The ADHD habits podcast

Monique Suidgeest

Bite sized episodes sharing science-backed, practical habits to help children with ADHD thrive at school and at home.

  1. 1d ago

    Why 'if-then' plans work for children living with ADHD

    One simple sentence structure brought children living with ADHD to the same impulse control level as their peers in a research setting. In this episode, Mon shares how she uses if-then plans daily at home and in her classroom, why the immediate reward built into the structure matters so much for the ADHD brain, and how to start using this tool today. Be Everything You Are! OrganiserScience reference:Gawrilow, C., & Gollwitzer, P.M. (2008). Implementation intentions facilitate response inhibition in children with ADHD. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 32, 261–280. DOI: 10.1007/s10608-007-9150-1

    5 min

  2. 3d ago

    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 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.

    6 min

  3. 4d ago

    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.

    2 min

  4. Jun 19

    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 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

    5 min

  5. Jun 18

    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 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.

    4 min

  6. Jun 17

    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 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.

    5 min

  7. Jun 15

    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 Natural Super Kids 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

    4 min

  8. Jun 14

    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 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

    5 min
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About

Bite sized episodes sharing science-backed, practical habits to help children with ADHD thrive at school and at home.

Information

  • Creator
    Monique Suidgeest
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Monique Suidgeest
  • Show Website
    The ADHD habits podcast