{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"202: Why ADHD Kids Don\u2019t Listen: Executive Function Explained with Cindy Goldrich","description":"Many children with ADHD know exactly what they\u2019re supposed to do but still struggle to do it. That frustrating gap between knowing and doing is one of the most misunderstood parts of ADHD, and it can leave parents feeling confused, exhausted, and questioning their child\u2019s behavior. In this episode, Dana Kay sits down with ADHD parenting expert and coach Cindy Goldrich to unpack what\u2019s really happening in the ADHD brain when children don\u2019t follow through on simple requests. Cindy explains why ADHD is not a problem of knowledge, but a challenge with executive function, and how factors like working memory, hyperfocus, processing speed, and transitions can all impact a child\u2019s ability to act. Throughout the conversation, Cindy shares practical strategies that help parents move away from constant reminders and power struggles and instead support their child\u2019s developing executive function skills. She encourages parents to shift from seeing behavior as defiance to recognizing the underlying skills that may still be developing. When parents understand the brain behind the behavior, it creates space for more patience, better communication, and stronger connection with their child. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Free Gift: First Chapter + Parenting Resources- https:\/\/ptscoaching.com\/soaring PTS Coaching Website - https:\/\/ptscoaching.com Cindy Goldrich Substack - https:\/\/adhdparentandteacherexpert.substack.com \ud83d\udcd2 Show Notes and Resources \ud83d\udcd2 \ud83d\udcd8 Connect with Cindy Goldrich Website - https:\/\/ptscoaching.com Facebook - https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PTScoaching Instagram - https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/PTScoaching Substack - https:\/\/adhdparentandteacherexpert.substack.com Free Gift - https:\/\/ptscoaching.com\/soaring KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] The everyday parenting scenario where a child agrees to do something but doesn\u2019t follow through. [03:56] Parents often feel confused when kids know what to do but still don\u2019t do it. [04:26] ADHD is explained as the gap between knowing and doing. [06:48] Hyperfocus can prevent kids from shifting attention to a new task. [08:41] Multiple brain-based factors can explain why kids don\u2019t follow through. [12:57] Processing speed challenges can make kids appear resistant. [16:20] Understanding executive function helps parents shift their expectations. [18:14] Misinterpreting behavior as defiance can damage connection. [22:55] Parenting mindset plays a major role in how kids respond. [26:28] Instead of labeling weaknesses, parents should look for ways to support skills. [30:18] Executive function development is similar to learning any other skill. [31:37] Kids improve with practice, structure, and guidance. MEMORABLE MOMENTS \u201cYou ask your kid to put their shoes on. They say okay\u2026 and then they don\u2019t.\u201d \u201cWhat if the problem isn\u2019t defiance, but executive function?\u201d \u201cADHD is not a problem of knowing what to do. It\u2019s a problem of doing what you know.\u201d \u201cMaybe this kid is so hyper-focused on what he\u2019s doing that his mind is nowhere near what you\u2019re asking.\u201d \u201cThey\u2019re basically saying, slow down. I can\u2019t process this fast enough.\u201d \u201cWhen we assume our kids are being difficult, we miss the opportunity to understand what their brain actually needs.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s not about labeling the weakness. It\u2019s about asking, how are we going to support this?\u201d \u201cWhy would this be any different than learning any other skill?\u201d \u201cThese are skills that develop with support and practice.\u201d DANA KAY RESOURCES \ud83d\udd17 WEBSITES: https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/ https:\/\/dana-kay.com\/ \ud83d\udc4b 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\/ Pinterest: https:\/\/www.pinterest.ph\/adhdthriveinstitute\/ Tiktok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@adhd_thriveinstitute \ud83d\udcd5 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK: Thriving with ADHD \u2013 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/book\/ \ud83d\udcbb FREE MASTERCLASS: Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https:\/\/hubs.la\/Q042HrjF0 \u2b50 COURSES & PROGRAMS:  ADHD Parenting Course \u2013 https:\/\/info.adhdthriveinstitute.com\/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program \u2013 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/packages\/ ","author_name":"Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD","author_url":"http:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/402857\/site","html":"