ADHD Coaching: Help Kids Find What’s Right With Them
- Prue Longstaff, Psychotherapist
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
If you're a parent of a child with ADHD (or suspected ADHD), you’ve probably heard a lot about what they can’t do. But what if the real breakthrough came from focusing on what they can?
ADHD can impact everyday life in frustrating ways—forgetfulness, emotional outbursts, anxiety, trouble staying on task, or constant movement. It’s hard watching your child struggle, especially when you know how much potential is inside them. You might have tried checklists, parenting programs, or even medication—and while these can help, sometimes it still feels like something’s missing.
That’s where ADHD coaching, grounded in positive psychology, can make a real difference.
As a counsellor based in Mansfield, VIC working with children and families, I want to introduce you to a different way of supporting your child—one that doesn't just manage symptoms but brings out their strengths.
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s another way to support your child—one that feels more encouraging and less overwhelming—this blog will help. Here's what we’ll cover:
What ADHD coaching is (and how it’s different from therapy)
How positive psychology helps kids build confidence and motivation
The role of strengths assessments in helping your child thrive
Practical, real-life benefits families often see from coaching
Why your child doesn’t need “fixing”—they need understanding
How to get started if you think coaching might be a good fit
So, What Is ADHD Coaching?
ADHD coaching is practical, supportive, and forward-focused. It helps kids (and teens) learn how to manage challenges like time management, focus, emotional regulation, and getting started on tasks. But more than that—it gives them tools to feel more in control of their own brains.
Unlike traditional counselling, which often looks at the past or deeper emotional issues, ADHD coaching zooms in on everyday challenges and works alongside your child to build new skills. Together, we look at what’s working, what’s getting in the way, and how to move forward.
Think of it like having a coach in your child’s corner—someone who “gets it,” who sees their strengths, and who can guide them through the tricky parts with understanding and encouragement.
Why Positive Psychology Changes the Game
So many kids with ADHD end up feeling like they’re always in trouble, especially at school, and often need extra student support. They’re often told to “try harder,” “calm down,” or “focus,” without being shown how. Over time, this can chip away at their confidence.
Positive psychology flips the script.
Instead of only focusing on problems, it asks: What’s already working here? What lights this child up? What are they naturally good at?
This approach doesn’t ignore challenges—it just says that’s not the whole story. Every child has strengths. Every child has qualities worth celebrating. And when we start from that place, kids are far more likely to believe in themselves and take positive steps forward.
The Power of Strengths Assessments
One of the most powerful tools I use in ADHD coaching is a strengths assessment. These gentle, child-friendly questionnaires help us uncover a child’s top character strengths—things like creativity, perseverance, curiosity, humour, kindness, or love of learning.
When we share these strengths with children, something shifts.
They start to see themselves differently. Not just as “the kid who forgets stuff,” but as someone who is also deeply kind or wonderfully inventive or naturally funny.
And when we start to build on those strengths—setting goals that feel doable, using their strengths to solve everyday challenges—they begin to feel more capable. They’re not just “coping”; they’re growing.
What ADHD Coaching (with a Strengths Lens) Can Help With
Here’s what families often tell me after a few months of ADHD coaching:
“She’s more confident in herself.”
“He’s learning how to calm down without always needing us to step in.”
“Mornings aren’t so chaotic anymore.”
“We’re arguing less—it feels like we’re working as a team now.”
“He finally believes he’s good at something.”
Some of the key areas we focus on include:
Emotional regulation (especially those big, fast feelings)
Motivation and starting tasks
Building routines and managing time
Boosting self-worth and reducing negative self-talk
And all of it is built around your child’s unique strengths and learning style.
It’s Not About “Fixing”—It’s About Understanding
You might be feeling tired. Frustrated. Maybe even a little unsure of where to turn next. That’s so common for parents navigating ADHD.
But here’s what I want you to know: your child isn’t broken. They don’t need fixing. What they need is support that sees the full picture of who they are.
At Better You HQ, we offer ADHD-informed coaching that’s down-to-earth, strengths-focused, and tailored to your child’s needs. Whether your child is officially diagnosed, on a waitlist, or you just have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite clicking—we can help.
We also understand that not every child is ready for talk-based counselling. That’s why coaching and VR social skills coaching works so well—it's practical, active, and collaborative. It feels doable.
Let’s Focus on What’s Right With Your Child
If you're ready to move beyond the stress and start building your child’s confidence, self-understanding, and skills, ADHD coaching could be a great next step.
Let’s help your child discover their strengths, learn new tools, and feel proud of who they are—not just because they’re “managing better,” but because they know they’re capable, clever, and worth believing in.
Want to find out more?
I’d love to chat. Book a free 15-minute call to see if ADHD coaching might be the right fit for your child and family. Let’s work together to build a calmer, more connected, and more confident future for your child.
About Prue and Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic
Prue is an ACA registered and qualified child and family counsellor with a passion for helping children and parents navigate emotional challenges. As the founder of Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, she specialises in supporting neurodivergent children, anxiety, emotional regulation, and social-emotional development. With experience in education and a deep understanding of childhood mental health, Prue offers evidence-based, compassionate support to families.
Better You HQ provides in-person counselling in Mansfield, Victoria, and online services Australia-wide, including assessments, emotion coaching, and parent support. Prue believes that emotional skills can be taught and that every child deserves a roadmap to thrive.
