Empower Your ADHD Teens Journey: Tools and Strategies for Success in School and Life.
Thriving With ADHD with Dr.Anders Osborne Ph.D.
Introduction: Dr.Anders Osborne Ph.D.
Crafted by Dr. Anders Osborne, Ph.D., an ADHD adult, ADHD mother, and an ADHD educator for 30 years, I Teach To Reach ADHD Coaching specializes in guiding ADHD children aged 6 to 12 and teens aged 13 to 18. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise, Dr. Osborne empowers educators, equips parents with compassionate skills, and coaches youth and teens in essential life skills tailored to ADHD individuals. These skills include fostering a positive understanding of ADHD, mastering study techniques, honing social skills, and organizing school, home, and life. Through comprehensive online classes and coaching sessions, I Teach To Reach provides a structured platform for ADHD youth and teens to develop self-monitoring abilities and create fulfilling lives through skill-building.
Thriving with ADHD: A Guide for Teens
Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know has ADHD. First of all, let’s get one thing straight: having ADHD doesn’t define you. It’s just a part of who you are, and with the right tools and support, you can rock your life, both in school and beyond. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate through some common challenges and empower you to succeed.
Understanding and Seeking Help
1. Recognize the Skills You Need Help With Start by identifying the areas where you struggle the most. Common challenges for teens with ADHD include:
Organizational Skills: Keeping track of assignments, managing time, and maintaining an organized workspace.
Study and Test-Taking Skills: Understanding how to study effectively, breaking down test questions, and managing exam anxiety.
Impulse and Anger Management: Learning to control impulsive behaviors and managing emotions constructively.
Social Skills: Building and maintaining healthy friendships, communicating effectively, and resolving conflicts.
2. Communicating with Teachers
Teachers can be amazing allies. Here’s how to approach them:
Find the Right Moment: Catch your teacher after class or during office hours when they’re not too busy.
Be Honest and Specific: Explain that you have ADHD and share specific challenges you’re facing. For example, “I have ADHD, and I struggle with organizing my homework. Could you help me develop a system to keep track of my assignments?”
Ask for Specific Help: Whether it’s breaking down essay questions, understanding test formats, or setting deadlines, be clear about what you need.
3. Finding a Mentor
A mentor can guide you through the ups and downs of life with ADHD. Here’s how to find one:
Look Around You: This could be a teacher, coach, family friend, or community member you admire.
Reach Out: Don’t be afraid to ask. Say something like, “I look up to you and was wondering if you could be my mentor to help me with [specific skills].”
Be Open: Be honest about the areas you need help with, whether it’s time management, study techniques, or emotional regulation.
4. Talking to Your Parents
Your parents are there to help you, but they might not always understand what you’re going through. Here’s how to communicate effectively:
Choose the Right Time: Find a calm moment to talk without distractions.
Express Your Needs: Use “I” statements to explain how you feel. For example, “I feel overwhelmed with my homework because I have trouble organizing my tasks.”
Ask for Specific Help: Whether it’s setting up a homework routine, finding a tutor, or getting emotional support, be clear about what you need.
Developing Essential Skills
Organizational Skills
Use a Planner: Write down all your assignments and deadlines.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Tackle one thing at a time.
Set Reminders: Use your phone or alarms to remind you of important tasks.
Study and Test-Taking Skills
Create a Study Schedule: Set specific times for studying each subject.
Practice with Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with test formats.
Break Down Questions: Understand each part of an essay or test question before answering.
Impulse and Anger Management
Identify Triggers: Know what situations make you impulsive or angry.
Pause and Reflect: Take a deep breath and count to ten before reacting.
Seek Support: Ask for help from a trusted adult when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Social Skills
Choose Friends Wisely: Surround yourself with supportive, positive people.
Communicate Openly: Share your feelings and listen to others.
Resolve Conflicts Calmly: Practice walking away or finding a compromise.
Building a Successful Life
What is Success? Success isn’t just about grades. It’s about feeling good about yourself, building healthy relationships, and pursuing your passions.
Strategies for Success
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into achievable steps.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Stay Positive: Focus on your strengths and the progress you’re making.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the right support and strategies, you can overcome the challenges of ADHD and achieve amazing things. Stay strong, stay focused, and believe in yourself — you’ve got this!
Feel free to reach out if you need more tips or just someone to talk to. We’re all in this together!
Dr.Anders Osborne Ph.D.
Website: I-Teach-to-Reach-ADHD-Coaching.com: bit.ly/4a52ftl
Book a free 30-minute inquiry call: bit.ly/3IgD6Q
Publications: “Thriving With ADHD Newsletter”: bit.ly/4f3nYoW
Dr. Anders Osborne PhD Newsletter: bit.ly/3VVwQEh
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