Real parent training, with coaching to make it stick!
Emotions can run rampant in the ADHD household. Tempers flare for no apparent reason, feelings are hurt, and the entire family dynamic can quickly end up in a hot mess. Add to this the natural tendency that most of us have to deflect responsibility, and everyone is getting blamed for everything that happens to everyone... read more
If you look for it, almost every scenario has a silver lining – and a banana peel perspective. The silver lining is the positive way of looking at any situation (cue the violins playing in the background). The banana peel is the comedic perspective (cue the wa-wa horns). When we don’t take things too seriously... read more
“Silent retreats” seem to be all the rage. I’ve tried a little experiment of my own, and I highly recommend it. I’ve created “speech-free” zones for myself, and they are quite invigorating. For the past 15 years, since my cell phone became a necessity, I’ve used it to stay connected. Every free minute you could... read more
I fell in love with a school, once, because I visited an elementary classroom and all of the children – and the teachers – were strewn about the classroom, quietly reading. I wanted that for my child, partially because I know it’s good for him, and partially because it’s something I craved for myself. It... read more
I’m a firm believer that you should teach your children, from a very early age, to clear your plate (actually, all adults plates) from the dinner table.* I’m not talking child labor, or power trips. On the surface, this may sound more like a parenting tip from the 1800’s than a self-care tip, but go... read more
Like most busy parents, somewhere in your life you have a to-do list. It’s a great tool. Structure is so helpful in the world of ADHD. The challenge for many of us is that, when we finish something on our list, we tend to blast on to the next item without a blink. Here’s a... read more
Never underestimate the value of taking a break, a pause, or a breather, whether it’s deep breathing, counting to 10, or walking away before reacting. “Pause” has the power to re-direct and diffuse even the most difficult circumstances. Though simple, breathing is really a powerful tool: It reverses some of the natural responses when we... read more
We all know something about the power of positive thinking. It makes intuitive sense that when you believe something is possible, you’re more likely to make it happen. In fact, if it weren’t for positive thinking, Roger Bannister never would have broken the 4-minute mile in 1954. An affirmation is a kind of structured positive... read more
Secretly, breakfast has always been my favorite meal. Honestly, it never would occur to me to skip it. But I know there are a lot of you who do, if for no other reason than mornings are hectic, particularly in a family where ADHD is involved. Here’s a few reasons not to skip: 1) Feed... read more
Sometimes we all find ourselves having a rough day. Nothing terrible, mind you – you oversleep, the dog throws up on your way out the door, the computer shuts down or the printer doesn’t work, there’s an accident on the way to work, the fuel light comes on — just one hassle after another. It’s... read more