In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

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 of this beautiful community. We’re so grateful you’ve been in it with us.

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!

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 confidence in unexpected places. And she introduces “Through My Eyes,” a new digital experience from Understood.org that lets you step into her world.

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.

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.

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 differences are often mischaracterized. And Aleesha shares tips about what parents can do to support their children—and themselves—through it all.

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 heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more pressing things to deal with. But the question kept bugging her: Does ADHD make you more likely to have postpartum depression?

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 reasons to care less about the mess.

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?

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.

What is dyscalculia? How can parents spot it? And is it anything like dyslexia? Find out about all of this and more from Brendan Hodnett. Brendan is a middle school special education and math teacher. He is also an adjunct professor at Hunter College in New York City, where he offers courses on inclusive ways to teach math. Tune in to learn more about early signs of dyscalculia, how it affects kids inside and outside the classroom, and tips that can help.

Money. Budgeting. Savings. They’re all stressful. And when you factor in the added expenses that can come with raising a child with learning and thinking differences, it can feel like too much. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome personal finance expert Kim Palmer. Kim is a mom to three kids and she writes for “NerdWallet.” She’s also the author of three books about money: “Smart Mom, Rich Mom;” “The Economy of You;” and “Generation Earn.” Tune in to get Kim’s expert advice about budgeting when you have kids with learning and thinking differences.