x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Understood.org, Gretchen Vierstra, Rachel Bozek

Discover In It, a podcast that explores the joys and frustrations of supporting kids with learning disabilities and ADHD. Join hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra as they talk with parents, caregivers, teachers, and sometimes kids. They offer perspective, advice, and stories for and from people who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences. Get tips on parenting kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

00:31:21

Building a village for neurodivergent families (with...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/10/23

In this final episode of In It, we talk with Jessica Shaw, who’s launching a new podcast called TBD — it’s about the beautiful roller coaster that is parenting neurodivergent kids. As a mom to two teenage daughters, Jessica reflects on what she wishes she’d known earlier, what she’s learned along the way, and why finding a community of parents who truly get it can be life-changing. To our audience: We’ve loved every minute of making this show. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for being part

en

00:25:38

When teachers say your child is “too smart” for...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/10/09

When a teacher says your child is “too smart” for special education services, it doesn’t feel like a compliment — it’s more like a roadblock!Parent advocate Danielle Ward joins us to unpack what this response often means and how it might signal twice exceptionality, where giftedness masks real struggles. She shares practical strategies for moving forward when the system says “no,” even when your child clearly needs support.We also break down what legally qualifies a student for an IEP, when a 504

en

00:24:07

How to make mornings easier for ADHD brains

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/09/25

Mornings can be chaos, especially when neurodivergence is part of the mix — for your kids or for you. This week, we’re joined by Jon Zeitlin from HabitCoach, who’s been in the thick of it. Jon and his son both have ADHD, so they’ve had to build routines that work for brains like theirs. Spoiler: It starts the night before.HabitCoach helps neurodivergent kids build lasting habits through personalized coaching. Check them out!Related resources8 ways to make school morning routines easierFor

en

00:23:24

When kids say “I’m stupid”: How to rebuild confidence...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/09/11

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.”Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And how can adults respond in ways that build confidence — not pressure?For more on this topicOpportunity Gap: Supporting confidence in kidsHow to rebuild

en

00:20:09

How a teen with dyslexia found her voice

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/08/28

What happens when we stop talking about kids with learning differences — and start listening to them? Kids are the experts in their own experience. When we truly listen, we all learn.Today we’re joined by 15-year-old Caris, a smart and determined teen with dyslexia, and her dad, Kevin. In this honest conversation, they talk about the everyday challenges and small wins of growing up with a learning difference. Caris shares what she wishes more people understood about dyslexia and how she’s found

en

00:32:47

Child psychologist explains how kids' therapy works -...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/08/14

There’s a lot of talk these days — on social media and in parenting circles — about kids and therapy. But with all the noise, it can be hard to know what’s true and what actually applies to your child. Psychologist (and friend of the pod) Dr. Andy Kahn joins us today to clear up any confusion. He unpacks common questions and offers honest, stigma-free insights into how therapy for kids really works.For more on this topic:5 steps to take if you think your child is depressedWhat is CBT?Questions to

en

00:20:14

From the archives: Back-to-school action plan

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/07/31

It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school is almost upon us! We’re bringing back a favorite episode to help kick off the school year. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek chat with DeJunne’ Clark Jackson — education consultant, parent advocate, and mom of two. She shares smart, doable strategies for setting goals and easing back-to-school stress. For more on this topic:Download: Back-to-school update for families to give to teachersDownload: Goals calendar for kids who struggle with planningMy

en

00:27:15

From the archives: Summer survival guide

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/07/17

Summer’s in full swing and routines are out the window, which can be both fun — and frustrating!That’s why we’re replaying this episode with psychologist Dr. Andy Kahn, who shares practical, low-stress tips for surviving and thriving this summer. From managing screen time to making travel more manageable with kids who learn and think differently, this episode is full of smart, doable advice to help your family stay grounded while still having fun.For more on this topic:How to make a sensory travel

en

00:15:03

Parenting Behavior: Is melatonin safe to give to kids?

