When parents reach out for ADHD coaching, they often expect me to work directly with their child. It makes sense—after all, the challenges they’re facing seem to stem from their child’s behavior. But here’s what surprises many parents: I don’t coach kids. Instead, I work exclusively with parents—because that’s where real, lasting change happens.
If you’re wondering why, you’re not alone. Many parents initially hesitate when they learn I don’t work directly with children. But after coaching, they realize why supporting you is the most effective way to help your ADHD child thrive. Let me explain...
1. Parents Are the Biggest Influence on Their Child’s Development
Research consistently shows that parents are the primary influence on a child's development until around age 12, shaping their social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral growth. This is due to the extensive time children spend with parents and the modeling of behaviors, values, and attitudes that occur in their parenting style, interactions, and the environment they provide.
Around age 12, as children enter adolescence, peer influence becomes stronger, and while parents' roles remain crucial, they shift to a more supportive, guiding role as children turn to friends and social groups for guidance. At this point, it may make sense to find an ADHD coach or executive function coach for your child to work with directly.
This doesn’t mean outside help for children under age 12 isn’t valuable—it absolutely is, especially when other challenges are present like anxiety or OCD for example. But strategies work best when parents are equipped to reinforce them consistently at home, in the moment when it matters most.
When parents transform their approach, kids experience a ripple effect of positive change. It’s not about controlling your child’s behavior—it’s about leading with consistency, empathy, and the right tools.
ADHD Parent Coaching helps you:
✅ Understand your child’s ADHD brain and how it affects behavior.
✅ Shift from constant battles to collaboration and connection.
✅Influence their confidence and resilience. When you understand ADHD and respond effectively, your child feels safer, stronger, and more capable.
2. The Parent-Child Relationship is the Foundation for ADHD Success
ADHD children thrive when they feel understood, supported, and safe. And no one can provide that foundation better than you.
As a parent, you are your child’s primary emotional anchor. Your reactions, tone, and energy directly impact their ability to regulate emotions and navigate challenges. This is especially true for kids with ADHD, who often struggle with self-regulation.
Why This Matters:
✅ The parent-child bond is stronger than any professional relationship, making you the most effective coach in their life.
✅ Children learn emotional regulation through co-regulation—which means they borrow calm from you.
✅ With the right support, parents can create an environment where their ADHD child feels safe, understood, and empowered.
3. ADHD Skills Don’t Always Transfer from Office Settings to Real Life
Many ADHD kids receive therapy or attend groups in a school or office setting to learn social skills or executive function strategies yet still struggle in real-world situations. Why? Because skills learned in controlled environments don’t always translate into daily life.
The Problem with Traditional Approaches:
Skills don’t generalize. What works in a therapist’s office may not work in a home or school environment when other factors are at play. Research shows that intervention at the "point of performance" is most effective. That’s where parents come in. When you’re equipped with ADHD-friendly tools, you can support your child in the moment, reinforcing skills when they matter most.
Kids often forget strategies. ADHD impacts working memory, making it difficult for children to recall and apply what they learned when they need it most.
An hour a week isn't enough. A coach or therapist sees them for an hour a week. You’re with your child mornings, evenings, weekends... You’re there for the moments that really shape their development. Coaching parents leads to more sustainable, long-term change.
Parents, not professionals, manage the environment. ADHD kids thrive on predictability, consistency, and clear expectations. Implementing structure, routines, and other environmental supports at home are the foundation of ADHD success. Parents provide this scaffolding until the child reaches independence for a specific task or skill.
Experts Recommend Parent Training
According to the CDC, American Psychology Association (APA), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is recommended that healthcare providers refer parents of ADHD children younger than 12 years old for training in behavior therapy.
For children younger than 6 years old, parent training in behavior management is recommended before prescribing ADHD medication.
Much of my parent coaching session time includes education on behavior management tools and techniques while empowering parents, the experts on their own child, to experiment with and implement what will work in their daily rhythm and what results in the most impact for their family.
What ADHD Parent Coaching Looks Like
Many parents wonder, “If this isn’t about fixing my child, what does coaching actually involve?" Your child isn't broken and doesn't need fixing. Parent coaching is about giving parents the tools to support their child better.
There is no one right way to bring up a child. But there are ways to do what you do with less stress and more happiness, given your own talents, strengths, and environment, so your children can develop as an individual.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🔹 Understanding ADHD Beyond the Labels
• The brain-based science behind ADHD behavior.
• Why traditional discipline methods often backfire.
🔹 Emotional Regulation & Nervous System Support
• How to stay calm when your child is dysregulated.
• The power of co-regulation and reducing emotional meltdowns.
🔹 Practical, ADHD-Friendly Parenting Tools
• How to set up home routines that actually work.
• Effective communication strategies that reduce conflict.
ADHD coaching is about empowering you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to create a home environment where your child can truly thrive.
💡One of my clients, Tamara M. put it best in her Facebook review: "Jennifer helped us so much to see a different perspective and use a better approach when parenting our little boy. Life changing. Highly recommend her services! She was able to guide us and give us wonderful tools to better parent him…Forever grateful!"
Ready to Support Your ADHD Child More Effectively?
If you’re tired of feeling frustrated, exhausted, or unsure how to help your child, I’m here to help. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let’s talk about how coaching can transform your child’s experience—by empowering you.
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