How bad is your procrastination problem? Is it just a random occurrence with certain tasks you dislike, or is it a chronic condition? Take this test, "How Seriously Do You Procrastinate," 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!

Here are some handy tips for parents and teachers on helping kids set realistic goals, and how to encourage and praise effort and progress, with the end goal of ultimately achievement. My favorite is: Set a family goal that everyone can contribute to. 

It all began with a question on Saturday morning. “Mami, how fast can you run a mile?” I didn’t know. I knew I was fast, used to be fast, had been fast. Definitely past tense. I also knew that I was terrible about speed work, fartleks, and all that other stuff you’re supposed to do. I’m more of the slow and steady wins the race type. But my daughter wanted to know. She’s on the middle school track team and talks about this stuff daily. She had a growth spurt, has legs longer than mine, and wanted to race me. I was still in my running shorts and thought I could use one more mile that day, so I agreed. I had nothing scheduled except for “Mom time” anyway…

Perhaps you are new to the tribe of ADHD. Perhaps you have been reading and researching for years online. How much do you actually know? How much is true? Take this short quiz from a trusted resource to find out. The answers provide brief and direct explanations that you can use in conversations with friends, family, teachers, co-workers and anyone else you might know. Help me educate the world on ADHD.

Don't forget! On Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30 - 8 pm, and Thursday, May 17th at 8:30 - 10 am, join Mind Coach NOLA and Lolo's Youth Yoga Studio (6107 Magazine St.) for an interactive and intimate workshop, "Mindful Parenting For Modern Times."

I find Dr. Amen’s work fascinating. I find it incredible that we know so little about the brain in comparison to the rest of human anatomy, and yet it is our most vital organ. Luckily there is more and more brain research every day as the field grows in leaps in bounds…

Perhaps you've seen the famous TED talk by Carol Dweck, PhD, "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve," in which she explains her research on motivation. She found that, in general, people have two mindsets: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset…

This Saturday, May 5th, before you head to Jazz Fest, come join us at 9:00 am for an informal meet-up hosted by the NOLA chapter of CHADD.

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?

Following on Wednesday's post on setting priorities, here's a great article at ADDitude Magazine, "Get Your Priorities Straight," yet another fabulous resource for those diagnosed with ADHD/ADD or those working on their executive function skills. Get in touch with Mind Coach NOLA if you want to work together with a certified ADHD coach to figure out just what those priorities of yours are!

I could never survive without my priorities lists. They keep me on track and help me avoid wasting time on other activities. So how do you make this list in the first place?

OMG! Exams are almost here! It’s the final sprint to the finish. Just a few more tests, projects, and papers: the last chances to bring up that GPA. And then, before you know it, it’s exam week! 

Here's a great article by Jami Ingledue at the Huffington Post: "10 Things Parents of "Normal" Kids Should Know."  Maybe you’re reading this because your kid has ADHD. Or maybe you were once a kid with ADHD. Parenting can be oh so hard at times. You are not alone, my friend. 

“This is it, Mami!,” exclaimed my daughter. My son knew exactly what she was talking about it. “This is the place from the picture! We found it!” And yes, I definitely knew what they were shouting about. Only I had trouble responding because I had tears in my eyes, was awestruck by its beauty and dumbfounded by the fact that we had made it. My heart swelled with pride because I had made it happen. We were there...

Not everyone who struggles with executive function skills has ADHD. And not everyone who has ADHD chooses to take medication. My personal experience is that the right medications can work wonders, but should only change you as much as eyeglasses.

I usually alternate my runs with yoga classes, but this week my husband is out of town, so it’s up to me to exercise the dogs every morning. Just like me, they need to get their wiggles out to be calm and focused the rest of the day…

Understanding the roots of negative behavior, and the neurological changes that cause it, are crucial to putting together a collaborative plan to address said behavior.

As you all know, the mind has the power to make you or break you. Having the skills to quiet the internal criticism, the doubts and the self flagellation is crucial to success.

A line I often hear is “Well, isn’t everyone a little ADHD?” It’s usually followed by something along the lines of, “I can never remember anything anymore.” Or, “I have trouble keeping track of everyone’s schedules.” Or, “I sometimes lose stuff, too.” Yes, all of that is normal because NOBODY is perfect…