ADHD Signs Parents Often Miss — And What to Do Next
- Prue Longstaff, Counsellor
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
If you're a parent and you've ever wondered if your child’s hyperactivity, impulsiveness, or daydreaming might be more than just "typical kid behaviour," you’re not alone. More children than ever are being identified with ADHD — and while the label can feel overwhelming, the right support makes a huge difference.
What is ADHD, Really?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child's ability to focus, regulate impulses, and manage energy levels. It’s not caused by bad parenting, sugar, or too much screen time — it's a real, diagnosable medical condition with a strong genetic link.
There are three main types:
Inattentive (often labelled as “daydreamy” or easily distracted)
Hyperactive-Impulsive (restless, constantly moving or talking)
Combined (a mix of both)
Every child with ADHD is different. Some are bouncing off the walls; others quietly drift through the school day, missing key details and struggling to stay on task.
The Stats: ADHD in Australian Kids
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 8.2% of children aged 4–17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. That means in a community like Mansfield VIC, with hundreds of school-aged children, it’s likely that several classrooms have at least one or two kids managing this diagnosis every day.
What’s even more important? Early support matters. Kids with ADHD who receive counselling, behavioural therapy, and academic accommodations are more likely to thrive — both in school and in their relationships.
The Warning Signs Parents Often Miss
Many parents assume ADHD looks like a child who "can’t sit still" or "never listens." But the signs can be subtle, especially in girls, who are often underdiagnosed. Some signs to look out for include:
Constant forgetfulness (homework, lunchbox, jackets)
Big emotional outbursts over small issues
Trouble following multiple-step instructions
Fidgeting or tapping constantly
Daydreaming and zoning out
Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
Talking excessively or interrupting others
If this sounds familiar, you’re not failing as a parent — and your child isn’t being “difficult.” They may just need a different kind of support.
Our Approach: Collaborative and Proactive, Not Punitive
At Better You HQ, we don’t believe in punishment-based strategies or “fixing” kids. Instead, we use Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach — a research-based model that sees challenging behaviour as a sign of lagging skills, not poor motivation.
CPS shifts the focus from asking “How do we make this behaviour stop?” to “What’s getting in the way of this child’s success — and how do we help them build the skills they need?”
Children with ADHD often struggle with flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving. Through CPS, we:
Identify unsolved problems causing distress or conflict
Collaborate with the child to find realistic, mutually satisfying solutions
Support emotional regulation through empathy and trust-building
Lead counsellor, Prue, is formally trained in CPS and has seen remarkable results in using this approach with children and families throughout Mansfield and beyond. Her work is grounded, compassionate, and empowering — helping kids feel seen and understood, not blamed or controlled.
Parents regularly tell us how relieved they feel after working with Prue. It’s not about “getting tougher” — it’s about getting smarter with how we support our children’s needs.
Why Counselling Helps
Our children’s counselling services at Better You HQ are built around each child’s strengths and needs. ADHD isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, so we don’t use a one-size-fits-all method.
Here’s how we support your child:
Emotional regulation: Helping your child learn tools to manage big feelings.
Social skills: Building confidence and improving peer relationships.
Focus and self-esteem: Encouraging growth in areas where they’ve struggled.
Parent support: You’re not alone — we guide families through strategies that work at home and school.
Whether we’re using CPS, play-based therapy, or practical school strategies, our goal is always the same: help kids feel more confident, more capable, and more connected.
Living in Mansfield VIC? Local Support is Here
Raising a child with ADHD can feel isolating, especially in smaller communities. But Mansfield isn’t without resources. At Better You HQ, we’re proud to offer children’s counselling right here in Mansfield VIC — because no family should have to drive hours for quality mental health support.
Our team is experienced, down-to-earth, and deeply committed to helping kids feel understood and capable. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you're still in the "is this something more?" phase, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
Take the Next Step
If you're noticing signs of ADHD in your child, or if they’ve already been diagnosed and you need local support, don’t wait. Early intervention can ease your child’s frustration and boost their confidence where it matters most — at home, in school, and in their friendships.
At Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, we specialise in children’s counselling and offer expert, personalised ADHD support rooted in Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions — right here in Mansfield VIC.
Contact us: Friendly, confidential consultations available. You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to help.
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, parents and adults 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.
