Power Moms Unite

As a family with ADHD, our sense of success with our families can feel limited. As parents we are constantly cheerleading and cajoling our kids to complete their chores, hand in their homework, and follow house rules. It is easy to become focused on negative behavior alone and lose sight of what is going right.

Consider a permanent celebration of your kids’ talents with the creation of an expert wall. Find a prominent wall in your home and hang a framed picture of each child in your family. Then at your next dinner, ask family members to nominate experts from the family. Ask siblings to identify what each other are good at doing. Talents may vary from Expert Clarinet Player, Expert Lego Builder, Expert Hopper, Expert Back Rubber, to Expert at Trying New Things. If kids are having trouble coming up with ideas, ask them who is the expert on various family activities, or talents you see in your kids. Siblings recognizing each other talents help them build appreciation of each other and their gifts while simultaneously building self-esteem. Who doesn’t enjoy being complimented by a brother or sister? After your meeting, type up the lists, frame, and hang under your children’s portraits.

Every few months review your experts and update as your kids grow and develop new gifts. Encourage your children to refer to the wall when seeking guidance with homework or coaching, who is a math expert or a piano playing expert? Educate your experts about the practices of a good teacher. Encourage them to be both knowledgeable and patient when they share their knowledge and experience. Celebrate the evolution of your wonderful children!