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175: How to Help a Child with ADHD Focus—Without the Daily Battles

Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

Release Date: 09/11/2025

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In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay challenges one of the most common myths about ADHD—that kids with ADHD simply can’t focus. As a Board-Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner, Dana unpacks what focus really is, explaining how skills like impulse control, working memory, and planning all come together to create what we think of as “attention.” She also explores how these skills develop at different ages and why setting realistic expectations is so important.

From brain science to real-world parenting strategies, Dana shares the foundational pillars—diet, sleep, movement, and stress reduction—that set the stage for focus. She also offers practical, everyday tools parents can start using right away, including games that build focus, reducing environmental stressors, and safe supplementation. This episode is full of encouragement and actionable steps that will help parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to support their child’s unique ADHD brain.

Link Mentioned in the Show: 

Key Takeaways:

[04:21] Redefining what focus really is (not just “paying attention”).

[07:02] Developmental stages of focus and why kids aren’t “behind”—their brains may simply not be ready yet.

[11:15] How setting realistic expectations can reduce stress and power struggles at home.

[14:48] Why diet, sleep, and movement are essential foundations for attention and self-regulation.

[18:09] Environmental and internal stressors that sabotage focus—and how to reduce them.

[21:32] Fun, brain-building games that improve focus in just 15 minutes a day.

[25:14] How supplements like Curcumin and Optimal Focus can provide added support.

[28:50] Why celebrating small wins helps build long-term confidence and resilience.

 

Memorable Moments:

"If you've been told to just accept that your child with ADHD can't focus, this episode will flip that script."

"What looks like distraction or defiance is often a brain waiting for the right support."

"Sometimes we expect our kids to focus at a level their brain literally isn't ready for yet."

"Focus isn't just sitting still and staring at a teacher or a workbook—it's a bunch of different skills working together."

"Diet, sleep, and movement are absolutely essential for setting the stage for focus."

"When kids are constantly in fight-or-flight mode, it's almost impossible for them to focus."

"Fifteen minutes of focus-building games a day can do more than an hour of nagging."

"Focus isn’t built overnight—it’s built in small moments."

"Even little changes can have a big ripple effect over time."

 

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