It is essential to focus on the strengths of individuals with ADHD while also acknowledging and accepting the challenges of the disorder. Those with ADHD need to understand how their brain works and how that affects their daily lives. Therefore, parents of children with ADHD need to do the same in order to provide their children with the needed support, modifications, accommodations, and advocacy. 

As a person with ADHD, this author enjoys the language of neurodivergence and focusing on strengths. However, that does not include denial of the issues. Acceptance of the realities of the challenges of ADHD along with identifying and capitalizing on strengths are essential for effective interventions. Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents, Fourth Edition* will help parents and those with ADHD to better understand the diagnosis and provide insight into tools for treatment.

*Highlighted links are affiliate links that do not cost the buyer anything but generate a small referral fee back to the website owner.

This book is an excellent foundation for your ADHD parenting journey. The information is structured in a way that helps parents understand the process of parenting children with ADHD. I recommend purchasing it if you suspect your child may have ADHD, but it is also a great parenting book overall.

Cindy's book is the basis of many parent and teacher workshops we offer. We are also considering creating a group for parents of children with ADHD. It would likely be a virtual group that meets during lunch on a weekday. If you would be interested in such a group, please let us know by clicking HERE.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which is no extra cost to you.

ADHD Resources Link

What to expect on the website...

Services - Links to a list and explanation of our services are provided on the home page and the "Services" tab at the top of the page. I am currently waiting on approval of my ALC license, so, at the time of this writing, counseling services are not yet available.

Book an appointment - GCFS offers a FREE 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are the right fit for your needs. Book right here on the website!

Community Resources & Family Fun - Both of these resources can be accessed from the top of the home page of the website. Check out both pages and please let us know if you have some information we need to add. Use the contact page to reach out.

YouTube - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for videos on the various topics in which we specialize.

Social Media - Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter where we post our information as well as promote other great resources that are available.

Blog - This blog will include book reviews, promotion of what is happening on YouTube, and more.

And More to Come - There are lots of ideas floating around that will eventually make it to the light. Plus, I am back in school working towards an Education Specialist Degree where I am focusing on advocacy in Special Education. So other ideas may be created as I move through that educational process.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I look forward to serving you and our community in 2021 and beyond.

- Monica J. Peak, MA, NCC

We have been through it, haven't we? So much happened and didn't happen in 2020. Unfortunately, 2021 has not started too great either. I have also been reflecting on several personal difficulties experienced this year and in years past. I wasn't sure what to do with all the pain, hurt, frustration, and disappointment. I mean, I have been processing and dealing and coping and creating strategies and still, the pile-on is (insert raspberry spitting or your favorite choice word here).

So, what's the deal? How do we heal and move on in 2021 in a healthy way? I highly recommend counseling. I have also learned a lot about myself and those around me through studying the Enneagram. A solid introduction to the amazing world of the Enneagram is The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and his podcast Typology. Another resource that allowed me to learn and explore the concept of internal boundaries is the book Boundaries for Your Soul by Alison Cook, Ph.D., and Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT. **

Okay! So, what is my word for 2021 already? I've decided my word is...

Expectations

A few weeks ago, while listening to the Typology podcast, Ian Morgan Cron said he has a sponsor who says,

"Expectations are resentments waiting to happen." *

I would love to tell you that I had this wonderful epiphany upon hearing the phrase and everything became clear.

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That is not what happened.

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Instead, hearing the phrase hit me some kind of way. However, I was busy working on all my expectations of Christmas, and in typical Enneagram 7 fashion, I was in no mood for hard feelings. So I tossed it in the back of my mind to ponder later. Big mistake.

The fact is that I am usually pretty good at managing my expectations. What I didn't realize is that I have some long-held expectations of how family, marriage, my relationships with my kids, traditions, and so on "SHOULD" look.

These are expectations that I need to investigate. Did they come from me or my family of origin? Are they bringing me joy or pain? Do they still apply or do they need to be adjusted? What are appropriate boundaries in the context of any expectations that need to be adjusted?

These are not questions that will be easy to answer and I am sure that more will come. Additionally, I want to create positive expectations for myself, my relationships, and my business through healthy goals that are balanced by boundaries and managing my expectations of others.

So, now I will spend 2021 thinking about that word, expectations, and how it applies to my life. The exercise is not just in considering expectations of the past to bring healing, but also being mindful of my expectations moving forward to bring growth.

Now, what is your word for 2021? I would love to hear about it on our social media posts.

* According to the interwebs, the quote Ian Morgan Crohn mentioned is original to Anne Lamott.

** Affiliate links pay a small commission to me at no cost to you.