Zen Parent ADHD Coaching

When most people hear ADHD, they picture a child bouncing off the walls, unable to sit still in class. Or maybe a kid who’s just won’t focus and who refuses to listen. I will be the first to admit that I also had some of these misconceptions. I remember a boy in my class at school 30 years ago who had the diagnosis, and he was basically written off by students and parents alike as hopeless and naughty, so that’s kind of what I thought ADHD meant. Now of course I realise that ADHD is so much more complex than just fidgeting or a lack of focus.

At its core, ADHD is about how the brain works. It isn’t about laziness or bad parenting. Kids with ADHD usually want to do well, but their brains process things differently to a neurotypical child. Imagine trying to read a book while a hundred TV channels are flicking on and off in your head at the same time. That’s how it can feel for them. They might lose track of instructions, leave homework half-finished, or burst into tears over something seemingly tiny simply because the day of trying to focus has just been too much.

But here’s the thing nobody says loudly enough: kids with ADHD often have incredible strengths. They can be wildly creative, funny, passionate, and so full of energy for life. Many are deeply compassionate because they feel everything so intensely. I’ve seen children with ADHD stand up for a classmate without a second thought because fairness really matters to them. Their sense of justice, their empathy, and their out-of-the-box thinking can be powerful gifts… if we recognise and celebrate them.

For parents, though, it’s not easy. The days can feel like a rollercoaster. You ask your child to do something simple, like take their pyjamas off in the morning, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a meltdown that you didn’t anticipate. You need to get to dance class on time, but your kid can’t find the ballet bag you just handed them two minutes ago. It’s easy to lose your patience (I’ve been there much more than once, believe me). But the truth is, they really need us to be able to keep our own emotions and patience in check in order for them to move forward.

A few things can help: break big tasks into tiny, manageable steps, keep routines as predictable as you can, give instructions one at a time, and praise effort even when the result isn’t perfect. Yelling rarely fixes anything (even when you’re running late). A hug or a quiet moment of calm often does more.

If you’re parenting a child with ADHD, please remember this: it isn’t your fault, and it isn’t theirs either. Some days will feel impossible. But with patience, understanding, and the right support, these kids can thrive. They don’t just need rules; they need cheerleaders. They need us to believe in them loudly, especially on the days when the world seems determined to tell them they’re failing.

Because at the end of the day, ADHD isn’t just about sitting still. It’s about helping our precious, wonderful kids stand tall.