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The Brainy Moms

Dr. Amy Moore

The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. The weekly show features conversations about parenting, psychology, child development, education, homeschooling, neuroscience, and faith with practical tips to help parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. We're helping moms (and dads) get smarter...one episode at a time! Find us at www.TheBrainyMoms.com and on social media @TheBrainyMoms

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S6 · E623
Tuesday · 40 min
Marriage is Not Always 50-50 (& Other Relationship Advice from The Dude Therapist) | Eli Weinstein, LCSW
Struggling with your relationship after having kids? The hardest part of parenting isn’t always the kids, it’s what the chaos can quietly do to your marriage. When you’re running on low sleep and high stress, small annoyances can turn into big fights, and “We’re fine” can become a long, lonely distance. Today on The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy talks with therapist, author, and “proudly goofy dad” Eli Weinstein, host of The Dude Therapist podcast and author of From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage Through the Parenting Years. We dig into practical relationship skills you can use immediately, including Eli’s “full communication” method for asking clearly for what you need without demands or nagging. We also unpack how unspoken expectations shape your perception of your partner and create a reality where you’re already mad before you’ve even talked. If you’ve ever thought, “They should just know,” this conversation gives you a better path forward that still feels human and doable. We also challenge the myth of a 50-50 marriage and replace it with a smarter approach: “check the tank” capacity check-ins that respect real-life bandwidth. Finally, we talk about ADHD in marriage and neurodivergent relationships, where diagnosis is context, not an excuse, and where curiosity plus accountability can change the tone of the whole home. If you want less scorekeeping, more teamwork, and better repair after hard moments, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more parents can find these tools. Find Eli Weinstein at eliweinsteinlcsw.com ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E622
October 20 · 48 min
ADHD Awareness Every Day: Real Struggles In Women with ADHD | Dr. Kelly Cagle
ADHD Awareness Month is a good time to share ADHD resources, but if you’re a woman with ADHD, you don’t need a special month to bring awareness to your own daily struggles. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy is joined again by Dr. Kelly Cagle, a parenting educator, ADHD researcher, homeschooling mom of three, host of the Parenting IQ podcast, and author for an honest conversation about what ADHD can look like in women. Dr. Amy and Dr. Kelly are both ADHD moms and moms with ADHD themselves. And they share honest and vulnerable examples of their own adult ADHD struggles on this episode. And also some ways they've learned to live with adult ADHD in a way that builds peace instead of piling on shame. They dig into time blindness and why “I’ll just squeeze that in” so often backfires, plus the practical fix of tracking how long tasks actually take. They also talk about procrastination that comes from boredom and the kind that comes from perfection and fear, where even just starting feels risky. From there they get real about emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity, including why the most expensive mistakes can happen when we try to fix a problem while dysregulated. The goal isn’t to avoid big feelings. It’s to create a small pause between the big feeling and our response to make room for tools like breathing, grounding, and even prayer. They also cover sensory sensitivities, misophonia, and how the environment can overload attention for both adults and kids; and then wrap up with disorganization and the power of simple home systems that reduce clutter and decision fatigue. Finally, they address the myth “everyone’s a little ADHD” and explain what it gets wrong. If you want language, validation, and strategies you can use today, press play. Then subscribe, share with a fellow ADHD parent, and leave a quick review so more families can find the show. Find more from Dr. Kelly at DrKellyCagle.com ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E616
October 15 · 53 min
School Refusal Decoded by an OT | Sarah Collins
School refusal can show up as a slammed laptop, a child who won’t enter the building, or a full-body meltdown at the kitchen table. What if we treat that moment like a clue, not a verdict? That shift could change everything, especially for ADHD and other neurodivergent learners who hit fight, flight, or freeze faster under stress. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with returning guest expert Sarah Collins, a pediatric occupational therapist, host of The OT Is In podcast, and founder of Homeschool OT. Together, they unpack reasons kids refuse schoolwork across settings: homeschool, co-ops, microschools, private school, and traditional classrooms. They walk through the “person, environment, and occupation” lens and get specific about what’s often missed, like motor demands in handwriting, visual tracking and eye teaming issues, sensory discomfort, and the core stability needed just to sit and work. They also dig into social demands that don’t look “social” at first, like answering comprehension questions on cue, self-advocacy, and the fear of failing in front of peers. They also talk cognitive load and skill gaps, including missing prerequisites in math, weak automaticity in handwriting or typing, and why “they can do it at school” doesn’t always mean they can do it at home without paying a huge emotional price. They cover restraint collapse, ADHD motivation traps where sticker charts fall flat, and what helps more: accurate praise, noticing tiny wins, and asking questions that guide reflection without triggering rejection sensitivity. If you’re stuck in the refusal cycle, press play for a calmer, more practical path forward. Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find this support. Find Sarah Collins at www.HomeschoolOT.com ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E615
