Media I’m Consuming as a Child Psychologist for ADHD Kids (August 25)
Media I’m Consuming As a Child Psychologist for ADHD Kids
As a child psychologist who works closely with families raising ADHD kids, I spend a lot of time not just helping families directly, but also reviewing the latest research, resources, and conversations about what really helps. Every week, I make it a priority to read, listen, and learn from a variety of information inside and outside of psychology so I can bring parents practical, real-world strategies that work.
This week, I came across three pieces of media that really stood out for me, and they were all focused on screentime, emotion regulation, and parent-child relationships. If you’re a parent navigating these waters, I think you’ll find these resources valuable too.
1. What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones – The Atlantic
This article highlights something I see in my practice all the time: kids aren’t just glued to screens because they love them, but they’re also there because it’s one of the only spaces where they feel unsupervised and free.
For ADHD kids especially, the excitement of screentime can be powerful. Gaming or scrolling offers instant feedback, stimulation, and a sense of control they don’t always get in the real world. But as this article points out, what kids are really craving is freedom and unstructured play.
I’ve worked with many families where increasing outdoor time or creating safe, unsupervised moments like biking with friends or building forts in the backyard reduces battles over screentime. The article validates what kids themselves are saying: if we want them off their phones, we need to give them more real-world alternatives that feel just as engaging.
2. Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family – by Ash Brandin, EdS
I’m excited to dive into this book because screentime challenges are one of the biggest struggles ADHD families bring to me. ADHD brains are naturally wired to seek stimulation, novelty, and immediate rewards, which are qualities that digital media provides. This can make it particularly difficult for parents to set limits without daily meltdowns or power struggles.
I’ve already read the first two chapters of this book and I love how it starts off by helping you re-evaluate your view of screentime as something that is morally good or bad. The approach to evaluating your family’s use of screentime based on how it benefits the entire family is something that every family can value, even if no screen time is what benefits your whole family.
One parent who joined my Connected & Practical Parenting Course shared that their tween would melt down every time the iPad was turned off. When we shifted the focus from “limiting screentime” to “adding in meaningful activities”, like family cooking nights or soccer practice, the resistance softened. That’s the kind of approach I expect this book will emphasize, and I can’t wait to share takeaways with the families I support.
3. A Better Way to Support Your Teens as They Go Back to School – NPR Life Kit Podcast with Lisa Damour
Lisa Damour is a psychologist whose work on parenting teens I deeply respect, and this episode came at the perfect time for back-to-school season. The episode focuses on how parents can support their child’s emotions and create space for honest, open conversations.
For ADHD families, back-to-school transitions often bring extra stress: new teachers, changing routines, and the pressure of managing schoolwork on top of executive functioning challenges. What I appreciate about this episode is how it gives parents practical, empathetic tools for starting conversations without judgment.
For example, instead of asking, “Why didn’t you finish your homework?” parents can try: “What part of the assignment felt most overwhelming?” That subtle shift opens up dialogue and helps kids feel understood, not criticized.
Why These Resources Matter for ADHD Families
Whether it’s screentime battles, emotional regulation, or family communication, raising an ADHD child requires ongoing learning and adaptation. What stands out across all three of these resources is the theme of connection.
Kids turn to screens when they don’t have freedom elsewhere.
Families reduce screentime conflict when they create shared routines.
Teens open up when parents lead with empathy instead of interrogation.
The takeaway for parents? It’s less about “fixing” your ADHD child and more about adjusting the environment so they can thrive. That means balancing limits with freedom, structure with flexibility, and guidance with trust.
✅ If you’re parenting a child with ADHD and want more strategies to build calmer routines at home, explore my free parenting guide here.