I was honored to be a featured speaker at the 2024 Global ADHD Parenting Summit, where experts from around the world came together to support and empower parents raising children with ADHD. The event offered practical tools, fresh perspectives, and heartfelt encouragement for navigating the many layers of ADHD parenting.
In my interview session, “Transforming the School Experience with Little-Known Coaching Strategies,” I shared insights drawn from my work with thousands of families and educators.
We explored powerful, often-overlooked coaching techniques that help children feel more understood, supported, and successful at school – without relying solely on rewards or consequences.
Whether you’re just beginning to navigate school challenges or you’ve been at it for years, I hope this talk offers both reassurance and real-world tools you can put into practice right away.
In this session we discuss common misconceptions about ADHD and offers practical strategies for parents and educators.
Learning Points:
Kids Do Well If They Can: Understand that difficult behaviors often indicate a struggle, not intentional misbehavior.
Education is Key: Parents and teachers need comprehensive education on the social and emotional impact of ADHD and executive function challenges to effectively support children.
Deconstruct Transitions: Transitions involve stopping, moving, and starting. Breaking them down helps identify where a child struggles.
Lagging Skills, Not Laziness: Difficulty initiating tasks is often a lagging executive function skill (initiation), not a lack of motivation.
Involve the Child: Include children in problem-solving conversations to foster empowerment and reduce shame.
Focus Beyond Grades: Prioritize developing executive function skills like time management and learning strategies over solely focusing on grades.
Discipline Over Punishment: Implement proactive, agreed-upon consequences to foster self-discipline rather than relying on reactive punishments.
Understand Fidgeting: Fidgeting can help activate underactive brain parts; provide appropriate outlets rather than suppressing it.
Avoid Singling Out: Correcting a child’s behavior in front of others creates shame and hinders skill development.
Nurture Potential: Focus on a child’s strengths and positive behaviors (“what you pay attention to grows“) to build their confidence.
One-on-One Non-Productive Time: Spend child-centered, non-task-oriented time with children to strengthen connection and boost self-esteem.
ADHD Manifests Differently: Challenges can appear at various life stages, especially during transitions or increased demands.
Homework as a Life Skill: Use homework as an opportunity to teach essential life skills like time management, prioritization, and task breakdown.
I look forward to the 2025 Strategic Parenting ADHD Summit this November where we discuss why so many kids with ADHD collapse in college and what we can do to prevent it.
Stay tuned!
Best, Cindy
