Yesterday, I received an Instagram message from @Mrs.SuperDuper, a.k.a. Coach Rachel Sirwatka, who shared with me her video, "You Are Never Getting Your Pencil Back." And I couldn't wait to share it with you! Coach Rachel is a science teacher who makes videos (like this one) for her students. Not only is she hilarious and spunky, she has the right idea about how magical an ADD or ADHD diagnosis is.

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.

Following along with Part 1 of this series, we're looking at "the Power of Unsubscribing." Today, let's think about another approach: "unsubscribing" from the powerful siren song of your phone.

I’d never heard the term “micro-progress” but, since reading Time Herrera's article "Micro-Progress and the Magic of Just Getting Started" in the New York Times, I have used the term and recommended it to my clients. It’s a magic trick to get started a project or task that you just can’t or won’t start. When faced with an activity that looms large, try this trick:

A few mornings ago, I met a friend for a sunrise run, hoping to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse. Halfway through mile two, she told me one of her dirty secrets: She had over 16,000 emails in her inbox.

ADDitude Magazine's article "10 Ways to Improve Your Teen's Executive Function Skills" is a great place to start, but don’t assume all teens naturally possess executive function skills. While they want mastery and control of their own lives, we also want to foster independence safely.

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.

"Right Goal, Wrong Strategy: 11 New Treatment Ideas" offers a quick slide show with ideas to help you become more productive. My faves: find a cheerleader, spark interest, change the format, creative competition and find an accountability partner.

Most of my clients call me when they are stuck because of procrastination, lack of motivation and inability to follow through. We work on a variety of skills, like setting goals, planning, and prioritizing. After a week or two, the subject of exercise comes around. “I really should, but I just don’t have time.” “I just don’t like it.” “I haven’t been able to stick with it.”

"6 Things You Didn't Know about the ADHD Brain" at ADDitude Magazine is an interesting article on how stimulants work for or against the ADHD brain. This is a clear explanation of the latest research on why it’s hard to get motivated and stay motivated, but also how emotions cannot be regulated automatically at all times. Surprisingly, it doesn’t all take place in the prefrontal cortex. Read on... the mystery unfolds.

I love digital devices as much as the next person. Here I am with my Apple Watch, which helps me track my runs and stay on top of my busy schedule. But I also understand how addictive these helpful devices can be, and I'm dedicated to helping clients block those distractions. I just read an article in the New York Times called "It's Time For Apple to Build a Less Addictive iPhone," by Farhad Majoo, who suggests that Apple should develop and sell a less addictive smartphone.

The glass is indeed half full! The article "Benefits (Yes, Benefits!) of Having ADHD," from The Hallowell Center in New York City, presents a positive way to look at ADHD. Check out the awesomeness of these mirror traits! We are creative, persistent, energetic and passionate. What’s not to love?

"Seven Ways to Help High Schoolers Find Purpose" is a great article from The Daily Good on the importance of intrinsic motivation. It is essential to identify your values and define your purpose. When you are working from a value-aligned, purposeful place, hard work does not seem so hard. In fact, working from a place aligned with your values and purposes, once you've done the work to get to that place, feels natural and often puts you in a state of “flow,” meaning that you feel fully immersed in an activity, giving it all of your attention and deriving enjoyment from the process

“He doesn’t care.” “He’s not living up to his potential.” “He’ll never amount to anything.” What is really going on? To continue in our series (here's Part 1 and Part 2) on parenting teens with ADHD, the article and video "Why Teens Stop Trying," at ADDitude Magazine, is a short explanation of why your teen may have quit trying. 

I recently read an interview with Drew Brees, in which he said, “Focus on moving the chains, man. You move the chains and everything usually works out.” I love this idea! You can make anything happen by consistently taking small steps. Just get that first down.

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.

In Part 1 of this series, we looked at motivational problems for teens with ADHD.

So as a parent, what can you do?

“My son quit trying in school because his masculinity is threatened? What?” 

I know. I didn’t quite understand it either the first time I heard it. But behind all that bluster is a lot of insecurity and an enormous fear of failure. Read on to get the full picture

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: