Last week, I attended a morning parent meeting at my child’s school. The topic was student clubs. There were a few students present, representing their clubs. It was all very nice and the kids did a fine job. But then the meeting got weird. A few parents started to offer help to the students for their clubs. “We have skills that you could use.” “We could make presentations and give advice.” “We can donate money.” “Why don’t you just have bake sales every week. We can bake the goods for you.” I kid you not.

I couldn’t swallow the fact that my son kept causing trouble in school because he could not sit still or keep his mouth shut. I went on a mission to help him and our family understand his ADHD diagnosis, and in the process decided to help other students in similar situations. Lo and behold, I became a CACP-certified ADHD Coach, and have been fortunate to see my student clients experience success and gain confidence.

Summer is a time for relaxation, travel, family, friends and so much more. But, when it gets close enough to the new school year it can bring a lot of woes.Why is it overwhelming? I think the massive amounts of information that students receive from the beginning of the year are extremely overwhelming. If you look at academic information alone, you’re talking about where to find assignments, notes and class materials, when and how to turn in homework, projects, tests and papers- some of it is in digital format in varieties of platforms while other is in classic books, handouts or printed materials.

It's time for another guest blog post from Mind Coach NOLA at NOLA Family Mag! This one is titled "Cheetah." Why, you ask? You'll have to read it to find out! 

I'm excited to announce that I'm now guest blogging at NOLA Family Mag! For my first blog post, I tackle the misconception that having ADHD is a disability, when, in fact, it's a superpower!

Feeling stuck? Too stressed and distracted with your own life to teach your kids how to live healthy, engaged lives in this always-on world? Tired of threatening to take away electronics?

Mind Coach NOLA is looking for a project-based multimedia manager to build an easy, fun, and empowering online training program, using the latest technology.

When I first became aware that my son might have ADHD, I realized I needed help. I needed to to put together a support team—not just for him, but for myself and for my family’s sanity. I will forever be indebted to the learning specialist at his school who gave me pep talks and told me who to call and where to go.

This Saturday, March 3rd, please join NOLA CHADD at 9 am at the Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center for our monthly informal meet-up for parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. I'll be there, and I look forward to seeing everyone. Please help spread the word! 

When you’re a mom with ADHD, parenting can be even harder, as this article, "Never Good Enough: The Emotional Toll of Motherhood," explains. So forget super mom! All you have to be is super You.

I remember when I got the official diagnosis that my son has ADHD. His teachers had been patient and wonderful, as were the learning specialist and the counselor at his school. I already knew it was coming but my husband was in denial and a small part of me just wanted it all to go away. “Maybe it’s just a phase that he will outgrow,” I told myself. And when the psychologist explained to us he was a “classic textbook case,” I was both relieved and devastated.

New Orleans friends, don't forget! The February meet-up for parents of children diagnosed with ADHD is this Saturday, February 3rd at 9 am on the second floor of the Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center. Coordinator Casey Blasiar, licensed clinical social worker and therapist, and guest speaker Adela Baker, ADHD coach, will be leading the discussion, but you are encouraged to bring any topics or questions you'd like to discuss. We hope to see you there!

What is an ADHD coach? How is an ADHD coach different from a therapist? Why couldn't I just ask a friend to do this for free? ADDitude Magazine's "FAQ About ADHD Coaching" is an excellent summary of what an ADHD coach can do for you. All of these questions apply as well to those interested in coaching even if they haven't been diagnosed with ADHD; some of my clients want help pursuing career goals, writing that book, becoming more organized as they tackle med school, or making healthier decisions in their lives.

While at the International ADHD Conference recently, I stumbled onto a round table support group discussion. As a parent, spouse, sibling and daughter of innovator brains, I sat down and joined this intimate group. After an hour of listening, talking, laughing and crying, I felt stronger, loved and not alone. “We need this in New Orleans!,” I thought. So with the support of our new local CHADD chapter, on Saturday, January 6th, we launched our first monthly support group for parents of children with ADHD.

Happy New Year!

Are you ready for a new and improved you? Let's start the new year off right with some self-reflection. Take a few minutes (or a few pages) to think about how you would answer the following questions:

Come join me this Saturday, January 6th, at 9 a.m., at Monkey Monkey Coffee and Tea in New Orleans for a meet-up hosted by the NOLA chapter of CHADD. 

Your innovator brain hides yet another superpower that the neurotypicals lack: Super Intuition! Many of my clients have a sixth sense. They can sense the emotional state of another person, and in many cases, any living creature. They have a much stronger sense of empathy and compassion that the average person.

Hey! Did you know Mind Coach NOLA has a weekly newsletter? Sign up now to receive the week's blog posts, full of tips, techniques, and recommended reading, along with information on upcoming Mind Coach NOLA events.

To "fail forward" means every failure is an opportunity for growth. Michael Jordan says, "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Do you truly understand how your brain works and why? Why is it zipping around happily sometimes, but dragging and sucking you into the depths of negativity at others? Maybe you've learned a few skills to control your thoughts and your actions, but can you stick with them to create habits? Yes, you can! It's not easy, but I know you can.