When preparing your child for ADHD coaching sessions, consider their needs and abilities. This mental disorder is known to cause impulsivity and frequent loss of concentration, making it difficult for your child to focus entirely during a coaching session. Planning with these eight tips can help ease your child into the sessions and ensure they get a better overall experience.
1 . Break Down the Concept of ADHD Coaching
Explain how the coaching process works and in terms your child can understand and relate to.
Think about an ADHD coach as a music instructor or a football coach. No child is expected to walk onto a stage without prior preparation or step onto a field and start kicking a ball without learning the rules of the game. Your child may need to understand what to expect and how to behave during a coaching session.
2 . Teach Them How to See the Big Picture
Executive function is something most children with ADHD struggle with. Yet, we use this function daily to work, learn, and manage daily life.
Part of the executive function is grasping, visualizing, and remembering all the sub-steps needed to attain a specific goal. A complicated, multistep, coach-instructed task without the appropriate guidance and handholding can be a significant stumbling block for a child with ADHD.
When preparing for ADHD coaching, you should teach your child the process of gradual results. Let them know that a goal is best approached with the big picture before moving to the specifics. If and when possible, use a few illustrations to drive the point home. This can prevent them from being overwhelmed with the detailed coaching sessions.
3 . Be Tactful and Considerate
Children with ADHD can be sensitive, emotional, and feel things deeply. So make sure you choose your words carefully when speaking about the prospects of ADHD coaching.
Instead, “Is the idea of working with a coach scary for you?”
Try this: “The coach will teach us some ways we can talk about emotions and learn helpful life skills.”
4 . Introduce the Child to the Coach Beforehand
Most coaches provide the option for a video or phone consultation with a prospective learner before committing to the coaching lessons.
Rather than forcing your child into it, consider taking a warm and considerate approach. For example, ask if they would be interested in speaking with a coach for an hour or so and learning key coaching concepts and how the process might benefit them. This subtle adjustment in your approach can make a world of difference in the child’s attitude towards coaching.
5 . Be Honest from the Start
Never underestimate the power of honesty when interacting with a kid with ADHD. This is especially true when you’re preparing them for coaching.
Explain to them what ADHD coaching includes. Get them some articles, resources, and websites to check out. Gently remind them that a coach is not there to control them but to help them learn essential tools to manage behavior and socialize with other kids. Emphasize that once they’re through the sessions, they’ll have the skills to help them succeed in life and school.
6 . Make Sure the Coach Knows Your Concerns from the Get-Go
Cooperate with the coach to prevent problems before they occur. For example, ask your child’s soon-to-be coach if she can have your kid use the bathroom before they begin a high-intensity activity. In addition, it is in your child’s best interests to let the coach know of any topics that might disinterest or trigger them. This allows both your kid and the coach to put their best foot forward every time they’re in session.
7 . Pay Attention to the Structure and Consistency Offered by the Coach
Children with ADHD need and love routine. Consistent coaching schedules significantly improve ADHD-related behavior, build good habits, and set expectations.
Before enrolling your child for coaching sessions, ensure their prospective coach has a consistent, well-structured schedule in place. A good schedule should be versatile enough to accommodate many physical and mental activities.
8 . Provide Positive Reassurance Throughout
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your child and boost their confidence levels. Consistently reassure your child that you believe in and are proud of them. For example, when speaking about coaching sessions, the routine, and the possible in-session activities, engage in positive conversations and ensure they are engaging well.
Adequate preparation and positive reassurance will go a long way in easing your child into the coaching routine.
The Best Preparation for Tomorrow Is Doing Your Best Today
You must prepare your child beforehand to get the best out of the coaching sessions. Don’t wait for tomorrow when you can start preparing your child for ADHD Coaching today. A good ADHD coach can mean the difference in your child’s ability to connect with others and learn life skills.
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