What if the biggest struggle your child faces isn't motivation at all, but a hidden set of brain-based skills that help them start tasks, stay organized, manage time, regulate emotions, and follow through? These are executive function skills and for kids with ADHD, they can feel nearly impossible to access.

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay welcomes executive function expert Hannah Bookbinder, a licensed social worker and educator with almost 30 years of experience helping ADHD kids build these skills in practical, meaningful ways. Hannah explains what executive function really is, how ADHD derails it, and why even the brightest, most capable kids often feel defeated by daily routines.

Together, Dana and Hannah break down simple, real-world strategies families can begin using right away, from training time awareness, to using visual cues, to building routines that actually stick. Hannah also shares the story behind her new book and the MyToad App, a tool designed to teach time management, organization, accountability, and focus in one supportive space.

If your child struggles with getting started, staying organized, remembering steps, or managing overwhelm, this conversation will leave you feeling understood, encouraged, and equipped with practical tools to help your child thrive.

Links Mentioned in the Show▶ MyToad App: https://mytoadapp.com ▶ ADHD Symptom Reduction Tool: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool

Connect with Hannah

▶ Website: https://mytoadapp.com ▶ Facebook: @mytoadapp ▶ Instagram: @mytoad_llc ▶ Pinterest: @mytoadllc

Key Takeaways [00:45] Invisible executive skills can make or break daily routines. [02:07] Hannah's 30-year journey supporting ADHD kids. [02:57] What executive function is — and isn't. [04:59] Understanding age appropriateness and expectations. [07:37] Validating kids' emotional exhaustion and defeat. [09:59] "Now vs. Not Now" — ADHD and urgency. [11:15] Working memory breakdowns explained. [12:23] Simple strategy: time-estimation training. [13:27] Sticky notes and mirror cues for daily routines. [18:08] Why MyToad App was created. [20:38] How the app personalizes executive function support. [23:18] Partnership and curiosity in parenting ADHD.

Memorable Moments "Every morning... shoes were missing, homework was not done, panic attacks at the door."

"What exactly are executive function skills…? How they don't show up in kids with ADHD."

"Emotionally, they often walk in my door very defeated."

"It's either now or not now."

"Put your phone in airplane mode… no pings, no dings, no bloops."

"Make your own shower podcast…"

"This is a partnership — especially when your child has a special need."

Dana Kay Resources:

🔗WEBSITES:

▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/

👋SOCIALS:

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute