The Parent’s Guide to Public School

Advantages of ADHD: Helping Your Child Shine

In this episode, Miriam Brown and Erin Coppin, a mother of two children with ADHD,  explore how ADHD can be a superpower rather than a disability. Through personal stories and practical advice, they discuss creative ways to help children with ADHD thrive.
Discover how Erin's children turned their ADHD into a blessing, leveraging their unique strengths in creative projects and forming meaningful friendships. Learn actionable tips on finding the right teachers and extracurricular activities to support your child's interests and emotional well-being. This episode is a must-listen for parents and educators aiming to unlock the full potential of children with ADHD.

ADHD Allies: Communicating with Teachers for Classroom Success

In this episode, host Miriam Brown, a seasoned public school teacher with a background in psychology and curriculum, teams up with Erin Coppin to discuss effective strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment for children with ADHD. Learn how to navigate 504 plans, advocate for your child's needs, and foster strong, empathetic relationships with teachers.
Erin shares her experiences as a parent, highlighting the importance of communication, empathy, and collaboration with educators. Miriam offers insights from the teacher's perspective, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of accommodating students with ADHD. Together, they provide practical advice for parents and teachers alike, aiming to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive in school.

Inside the Homework Battle: ADHD Part 3

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin delve into the complexities of helping children with ADHD tackle their homework. They discuss strategies and routines that can make a significant difference. From setting up consistent homework times to knowing when to be flexible, this discussion offers valuable insights for parents struggling to balance academic responsibilities with their child's unique needs.
Listeners will learn about the importance of organization, managing emotional outbursts, and the delicate balance between academic work and extracurricular activities. This episode also emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's confidence and helping them develop successful study habits over the years.
If you find these tips helpful, don't forget to share this episode with others who might benefit. Stay tuned for the next episode, which will focus on collaborating with teachers to enhance your child's educational experience.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate? That is the Question: ADHD Part 2

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin dive deep into the complexities of medication for treating ADHD in children. They explore the pros and cons of medication, discussing its impact on academic performance, social behavior, and self-esteem.
Erin shares her personal journey as a mom balancing her medical knowledge with her parental instincts, and the challenges her children faced with ADHD medication. The episode also covers alternative treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and occupational therapy, weighing their effectiveness compared to stimulant medication.
Whether you're a parent grappling with treatment decisions or an educator seeking insights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on helping children with ADHD thrive.

The ADHD Brain: Diagnosis and Overdiagnosis

Host Miriam Carey Brown interviews, Erin Coppin, a medical practitioner and mother of children with ADHD. Erin discusses her journey from initial suspicions to formal diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and revelations along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct differences in behavior and brain function between children with ADHD and their neurotypical peers.
Miriam and Erin also touch on the importance of early intervention, to help children with ADHD succeed. This episode is part of a series aimed at shedding light on ADHD, breaking down misconceptions, and offering practical advice for parents.

Boredom Busters Part 2: Responding to boredom without screens.

In the 2nd half of this episode I discuss what to say when your child complains of boredom. Evelynn, Stella, Zaide and Yogi talk about what kids can do to entertain yourself when you don't have any screen time. I also talk about how to help a child who is misbehaving in school or refusing to attend because of boredom.

Boredom Busters Part 1: How electronics affect boredom tolerance.

Being bored is a normal part of public school. Is this good or bad? Elizabeth Solis and I discuss the pros and cons of letting your child use electronic devices to deal with boredom. Every family is different, but if your family would like to reduce their reliance on screens this episode explains how you can do it.

Shapes & Art Shame: Teaching your child basic shapes.

Learning shapes is an important skill to help your child be ready for math in kindergarten. But it can also prepare them for art assignments that require them to draw simple objects. Lets talk about fun ways to help your kids name shapes and use them to make art.

Crayons and Cars: Helping your child to learn their colors.

Colors are complicated because there are so many different shades and variations. Learn what to expect when you start teaching your child colors. This episode talks about games and activities that can help you get started.

Phonics Phun: Teaching basic letter sounds

When you start to teach your child the sounds that letters make, you need to start simple. Learn which sounds to start off with and get some ideas for games to play to practice these basic phonics concepts.