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/07/03

We’re taking a quick summer break for the holiday weekend here at Team In It. Instead of a new episode this week, we’re sharing a great episode from our sister show, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. In this episode, Dr. Andy teams up with pediatrician Dr. Liz Harstad to discuss whether melatonin is safe for kids. Check out Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn and related resources from this episode on the show’s page.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people

en

00:30:47

From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/06/19

It’s no secret that physical activity can make a big difference for kids with ADHD. The hard part is figuring out how to give kids the time and space to move when they need to.In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and expertise here at Understood.org. He’s also the host of the podcast Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. He helps us take a good look at movement and why

en

00:24:00

When your child is labeled the “bad kid”

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/06/05

What happens when a child with learning and thinking differences gets labeled as the “bad kid”? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Aleesha, a parent of five children, four of whom have an ADHD diagnosis. Aleesha has seen the effects of a child being perceived — and named — as the “bad kid.”She shares what it’s been like to navigate school systems and the painful experience of seeing her child misunderstood.We talk about why kids with ADHD and other learning

en

00:32:50

Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/05/22

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Amy Lang. Amy is a sex educator who works with kids with learning and thinking differences. She is also the founder of birdsandbeesandkids.com. She helps the hosts tackle a tricky but essential topic: talking to kids with ADHD about sex. Here are just a few of the topics Amy talks about:Ways to talk about — and not talk about — body parts.Helping kids understand how to navigate these topics both inside and outside the home.Why these

en

00:30:37

Hyperfocus: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/05/08

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.This week on In It, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast. It’s called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson, and we’re big fans.When she first became a parent, Rae experienced a bout of severe postpartum depression. But at the time, there wasn’t much information about ADHD and women, let alone ADHD and postpartum mental health.Rae had

en

00:27:58

Sorry not sorry: Why you shouldn’t apologize for your...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/04/24

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd. Dr. Chris is a psychologist, and an associate professor at the Yale University Child Study Center. She is also the author of Be Unapologetically Impatient, which comes out this summer.Dr. Chris has four children, including a daughter who has ADHD

en

00:26:52

Clean up this mess! Or don’t? Advice from an expert

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/04/10

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome author and therapist KC Davis. KC is a therapist who hosts the podcast Struggle Care. Her new book Who Deserves Your Love will be out in May 2025. She is also the best-selling author of How to Keep House While Drowning. KC talks about being a “messy” person and reasons why we could all benefit from caring a little less about messiness. She offers tips for getting your home to “work for you.” And she helps us understand

en

00:27:29

Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk...

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/03/27

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome professional parent advocate Danielle Ward. Danielle started out advocating for her own kids, several years ago. Now, through her company Encompass Parent Solutions, she offers families of kids with learning and thinking differences non-legal help with advocacy, support, and education counsel. Danielle chats with Gretchen and Rachel about some of the most important dos and don’ts for parents who are advocating for their child

en

00:29:41

Parenting’s a lot. Especially when you’re a lot

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/03/13

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome parenting coach Mary Van Geffen. Mary offers online classes including a special one for moms of what she calls “spicy ones.” She also shares fun, funny, and relatable posts every day on Instagram.Mary talks with Gretchen and Rachel about parenting spicy kids and how to know if you, too, are spicy. What does it mean to be spicy? Are you spicy? And what should you do about it?Related resourcesParenting tips when you and your

en

00:26:58

Trouble with skill-building for ADHD? Here’s help

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/02/27

For kids who struggle with ADHD, building skills like executive function and self-advocacy can be difficult. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and expertise here at Understood. He’s also the host of the podcast Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn.Andy discusses why skill-building is important for kids with ADHD. He also shares many ways families can help.Related

en

00:26:32

Have a struggling reader? Try these tips

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/02/13

What makes learning to read difficult? And how does having dyslexia make it even more challenging?In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome literacy expert Louise Baigelman. A former teacher, Louise is the co-founder and CEO of the literacy organization Storyshares. She explains why reading can be so challenging for kids who struggle with dyslexia, and shares tips and strategies to help.Tune in to get Louise’s expert advice on how to help struggling readers.Related

en

00:14:08

Feeling socially isolated as a parent? You’re not alone

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently ·

2025/01/30

Parenting can often feel socially isolating. On this episode of In It, we hear from a few parents who have felt socially isolated while raising kids with learning and thinking differences. They share some of the challenges they have run into and talk about some strategies they’ve found for building relationships with other adults. Related resources8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHDWhy some kids have trouble making friends7 ways to prepare kids for visiting relatives and

en

125 results

Similar Podcasts

Tale Teller Kids™

Sarnia de la Mare

米克馬故事坊

咪萊

Imagination Station

Imagination Station

Die Pferde sind nicht das Problem - und du bist nicht zu blöd. Der Aha-Podcast für Pferdemenschen

Silke Jahn & Maren Diehl

Hanna fragt Papa - Der Podcast für neugierige Kinder und Eltern

Hanna und Thomas Schamberger