Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

What drives some kids to push themselves relentlessly while others seem to lack motivation altogether?

In this episode, Andi explores what’s underneath both ends of the spectrum—overachieving and underachieving—and what parents might be missing.

Whether your child is racing ahead with academic goals or struggling to get started, this episode will help you understand the hidden executive functioning struggles that shape their behavior and what to do about it.

Key Takeaways

• Overachievement can mask underlying executive functioning struggles, especially in social, emotional, or sleep areas.
• Underachievement isn’t laziness—it often stems from overwhelm, fear of failure, or difficulties with initiation and planning.
• Asking curious, compassionate questions helps kids reflect and create flexibility in their goals and timelines.
• The “gap vs. gain” mindset shift (from Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy’s book) helps both parents and kids celebrate progress instead of chasing perfection.
• Progress looks different for every child—sometimes the slowest pace is the most meaningful.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction: Why kids may be overly driven or totally disengaged

[01:40] – A real-life story: A teen pushing for an associate’s degree before high school graduation

[03:00] – The missed question: Have we stopped to celebrate progress?

[04:00] – How executive functioning struggles can hide behind academic success

[05:30] – Challenges like inhibition, switching tasks, and sleep issues in high achievers

[06:00] – The opposite end: Kids with no drive and what’s behind the shutdown

[07:00] – A deeper dive into executive functioning (initiation, flexibility, planning, etc.)

[08:30] – Explaining the Gap and the Gain framework to kids

[10:00] – Guiding kids through flexible thinking with curious questions

[12:00] – Using short-term scenarios (like Lego or ice cream) to build long-term skills

[13:00] – Helping high achievers reflect, rest, and regulate

[14:30] – Using tools like health trackers (Whoop, Oura) to validate rest

[15:45] – Supporting disengaged kids through tiny wins and drive-by praise

[17:30] – Honoring their pace and effort over outcome

[18:45] – Questions for parents: Where is your child thriving on the surface but struggling underneath?

[20:00] – Modeling balance and rest as a parent

[21:15] – Final thoughts: Both drive and disinterest can hide deeper needs

Resources Mentioned

The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Executive Functioning Podcast...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kristina Rajes—homeschooling mom of four and the creator behind Phoenix Gems and Buy Some Love.

We talk about how gemstones unexpectedly became a key support tool for our kids’ emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence.

From skeptical teens to intuitive empaths, Kristina shares how each of her children uses different stones in meaningful ways—and how this tool complements the deeper work we do with stress, sleep, and executive functioning.

Key Takeaways

• Gemstones can act as emotional support tools—especially for sensitive or empathic kids who absorb others’ energy.
• Each stone has unique energetic properties that can help with grounding, courage, creativity, focus, and calm.
• Kids often choose the stones they need without realizing it—color and instinct often guide them.
• Tools like bracelets and gemstone routines are not about “fixing” kids but supporting them alongside emotional regulation work.
• It's okay if a child isn’t ready—these tools work best when chosen, not forced.
• Parents can benefit too—especially those who feel emotionally drained after public or social interactions.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Homeschooling with intention and personalization for each child

[00:03:30] How ChatGPT supports Kristina's multi-level homeschool planning

[00:05:00] Kristina’s unexpected shift from law to gemstone healing

[00:07:30] Why most of her business is in-person (and the importance of “feeling” a stone)

[00:09:00] How her empath daughter benefits from obsidian—and refuses all jewelry except that bracelet

[00:10:00] Kristina’s science-minded son and his surprising shift after wearing Carnelian

[00:13:00] The twin tiger’s eye story—two anxious kids conquering their fear of heights at rock climbing

[00:16:00] My own son’s struggles with creativity—and how his bracelet helped spark new ideas

[00:20:00] How to charge gemstone bracelets (easier than you think!)

[00:22:00] The bracelet stacks that changed my stress patterns—and what my health data shows

[00:26:00] What it means when a child “feels like a basketball is bouncing inside them”

[00:29:00] Which stones help with anxiety, courage, and creative thinking

[00:31:00] Customizing bracelets for fidget needs, essential oils, or comfort charms

[00:34:00] Why intention and resonance matter more than forcing a child to wear a stone

[00:35:00] How Kristina’s bracelet bar works at live shows—and the energy parents feel when choosing stones

[00:36:30] Right hand vs. left hand: giving vs. receiving energy through gemstones

[00:38:00] The evil eye charm and

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

Is your child refusing to start their homework, melting down when asked to pack a backpack, or avoiding simple tasks? It might look like laziness—but it’s not.

In this episode, Andi Clark breaks down what’s really going on beneath procrastination. Hint: it’s not about effort or motivation. It’s about executive functioning struggles—and missing foundational skills most people don’t talk about.

You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your child’s behavior, insights on how to reduce shame and frustration, and actionable first steps to break the cycle of procrastination.

Key Takeaways:

• Procrastination is not laziness—it’s often a sign of overwhelmed executive functioning.
• Skills like initiation, working memory, time awareness, emotional regulation, and flexibility all play a role.
• Pushing harder or offering rewards won’t work unless the root cause is addressed.
• There is no one-size-fits-all solution—support needs to match your child’s specific gaps.
• Using the right scaffolding and starting with small wins can rebuild confidence and momentum.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Why procrastination isn’t laziness

[00:01:00] – What executive functioning really is

[00:03:00] – Real-life examples: Andi’s son and homework meltdowns

[00:05:00] – Breakdown of key executive functioning skills that affect procrastination

[00:08:00] – How time perception and emotional regulation influence task avoidance

[00:10:00] – Observing your child’s patterns and asking the right questions

[00:11:00] – The shame cycle of procrastination and how it snowballs

[00:12:00] – Why planners, timers, and charts often don’t work

[00:15:00] – The fire analogy: Flames, logs, and kindling in EF support

[00:17:00] – Questions to help identify where your child’s breakdown is happening

[00:18:00] – Why patching top-level behaviors won’t work without a foundation

[00:20:00] – How to offer real support: Start with one EF skill, build small wins

[00:22:00] – Reframing procrastination as a skill gap, not a character flaw

[00:23:00] – Next steps: Self-assessment, Support Circle, and 1:1 coaching options

You’re not alone in this—understanding what’s really behind your child’s procrastination is the first step toward creating more calm, connection, and progress at home.