How Parents of ADHD Kids Can Be Supportive vs. Rescuers

Episode Summary Licensed clinical social worker Ryan Wexelblatt (“ADHD Dude”) shares a practical, skills-first playbook for parents: coach over correct, step into calm parental authority, and build real-world social skills through practice, not lectures. We cover when CBT actually helps ADHD kids, why consistent home routines beat reminders, and how to create momentum without shame or power struggles. Guest Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified School Social Worker, and founder of ADHDDude.com. Ryan trains parents to help their children build skills, improve behavior, and feel better about themselves. He’s also a father to a son with ADHD and learning differences. Episode Overview Most families are working hard but on the wrong levers. Ryan explains how parent-led coaching, clear expectations, and warm authority transform everyday friction points (mornings, transitions, homework). We dig into timing CBT so it sticks, designing social practice that isn’t awkward or punitive, and shifting from “try harder” to “build the skill.” Goal: fewer battles, more progress, and a kid who sees themselves as capable. What We Talk About (Highlights) Coach > correct: teach the skill, don’t repeat the reminder Parental authority: firm + kind (clear expectations, consistent follow-through) CBT timing: works best after regulation and core skills are in place Social growth through reps: real contexts, short practices, no lectures Routines that reduce conflict: prompts, transitions, and predictable scaffolds Common parent pain points—and what to do instead of “try harder” Inside ADHD Dude Camp: structure, community, and practical wins Ryan’s words of wisdom for exhausted parents Resources & Links ADHDDude: https://adhddude.com/ About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD ; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast . Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles. Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Free Download Get the first three chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show