ADHD brain? Here is a perfect masterclass for you..."NAVIGATING ADHD CHAOS" is a 5 day masterclass designed to help you understand what's really happening beneath the behavior, why things feel so hard, and what progress actually looks like. You will walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and a clearer path forward for you and your family. More details and registration opens April 20th... http://focusforwardadhd.com/katelyn I would love to hear from you through my website at www.katelynmabry.com to hear feedback of how these episodes are helpful for you, hear your topic ideas for future episodes, submit an audio clip to share on an episode, or just to say hi and see if 1:1 coaching could be something you'd be interested in! I look forward to hearing from you! Have a great day!!
Are they mad at me? Did I do something wrong? They must hate me! I feel sick to my stomach (in response to a tone of voice) They don't think I'm good enough. What does that look mean? Do these narratives sound familar? If so, you are not alone... In this episode, I introduce this beast called "Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria" (RSD)- This is a common intense, even painful and overwhelming emotional experience when faced with internal, external, or percieved rejection. We will stay creative and curious as we use the metaphor of a microphone and speaker to explore how your brain may be turning up the volume in certain emotions- making small moments seem HUGE! "I am not too sensitive- my feelings might just be amplified!" This episode helps kids understand: How their brains turns up the volume on rejection Why small moments feel much bigger then they are. That these feelings are real- but sometimes louder than the situation itself That their inner voice isn't always telling the truth Please remember that your feelings are not wrong- Your brain is just using a powerful sound system. And with the right tools and strategies, you can learn how to turn that volume down. I look forward to being with you all next week as we continue to explore RSD! Always remember that you are never alone in how you think and feel! You are loved just as you are! Check out my website www.katelynmabry.com to learn more about the opportunity to move through 1:1 coaching with me as your next step! I offer a free consultation to learn more! I would also love to hear from you about different episode topic ideas for the future or if your kiddo would like to share part of his or her ADHD journey by submitting an audio clip that I can share on a future episode! Have a super blessed day!
YIKES! This last episode really hits home! "I'm too much" was a fixed thought that I ALWAYS struggled with growing up and still to this day it creeps in and I have to talk back to that false belief! Does "I am too much..." creep up on you too!? In this final episode of this emotional regulation series, we focus on identity, confidence, and self-compassion for kids with ADHD and big feelings. You were created for a beautiful purpose! Sometimes you hear that you are "too loud", "too sensitive", "too emotional", etc... This episode reframes those experiences and reminds you that having a fast, powerful brain simply means you need the right tools and support to strengthen breaks and adjust steering in life! Using the metaphor of a race-car engine, we drive into a conversation about how some brains have a lot of power and energy. When kids learn and exercise skills like pausing, choosing actions, and getting support from trusted adults, that powerful engine can be guided with stronger breaks and steering. We also talk about how traits often be labeled as "too much" can be strengths- like empathy, creativity, passion, and determination. The episode races to the finish line with a short self compassion practice and a recap of what you've learned throughout the series! If you missed past episodes, I would encourage you to go back and listen to go on the entire emotional regulation learning journey together! We connect on understanding feelings, regulating bodies, repairing after big emotional storms, and remembering that tough moments do not define who you are! Big takeaway- Big feelings don't mean something is wrong with you. There are too many things right with you to even name! With support and practice, your powerful brain can learn how to steer in the direction you would like to go!! I would love to hear from you! Check out my website at www.katelynmabry.com , where you can find a link to my children's book or send me a message to inquire about my 1:1 coaching package, or give a future podcast idea! I would love to hear more about your child's ADHD journey too! Love you all! Have a blessed day!
Did you know that your feelings are not your enemy!? I know sometimes it feels like they are! But in this episode, we will talk about how feelings are messengers that is giving you a signal that your mind and body may need help in some way. In this episode, we will explore the idea of feelings being like mail being delivered to your brain and body. Every feeling carries a message that is trying to tell you something important. Feelings aren't good or bad, they are simply information. We will look at what anger, worry, sadness and anxiety are trying to tell us and ideas of how we can practice responding. Maybe anger is delivering a message that something is unfair. Maybe worry is dropping off a note that your brain needs reassurance or a plan. Even BIG stormy feelings are just messages asking to be noticed. This episode will help you see that you don't have to ignore, hide, run away or explode feelings. Instead, you can practice pausing, reading the message, and then deciding what to do. This is NOT easy and takes a lot of intentional practice! When you learn how to read your feelings like mail, you start to understand yourself better- That is a SUPERPOWER! Let's continue to build that emotional toolbox together as we understand our brains, bodies and big feelings better! I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you at www.katelynmabry.com . Check out my resources and reach out if you would like to be a future guest on my podcast or if you have a fun future episode topic idea! I also offer 1:1 coaching and will have more openings come Fall for the start of your new school year! You can book a FREE consultation to learn more about through my website too! Thank you for being here! You are loved and appreciated!!
