Encouraging Self-Reflection: A Key to Success in ADHD Coaching for Teens

One powerful way to do this is by helping them develop metacognitive skills through self-reflection.

As parents of teens with ADHD, we understand the importance of supporting our children in every aspect of their lives. One powerful way to do this is by helping them develop metacognitive skills through self-reflection. Metacognition, simply put, is thinking about thinking. By asking the right questions, we can guide our teens to reflect on their successes in ADHD coaching, embedding those successes and fostering a curiosity about change.

Self-reflection allows teens to think about what they are learning

Self-reflection allows teens to think about what they are learning, how, and why it is important. It helps them become more aware of their strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately leading to greater self-regulation and independence. As parents, we can facilitate this process by asking open-ended questions that encourage deeper thinking. For example, instead of asking, "Did you have a good coaching session?" we could ask, "What did you learn from your coaching session that you can apply to other areas of your life?"

By reflecting on their progress, they can better understand what strategies are working for them and what areas they still need to work on.

According to Dr. Russell Barkley, a leading expert in ADHD, "Self-reflection is a critical skill for teens with ADHD. By reflecting on their progress, they can better understand what strategies are working for them and what areas they still need to work on." This quote highlights the importance of guiding our teens to think about their progress in coaching and how it relates to their overall goals.

By fostering a culture of self-reflection in our homes, we are not only helping our teens succeed in ADHD coaching but also setting them up for success in life. Self-reflection promotes mindfulness, resilience, and a growth mindset, all of which are essential for navigating the challenges of adolescence and beyond.

Here are some questions you can ask your teen to help them self-reflect on their successes with ADHD coaching:

1. What strategies or techniques were most helpful in your coaching sessions?

2. Can you explain why those strategies worked well for you?

3. Were there any moments in your coaching sessions where you felt particularly proud of yourself? What did you do that led to that feeling?

4. What challenges did you encounter during your coaching sessions, and how did you overcome them?

5. Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently in your coaching sessions?

6. How do you think your coaching sessions have helped you in other areas of your life, such as school or relationships?

7. What additional strategies or techniques could make your coaching sessions even more successful?

8. Have you noticed any changes in your thinking or behaviour due to your coaching sessions? If so, can you describe them?

9. How do you feel about your progress so far in your coaching journey?

10. What goals do you have for yourself moving forward in your coaching sessions, and how do you plan to achieve them?