INSPIRATION
On the surface, not everything is what it may appear.
As someone who has ADHD, I am not a stranger to labels.
People with ADHD are often labeled as being lazy, inconsiderate or even dramatic.
I am here to tell you, that no, we are none of those things.
In all honesty; we are struggling!
How?
We are trying to complete tasks, stay organized, manage the constant overwhelm and just try to remember the most simple things.
While for a neurotypical person these tasks are possibly second nature, they are not for neurodiverse individuals like us. It takes a lot of mental energy to even figure out where to begin.
The barrage of thoughts we have make it difficult to manage our emotions. When our emotions become overpowering, we often look to others as dramatic, irritable, and even lazy.
So, the next time you witness a friend, your child, your partner, or anyone you may come in contact with, showing those types of behaviors or qualities, don’t be too quick to judge. You never know the hidden struggles another person is dealing with.
Lend a hand if you can and be as empathetic as possible, because we truly are trying our very best.
.
.
.
#adhd #adhdparenting #neurodiversity #adhdawareness #adhdparent #parentingtips #adhdmoms #adhddads #parentingadhd #angrykids #anxiouskids #adhdkids #mindsetmatters #childhoodtrauma #empathicparenting #parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusines
Taking responsibility for our actions does not take away our authority with our children.
In fact, doing so is actually modeling for them how to behave when they mess up!
For example, did your child feel scared because of your tone of voice?
Say something like: “I apologize for behaving in a way that caused you fear. I always want you to feel safe with me. Next time I will try to remember to speak more softly.”
Then offer a hug or do something together to reconnect. Don't skip this step!
Letting our kids know that we are truly trying to do better helps them understand that when mistakes are made or feelings are hurt, we will come back to them and recreate a safe space. Without that, our children's troubling behaviors will increase because they feel scared and unsure.
Having the ability to apologize to our littles takes bravery and vulnerability. And it shows our kids that making mistakes is a part of being human. As long as we own what we do, reconnect, and then focus on doing better, we are on the right path.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #parentingtips #peacefulparenting #gentleparenting
Thinking of all the mamas today who feel overwhelmed, guilty, and scared. 🌸
Things can improve, you just might need some help. 🌺
When you’re ready for someone to walk with you on the journey toward finding answers, I’d love to be that person.
Let’s set up a free consultation. You deserve it. 🌼
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #adhdstruggles #womenownedbusiness #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #parentingtips #peacefulparenting #gentleparenting #adhd #adhdparenting #neurodiverse #adhdawareness #adhdkids #adhdparent #whatyoufocusongrows #parentmentalhealth #parentinglife #selfcompassion #consciousparents #holdingspace #selfregulation #parentingclass #parentlife #believeinyourself
Have you ever heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover?”
If we apply this concept in a literal way, we truly don’t know what the inside holds just from what we see on the outside.
When it comes to parenting, I feel like this concept applies well.
Picture these two scenarios:
A- You see a mom at the playground disciplining her child for hitting another. You think they are just kids and these types of things happen.
And….
B- The same mom who just witnessed her kid hitting another child, doesn’t do anything to correct the behavior. You think an apology should have been made.
Witnessing either scenario, we make a judgment based on our own beliefs. This is very common and helps us make sense of the world. I invite you to go one step further in your evaluation.
What if we then choose to look at each scenario through the lens of curiosity?
It’s possible the parent may be struggling with feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, embarrassment, and overwhelm.
My guess? The caretaker is trying their best with the tools that they have.
What if you smile at them or try striking up a conversation. You could say: "It’s so difficult when my kids hit. I get so stressed out." The idea is to try and connect to their struggle.
We’ve all felt judged and lonely as a parent. Imagine how amazing it would feel to have a stranger show up for you in this supportive way, and that you can give this gift to others as well.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #parentingtips #peacefulparenting #gentleparenting
Are you tired of trying to keep up with the other parents?
You know the ones...
They seem to always have time to volunteer.
They not only remember every important event, but also bring a homemade dessert to celebrate.
And their homes always look clean. 🙀
Now that my kids are older, I can look back and clearly remember I did volunteer when they were young. I also managed to celebrate major milestones and events important to our family, albeit with store bought cookies. And my home has always been clean enough. ☺️
What helped me navigate through the stress and pressure of trying to function like a neurotypical adult?
Over time I learned a few valuable skills. Swipe through ➡️ to take a look at the skills I've learned.
Sharing with others has helped me become more confident and feel empowered to take risks. I now live a life focused on what my family and I feel is important.
It isn't easy. I still feel pressure at times to "be like everyone else," 😰 but I now have the tools to move through those moments.
Whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, self-esteem, or parental support, I’d love to support you. Curious? 🤔 Send me a DM to set up a free consultation.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #parentingtips #peacefulparenting #gentleparenting
🤷🏼♀️ Should I go?
