When parents call to explore possible ADHD coaching for their teen/young adult, a question that can come up is how parents can convince their son or daughter to try ADHD coaching.
Coaching is not is not something that happens to someone – it’s a process that people need to be committed to. All coaching, including ADHD coaching, is about intentional change and parents or others cannot successfully convince someone to participate in coaching if they are not interested in the process.
Although some young people begin coaching with the gentle nudge from their parents, teens and young adults who make the best use of ADHD coaching…
- have the ability to step back to see what is working (and not working) in their lives
- are willing to accept help
- are honest with themselves and the coach
- and have the desire to change strategies, habits and attitudes that are not serving them.
So how does one prime the pump as a parent, nudging someone to at least explore the idea of ADHD coaching? It’s all about sharing what coaching is – and is not.
When the teen/young adult seems receptive, share with them information from this website or online sources. Talk with them about how sports coaches or music teachers work by helping people increase their skills and have more fun. ADHD coaches work in a similar way, assisting their clients learn personalized strategies, tools and new habits so that there is more time to enjoy fun things outside school or work.
When I talk with teens and emerging adults about ADHD coaching, the feedback that I get is:
- Coaching is empowering as it provides nonjudgmental and supportive structure, while allowing clients to build skills and strategies for future success.
- Young people enjoy the unique relationship between client and coach, one in which they are in the “driver’s seat,” setting the agenda for the coaching sessions.
- Teens and emerging adults like having someone they are accountable to (other than their parents) while they learn to be more independent and accountable to themselves.
I often talk with teens and young adults in an introductory call, sharing that I “get” ADHD personally and professionally. We talk generally about what school or life is like for them, what’s easy for them and what is a little more difficult, how ADHD can get in their way, and then we talk about ADHD coaching, if appropriate. Even if young people are not ready or interested in ADHD coaching, just having a conversation with someone who understands and who offers nonjudgmental support (and a little bit of laughter) often makes a big difference!
So let me know how I can help you – or your teen/young adult. I am happy to assist you in any way I can.
