PAP 007: 10 Easy Strategies to Build Self-Esteem in Kids with ADHD, with Jackie Flynn
PAP 007:
10 Easy Strategies to Build Self-Esteem in Kids with ADHD
with Jackie Flynn
What parents of kids with ADHD (and/or autism) want more than anything is for our kids to succeed. And, yet, success can be elusive with the many challenges and hurdles a neurodevelopmental disorder like ADHD adds. That’s why providing opportunities for successes and wins for kids with ADHD must be a crucial part of your parenting plan. In this episode, pediatric neurologist, Dr. Sarah Cheyette, and I discuss how to help your child win with ADHD. We’re not simply talking about nurturing talents and interests, but also about teaching our kids resilience and showing them that they can, indeed, do hard things and succeed.
Resources in this Episode
NOTE: Some of the resources below may be affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission (at no cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
*Be the thermostat, not the thermometer – respond rather than react.
*Focus on the donut, not the hole.
10 Strategies to Build Self-Esteem in Kids with ADHD:
- Looking in your child’s eyes — says “I matter”
- Be a good model and label emotions
- Have a good fun to work ratio
- Spend present time with your child each day
- Unconditional acceptance (every when it’s hard)
- The 20-second hug
- Give your child permission to be human
- Set the stage for healthy attachment
- Recognize accomplishments, even the small stuff (not praise)
- Smile at first sight (Jackie’s favorite)
Trauma creates hyper-vigilance: EMDR therapy, mindfulness, and play therapy are very effective for trauma.
Books:
My Guest
DR. SARAH CHEYETTE, MD
Jackie Flynn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Education Specialist, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Hypnotherapist, and a Certified School Counselor. Jackie helps children and their families at her thriving Play Therapy and Expressive Arts private practice in Central Florida. She also helps parents persevere through the challenges of parenthood through her podcast, Parenting in the Rain: Insights from the Experts and her online business at Jackie Flynn Consulting, where she offers Parent Coaching, Consulting Services, and Online Training.
Where to find Jackie:
Thanks for joining me!
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Thank you Penny for your pod casts. I am a single dad and my wonderful son is 11/grade 6 and has ADD (It doesn’t present as hyperactivity but inattention). I am only on episode 7 but listen and learn every morning. I am in the process now of working through the process of having his 2nd Ed. Psych. Assessment (and the 1st one since being on medication) and subsequent accommodations and learning plan. It has been an excercise for me in balancing patience and advocating for my son with his school. It takes so long to get things done and wish I knew more earlier. I have a sense of urgency that sometimes isn’t reciprocated by the school staff.
Yes! Waiting for others is tough. The schools definitely don’t have the urgency parents feel.