October 13 · 1 hr 13 min
Is it AuDHD? When ADHD and Autism Occur Together
If you have ever wondered whether your child’s ADHD is the whole story or whether autism is also part of the picture, this conversation is for you. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with AuDHD expert Dr. Noreen Russell, founder of Russell Coaching for Students and host of ADHD, Autism and Anxiety: Breaking Out of the Box, to unpack the growing term “AuDHD” and what ADHD and autism overlap looks like in real homes, real schools, and real nervous systems. We dig into why “ADHD plus autism” is not just double the challenge, but often a push pull experience that can feel exponentially harder. In fact, it's more like "ADHD times autism." Dr. Russell shares an unforgettable metaphor: ADHD can look like a foot on the gas, autism like a foot on the brake, and AuDHD can feel like living in constant tension between the two. We talk sensory processing issues, rigidity and sameness, meltdowns versus shutdowns, and the day-to-day moments that confuse parents most, like wanting constant movement while needing everything done in a very specific way. We also get practical about parenting strategies that actually fit this neurodivergent profile: when accommodation is the kind choice, how to watch for developmental readiness before pushing flexibility, and how to practice skills in low pressure moments so you are not “poking the bear” during high stress transitions. Finally, we cover why a comprehensive assessment can be worth it when questions linger, what signs suggest autism alongside ADHD, and why support for parents is not optional, it is essential. Subscribe for more brain-based parenting conversations, share this with a friend who needs language for what they are seeing, and leave a review so more families can find these tools. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E621
October 6 · 37 min
Parenting ADHD Kids: Dr. Amy Shares Myths, Tips, and Advice About Online Advice
Are you parenting ADHD kids and wondering how to filter through all the ADHD advice out there? Absorbing information online during ADHD Awareness Month can feel like drinking from a firehose. Everyone has a tip, a reel, and a strong opinion leaving parents asking a real question: who should we trust and what actually helps a child with ADHD in daily life? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, we celebrate the launch of Dr. Amy's new book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors. Cognitive Psychologist Dr. Amy Moore describes how her book is a little different than most ADHD parenting guides: it comes from decades in the trenches with neurodivergent kids and their families, her counseling and research experience, her faith-informed lens of grace, and her lived experience as an ADHD mom and a mom with ADHD. (Plus her husband adds humourous but vulnerable commentary throughout the book.) The core reframe is simple but hard: ADHD parenting is not about “fixing” our chid's behavior. It's about reading behavior as communication, looking for unmet needs, and building our own emotion regulation so we can access grace and lead with curiosity and flexibility. Because it's ADHD Awareness Month, Dr. Amy and Sandy have some fun with a rapid-fire myth game that tackles what parents hear every day: “ADHD isn’t real,” “it’s just a focus problem,” “video games prove they don’t have ADHD,” “kids outgrow it,” “smart kids can’t have it,” “everyone’s a little ADHD,” and “ADHD is a superpower.” We dig into hyperfocus, time blindness, co-occurring anxiety or autism, and why structure, routines, timers, movement, and outside reminders can be game-changing supports. We also talk ADHD nutrition and brain health, including omega-3 fatty acids, artificial food dyes, sugar, pesticides, and why exercise and even martial arts can support executive function. If you want solid advice from a true ADHD expert with clearer next steps, hit play. Subscribe, share this with an ADHD parent who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the show. Find Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E620
September 29 · 1 hr
Made to Create: A Biblical Perspective on Homeschool Art & Artistry | Ryan Lauterio
