Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of the Kids with Big Emotions podcast, Andi Clark dives into the mystery behind homework meltdowns—those emotional outbursts that leave both parents and kids feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. If you’ve ever wondered why homework is such a battle, even for bright, capable children, this episode breaks down the hidden executive functioning challenges that lead to tears, procrastination, and avoidance.

Learn how to decode what’s really happening when your child struggles with homework, what executive skills are getting in the way, and how to create a calm, supportive environment to help them build independence and confidence.

• It’s Not About Intelligence: Homework struggles aren’t about how smart your child is—they’re about the executive functioning skills required to manage tasks, transitions, and emotions.
• Why Kids Melt Down: Homework activates multiple executive skills, including planning, task initiation, time management, and self-regulation. When these systems get overloaded, meltdowns happen.
• Signs of Overload: Procrastination, avoiding homework, or emotional outbursts can all point to executive functioning challenges, not defiance or laziness.
• Practical Strategies: Reducing overwhelm by breaking tasks into steps, setting clear routines, and creating a supportive, low-pressure environment can make a huge difference.
• Progress Is a Process: Building these skills takes time, patience, and the right tools—not perfection.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Andi shares her personal experience navigating homework battles and why this topic resonates with so many parents.

[00:04:00] Why Homework Feels So Hard: A breakdown of the executive functioning demands homework places on kids and why even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

[00:08:00] The Real Problem: It’s not about intelligence—bright kids often struggle because their executive skills (like planning and initiation) are underdeveloped.

[00:12:00] Signs Your Child Is Struggling: From avoidance to emotional outbursts, Andi explains the common signs of executive functioning overload during homework.

[00:18:00] Practical Solutions: Tips for creating a calm homework environment, breaking tasks into steps, and helping your child develop routines that reduce stress.

[00:24:00] Redefining Success: Why progress looks different for every child, and how celebrating small wins can build long-term confidence.

[00:30:00] Final Thoughts: Encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed by homework struggles and practical next steps to support your child.

• Executive Functioning Checklist: A tool to help parents identify specific skills their child may be struggling with and target support where it’s needed most.
• Homework Routine Planner: A free template to create step-by-step plans for smoother homework sessions.
• Support Circle Membership: Join a community of parents...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of the Kids with Big Emotions podcast, Andi Clark reflects on the unique challenges and triumphs of parenting while managing the expectations and realities of a new year. Parenthood in 2025 isn’t about doing it all at once—it’s about celebrating small wins, pacing yourself, and acknowledging the progress you and your child make each step of the way.

Drawing on personal stories, lessons from years of coaching, and practical advice, Andi highlights how slowing down and prioritizing one piece of the puzzle at a time can create long-term success for you and your child. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of juggling your parenting responsibilities, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think.

• Progress Takes Time: Focus on small, incremental steps instead of rushing to fit every piece of the puzzle together all at once.
• The Cognitive Ladder: Think of your child’s development as climbing a ladder—each rung is necessary, and you can’t skip steps to get to the top.
• You Are Doing More Than You Realize: Parents often underestimate how much they’re already doing to support their children. Reflecting on your efforts can reveal how far you’ve come.
• Breaks Are Okay: Both parents and children need breaks to process and implement what they’ve learned before taking on the next challenge.
• Build Community: Support groups and shared experiences with other parents can make a huge difference in feeling less isolated and gaining fresh ideas.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Andi shares the inspiration for this episode—the importance of slowing down as parents to focus on meaningful progress.

[00:03:00] Personal Story: Reflections on a family vacation and the progress Andi’s son has made in flexibility and emotional regulation.

[00:09:00] The Stages of Parenting: From feeling lost and overwhelmed to discovering solutions, and the realization that parenting is an evolving process.

[00:14:00] The Cognitive Ladder: Why skipping steps in your child’s development can lead to setbacks and how pacing creates sustainable growth.

[00:18:00] Avoiding Burnout: Andi discusses her own feelings of parental guilt, burnout, and the realization that taking a slower approach often yields better results.

[00:25:00] Taking Breaks: Why it’s okay to pause therapies or interventions when they’re no longer serving your child or family’s needs.

[00:29:00] Building Community: The value of connecting with other parents to share successes, challenges, and practical advice.

[00:35:00] Moving Into 2025: Encouragement to celebrate small wins, focus on achievable steps, and keep your expectations realistic for the year ahead.

