In recent years I have discovered that I have a knack for helping young women cultivate the means to take charge of their lives and thrive with ADHD. Currently, my youngest client in this demographic started with me at the age of 19.
A parent will contact me and explain their concerns, and then I speak with the adult child (who is actually the prospective client, not the parent). If there’s a connection and they feel heard, we will work together.
It can be harrowing for a parent to fork over four figures in stewardship of their young adult. Once such parent actually voiced this, saying, “Please make good use of our money.” In other words, don’t rip us off. Happily, when such a fiscal risk is taken, it turns out to have been a good investment…as long as the client shows up.
I’ve gotten pretty good at screening prospective clients so they show up. Through coaching as part of an overall support system, these young woman graduate, launch careers, gain agency over their relationship with time, learn and assert healthy boundaries, and their self-esteem flourishes. It has been a joy to witness this process…repeatedly.
Ironically, I can’t help my own adult child. While I have the training to coach him, I lack objectivity when it comes to my son. Moreover, he has no objectivity toward me, so I won’t get his buy-in. At this point, his job is to push back on whatever I have to say…
That is why, if your kid is amenable, hiring a coach is a really good move. Because the coach is the mother they’ll listen to right now. Remember whenever you feel rejected: it’s not about you; it’s about them.
So go easy on yourself and celebrate the fact that you’ve raised an actual human being, and you’re still here to tell about it! And feel free to reach out if you could use a hand with The Launch.