Most families think of “art” as an elective, but our kids are being shaped by aesthetics all day long. Clothing, movies, book covers, music, room design, even the way a table is set can train what we value without us noticing. That’s why this conversation with Christian artist and educator Ryan Lauterio lands like a wake-up call: creativity is not reserved for a small group of gifted kids. It’s part of what it means to be human and part of what it means to disciple our children with intention. As the founder of Made Makers Christian Art and Design Education, Ryan connects art education with theology and a Christian worldview, showing how images and stories can bypass mere logic and go straight to the heart. During this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Ryan about how culture is formed upstream by makers, why the church often treats artists as fringe, and how that leaves families unprepared for what media normalizes over time. Along the way, we explore gratitude for the “made-ness” of life and why treating creativity as a shared human calling changes the tone of homeschool, parenting, and learning. Then we get very practical. Ryan gives a simple set of questions you can use with any object, image, or piece of media: What is it? What is it for? What does it do? We also dig into perfectionism, learning through practice, and why making things with our hands builds the kind of embodied problem-solving our kids will need in an AI-heavy future. If you want your children to become wise, thoughtful makers who can discern what they’re consuming and contribute beauty and truth back into the world, this theology-heavy conversation is a place to start. Subscribe, share this with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more families can find the show. What’s one creative habit you want to build into your home this week? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E619
September 22 · 1 hr 7 min
How College Shapes (or Misshapes) Teen Faith | Dr. Renton Rathbun
Ever wonder how the college your teen is considering will continue to shape their faith? Or if questioning their faith is a natural part of going to college? Deconstruction is not just “asking questions.” Sometimes it's what happens when we judge biblical faith with a measuring stick that never came from the Bible in the first place. That single shift can quietly move a teen from honest curiosity to a full-blown crisis of confidence, especially once they hit the college years and are surrounded by new definitions of truth, love, identity, and belonging. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk and laugh with returning guest Dr. Renton Rathbun, pastor, longtime college professor, and host of The Renton Rathbun Show, to break down the difference between examining your faith and deconstruction through the lens of logic, worldview, and critical thinking. He explains how the campus challenge usually is not open hostility, but a calmer strategy: build trust, introduce a “neutral” standard, then use that standard to imply the Bible cannot be taken seriously. We talk about why that lands so effectively, why kids often cannot explain the doubt to parents, and how cultural incentives reward outrage over clarity. Then we get practical for Christian parenting. We discuss teaching teens to analyze ideas (Bloom’s taxonomy), ask “who says?” when claims feel self-evident, and defend Christianity without becoming harsh or performative. We also share concrete college guidance: do not assume a Christian college equals Christian formation, assess maturity honestly, and help your teen treat the local church as home while college is a tool. Production note: We had to edit this episode down because we spent so much time chatting and laughing in between serious topics. If the transitions are a little abrupt at times, that's why...it happens when friends try to catch up AND record a show at the same time. We appreciate the grace! Subscribe for more conversations on raising thoughtful kids, share this with a parent of a high schooler, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E618
September 15 · 48 min
Go Play! Part 2: Playful Homeschooling, Sensory Play, and Screens | Kate Allen Fox
Enjoying our conversations about play? Let's talk about playful homeschooling, sensory play, and screens. Last week, early childhood educator Gennie Gorback helped us understand why child-led, open-ended play is so important for children’s learning, development, and joy. Today, we’re continuing that conversation with her co-author, Kate Allen Fox, who brings a homeschooling-family perspective and plenty of practical ideas for putting those principles into action at home. In Part 2 of our conversation about their book Go Play: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build Their Own Worlds, co-author and homeschooling parent Kate Allen Fox explores what it can look like to prioritize play in real family life. For homeschooling parents especially, the pressure to choose the “right” curriculum, cover every subject, and make every moment educational can be overwhelming. Kate offers a refreshing reminder: play is not separate from learning—it is often the foundation for it. Kate shares her own journey from feeling unsure how to engage and regulate her high-energy children to discovering the power of simple, open-ended play experiences. We discuss sensory play, nature play, messy creativity, big multi-day building projects, and practical strategies for making room for children’s interests without needing expensive toys or Pinterest-perfect setups. You’ll hear why a bin-within-a-bin, a cafeteria tray, cardboard boxes, sticks, water, and pantry basics may be all you need to get started. We also have an honest, judgment-free conversation about screens. Kate encourages parents to consider the role screen time plays in their particular family, distinguish between active and passive use, and make intentional choices that support both children’s needs and parents’ well-being. Whether you homeschool, use another educational model, or simply want more joy and connection at home, this episode will help you notice what your child’s play may be telling you. If you want practical homeschool support, playful learning ideas, and a calmer home rhythm, press play. Subscribe, share this with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more parents can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E617
