Kids thrive when we meet them where they are, not where we think they should be - Elaine Taylor-Klaus

We sit down with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, master certified coach and co-founder of ImpactParents, to discuss her “coach approach” to parenting children with ADHD and other complex needs.

Elaine explains the P.I.N.C.H. framework, a practical tool for identifying what motivates kids. She also explores how shifting focus from children’s behavior to empowering parents can transform family dynamics.

Episode Highlights

[16:18] Elaine’s journey: How being an undiagnosed child in the 70s shaped her perspective and led to her diagnosis as an adult.

[19:46] The "aha moment": Elaine's discovery that coaching aligns with her parenting philosophy and her shift from a place of desperation to empowerment.

[29:36] Focusing on parents: “The change you want for them starts with you” — how focusing on parents rather than kids creates a ripple effect of transformation.

[43:20] Steps to independence: Elaine explains how to scaffold independence for children with developmental challenges by breaking tasks into manageable steps.

[50:57] Play as motivation: Elaine shares how using humor, creativity, and play engages kids in daily tasks.

[57:36] Family superheroes: Elaine’s children used the P.I.N.C.H. framework to motivate themselves to grocery shop — with capes!

[1:01:15] Motivational “diet”: Elaine compares motivation to a balanced diet, emphasizing the need for varied motivators like novelty and urgency.

[1:02:26] “Pinch yourself” cliffhanger: How parents can start identifying what motivates their kids using the P.I.N.C.H. framework.