• Cognitive Ladder Framework: Andi discusses the importance of building foundational skills step by step....

In this episode of the Kids with Big Emotions podcast, we dive into the world of impulsivity and explore strategies to help kids pause, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions. If your child often acts without thinking, struggles to stop themselves, or faces social and emotional challenges due to impulsivity, this episode is for you.

Learn why impulsivity happens, the foundational skills kids need to develop inhibition, and practical steps you can take to support them in creating that all-important pause before they act.

• What is Inhibition? Inhibition is the ability to pause and think before acting on impulse. It helps kids (and adults!) avoid blurting out, interrupting, or reacting emotionally without considering the consequences.
• What Impacts Impulsivity? Impulsivity can stem from an underdeveloped executive functioning system. Kids need attention, perception, and working memory to stop and think before acting.
• Why "Just Stop!" Doesn't Work: Simply telling kids to stop isn't enough. They need help learning how to pause, reflect, and process the situation.
• Practical Strategies: Teaching kids to use alarms, create plans, and break tasks into steps can build their inhibition skills over time.
• Understand the Whiteboard Effect: When kids’ brains are overloaded with distractions, emotions, and external stimuli, their ability to pause is diminished. Reducing this "whiteboard clutter" is key to helping them focus.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Recognizing impulsivity in kids and how it shows up in daily life (e.g., blurting out, hitting, or struggling to wait their turn).

[00:02:00] What is Inhibition? The ability to pause and think before acting—and why it’s crucial for social and emotional development.

[00:04:00] The Building Blocks of Inhibition: How skills like attention, perception, and working memory play a role in self-control.

[00:08:00] The Impact of Overload: Why kids struggle more with impulsivity when their executive functioning system is taxed (e.g., after a late night or an overstimulating event).

[00:10:00] The Whiteboard Effect: How distractions, emotions, and screens overload a child’s mental "whiteboard," making it harder for them to pause and think.

[00:16:00] Why Screens Make Impulsivity Worse: The high working memory demands of screens and how they pull kids’ attention away from what they should be doing.

[00:18:00] Creating Space to Pause: How to teach kids to stop and reflect before acting, and why this skill builds healthier relationships and better emotional regulation.

[00:22:00] Strategies That Work: Practical tips for helping kids navigate impulsivity, including alarms, breathing exercises, and step-by-step plans.

[00:30:00] The Power of Individualized Plans: Why each child’s inhibition strategies need to match their unique executive functioning profile.

[00:34:00] Long-Term Growth: Understanding how inhibition develops over time and why challenges may resurface during different life stages.

• Inhibition Intake Form: A detailed self-assessment tool to help parents identify their child’s challenges and strengths in inhibition. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing
• Support Circle Membership:...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of the Kids with Big Emotions podcast, we dive into Nonverbal Working Memory—a critical but often overlooked executive functioning skill. If your child forgets where they placed items, struggles with multi-step directions, or has trouble visualizing what they need to do, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn what nonverbal working memory is, why it matters, and how it impacts your child's daily routines, schoolwork, and emotional regulation. I’ll also share insights on how to identify challenges in this area and practical strategies to support your child.

• What is Nonverbal Working Memory? It’s the ability to hold and manipulate visual images, spatial details, and sequences in the mind.
• Why It Matters: Nonverbal working memory supports tasks like organizing belongings, visualizing steps, and planning actions.
• Signs of Struggle: Forgetting where items are, difficulty following multi-step directions, and challenges with sequencing events or spatial awareness.
• Impact on Learning: Nonverbal working memory is closely linked to reading comprehension, math, and even sports or dance.
• Support Strategies: Understanding where your child struggles helps tailor solutions like visual reminders, step-by-step guidance, and strengthening visualization skills.

[00:00:00] Introduction – Common struggles linked to nonverbal working memory: losing items, forgotten steps, and frustrated routines.

[00:01:00] What is Nonverbal Working Memory? – Definition and its role in holding and manipulating visual and spatial images.

[00:03:00] Verbal vs. Nonverbal Working Memory – Comparing phonological sounds (verbal) to visual/spatial memory (nonverbal). Key examples to explain the difference.

[00:05:00] Practical Examples: – How visualizing phrases like “the paper is in the fire” changes meaning despite identical words.