September 8 · 1 hr 1 min
Go Play! Part 1: Making Space for the Wonder of Childhood | Gennie Gorback, MS Ed
What if “play” is actually some of your child’s most important experiences? In Part 1 of our two-part conversation with the co-authors of Go Play: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build Their Own Worlds, educator Gennie Gorback helps parents see play through a new lens: not as wasted time or something adults need to direct, but as a powerful, child-led path to learning, connection, confidence, and discovery. Gennie explains what makes play truly play, why children benefit from time with peers of different ages, and how parents can support development without feeling pressured to entertain their kids all day. We talk about the difference between joining a child’s play and making space for it, the value of boredom and open-ended materials, how to honor a child’s individual interests, and why a child deeply absorbed in Legos, water play, drawing, building, or movement may be developing far more than we realize. You’ll also hear practical ideas for building a more playful home culture—from “invitations to play” to protecting unstructured time—and compassionate guidance for navigating after-school activities, sibling play, organized sports, and the many parenting “shoulds” that can make play feel like one more thing to manage If you want some fresh parenting tips grounded in play-based learning and real-world routines, press play. And listen to Part 2 next week with Gennie's co-author Kate Allen Fox! Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs less guilt and more clarity, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E616
September 1 · 49 min
Calm and Confident Mindset for Homeschool Moms | Lori Beth Auldridge
What if all your homeschooling chaos needs is a new calm and confident mindset? Being a homeschooling mom can feel like a daily referendum on your parenting, especially when you are teaching multiple kids, supporting neurodivergent needs, and trying to keep the family from melting down at the dining room table. We wanted to offer something more useful than a new planner or a better curriculum: a way to lead your home with calm and confidence that is real, practiced, and available even on messy days. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy talks with the amazing Lori Beth Auldridge, longtime homeschooler and host of Elevating Motherhood. They talk about the small choices that change the emotional climate of a home. Lori Beth shares how experiential learning and a slower, interest-led approach can take pressure off academics, but then they get very practical about regulation: meeting basic needs, building routines, and using Lori's “after-lunch coffee no matter what” ritual as a boundary that supports the whole family. They also connect this to interoception, helping kids learn what hunger, thirst, and fatigue feel like by hearing us name it and watching us respond calmly. Dr. Amy and Lori go deeper into mindset and the repeated “soundtracks” running in your head, why victim thinking and vent loops keep families stuck, and how replacing those scripts with truth can change your next action. The throughline is legacy: the kind of table you want your kids to remember, the kind of parent you are becoming, and the hard-earned wisdom you build one imperfect day at a time. This Holy Spirit-led conversation is one that all Christian moms need to hear! If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more parents can find it. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E615
August 25 · 55 min
Homeschool Freedom, Flexibility, and Fit | Cheryl Daley
Wondering about homeschool freedom and flexibility? And how homeschooling might be a fit for your family? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Cheryl Daley, author, speaker, and host of the popular Homeschool How To podcast, to trace the exact chain of events that took her from a six-figure New York State government career to building a homeschool life rooted in freedom, relationships, and real-world learning. Cheryl shares why she treated homeschooling like a research project, interviewing more than 120 families to test assumptions about socialization, academics, and what kids “miss” when they don’t follow a standard school track. We talk about deschooling, child-led learning, and the mindset shift from checking boxes to teaching kids how to learn. If you’ve ever worried about prom, sports, or whether you’re doing “enough,” you’ll hear practical ways families create options without copying school at home. We also dig into reading and literacy through the lens of the science of reading: why phonics fell out of favor, how balanced literacy failed too many kids, and what structured literacy gets right. Plus, we explore the trade-offs of digital textbooks, handwriting, and online learning tools, including how “smart” programs can still be gamed when a child is focused on time instead of mastery. If you’re curious about homeschooling, curriculum overwhelm, or how to start simply with read-alouds, nature walks, and meaningful projects, this conversation will steady your next step. Even if you're a seasoned homeschooler, the conversation should resonate with you in validating ways. Subscribe, share this with a parent who’s on the fence, and leave a review so more families can find it. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E614
