Description

Understanding Motivation, Executive Function, and the ADHD Brain

A Four-Part Parent Learning Series with Dan Marcone, LMHC, and Michelle Brownell

Why does your child struggle to get started, stay motivated, or work independently, even when you know they’re capable?

As parents, we want our children to become confident, capable, and increasingly independent. But sometimes the very things we do to help, such as reminding, directing, encouraging, or stepping back, don’t produce the results we’re hoping for.

What if the key isn’t expecting more independence, but understanding the skills children need to develop along the way?

Join Michelle Brownell of Homeschool Essentials and Dan Marcone, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, for a four-part conversation series exploring how the developing brain influences motivation, confidence, executive function, and independence.

Together, we’ll look beyond behavior to better understand why children struggle with everyday expectations and how parents can provide support that builds skills rather than simply getting tasks done.

What’s Included in the Four-Part Series

1. Building Confidence Through Motivation

Helping Kids Develop a Sense of Control

Why do children resist, avoid challenges, or seem unmotivated?

Explore the connection between autonomy, emotional safety, and intrinsic motivation. Learn how meaningful choices, collaboration, and opportunities to experience success help children develop confidence and take greater ownership of their learning.

You’ll explore:

• Why a sense of control matters for motivation and learning
• How over-directing and rescuing can undermine confidence
• Moving from compliance and control to connection and collaboration
• Building intrinsic motivation through choice, responsibility, and small wins

2. Rethinking Independence

The Skills Kids Need to Work on Their Own

Shouldn’t your child be able to do more on their own by now?

Discover why independence isn’t a starting point, but the result of developing essential skills through repeated experiences of supported success. Explore the role of executive function, emotional regulation, and interdependence in helping children gradually take on more responsibility.

You’ll explore:

• The developmental skills needed for independent learning
• Why pushing independence too soon can create stress and avoidance
• How interdependence supports growing independence
• Building initiation, planning, persistence, emotional regulation, and help-seeking skills

3. Helping Without Hovering

Getting Kids Started and Staying on Task

How do you know when your child needs your help and when it’s time to step back?

Move from understanding the skills to supporting them in everyday life. Learn practical ways to help children begin tasks, maintain attention, work through frustration, and gradually take ownership without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.

You’ll explore:

• Recognizing when your child is ready for less support
• Using small steps and predictable routines to build momentum
• Supporting attention with tools such as checklists, movement breaks, and body doubling
• Recognizing the difference between building skills and doing the work for your child
• Responding when children resist help or insist, “I’ve got it!”

4. Understanding the ADHD Brain

Looking Beyond Behavior to Better Support

ADHD is about much more than attention, hyperactivity, or difficulty sitting still.

Explore how ADHD affects executive function, emotional regulation, motivation, and everyday learning. Gain a clearer understanding of the different ways ADHD can present, why certain skills are especially challenging, and how parents can respond with more effective support.

You’ll explore:

• What ADHD really is and common misconceptions
• How ADHD can affect initiation, attention, time management, and follow-through
• The impact of ADHD when children don’t receive appropriate support
• Understanding the role of medication and skill-building
• Where parents can begin in supporting their child’s individual needs

What You’ll Take Away

Across these four conversations, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how motivation, emotional regulation, executive function, and independence work together.

You’ll walk away with practical strategies, new ways to approach everyday challenges, and a clearer understanding of how to adjust your support as your child grows.

Because building independence isn’t about stepping away as quickly as possible. It’s about helping children develop the skills, confidence, and self-awareness to take on more responsibility, while knowing that asking for help is a strength, too.

Your Series Includes

• Four expert-led parent learning sessions with Dan Marcone, LMHC, and Michelle Brownell
• Practical strategies and real-life examples for home and learning
• Access to the session recordings so you can watch at your own pace and revisit the conversations
• Teaching Guide PDF’s for each session

Four conversations. One connected goal: helping your child grow in confidence, capability, and independence.