What exactly IS a Parent Coach? 

For over ten years, I have been working with parents of children who have ADHD, executive function challenges, learning challenges, and behavioral challenges. When parents initially contact me, they are often seeking support to help their children directly.  Our skilled Coaches do provide direct support to teens and college students. But, parents sometimes become disappointed to find that their child is not ready or willing to fully engage in the coaching process, yet. While parents may feel it would be … Read more

The Parenting Bicycle: How bumpy is your ride?

As a parent, there are many different roles you play in your children’s lives.  And if you are parenting a child who as attentional, behavioral, or learning challenges you need to know more, do more, and worry more.  Paying attention to all the different aspects of treatment and having the proper knowledge and support is vital in helping you and your child succeed and thrive! The Parenting Wheel of Life is a straightforward and easy to use tool to help … Read more

Typing, Handwriting, and ADHD

I first learned to enjoy expressive and research writing while I was in graduate school.  This was also when I was introduced to computers (yes, I owned an original Macintosh back in the 1980s).  I found that not only was it easier to type on, than on typewriters, but I discovered that I could move my ideas around the screen as my concepts grew more crystalized without having to use bottles of White-out or start over on a new sheet … Read more

Are the Costs of Helping Your Child Keeping You from Seeking the Proper Support?

Perhaps an HSA, FSA, or HRA can help. Expenses can quickly add up when you have a child with ADHD or learning challenges.  While insurance may not cover many of the costs associated with best treatment practices (parent coaching, student coaching, tutoring, etc.), there are options to have some of these expenses paid for using tax-free funds. I am not a tax specialist by any means, however, I do encourage you to see if you can take advantage of opportunities … Read more

The Challenges of Learning in the Digital Age

Recently, I attended the National CHADD conference. This was my 10th year at CHADD where we learn, debate and exchange new methods and ideas. It was, as always, an intense experience. Imagine being in the same space with all of the top experts in the field – the eminent researchers and practitioners, as well as many parents and adults impacted by ADHD, all teaching and learning from each other. I got to hug and reminisce with people I have been … Read more

ADHD Treatment Options

ADHD Is Absolutely Treatable

Russell Barkley, recognized authority on ADHD, gave a powerful keynote presentation at the November 2018 International Conference on ADHD titled Advances in Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD.  He outlined the numerous and potential serious impairments that ADHD can have on major life activities. When not properly treated and managed, people with ADHD do not learn to regulate their moods, impulses, and actions.  This makes them more susceptible to health issues (not properly managing weight, exercise, alcohol, drugs), anxiety, depression, risky behaviors, … Read more

What Makes Waking Up So Difficult for People with ADHD

In a previous article, What makes sleep so difficult for kids with ADHD, We explored the difficulties that children and adolescents may have with falling asleep.  As we have mentioned in many sessions with parents and professionals, research shows that between 25 and 50% of people with ADHD have clinically reported sleep difficulties. These can be attributed to biology, stimulant medication side effects, lack of consistent bedtime routine, and characteristics related to the ADHD itself. For many parents, getting their children … Read more

Righting the Off-Track School Year

The first quarter of the school year is coming to a close, and your child’s grades are taking a turn for the worse. It’s time to regroup and evaluate where this school year is headed if no changes are made. The status quo had you both feeling frustrated and anxious about the remaining months of the year. This isn’t the first time you’ve seen the grades tank. You’ve tried bribes, maybe even used some well thought out consequences, but nothing … Read more

Calm and Connected Webinar with ADDitude Magazine: Great Insights Through Conversation

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to host a webinar for my friends at ADDitude Magazine. As a coach, counselor, and educator through EF, ODD, and ADHD workshops for parents, teachers, and families, I was thrilled to spend some time talking about the benefits of parents and teachers working together to maintain the Calm and Connected pathways to success. I am thankful for the opportunities I have to connect with parents and teachers in the ADHD/EF/ODD community. … Read more

Parent the child You have! An Approach to Positive Parenting with Cindy Goldrich

September 28, 2018 No Two Parent Experiences Are The Same Every person is born with a unique chemistry, physique and temperament – and no operator’s manual!  This understanding is why the guiding principle of “parenting the child you have” is a pillar of PTS Coaching’s positive parenting mantra.  Whether we are conscious of it or not, we each have a belief about how we are supposed to parent a child.  We stand by these beliefs until our instinct or logic … Read more

12 Things Kids with ADHD Would Like Their Teachers to Know

Here is an excellent resource that Eileen Bailey wrote several years ago called “12 Things Kids with ADHD Would Like Their Teachers to Know”. Feel free to print it and share it.  I have included a PDF for your convenience. 12 Things Kids with ADHD Would like Their Teachers to Know 12 Things Kids with ADHD would like their Teachers to Know By Eileen Bailey 1. I forget things, even important things. There is a myth that states, “If it is … Read more

Homework…ugg!

So – how was your day?  Do you have a lot of homework?  And so, it begins… For many parents, one of the greatest sources of stress revolves around the issue of homework.  The reasons for the stress may vary from parent to parent, or may be different based on each child’s uniqueness, but the end result can be just as impactful.  I want to share my perspective on how we can reduce some of the stress and find more … Read more

Does ADHD have to lead to Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by excessive anger, frustration, arguing, stubbornness and defiance. The correlation rate for being diagnosed with ADHD and ODD is staggering, ranging between 60% and 80%. It is the most common co-existing condition associated with ADHD and people with ADHD are 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with ODD than the general population. Anyone familiar with ADHD knows that its core components are Inattentiveness, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity. Yet, very often I receive calls from parents … Read more

Supporting Teachers

This year I have had the opportunity to provide professional development in Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, California, Maryland, New Jersey and New York. I have worked with teachers, guidance counselors, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, social workers, school psychologists, paraprofessionals, and principals. What I have experienced this year has convinced me wholeheartedly that the opportunity to make a positive change in our schools and for our kids is ripe, and that educators are hungry, in fact, desperate, … Read more

Screens – We MUST Help Our Kids Learn to Manage

I recently showed the documentary Screenagers and hosted a panel discussion following the film. I have to tell you that the experience, the conversations, and the whole issue of how our kids today are being impacted by their use of phones and social media has shaken me to my core. Truly, I believe this is the greatest issue facing parents today. Unlike the tragedy of drug and alcohol addiction, we cannot shield our children from screens completely as they have … Read more

What I Learned About Time Management from Running and a Tomato

Life lessons often come from places you least expect.  Now before you become concerned that I am going to preach the virtues of running or changing your diet, no worries – that’s not my agenda.  I would like to share, however, what I have learned this past year, not about Time Management, but true Productivity.  After all, isn’t that the real goal of managing time, to increase your overall success in accomplishing what you want in life? If anyone would have … Read more

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