Navigating Homework Battles, Understanding Executive Function & Helping Teens Succeed :: Dr. Matthew Housson [Ep 568]

Why does homework and school in general turn into a battle in so many homes? In this insightful conversation, Dr. Matthew Housson breaks down what’s really going on when kids struggle with homework—and why it’s often not a discipline issue at all. Instead, many challenges come down to executive function skills —things like planning, focus, emotional regulation, and the ability to start and finish tasks. We talk about how brain development impacts motivation, why some kids struggle to shift into “low dopamine” tasks like homework, and what parents can do to support their child without taking over. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or even discouraged trying to help your child succeed academically, this episode will give you clarity, practical tools, and encouragement—you’re not alone, and there is a better way forward. In this episode we talk about: When behavior is developmentally normal vs. when to seek help The key signs of depression in teens (including irritability) Why a full profile is often more helpful than a diagnosis Practical tools to make homework time smoother Executive function skills are learned and developed over time You can’t rush development—but you can support it Connect with Dr. Matthew Housson: Website: Home - The Housson Center Facebook: The Housson Center Instagram: The Housson Center (@thehoussoncenter) Links Mentioned: Resources from The Housson Center (books & websites) Definitions of different childhood challenges (parent resource) Related Episodes: How to Stay Calm with School Stress:: Kirk Martin {Ep 88} School Choice Series: Public School Options with Emily Fenlaw:: [Ep 561] Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs:: Karis Murray [Ep 237] Featured Sponsors: Hiya: We’ve worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children’s vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA (not available on regular website). Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. In The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share more than 40 years of lived experience raising a son with profound disabilities. With honesty and faith, they speak to the strain on marriage, the weight of finances, the sting of unkind comments, and the grief of a journey you didn’t choose, but also the joy you didn’t expect. If you’re walking this road—or love someone who is—this book offers steady encouragement for the long journey ahead. To learn more about The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA.