Send us a text Should my child get diagnosed with ADHD? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we explore why recognizing and diagnosing ADHD early can be life-changing — and why missing the signs can have serious emotional, academic, and mental-health consequences for kids and teens. Inspired by a real story of a teenager whose undiagnosed ADHD led to repeated runaway episodes, Kim and Jake break d...

Send us a text In today’s quick mini-episode, Kim and Jake share 10 evidence-based strategies teachers can use to help ADHD students thrive. These approaches reduce disruptions, boost engagement, and make school more manageable for neurodiverse kids. If you're a teacher, tutor, coach, or parent, this episode gives simple tools grounded in what we now understand about ADHD as a dopamine-regulation condition — not a discipline problem. 🔥 What We Cover ADHD is a dopamine-regulation issue — not l...

Send us a text In this eye-opening episode, Kim and Jake explore the truth behind one of the most quoted — and misquoted — sayings in parenting: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” Together, they unpack where the phrase really came from, how corporal punishment became woven into American parenting culture, and what modern science reveals about its long-term effects. Kim shares her personal experience growing up in an era where spankings were normal and unquestioned, while Jake reflects on...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim & Jake break down a question every parent, teacher, and kid wonders about: What does ADHD actually feel like? Not how it looks from the outside — how it feels on the inside. Jake shares honest insight about racing thoughts, emotional intensity, impulsivity, overwhelm, and the pressure to “just try harder.” Kim adds research from leading ADHD experts explaining why ADHD is a self-regulation difference, not a behavior issue. You’ll hear powerful analogies...

Send us a text Arguing isn’t the problem — how we argue is. In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we unpack one of the most universal parts of family life: conflict. From Friday-night screen-time debates to “Because I said so” moments, Kim and Jake explore why respectful disagreement can actually strengthen connection instead of breaking it. 💬 You’ll learn: • Why psychologists Edward Deci & Richard Ryan say arguing is really about autonomy and growth.  ...

Send us a text What happens when you realize later in life that your brain has been wired differently all along? In this episode, Kim and Jacob explore what it’s like to be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism as an adult. From the “aha” moments that spark self-discovery to the emotional rollercoaster that follows a late-in-life diagnosis, this conversation blends personal experience, research, and real-world advice for teens, parents, and adults navigating neurodiversity. Kim opens up about her own...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Jake dive into one of life’s most essential (and often misunderstood) skills — getting along with others. From awkward small talk to decoding sarcasm, they unpack what social skills really mean and why they can be tricky for all kids, especially those who are neurodiverse. They share practical tools like conversation scripts, repair phrases, and active listening cues — plus real stories about learning to connect authentically without pretending to be so...

Send us a text In today’s episode, Kim and her teen son Jake explore one of the most important yet tricky parts of parenting: knowing when to step in and advocate for your child — and when to step back and let them take responsibility. You’ll hear a real-life mother-son conversation that is for everyone. If you are a parent raising a neurodiverse child or someone trying to hold the balance between protection and empowerment, this episode is for you! Topics we cover: What effective...

Send us a text In this special solo episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, Kim opens up her heart to parents and caregivers of neurodiverse kids — especially those raising children with ADHD. After hearing from listeners who said the podcast helped them feel less alone, Kim wanted to take a moment to speak directly to the parents — the ones quietly holding it all together, navigating school meetings, emotional ups and downs, and the daily balance between love and exhaustion. S...

Send us a text In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we dive into literal thinking—how neurodiverse kids interpret language, humor, and social cues in uniquely precise ways. Kim and Jake share real-life stories from home and school, from classroom misunderstandings to everyday “wait, you meant that literally?” moments. Together, they explore how the autistic brain processes language differently, why phrases like “give me a minute” or “keep your eye on the ball” can cr...

Send us a text Kim and Jake explore what forgiveness really means, how to let go when there’s no apology, and why neurodiverse kids often experience forgiveness in unique ways. In this heartfelt episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, the duo unpacks one of life’s hardest but most healing skills: forgiveness. From playground conflicts to deep emotional wounds, Kim and Jake explore what it really means to “forgive and forget,” and whether that’s even possible. They talk about th...

Send us a text We can hardly believe it—two full seasons of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake are officially in the books! 🎉 Since launching in March, we’ve recorded and released 26 episodes (well… technically 24 if you don’t count the trailers 😉) and nearly 800 downloads. Not bad for a couple of non-celebrities learning as we go! In this special recap episode, Kim and her teenage son Jake take you on a fun and thoughtful journey back through everything we’ve covered so far. Whether ...

Send us a text Stop Asking Kids What They Want to Be: College, Careers, Salaries, and Future Jobs : Every kid gets asked the classic question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But is it time to retire that question? In this episode, Kim and Jake dig into why the question may be outdated, how careers and education have shifted, and what parents and teens should be focusing on instead. Together, they explore: Why asking “who do you want to become?” may be better than “what...

Send us a text How can parents raise confident, independent kids without helicopter parenting? In this episode, we break down what helicopter parenting looks like, why it happens, and how it can affect kids’ confidence, self-esteem, and anxiety. We share real-life examples of how to build independence step by step — from ordering food to handling chores, homework, and advocating at school. With a focus on both neurotypical and neurodiverse kids, we explore simple strategies like visual checkl...

Send us a text This week, we’re stepping away from our usual parenting and teen-focused topics for a fun one-off “spooky season” episode. With Halloween just around the corner, Kim and Jake explore the world of ghosts, spirits, EVP recordings, poltergeists, visitation dreams—and even what brain scans reveal about psychic experiences. ⚠️ Listener discretion advised: This episode includes discussions about ghosts and paranormal experiences, which may be unsettling for younger or sensitive liste...

Send us a text Confidence is more than just a feeling — it’s the foundation for resilience, learning, relationships, and mental health. Yet for many children, especially neurodiverse kids with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences, building self-esteem can feel like climbing a mountain. In this in-depth episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we spend time exploring how parents can help their kids — both neurotypical and neurodiverse — grow into confident, resilient y...

Send us a text You asked—we answered! In this special listener Q&A episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we dive into the questions you’ve sent us through our website and social media. From the story of how we started the podcast, to Jacob’s experiences with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, to behind-the-scenes bloopers, this episode is filled with honesty, laughter, and real talk about parenting, teens, and growing up. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 🎧 How Kim ...

Send us a text Back-to-school season is stressful for every family — new routines, homework battles, and busy schedules can overwhelm even the most organized kids. But for students with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), those challenges are multiplied. Impulse control, organization, and social struggles can make the classroom feel like a minefield — and leave parents and teachers frustrated too. In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we talk about real strategie...

Send us a text In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we dive deep into the topic of bullying — from the perspective of the person being bullied and the person doing the bullying. Using research and advice from StopBullying.gov and StompOutBullying.org, we share: The official definition of bullying and the key signs that distinguish it from a one-time conflict.Personal stories about being bullied and overcoming it.Why kids bully — from insecurity to peer pressure — and...

Send us a text Loss is a part of life—but that doesn’t make it easy, especially for kids and teens who feel things deeply. In this heartfelt, (with plenty of funny moments!) episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we dive into different kinds of loss—from losing friends, changing schools, and even saying goodbye to loved ones—and how grief can look and feel different for neurodiverse kids. Kim and Jake share personal stories, expert insights, and real-life coping strategies to ...