💬 I won't know what to say.
👎🏼 No one will like me.
😔 I'll feel stupid.
🏡 I'll just stay home.
Whether it's you or your kids, ADHD can affect how we interact with others.
For some of us it's social anxiety, having fear of being around others, especially in an unstructured environment. That fear can cause us to avoid social situations all together, even though we need to interact with others to thrive.
For those of us who don't have social anxiety, we may still struggle due to the tendency to interrupt, talk more than our share, not notice social cues from others, or misinterpret another person's behavior.
Struggling with any of these does NOT make you any less worthy of love, connection, or joy.
☝🏼 Read that again!
Our kids have the same struggles, and big feelings like anxiety and aggression show up when we don't have the words to express what we are experiencing. Your child needs to be taught how to get along with others and what it takes to make lasting friendships. So give your child a big dose of empathy, and then see what steps can be taken to set them up to feel more confident and courageous.
Try reading stories or role playing certain social situations. Lessen anxiety by helping them find activities that are structured and doing something they enjoy. Scoping out a place beforehand, and meeting with someone to talk with your child about what to expect, can make a big difference too.
Be a role model for your kids to learn from.
Share what helps you and what you are still working on.
This helps them feel less alone and that we all need to keep practicing.
Lastly, set your child up for success by building on their strengths and moving at their pace.
Have you tried any of these and had success? Drop a comment below and share with us what worked for you! 👇🏼
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #parentingtips #peacefulparenting #gentleparenting
Struggling with how to get your child to stop challenging behaviors?
Here are a few ideas to try.
Ready for more support? 💌 DM me to see if we're a good fit.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #parentingtips #peacefulparenting #gentleparenting
This holiday, when many of you are visiting with friends and relatives, consider what your children can tolerate.
Having ADHD can quickly cause overstimulation, and what follows is usually challenging behavior.
This can happen because of a change in the schedule, new or too many people in their environment, or expectations outside what is normal for their routine.
When the goal is to enjoy the people around you with peace and calm, set your children up to handle family plans with ease. Give advance notice of any changes, listen to their concerns, offer choices so they feel some control, and let them determine the amount of interaction with others that feels right for them.
For example tell your kids a day or two (or sooner!) before a change is happening and then discuss their feelings about it.
"It sounds like you are excited to meet your uncle's new dog, but are a little worried about it jumping on you. Should we keep him in the backyard and bring him inside later during the visit if you want?"
Keep giving gentle reminders that the event is getting closer.
Another area to discuss is how your children feel about hugging and kissing relatives or friends. Let them know it is their choice to do so. This helps kids learn to trust their intuition and allow physical contact only when it feels right to them.
A little planning can make a big difference in how well your child will tolerate the celebrating, and the stressors that come with it.
When you are ready for support and more skills please reach out.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #adhd #adhdparenting #adhdparent #parentingtips #adhdmoms #adhddads #parentingadhd #misunderstoodkids #consciousparenting #emotionaloutbursts #anxiouskids #adhdkids #mindsetmatters #painfulchildhood #childhoodtrauma #empathicparenting
How many times have you woken up and told yourself, "Today is the day!"?
Today is the day I am going to show up with more presence for my kids, or today is the day I'm not going to yell. Then the day goes by and you did not make any changes, and instead spent it berating yourself for failing.
Ya, me too. 🙋🏼♀️ Making changes in how we behave is hard work and it can also be scary.
In order to begin the process of doing anything new, we need to feel safe in the midst of the unknown. That unknown can be thoughts and feelings of uncertainty in our abilities, fear of failure, or concern over whether we can mentally handle the chaos during the transition.
Try these ideas 👉🏼 to lean into change slowly, while trusting you can handle the ride.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks
When our kids need our love and acceptance the most, they'll often show us in the most unlovable ways.
Our kids don't always know how to use their words to say they need us; instead, they show us challenging or worrisome behaviors.
Consider modeling how to stay calm, looking for the root cause of the behavior, and then discovering how to help them with what they need.
For example, your child is running out of their room every night after being tucked in.
Could the reason be a need to connect with you before being alone all night?
Could it be they are fearful, sad, lonely, or anxious about something and can't fall asleep?
Who knows?!
It's our job to closely examine the behaviors to create a full picture of the situation, then ask yourself, what is my child experiencing in these moments?
If you want other tips on how to help yourself and your child, sign up for my freebie in the link in my bio.
.
.
.
#parentingcoach #parentcoaching #parentcoaching #adhdparentingtips #womenownedbusiness #businesswomanlife #findingbalance #therapistsofinstagram #therapyworks #adhd #adhdparenting #adhdparent #parentingtips #adhdmoms #adhddads #parentingadhd #misunderstoodkids #consciousparenting #emotionaloutbursts #angrykids #anxiouskids #adhdkids #mindsetmatters #childhoodtrauma #empathicparenting
