Tips for Introducing Your Child to Executive Function Coaching
Coaching can be an effective executive dysfunction treatment because it offers personalized support, structured guidance, and strategies tailored to individual needs. This approach helps students manage their time, stay organized, and achieve their goals more effectively.
Some quick stats about the success of coaching include:
80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence.
70% of students show improvement in academic performance and executive functioning skills after engaging in coaching.
75% of students feel more motivated and less stressed with the help of coaching.
But, introducing coaching to your child may be challenging. In many cases, students are open to finding an effective way to manage their academic and personal lives because, after all, coaching is there to help them succeed.
So how do you broach the subject? Here we’ll provide you with some of our favorite tips and strategies.
At Happy Student, we focus on executive functioning coaching and ADHD coaching for teens and college students. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate this important conversation with that age group.
Positioning
This Isn’t a Fix, It’s a Support System
For those with executive dysfunction, ADHD, or any form of neurodivergence, their brains are wired differently, and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with them as individuals; they just need support tailored to how their brains function. Some of the biggest, brightest, and most successful people have similar challenges. Normalize coaching by discussing how various types of people, including high-achievers and celebrities, use coaching to enhance their lives. It’s about building a support system that helps them thrive, not fixing something that’s broken.
We are truly passionate about this statement. Our founder is neurodivergent with ADHD, and many of our coaches either have ADHD and/or executive dysfunction or have children who do. For so many, understanding that they even have this is almost like a relief. Yes, you face challenges, but you have a name for it. You're not alone, and there are solutions available. You don't have to dislike yourself for the way you are — everyone is facing something, and you're still incredible. Embracing your unique way of thinking can lead to discovering strengths you never knew you had. With the right support, you can learn to harness your abilities, navigate your challenges, and build a fulfilling life.
Success Doesn’t Happen Alone
Every successful person has a team behind them, whether it’s the social media influencers they watch, CEOs, or athletes. Success happens when people have the right support and resources. Explain that coaching is like having a personal guide who helps them navigate their challenges and reach their goals. It’s a partnership aimed at unlocking their full potential.
Goal Achievement and Benefits
Discuss how coaching can lead to personal growth, improved skills, and greater clarity. Coaches help students set realistic goals, develop action plans, and stay accountable. This structured approach leads to tangible benefits, such as better time management, enhanced study skills, and increased self-confidence. Emphasize that coaching is a tool for achieving their dreams and becoming their best selves.
The Environment
How to Introduce the Idea
Timing and setting are crucial when introducing the idea of coaching. Choose a calm moment when your child is relaxed and open to conversation. Explain the benefits and how coaching can make their life easier and more fulfilling. Use positive language and focus on how it can help them achieve their goals.
Finding Connection
Establishing a connection during the conversation with your child about coaching is crucial. Relate to them by sharing your own experiences with seeking help or support. Explain times when you needed assistance, whether it was hiring a tutor, consulting a mentor, or even using an app to stay organized. By sharing your personal stories, you can show that everyone needs help at times and that it's a normal part of life.
This approach makes the conversation more relatable and helps your child understand that seeking coaching is a positive and proactive step, not something to be ashamed of. Emphasize that coaching is about building a support network that empowers them to succeed, just as you have benefited from support in your own life.
Making It A Two-Way Dialogue
Ensure that the conversation about coaching is a two-way dialogue. Listen to your child’s concerns and questions. Address any misconceptions they might have and involve them in the decision-making process. Their buy-in is essential for the success of the coaching relationship.
Explaining The Process
How Executive Functioning Coaching Works
Provide a quick overview of how executive functioning coaching works. Coaches assess the student's strengths and challenges, then develop personalized strategies to help them manage tasks and stay organized. The process includes setting goals, creating action plans, and regular check-ins to monitor progress.
Where Coaching Takes Place
Coaching can be incredibly flexible and accessible, designed to fit seamlessly into your child’s busy schedule. At Happy Student, we offer virtual coaching sessions, which typically take place weekly or bi-weekly via Zoom. This allows students to connect with their coaches from the comfort of their own home, dorm room, or any other location where they feel comfortable and focused.
We understand that support is not just needed during scheduled sessions, which is why we provide ongoing assistance through our dedicated app. This app allows for communication through texting and voice notes, enabling students to reach out to their coach whenever they encounter a challenge or need guidance. Whether it’s a quick question about managing a deadline or a need for some encouragement before a big test, the app ensures that help is always at their fingertips.
Our goal is to be there for your child whenever and wherever they need us, making the coaching process as convenient and supportive as possible. This continuous access to support helps students stay on track, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally.
How Long Coaching Is Needed
Coaching duration varies based on individual needs. Some students see significant progress and “aha” moments early on, while others benefit from longer-term support. Typically, noticeable transformations occur after a few months. Regardless of the duration, the focus is on achieving lasting results.
Additional Tips for Introducing Your Student to Coaching
Share Success Stories: Discuss stories of other students who have benefited from coaching.
Highlight the Coach’s Role: Emphasize that coaches are there to support, not criticize.
Reassure and Encourage: Provide reassurance and encouragement throughout the process.
Be Patient: Give your child time to warm up to the idea of coaching.
Follow Up: Check in regularly to see how they feel about starting coaching sessions.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate any progress made, no matter how small.
By using these tips and strategies, you can help your child see the value of coaching and encourage them to take the first steps towards a more organized and successful future!
Executive Functioning Coaching at Happy Student
Looking for an executive functioning coach or ADHD coach for your child? Happy Student specializes in helping teens and college students thrive! Our dedicated team understands the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and is committed to providing personalized support to help your child succeed.
We'd love to chat more about the specific challenges your child is facing and discuss how our coaching programs may be a perfect fit for their needs. Book your free discovery call here to learn more about how we can support your child's journey towards greater organization, confidence, and academic success.
Sources:
International Coach Federation. "ICF Global Coaching Client Study". 2017.
Journal of Attention Disorders. "Impact of Coaching on Students with ADHD". 2018.
The ADHD Report. "Coaching Outcomes for Adolescents". 2019.
