What Is a Growth Mindset (and Why ADHD Kids Need It)

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can improve with effort. ADHD kids often internalize failure early—so teaching them to see challenges as opportunities is powerful.

Here’s how to start:

1. Praise process, not outcome — “You worked hard,” not “You’re so smart.”
2. Normalize mistakes — Share your own and how you grew from them.
3. Use “yet” language — “You haven’t figured this out yet.”

Growth mindset builds confidence that isn’t based on perfection—it’s based on progress.

If you’d like to learn more about the science behind growth mindset, check out the work of psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, especially her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

Why Consistency Matters (and How to Make It Happen)

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

Consistency can feel impossible—especially when life is chaotic. But it’s the #1 thing that helps ADHD kids feel safe and capable.

Start small:

1. Pick one routine to protect — Like bedtime or homework start time.
2. Use visual cues — A chart, checklist, or timer helps you stay on track.
3. Expect hiccups — Progress, not perfection.
   

Consistency builds trust. And trust makes everything else easier.

Learn More

The Power of “Special Time”

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

ADHD kids often hear more correction than praise. That’s why “special time”—just 10–15 minutes of focused, no-strings-attached connection—can change everything.

Here’s how to make it work:

1. Let your child lead — They pick the activity, no teaching or correcting.
2. Be fully present — Phone down. Mind in the moment.
3. End with warmth — A hug or “I love spending time with you” goes a long way.

When kids feel seen, they act out less. And “special time” fills your tank, too.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

Logical Consequences Done Right

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
Logical consequences are different from punishment. They’re meant to teach—not to hurt. For ADHD kids, they work best when they’re respectful, relevant, and reasonable.

Here’s how to use them:

1. Make it related — “You left your bike out, so you need to bring it in before playing
   tomorrow.”
2. Keep your tone calm — The delivery matters as much as the consequence.
3. Offer a chance to try again — “Let’s practice putting it away together.”

When done right, consequences build skills—and trust.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

Natural Consequences: What They Are and Why They Work

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

Sometimes the best teacher is reality. Natural consequences happen on their own. When your child forgets their homework and gets a lower grade—they learn from experience, not from you lecturing.

Here’s how to use them wisely:

• Don’t rescue too fast — Let discomfort teach, when it’s safe to do so.
• Stay supportive, not scolding — “That was hard. What might help next time?”
• Debrief when emotions settle — Reflection builds insight.
  

Natural consequences teach cause and effect—without you being the bad guy.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

Teaching Accountability Without Shame

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

ADHD kids mess up—a lot. But how we respond makes all the difference. Shame says, “You’re bad.” Accountability says, “You made a mistake, and you can fix it.” One builds fear. The other builds resilience.

Here’s how to teach accountability:

• Separate behavior from identity — Say, “That choice didn’t work,” not “You’re so careless.”
• Involve them in the solution — Ask, “What can you do to make this right?”
• Acknowledge progress — Even small efforts deserve recognition.

Your child can learn to take responsibility—especially when they know their worth isn’t on the line.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

How to Stay Calm When Your Child Isn’t

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
When your ADHD child is melting down, yelling back feels instinctual. But your calm is their anchor—and the only part of the situation you can control.

Here’s how to find it:

1. Take a pause — Step away for 60 seconds if needed.
2. Use a mantra — Try “This is not an emergency.”
3. Repair after rupture — If you lose your cool, apologize and reconnect.

You’re human. So is your child. Calm is a practice, not a personality trait—and every time you model it, you’re teaching something powerful.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

5 Criteria for Effective Discipline (Jane Nelsen)

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

Discipline means “to teach”—not “to punish.” These five criteria from Dr. Jane Nelsen can guide you when correcting your ADHD child:

• Is it kind and firm? Respectful, not harsh or passive.
• Does it teach life skills? Like problem-solving or emotional regulation.
• Does it strengthen the relationship? Discipline should connect, not divide.
• Is it effective long-term? Punishment may work once, but it rarely lasts.
• Does it help the child feel capable? ADHD kids need to believe they can do better.

You can set limits and still be loving. That’s what makes discipline effective.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition.
Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

Encouragement vs. Praise: What’s the Difference?

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

Praise sounds like: “You’re so smart!” Encouragement sounds like: “You worked hard, and it paid off.” ADHD kids need encouragement—because it helps them focus on effort, not
perfection.

Try this:

1. Describe what you saw — “You kept trying even when you got frustrated.”
2. Focus on progress — “You remembered your backpack today—great job!”
3. Avoid labels — Instead of “You’re the best reader,” say, “I love how you’re practicing.”
   

Encouragement builds internal motivation—and helps your child feel seen for who they are, not just what they produce.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More

Why Punishment Backfires with ADHD Kids

Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

You didn’t sign up to be a drill sergeant—but sometimes it feels like that’s the only thing that gets results. The problem? Punishment may stop the behavior in the moment, but it doesn’t build skills—and with ADHD kids, it often backfires.

If you’d like to learn more about the Positive Discipline approach, check out Dr. Jane Nelsen’s book Positive Discipline or visit positivediscipline.com.

Here’s what to try when punishment backfires:

1. Stay connected — Kids learn best from people they feel safe with.
2. Teach “do-overs” — Let them try again with support. “Let’s practice asking without
   yelling.”
3. Replace shame with structure — Clear expectations + empathy = better behavior over
   time.
   

ADHD kids aren’t trying to make you miserable. They need discipline that teaches—not discipline that wounds.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.

Learn More