Welcome back to our Summer Focus-Building Series here on Decision Tree Learning, the Podcast. Today, I’m talking about a phrase nearly every parent hears: “I can’t do this.” Often, this isn’t defiance—it’s a lack of problem-solving strategies.

In this episode, I’ll share one powerful mindset shift called the Three Tries Rule to help your child move from shutdown to persistence.

• Teach your child the Three Tries Rule to build resilience
• Model problem-solving by narrating your own process
• Coach your child to try multiple approaches before asking for help
• Use everyday frustrations as growth opportunities

I'll be sharing additional support strategies and simple AI-powered coaching tools in upcoming articles on Substack.

Want immediate access to the full toolkit and prompts? Join the annual membership at decisiontreelearning.substack.com and use the code LEARN50 for 50% off

.

Follow the full Summer Focus-Building Series by subscribing free at

decisiontreelearning.substack.com

• TikTok: @tiffanycolter
• Instagram: @tiffanycolter
• X (Twitter): @TiffanyColter
• LinkedIn: tiffanycolter

Episode Overview

Have you ever given your child an instruction, only to have them forget it two minutes later, like they never heard you? You’re not alone. In this episode, I explain why many kids aren’t being defiant—they’re just overwhelmed. Their brains struggle to process steps, stay organized, and act on real-time directions.

But there’s good news: these processing skills can be built, and summer is the perfect time to do it.

What You’ll Learn

• Recognize the real reason your child seems like they aren’t listening—it’s often a processing issue, not defiance
• Break your instructions into two or three simple, repeatable steps
• Ask your child to repeat those steps back to strengthen memory and sequencing
• Model clear thinking by saying your multi-step tasks out loud as you do them
• Create a calm, focused routine that rewires your child’s brain for better follow-through

Try This Today

Here’s one strategy I recommend parents start with:

• Give instructions in 2–3 simple steps
• Ask your child to repeat the steps back
• Say your own tasks out loud so they can see how you mentally organize

For example: “First I’m washing the vegetables, then I’ll boil the pasta, then I’ll set the table.” This kind of modeling helps your child learn how to break down what they hear into actions they can manage.

Want More Support?

Throughout June, I’ll be sharing more tools, focus strategies, and guided prompts over on my Substack:

decisiontreelearning.substack.com

If you’re ready for the full toolkit—including my focus and processing printable and easy AI prompts—join the annual membership and use the code LEARN50 to get 50% off.

Follow me on socials:

• TikTok: @tiffanycolter
• Instagram: @tiffanycolter
• X (formerly Twitter): @TiffanyColter
• LinkedIn: tiffanycolter

Welcome to the first episode of our Summer Focus Building series. In this short but powerful episode, we explore how the fast-paced, always-on environment is creating mental overload for kids and how you can help them reset.

You’ll learn to reduce your child’s cognitive load using one simple, doable strategy: setting up a focus zone at home. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek into new tools and AI-based prompts that guide your child toward deeper concentration and mental clarity.

This summer can be a turning point—not just for your child, but for your whole family.

• You’ve noticed your child struggling to concentrate
• You want a practical, step-by-step approach to build better focus
• You're looking to use the summer months to reset and strengthen learning habits

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:

• Understand the hidden causes of your child’s overwhelm
• Set up a “Focus Zone” at home to reduce distractions
• Use modeling to encourage focused behavior
• Access upcoming tools and AI prompts to support focus-building
• Start small and build lasting habits over the summer

• Subscribe free for weekly articles + tools: ➡️ DecisionTreeLearning.substack.com
• Want done-for-you AI tools and prompts? Join the annual paid membership. Use code LEARN50 to get 50% off

For more tools and encouragement, follow me on other platforms:

• TikTok: @tiffanycolter
• Instagram: @tiffanycolter
• X (Twitter): @TiffanyColter
• LinkedIn: Tiffany Colter

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to check out my other Substacks for more targeted support:

• For Writers: WritingCareerCoach.substack.com
• For Entrepreneurs: LearningResourcesOnline.substack.com
• For Small Business Owners Balancing Life & Work: BuildingTheBalancedLife.substack.com

Coming Up Next:

In the next episode, we’ll dig into specific tools and prompts you can use to stretch your child’s focus, without battles or burnout.

Let this be the summer your child learns how to slow down, think deeply, and thrive.