[00:08:00] Why Testing Can Miss the Full Picture – How traditional assessments lump working memory into one score and why separating verbal and nonverbal components matters.

[00:12:00] Real-Life Impact on Kids – From following sports plays to organizing backpacks, how weak nonverbal working memory affects daily life.

[00:16:00] The Link to Higher Skills – How nonverbal working memory is foundational for planning, goal setting, and problem-solving.

[00:22:00] Language Development Connection – Insights on how visual and phonological complexity impacts reading, writing, and learning disabilities like dyslexia/dysgraphia.

[00:35:00] Time Horizons and Visualization – Understanding how far into the future kids of different ages can “see” and plan.

[00:42:00] Transitions and Cognitive Load – Why big life changes like starting college or moving homes can temporarily weaken executive functioning.

[00:48:00] Parent Support Strategies – Key questions to identify struggles and practical ways to help your child build nonverbal working...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing

Does your child struggle to follow directions, remember what they were going to say, or keep track of what they’ve learned in class? These challenges might not be about focus or effort—it could be their verbal working memory.

Verbal working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate verbal information, such as sounds, words, and phrases, for short periods of time. When this foundational executive functioning skill is weak, it can impact everything from following multi-step instructions to succeeding in school and social interactions.

In this episode, Andi dives into:

• What verbal working memory is and why it’s so important for kids with big emotions.
• How verbal working memory struggles show up in daily life—at home, in school, and with friends.
• The fascinating science behind verbal working memory, including concepts like the "phonological loop" and "word chains."
• Practical strategies to identify where your child is struggling and meet them at their level.

If your child’s forgetfulness or difficulty following instructions has left you feeling frustrated or confused, this episode will give you insights and actionable steps to better support them.

• Verbal working memory is more than just remembering—it’s about holding and processing verbal information in real time.
• Struggles with verbal working memory can lead to big emotions, feelings of failure, and frustrations at school and home.
• Small changes, like simplifying instructions or focusing on foundational skills, can make a big difference in helping kids succeed.

• [00:02:00] - What is verbal working memory? How it’s connected to executive functioning and why it matters.
• [00:10:00] - Understanding “word chains” and how small changes in word complexity impact memory.
• [00:18:00] - Why asking your child “What’s the first sound in SAT?” might be harder than you think.
• [00:28:00] - How verbal working memory challenges affect real-life tasks like following recipes, conversations, and multi-step directions.
• [00:33:00] - Strategies to reduce cognitive load and help kids feel successful one step at a time.

• Support Circle Membership: Join Andi’s monthly membership for personalized frameworks and support in helping your child develop critical executive functioning skills.
• Verbal Working Memory Intake Form: Download the intake form to identify where your child is struggling and start taking action.

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Email: support@andiclark.com

The holiday season is here, bringing joy, excitement, and connection—but for neurodiverse kids and their families, it can also mean sensory overload, disrupted routines, and heightened emotions. In this episode, Andi dives into practical strategies to create a holiday experience tailored to your family’s unique needs. From setting boundaries to helping kids manage transitions and energy levels, Andi shares how to embrace the magic of the season while navigating the challenges.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The common stressors neurodiverse kids and parents face during the holidays.
• How to balance social expectations with your child’s unique needs.
• Creative ways to help your child handle overstimulation, meltdowns, or downtime struggles.
• Why it’s essential to empower your child to embrace their differences—and how you can model this as a parent.
• Tips to set boundaries, prioritize your family’s well-being, and manage potential judgments from others.

Episode Highlights:

1. Understanding Neurodiverse Holiday Needs:
2. The holidays amplify emotions for neurodiverse kids—whether they’re struggling with overstimulation or craving constant excitement. Andi explains why recognizing and planning for these needs is essential.
3. Practical Tips for Holiday Success:

• Build in downtime or recovery time between events.
• Use visual aids, schedules, and reflective questioning to prepare kids for transitions.
• Create safe spaces at gatherings with sensory-friendly tools like headphones, weighted blankets, or favorite activities.

1. Managing Family and Social Expectations:

• How to say no guilt-free or adjust plans to work for your family.
• The power of owning your family’s unique way of celebrating and letting go of judgment.

1. Embracing Neurodiversity:
2. Andi shares why neurodiverse kids’ differences are their superpowers and how to support them in stepping into their strengths—even during the holidays.
3. Taking Care of Yourself:
4. Parents’ well-being is critical, especially during the holiday chaos. Andi provides tips for setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and staying grounded during meltdowns or challenging moments.

Resources and Links:

• Join the Support Circle – A monthly membership community for parents like you to learn, share, and grow together. https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/
• Email Andi – Share your holiday experiences or ask your questions! support@andiclark.com
• Related Episodes:
• 79 From Punishment to Connection: A New Path to Parenting Success
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/79-from-punishment-to-connection-a-new-path-to/id1674274021?i=1000672009495

• 83 The Invisible Stress That Could Be Behind Your...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing

How does attention—or the lack of it—affect your child’s daily life? Whether it's zoning out in class, struggling to finish multi-step tasks, or morning chaos trying to get out the door, attention plays a pivotal role in your child's executive functioning and emotional regulation. And it doesn’t just affect kids—many adults wrestle with attention challenges too.

In this episode, Andi dives deep into attention as a foundational executive functioning skill. She explains why attention isn't about sustaining focus for long periods but about the critical ability to refocus when distracted. Using real-life examples, Andi shares insights into how attention struggles show up, why skipping steps on the "cognitive ladder" leads to frustration, and how small, actionable strategies can create big shifts for both kids and parents.

1. Needs directions repeated multiple times to follow them.
2. Completes the first part of multi-step directions but misses later steps.
3. Struggles to pay attention during class or conversations, especially if the topic isn’t interesting.
4. Frequently zones out when instructions are being given.
5. Has difficulty refocusing after getting distracted, often losing track of the task.
6. Struggles to stay focused on tasks for long periods, even if it’s an enjoyable activity.
7. Finds it challenging to maintain focus on multi-step tasks like homework or chores.
8. Gets distracted by their own thoughts or daydreams, even when they should be listening or working.
9. Has difficulty sustaining attention on people such as parents, teachers, coaches, or siblings.
10. Often seems “in their own world,” not focused on the current task.
11. Frequently asks, “What did you say?” or needs instructions clarified after they’ve been given.
12. Often asks, “When will this be over?” or “When are we going to be done?”
13. Tends to hyper-focus on sounds (e.g., chewing, tapping) that stress them out and distract from the main focus.
14. Easily distracted by external noises or movements when they need to concentrate.
15. Frequently hyper-focuses on one activity, making it difficult to shift attention elsewhere.
16. Often misses important details by focusing too much on smaller aspects or specific details.
17. Has difficulty following conversations with multiple speakers or background noise present.

• The true definition of attention and why it’s not just about “staying focused.”
• How attention struggles impact daily life—at home, in school, and beyond.
• The connection between attention and executive functioning skills like planning, time management, and self-regulation.
• Why skipping foundational steps leads to failure and frustration for kids and adults alike.
• Practical strategies to help kids (and yourself!) build the skill of refocusing through targeted activities and compassionate support.

• [00:02:00] - The "Executive Functioning Orchestra" analogy: how attention fits into the bigger picture of emotional and cognitive...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharing

In This Episode We Will Dive into:

In this first episode of our special series on executive functioning, we’re diving into perception—the often-overlooked foundation of so many skills that help us navigate life. Perception impacts how we interpret and interact with the world around us, influencing everything from social cues to time management, and even emotional regulation.

• What perception is and why it’s the cornerstone of executive functioning.
• How perception struggles might show up in your child, such as missing social cues, struggling with perfectionism, or frequently bumping into things.
• The connection between perception and challenges like anxiety, frustration, and feeling misunderstood.
• Real-life examples of how perception skills influence everyday life at home, school, and beyond.

• Executive functioning skills develop well into our 20s, meaning your child has time to grow and improve these areas.
• Stress, overstimulation, or lack of routine can exacerbate perception struggles, but small adjustments in the environment and approach can make a big difference.
• Perception struggles aren’t a reflection of "common sense" but rather a developmental skill that can be supported and strengthened.

• The Support Circle Membership: Learn how to identify and support your child’s executive functioning skills with tailored strategies and a community of parents just like you.
• Intake Form for Executive Functioning Skills: A tool to help you assess your child’s strengths and struggles, starting with perception.

In the next episode, we’ll focus on attention—the second key layer of executive functioning. We’ll explore how attention impacts everything from staying on task to managing distractions and hyperfocus.

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