When Judy Mahr-Richardson (Kaleidscope Coaching and Counseling) first meets with new ADHD clients, she begins by sharing what ADHD is and isn’t and describes what families might be experiencing at home, work, and school. At this point she is often met with an incredulous, “Have you been living in my house? How did you know?!“
As Judy explains in her blog Just Give Her the Glasses, this often is the first time families struggling with an ADHD diagnosis feel seen, heard, and understood. Judy has spent over 23 years supporting families (including her own!) with tools to help individuals with ADHD thrive.
This is not unlike finally finding the right pair of glasses to help you see when you’ve been struggling to see the board in school or to read your computer screen at work. We don’t shame people for needing corrective lenses, so why would we shame children (or adults) with challenges focusing?
If you are looking for tools to support your family as you navigate the joys and challenges of ADHD, Judy and Kathy are teaming up to offer their Spill the Tea on ADHD workshop on January 31. Understand the science behind how ADHD affects brain function and learn about and experience tools to support loved ones with ADHD.
In the meantime, try this quick movemindfully strategy to improve focus and get your brain online and ready for whatever you need to do next:
Slowly Sway – Stand with your arms at your sides and begin to slowly sway by letting your arms swing loosely around you. This swaying is a regulating movement that can bring low energy up or discharge high energy in a safe way. As your arms cross in front of your body you are fostering neural connections between the right and left hemispheres, helping your brain get more organized and focused. The added benefit for children is it allows their bodies to move in a regulating way while listening to instructions about what is happening next.
Like this tip? Join Judy and Kathy at Spill the Tea on ADHD on January 31