August 18 · 1 hr 16 min
Preparing Kids to Thrive in an AI World | Wylde Scott
In an AI world, a robot can anticipate your needs, clean your house, and do your job. It sounds like science fiction until you realize how fast AI is already reshaping the world as we know it. That speed of change forces a tough question for parents and educators: are we preparing kids to think, create, and lead when the world as we know it no longer exists? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy have a brave conversation with author and Imagination Project founder Wylde Scott to make the case that imagination is not fluff. Instead, it is a critical and trainable skill that powers creativity, problem solving, resilience, and agency. We unpack why the industrial education model gravitates toward rote learning, standardization, and test prep, and why scaffolding can collapse when college is no longer a guaranteed bridge to stability. We also wrestle with the double edge of AI tools: they can unlock incredible creative work, but they also replace tasks that used to be someone’s job. And who is in control? You will hear practical ideas for building “creator” habits early, especially in the five to ten window when mental frameworks stick: project based learning, safe spaces to try and fail repeatedly, and daily experiences that strengthen independence without losing human connection. We also discuss technology in classrooms, engagement problems teachers face, and why apprenticeships and mentorship may become a more direct path than the default college pipeline. If this conversation challenges your assumptions about how fast AI is changing our world, share it with a parent or teacher, then subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what you are changing first at home or in your classroom. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E613
August 11 · 48 min
There Are Moms Worse Than You | Glenn Boozan
The truth is, there are moms way worse than you! And the fastest way to feel like a better parent might be a laugh you did not expect. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast. Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Glenn Boozan, an Emmy-nominated, WGA award-winning comedy writer and the author of the New York Times bestselling gift book There Are Moms Way Worse Than You, to talk about why modern parenting can feel like a constant test you can never pass, even when you are pouring your whole heart into your kids. Glenn explains how a simple joke for her sister during the pandemic turned into a wildly popular, science fact-checked, rhyming reminder that perfection is not the goal. We dig into the mom guilt spiral, why shame keeps parents stuck in their heads, and how humor can loosen that grip long enough for you to breathe and reconnect. Glenn shares some of the most unbelievable animal parenting facts in the book, the kind that instantly reset your perspective and make your own messy day feel a lot more survivable. We go behind the scenes on comedy writing: what joke punch-up really is, how writers learn to capture someone else’s “voice,” and why a well-timed laugh can feel like a turning point after a hard moment. If you are tired of chasing perfect parenting standards, overwhelmed by nonstop advice, or just craving a kind, funny reality check, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a review so more parents can find the exhale. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E612
August 4 · 48 min
Personalized Learning for Your Homeschooled Child | Jessica Parnell
Your child isn’t a “grade level” they’re a whole person, and the fastest way to lose motivation is to teach them like they’re interchangeable. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy sit down with Jessica Parnell, CEO of Edovate Learning Corp, to get practical about personalized learning for homeschooling, online school, and hybrid models that actually respect how kids’ brains develop. If you’ve ever felt pressure to recreate a traditional classroom at home, this conversation gives you a cleaner, calmer path forward. Jessica breaks down a key distinction: individualized learning starts with where a student is academically, while personalized education also accounts for personality, interests, and future goals. We talk through the planning process, including assessments that uncover an ideal learning environment and the “point of first failure” that often explains why a subject suddenly falls apart. We also connect the dots to neuroscience, including how repeated struggle can become a self-fulfilling identity and how small, targeted wins can rebuild confidence. We go beyond theory with real examples, including a student who went from spiraling in ninth grade to being celebrated for his art in Florence, Italy. We also dig into common parent concerns: meeting homeschool graduation requirements, avoiding over-scheduling, building independent learners through inquiry, and using “responsible online” learning that keeps younger kids moving and engaged. Finally, we look ahead at the homeschool landscape, micro-schools, and how AI can support personalization without replacing essential skills like writing in a child’s own voice. If this helped you rethink what school can look like, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s on the fence, and leave a quick review so more families can find the support they need. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E611
July 28 · 56 min
