#212: ADHD and Self-Esteem: How to Help Your Child Feel Good About Who They Are
Mon Feb 02 2026
SHINING WITH ADHD
#212: ADHD and Self-Esteem: How to Help Your Child Feel Good About Who They Are
The Childhood Collective
2/4/2026
SUMMARY
We are talking with Penny Williams, host of the Beautifully Complex podcast, about ADHD and self-esteem. Penny vulnerably shares how her own social anxiety once made her overly critical, driven by a need for her kids to look “put together” as a reflection of her. We explore how letting go of others’ opinions can be a powerful turning point, especially for parents raising kids with ADHD and autism. Penny introduces the authenticity mirror and offers practical ways to reflect acceptance, confidence, and pride back to your child so they can feel good about who they truly are.
MEET PENNY WILLIAMS
Penny Williams is a behavior and parenting coach, author, and educator who supports families raising neurodivergent kids, including those with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Through her science-informed, compassion-centered SIGNAL Parenting™ framework, she helps parents understand what behavior is communicating and respond with connection instead of punishment.
Penny is the award-winning author of Boy Without Instructions, host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast with over 5 million downloads, and founder of the Regulated Kids Project. Her work has been featured in leading parenting and neurodiversity publications.
At the heart of Penny’s work is one powerful belief: Behavior isn’t the problem — it’s the signal.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Episode #212 Transcript
Penny's Website
Beautifully Complex Podcast
Penny's Instagram
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Customizable ADHD Printables
If you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs.
Printables
Hungryroot
Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.
Hungryroot
Creating Calm Course
Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Creating Calm Course
More
SHINING WITH ADHD #212: ADHD and Self-Esteem: How to Help Your Child Feel Good About Who They Are The Childhood Collective 2/4/2026 SUMMARY We are talking with Penny Williams, host of the Beautifully Complex podcast, about ADHD and self-esteem. Penny vulnerably shares how her own social anxiety once made her overly critical, driven by a need for her kids to look “put together” as a reflection of her. We explore how letting go of others’ opinions can be a powerful turning point, especially for parents raising kids with ADHD and autism. Penny introduces the authenticity mirror and offers practical ways to reflect acceptance, confidence, and pride back to your child so they can feel good about who they truly are. MEET PENNY WILLIAMS Penny Williams is a behavior and parenting coach, author, and educator who supports families raising neurodivergent kids, including those with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Through her science-informed, compassion-centered SIGNAL Parenting™ framework, she helps parents understand what behavior is communicating and respond with connection instead of punishment. Penny is the award-winning author of Boy Without Instructions, host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast with over 5 million downloads, and founder of the Regulated Kids Project. Her work has been featured in leading parenting and neurodiversity publications. At the heart of Penny’s work is one powerful belief: Behavior isn’t the problem — it’s the signal. LINKS + RESOURCES Episode #212 Transcript Penny's Website Beautifully Complex Podcast Penny's Instagram The Childhood Collective Instagram Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com Mentioned in this episode: Customizable ADHD Printables If you are an ADHD parent who is drowning in the chaos of forgotten lunches, lost homework, or bedtime battles…you are not alone. ADHD parents often find themselves giving hundreds of reminders that often result in yelling and frustration. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off! Instantly download these printable routines and work with your child to create a routine that is customized to your family’s needs. Printables Hungryroot Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount. Hungryroot Creating Calm Course Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off! Creating Calm Course