“What did you fail at today?” Seems like a stupid question, but really, it has significant value in helping to humanize failure, to understand trials and errors, and to move forward toward success. So, here’s a unique idea! When your family is seated around the dinner table, ask each one that question. With their answers, you’re actually teaching your kids and yourself how to humanize each other, to be real and to let everyone see that no one is perfect. It also teaches a bit of humility to hear that others have failures, as well. Continue reading “ADHD Tip: Failing Forward at the Dinner Table” →

Can we say that those with ADHD are “voice-activated”? It’s funny that we would apply that phrase to a human when it’s a term usually reserved for electronic devices, but in the case of ADHD, it may be true. For those with ADHD, talking a lot seems to be natural for them. Although they may not be aware of it, talking out loud is actually a good tactic because it eases the load on the working memory system. It’s almost like they need to walk their way through the whole thing so they can get to where they are going. Continue reading “ADHD: Is It Voice Activated?” →

What’s more tempting to you… reading a book online or reading a book you can hold in your hands? Often, people with ADHD gravitate to those shiny and new gadgets in technology, thinking those devices can help, but sometimes it’s old-fashioned paper that is a lot more productive. Why do I say that? Because it can benefit self-regulation. Continue reading “ADHD High Tech: The Advantages of Paper” →

By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 5, 2021

What’s the value in having someone who knows how to use a hammer and hits the right spot? Do-it-yourself sounds good, but there is a cost. I call it tuition at the school of hard knocks, in other words, EXPERIENCE. That’s what I want to share with you here. ADHD is very much a challenge. If you’ve got ADHD and have been struggling to manage it, I encourage you to find a professional who’s got the insight to accelerate your learning. After all, if you get the diagnosis and you get some help, you can really live a fulfilling life. Continue reading “ADHD, DIY, and Help: Knowledge vs Knowledge with Insight” →

If you’ve been surfing ADHD videos on and on and on for hours, you have to realize that you’re struggling with something, and that’s the issue of self-regulation. I’ve often spoken about dopamine being the reward neurotransmitter, and that’s what’s driving this behavior. It’s your brain’s perpetual search for dopamine. The issue is whether you can pay attention to things where you don’t get dopamine. Continue reading “ADHD and YouTube” →

If you have attention deficit hyperactive disorder, you probably find yourself struggling with working memory. What is working memory? It’s the system in your brain that allows you to hold multiple thoughts in mind while you organize and sequence them. It is important to understand what working memory is in relation to ADHD, and this condition can be very problematic when you’re trying to solve problems. Continue reading “ADHD and Working Memory” →

Those who have ADHD usually have trouble managing emotions. That would include episodes of the blues or just generally feeling down or sad, anticipating a negative outcome or even experiencing post-event letdowns. And it’s likely even to become a pattern concerning certain situations. ADHD coach Jeff Copper knows something about it. Continue reading “ADHD and the Blues” →

Several years ago, the question was asked whether ADHD looks different in boys than it does in girls. I was curious to know more about that subject and began searching for an expert who could answer the question. I found Dr. Patricia Quinn, a developmental pediatrician and medical doctor specializing in child development and the treatment of ADHD. Dr. Quinn gave me some eye-opening insight on the subject and agreed to a brief interview on Attention Talk Video. Continue reading “Does ADHD Manifest Differently in Boys and Girls?” →

What are code words? Can code words help ADHD families? We asked Elaine Taylor-Klaus, a professional certified coach and family advocate. With both her professional and personal experience as a mother of five, Elaine explained how code words work in her own family and why they are useful to get someone’s attention, change a course of action, or constrain a meltdown. Continue reading “ADHD Strategies: Using Code Words in ADHD Families” →

Many with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are looking for solutions that don’t involve medications. Some time ago, I had the opportunity to talk about this subject with ADHD coach Brett Thornhill who also has ADHD and can speak from both personal and professional experience. Continue reading “ADHD Non-MEDS: Mindfulness, Exercise, Diet, and Sleep” →