Homeschooling Teens: Why “Do Nothing” Deschooling Backfires and How Eclectic Unschoolers Use Guardrails Instead | Janae Daniels
Many parents are told to “just deschool and do nothing” after pulling their kids out of traditional school—but with middle school and high schoolers, that advice often backfires. In this conversation with former middle school teacher turned homeschooling mom Janae Daniels, host of the School to Homeschool podcast, we talk about why older kids struggle most with doing “nothing” and why their brains crave structure after years in the system. Janae shares how her family—and the families she coaches—use simple academic guardrails in reading, writing, and math as a bridge into homeschooling. You’ll hear why teens often say “I don’t want to do anything… but I need to do something,” and how moving toward an eclectic unschooler approach can honor both their need for routine and their growing independence. We explore what eclectic unschooling looks like in real life: mixing a few structured subjects with child-led learning, embracing boredom as a spark for curiosity, and using tools like strewing and a rich home environment as “teachers.” If you’re pulling an older child out of school—or considering it—this episode will help you decide which subjects need guardrails, what can truly wait, and how to transition toward a more eclectic, interest-driven homeschool without losing your teen in the process. If this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s considering homeschooling a teen, and leave a quick review so more parents can find us. What’s the biggest fear or hope you have about homeschooling a teen? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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July 21 · 41 min
Nurturing Leadership & Grit Through Hard Things | Dr. Josh McConkey
If you’ve ever stepped in to “help” your child and realized you might be making things worse, this conversation will hit home. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey, an emergency physician, former U.S. Air Force commander, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear, to talk about a problem many families feel but can’t always name: kids can’t build confidence and grit if adults remove every hard moment. We dig into the shift from helicopter parenting to “lawn mower parenting,” why it fuels fear of failure, and how resilience grows when kids are allowed to fail safely. Dr. Amy brings in self-efficacy and the power of the feedback loop after a setback, while Dr. Josh shares how leadership starts at home with small habits like a dinner table family debrief: what went well, what didn’t, and what we learned. We also talk about co-regulation, emotional honesty, and how to decide when to step in versus letting natural consequences do their work. You’ll hear real-world stories about integrity, accountability, and what it means to take responsibility without slipping into victim mentality. We also explore why face-to-face mentoring through coaches, teachers, volunteering, youth sports, and community service matters more than ever in a screen-heavy world, especially as anxiety and depression rise among kids and teens. If you want practical parenting strategies for raising leaders, teaching accountability, and building resilient kids who can handle real life, press play. Subscribe, share with another parent, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E611
July 14 · 54 min
Avoid Homeschool Mom Burnout (and Find Joy Again) | Jenna Lynn Myers
Homeschool mom burnout is real—and it doesn’t mean you’re failing or that God is calling you to quit. In this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with former classroom teacher, veteran homeschool mom, and educational consultant Jenna Lynn Myers, author of Homeschooling with Purpose: Candid Encouragement for Homeschool Parents. Jenna has supported thousands of homeschool families and is passionate about helping worn-out moms avoid burnout by recognizing early warning signs and building life-giving rhythms at home. You’ll hear how to spot homeschool burnout before you throw in the towel: loss of joy in your day, constant frustration, procrastinating with your phone instead of starting lessons, snapping at your kids, and feeling like everything is falling apart. Jenna shares practical ways to revisit your “why,” create white space on your calendar, and set stronger boundaries around your time so you can protect your nervous system and your children’s. We talk about: · Early signs of homeschool mom burnout and what to do when you wake up three days in a row dreading school. · How to revisit and rewrite your homeschool “why” so it actually motivates you in this season. · Slow-rolling your year, setting realistic expectations, and choosing progress over perfection in your planning. · Creating consistent home rhythms and boundaries that support your mental health and your kids’ regulation. · Homeschooling kids with ADHD, special needs, or mental health challenges without sacrificing academics or your own well-being. If you’re an overwhelmed homeschool mom—exhausted, snappy, ready to quit—this conversation will give you hope and simple, actionable tools to avoid burnout and find joy again in your calling. Did this conversation resonate with you? Subscribe for more conversations on homeschooling, child development, and family mental health, then share this with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review so more parents can find us. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E611
July 7 · 59 min
