In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay welcomes back counselor, neurodiversity educator, and yoga facilitator Caz Pringle-Bowden for a deep dive into a transformative concept for ADHD families — the Family Operational Manual. If parenting your child with ADHD often feels like chaos without a game plan, this episode offers a unique and practical tool that could change the way your household operates.

Dana and Caz explore how understanding each family member’s brain wiring can shift a household from reactive to regulated. With real-life examples, creative metaphors, and small, actionable tips, they walk you through how to create a shared playbook tailored to your family’s needs — helping you move from daily friction to connection and confidence.

Link Mentioned in the Show:

Caz’s first Soaring Child Podcast episode on Equine-Assisted Therapy - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-155/

Free Breakfast Guide - https://bit.ly/4b98NZe

Key Takeaways:
[3:14] Introduction to the ADHD Family Manual
[4:10] Understanding Brain Differences Through Metaphors
[6:20] Creating Shared Language in Families
[10:20] Practical Steps for Manual Creation
[19:35] The Importance of a System Over Discipline

Memorable Moments:
If parenting your child with ADHD feels like coaching a team that doesn't know the rules or the plays or even what sport they're playing, you are definitely not alone.

You’re yelling instructions, your partner is doing something else entirely, and your kids are off in the corner melting down.

The operational manual is sort of like a brilliant metaphor for externalizing a person's pathway to best and calmest functioning.

If we are in a calm, regulated state, we can really enjoy ourselves.

We're supposed to move in and out of those states, but ultimately we do want to set things up for success.

This isn't a discipline issue, it's a systems issue.

Creating a family operational manual removes assumptions and builds understanding.

Authenticity is contagious.

It’s not bad. It’s not them doing anything wrong. It’s just the wiring.

Rome wasn't built in a day, listeners. Remember that one.

How to Connect to Caz:

• Website: https://www.cazpringlebowden.com.au/

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

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

• Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

• Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

• ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
• ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay welcomes back Andrea Daigle, a seasoned ADHD coach at the ADHD Thrive Institute. Together, they delve into the challenges parents face when sending their children with ADHD back to school, especially concerning dietary needs and peer interactions. They discuss strategies to empower children to understand and advocate for their unique dietary requirements, ensuring they feel confident and included during school meals.

Dana Kay, a board-certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, is dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of ADHD through natural approaches. Andrea Daigle brings her expertise in early childhood development and personal experience as a parent to the conversation, offering practical advice on preparing ADHD-friendly lunches, communicating with school staff, and fostering resilience in children. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking actionable tips to support their child's well-being during the school year.

Schedule a free call with the ADHD Thrive Institute - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet

[3:28] Back-to-School Challenges

[3:41] Importance of School Communication

[4:20] Empowering Children Through Role-Playing

[7:21] Emotional Support During Mealtimes

[8:29] Practical Lunchbox Ideas

[14:38] Handling Dietary Slip-Ups

[18:31] Strategies for Maintaining Focus

[21:30] Final Tips and Resources

"Back-to-school season can really feel like a minefield when you're trying to support your child's ADHD naturally."

"Empower your children to understand why they are eating differently and help them advocate for themselves.”

"Food is deeply social for kids, and when they can't share the same snacks, it can trigger feelings of embarrassment or isolation."

"Let them choose the foods they love to go in their lunchbox; it gives them a sense of control."

"It's not just about the food; it's about building self-awareness, confidence, and resilience.

"Creating a safe snack box at school can be a lifesaver during unexpected situations."

"Hydration, sleep, and a balanced diet are key to helping children stay focused in school."

"Don't forget to add a treat in their lunchbox; it helps them feel included."

"If they eat something outside their diet, use it as a learning experience, not a punishment."

"Our goal is to raise confident, resilient children who can feel good and proud of themselves."

Schedule a free call with the ADHD Thrive Institute team here - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet

🔗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

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

• Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

• Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

• ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

• ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

• Dye-Free for ADHD Course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with happiness expert Matt O’Neill to explore one of the most transformative—but often overlooked—tools in parenting: cultivating happiness from the inside out. As a father of four, author, and the creator of The Good Mood Revolution podcast, Matt shares actionable insights into how happiness isn't just a fleeting feeling, but a skill that can be built—even in the chaos of daily life with ADHD. From managing meltdowns to reframing negative emotions like fear, overwhelm, and guilt, Matt offers science-backed strategies to help parents shift their perspective and become the steady, joyful presence their children need.

Dana and Matt dive into real-world challenges many families face—from job loss and emotional exhaustion to the feeling of being stuck in a loop of negativity—and how small mindset shifts can create profound change. With personal stories, spiritual grounding, and practical techniques like emotional journaling and daily gratitude, this conversation will leave you empowered to embrace the beauty in the hard moments and lead your family with more love, compassion, and resilience. Dana Kay, founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute and a dedicated functional health practitioner, brings her signature warmth and wisdom to another heart-centered conversation that parents won’t want to miss.

• Thriving with ADHD Book - adhdthriveinstitute.com/book

[2:20] Meet Matt O’Neill
[3:42] Is Happiness a Skill?
[5:20] The Role of Perspective in Parenting
[6:08] The Eight Core Negative Emotions
[8:22] How to Shift from Overwhelm to Acceptance
[10:55] Reframing Stories to Reduce Stress
[13:40] Daily Habits to Cultivate Joy
[36:37] The Power of Gratitude and Self-Love[37:50] Final Thoughts and Resources

"Happiness is completely a skill."

"It's our happiness that changes their behavior, in my opinion."

"Acceptance heals all wounds—it’s not time."

"The story I’m telling myself is, this is really hard."

"Gratitude is the gateway drug to happiness."

"Overwhelm is just another word for hopelessness."

"My job is to fill my cup."

"Stress becomes toxic when we lose hope that the future is going to be bright."

"There’s no one else inside of you that’s making choices about how you feel."

"Rome was not built in a day. Let’s think about today."

• Podcast: https://mattoneill.com/podcast/

• Website: https://mattoneill.com/

🔗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

📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

• Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻FREE MASTERCLASS

• Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS

• ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

• ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/