Oppositional Behavior Archives

Partner with Your Child's Doctor: ADHD & Behavior

Partnering with Your Child’s Doctor: ADHD & Behavioral Concerns

August 6, 2022August 5, 2022

I recently connected with Dr. Nerissa Bauer, a wonderful behavioral pediatrician. While pediatricians offer general primary care services to children, behavioral pediatricians assist in specific difficulties, struggles, or deficiencies in the growth and development of a child. I asked her to share how you can work with a behavioral pediatrician when you have concerns about your child. Strategies to partner with your child’s doctor about ADHD and behavior concerns What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s behavior? … Read more

“Why Don’t You Listen?” How to Stop Nagging and Start Communicating

November 5, 2021December 11, 2020

I recently wrote this article for ADDitude Magazine online. I hope you find it helpful. Your child or teen may be ignoring your requests for very good reasons. Instead of insisting on compliance and obedience, we can find out the source of their resistance by engaging in teachable moments. “My son just doesn’t listen to me.” “My daughter snaps back when I ask her to do something.” “Why doesn’t he show me a little respect?” I hear comments like these … Read more

Maybe it IS ADHD – Does it Really Matter?

February 10, 2021July 20, 2020

I am often asked if I think ADHD is over-diagnosed. My answer – yes. I also believe it is underdiagnosed. The problem is that there is still not one agreed-upon cohesive and comprehensive protocol for diagnosing ADHD; a real, life-impacting disorder that affects a significant percentage of people. And yet there are still many practitioners who do not include an ADHD screening in their assessments. I believe, and evidence supports, there are enormous lifelong risks to mental health, physical health, employment, … Read more

Parenting An ADHD Child In The Age of Covid

February 10, 2021June 17, 2020

I know that for most of you the school year is finally ending. I hope you are all healthy and safe and have an opportunity to relax a little bit. I have been working with many families on navigating the summer plans given the restrictions and challenges. Please reach out if you would like some support. The people of CHOOSEesteem (a free emotional, mental, and behavioral health and wellness app that helps families navigate through emotional and behavioral challenges) recently … Read more

Professional ADHD & Executive Function Parent Coach Training

June 2, 2021May 12, 2020

For more than a decade, I have been supporting parents through the most perplexing and stressful challenges they have ever faced – helping the children, whom they love so dearly, learn to become their best selves. Along the way, I have seen parents go through tremendous personal growth, and I have seen marriages go from contentious to supportive. They share with me their stories of success, large and small. Reports of less arguing and ignoring rules, deeper, more meaningful communication, … Read more

Introduction to Dyslexia

September 22, 2020May 2, 2020

Given the prevalence of dyslexia co-occurring with ADHD, I thought parents would like to know more about dyslexia. While some researchers say 30-40% of individuals with dyslexia may have ADHD, other researchers say it is likely much higher. Furthermore, many students with learning differences are struggling during online schooling related to COVID-19. Both student and parent are experiencing increased frustration as these students may struggle with independent learning. I have therefore asked a licensed psychologist, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, if she … Read more

Triggers and Opportunities for Children with ADHD

February 23, 2021April 28, 2020

Have you ever walked into the room, and your child’s whole demeanor changed? You watch her face go from relaxed to stressed. Or his body tenses up in anger or frustration. You have not uttered a word, yet your child has heard an entire lecture and is already reacting. You think to yourself, “Don’t Look at Me in That Tone of Voice”. Ok, perhaps there was something you planned on reminding your child of, or maybe you weren’t happy that … Read more

What is Executive Function, and Why Should Every Parent Care?

October 30, 2020October 9, 2019

This blog post originally appeared on WootTutor.com As parents, we want nothing more than for our children to reach their potential and thrive in the world. Fortunately, science now helps us understand what gets in the way of some people being able to achieve their goals, large and small. You may have heard the term “Executive Function.” It is part of the brain located in the prefrontal cortex, and it is the last part of the brain to develop. Executive … Read more

Helping Kids with ADHD Thrive in Sports

November 25, 2019September 19, 2019

Physical activity is valuable for all children. And involvement in organized sports can bring important skills and life lessons. But when a child has ADHD there can be some added challenges. And when the coach working with the child is unaware of the unique challenges this child faces, there can be added stress – and wonderful missed opportunities for fun and growth. I recently learned of Susan Stout. She provides a wealth of information to help all kids benefit from … Read more

What exactly IS a Parent Coach?

June 2, 2021July 20, 2019

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

What Makes Waking Up So Difficult for People with ADHD

February 9, 2021November 8, 2018

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

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

February 9, 2021September 28, 2018

September 28, 2018 No Two Parent Experiences Are The Same When It Comes to ADHD 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 … Read more