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If you are a parent of a child with ADHD, you may be baffled by the
seemingly contradictory behaviors you observe in your child. It
can be difficult to understand what’s going on when bright, even
intellectually gifted students are on the edge of failing their
classes. And it gets even more confusing when they can focus for hours
on the things that interest them – like computer games or talking on
the phone – but struggle to concentrate for 20 minutes at a time on a
homework assignment. |
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There is a neurochemical reason
for this discrepancy that has nothing to do with your child’s efforts
or intent. AD/HD is a syndrome caused by an imbalance in
neurotransmitter activity affecting the prefrontal cortex of
the brain. That’s a mouthful, but the end result is that your child’s
ADD causes a deficit in his/her executive functioning. This deficit
can cause profound problems in school performance, impacting a
student’s ability to start and finish work, remember homework,
memorize facts and figures, organize and write essays and reports,
figure out math problems, plan for the future, sense time accurately,
control emotions and behavior, and complete long term assignments.
And if your child is in college, these deficits can affect independent
living skills. When you’re not around to help with reminders and
structure, it’s completely up to your child to get enough sleep, wake
up on time, do laundry (and remember to take it out of the dryer), eat
nutritious foods, study, and show up for their classes and work on
time. In addition, they need to keep up with higher demands
academically, without much support from their professors.
For many teens and college students, those challenges make life
overwhelming. But don’t despair! Coaching can help. It provides
structure, support, and encouragement to help students manage their
symptoms and experience more success in school and in life. |
- Offering emotional support and understanding. I’ve been through
the ringer with my own children and know the frustration, pain,
fear, and guilt we feel when our kids are struggling socially or
academically.
- Sharing ideas, information, and resources to help with ADHD, LD,
and co-existing conditions.
- Helping you maintain the belief that your child will be okay.
It’s hard to find the positive when you’re exhausted and
overwhelmed.
- Reminding you that ADD is a real neurological disorder. Your
child is not trying to frustrate you, lose important things, or
forget to turn in a completed assignment.
- Advocating for your child in high school. By the time children
reach high school, many parents are burned out. I’ll
support you by emailing teachers, calling counselors, and being your
collaborator. You don’t have to do this alone!
- Working as a team, if desired. You, your child and I can come up
with a plan or a contract together.
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If you’re interested in exploring monthly ADD coaching for your high
school or college child, please email me on the
consultation page. I look forward
to talking with you. And if you still have children at home, here is
an audio talk just for you:
Some Time for Myself: Comfort and
Support for Parents of Kids with ADD
Here are some of the best books for
teens and college students with ADHD and their parents. |