Dopamine Magnets: How to Replace Screens, Social Media, and Junk Food with High Value Habits | Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
Dopamine gets blamed for everything from doomscrolling to snack attacks, but the real problem is that most of us were taught the wrong story. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy chat with biochemist and best-selling author of Dopamine Kids, Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to unpack what dopamine actually does in the brain: it drives wanting, motivation, and the powerful “do it again” loop, even when the thing we’re chasing doesn’t deliver real joy. That single shift explains why kids can feel pulled toward screens, social media, and ultra-processed foods and still end up more dysregulated and less satisfied. From there, we get practical. We talk about “dopamine magnets” in a child’s environment and why the best parenting strategy is not just taking something away, but replacing it with high-value activities that build competence and connection. You’ll hear concrete ideas for swapping screen habits with hobbies, how to “ride the wave” of your child’s motivation, and why tiny, permanent changes beat big resets every time. We also dig into the importance of context like car rides, mornings, and bedtime and how to hype offline activities so your kids actually want to do them. We don’t stop at screens. We connect the same brain circuitry to ultra-processed foods, why snack products are engineered to increase wanting without providing satisfaction, and how changing what’s stocked at home can change cravings and behavior fast. If you’re trying to reduce screen time, improve sleep, support emotional regulation, and build healthier food habits without living in constant conflict, this conversation gives you a clear, science-based path forward. Subscribe, share this with a parent friend, and leave a review with the habit swap you’re trying next. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E611
June 30 · 1 hr 16 min
Sensory Smart Homeschooling: Encore Conversations with the Homeschool OT Sarah Collins
Your child can be bright, curious, and capable and still melt down over an itchy tag, loud kitchen noise, or a schedule that won’t budge. That’s not “bad behavior.” It’s often sensory processing colliding with executive functioning, and once you see it, you can finally respond with the right supports instead of more pressure. On this collection of encore conversations with Sarah Collins, an occupational therapist and the creator of Homeschool OT, she helps parents figure out the real “why” behind learning struggles by looking at the whole occupation: the task itself, the skills it requires, and the environment surrounding it. Dr. Amy and Sandy ask Sarah to dig into the sensory systems beyond the basic five, including vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, and explain how sensory overload can derail attention, working memory, task initiation, persistence, and emotion regulation. We also talk about what “calm” can actually mean for different kids, and why movement might be a focus tool for one child while it overwhelms another. Then we get practical about handwriting. Sarah breaks “messy writing” into the pieces parents can actually observe and support: core strength and shoulder stability, fine motor endurance, motor planning, visual processing, and even whether your child believes their thoughts are worth putting on paper. We explore why cursive can help some learners find writing flow, share curriculum ideas like Size Matters and Learning Without Tears, and offer simple homeschool setup tweaks like vertical writing on a mirror. If you want a clearer map for supporting neurodivergent learners at home, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review so more families can find these tools. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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S6 · E610
June 9 · 49 min
Best of Christy Faith Homeschool Conversations
Educator and homeschool mentor Christy Faith is brutally clear on what’s driving so many families to rethink education. On this mash-up of the best moments from previous conversations with Christy Faith on The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with her about the gap between what modern kids need and what mass schooling often rewards, and why more parents are choosing homeschooling for school environment, mental health, and real learning instead of constant performance. Christy walks through why the structure of compulsory schooling can stay archaic even as we learn more about the brain, motivation, and child development. We dig into teen stress and anxiety, how letter grades can turn learning into identity, and why bullying can become normalized trauma. Then we take on the socialization debate head-on by defining what healthy socialization actually looks like, why age mixing matters, and how peer orientation and attachment theory help explain what kids are really hungry for. You’ll also get practical next steps: why “just tell me what curriculum to buy” is the wrong starting point, how deschooling creates breathing room, what to watch for with reading and math foundations, and how homeschool transcripts and college admissions work in real life. If you know parents on the fence about homeschooling, share this conversation with them. Then subscribe and leave a review so more families can find it. What’s the biggest pressure point in your child’s schooling right now? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com
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