What Positive Discipline Really Means
Based on the Positive Discipline approach by Dr. Jane Nelsen
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe, a pediatrician with expertise in ADHD.
Positive Discipline isn’t permissive—it’s an intentional way of parenting that teaches kids responsibility, respect, and problem-solving skills without shame or punishment. And it works especially well for kids with ADHD.
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 how to start:
- Be kind and firm at the same time — “I love you, and the answer is no” sets boundaries with connection.
- Focus on solutions — Ask, “What do we need to do differently next time?”
- Model what you want to teach — Show respect to get respect.
Kids with ADHD need more than consequences—they need coaches. And you’re already on your way.
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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.
How ADHD Shapes the Parent-Child Relationship
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
Parenting a child with ADHD is rewarding—but also exhausting. The cycle of reminders, meltdowns, and missed expectations can strain even the closest bond.
Here are 3 small ways to keep the relationship strong:
- Take breaks during conflict — A few minutes of space can prevent words you both regret.
- Celebrate small wins — Did they start homework on their own? Say so!
- Repair and reconnect often — A hug, a joke, or a note can go a long way after a tough
moment.
ADHD can complicate parenting—but it can also deepen connection when we lead with compassion. You’re doing more right than you realize.
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.
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What ADHD Kids Really Need After a “Bad Day”
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
When your child has had a rough day—school trouble, sibling fights, emotional outbursts—it’s tempting to jump into lecture mode. But ADHD kids don’t learn well when they feel ashamed.
Here’s what they need instead:
- Connection before correction — Sit beside them, offer a hug, let them know you’re on
their team. - Lead with empathy — Saying “That sounds like a hard day” opens the door to reflection.
- Wait until calm to talk — Problem-solving works better when emotions aren’t flooding
their system.
Your child already knows they messed up. What they don’t always know is that you still see the good in them. Show them that first.
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.
Understanding Rejection Sensitivity in ADHD
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe. ADHD isn’t just about attention—it also affects how kids experience criticism and rejection.
Many kids with ADHD deal with rejection sensitivity. A small correction can feel huge. A missed invitation can feel devastating. It’s not drama—it’s how their nervous system reacts.
Here’s how to help:
- Validate feelings quickly — “That really hurt, didn’t it?” helps them feel seen.
- Avoid public correction — If possible, redirect gently and privately.
- Encourage safe expression — Journaling or drawing can help them process hurt in healthy ways.
Your child’s sensitivity isn’t weakness. It’s something you can coach them through—with
compassion and practice.
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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.
Why Transitions Are So Hard for ADHD Kids
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe, a pediatrician with expertise in ADHD.
If your child melts down when it’s time to stop playing or leave the house, you’re not alone. ADHD brains have a hard time with transitions—shifting from one task to another feels disorienting.
Here’s how to help:
- Use 5-minute warnings — This gives their brain time to adjust.
- Try visual schedule cards — Pictures of what’s coming next reduce anxiety.
- Create rituals — A consistent “closing routine” (like a goodbye song or countdown) can make transitions smoother.
Transitions are hard, but not impossible. With some predictability and practice, your child can move more confidently from one thing to the next.
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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.
The ADHD Brain and Time Blindness
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe, a pediatrician with expertise in ADHD.
Many kids with ADHD struggle with something called time blindness. They don’t feel time passing the way others do—which means “10 more minutes” might feel like forever… or 10 seconds.
Here’s how to help:
- Use visual timers — A countdown clock or hourglass helps them see time, not just hear it.
- Build routines around “anchors” — Instead of saying, “Brush your teeth at 7,” say, “Brush your teeth after breakfast.”
- Give countdown warnings — “5 more minutes… 2 more minutes…” eases the transition.
They’re not ignoring you on purpose. Their brain just isn’t great at tracking time. But with structure and support, they can learn to manage it better.
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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.
How ADHD Affects Emotions (Not Just Behavior)
By Dr. Kristi Briscoe, Pediatrician with Expertise in ADHD
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe. As a pediatrician—and a parent—I’ve seen how ADHD doesn’t just affect attention. It affects emotions, too.
Kids with ADHD often feel things bigger and faster. One small disappointment can lead to a huge meltdown. That’s not manipulation—it’s dysregulation.
Here are 3 ways to help:
- Teach emotional vocabulary — Help your child name their feelings. (“You look frustrated. Want to talk?”)
- Model calm responses — Your calm helps regulate their storm.
- Create a cool-down plan — A cozy corner or quiet space teaches them it’s okay to pause when feelings feel too big.
Your child isn’t trying to be dramatic. Their emotional brain is just louder than their logical one sometimes. With your support, they can learn to ride the wave instead of getting pulled under.
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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.
Why Praise Alone Doesn’t Work for ADHD Kids
By Dr. Kristi Briscoe, Pediatrician with Expertise in ADHD
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
You might be praising your child often—saying things like “Good job!” or “You’re so smart!”—but it doesn’t seem to stick. That’s because vague praise often bounces right off ADHD brains. They need feedback that’s specific, effort-based, and connected to what they did, not just who they are.
Try this instead:
Focus on effort
Say, “You really stuck with that even when it got frustrating.” Effort-focused praise builds persistence.
Be specific
“I saw how you took a deep breath before starting your math—nice job calming your body first.”
Encourage reflection
Ask, “What helped you finish that?” This helps your child connect success to their own actions.
Encouragement helps ADHD kids build confidence from the inside out. It teaches them: I can do
hard things.
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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.
The Real Reason Your Child Doesn’t Start Tasks
By Dr. Kristi Briscoe, Pediatrician with Expertise in ADHD
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe—a pediatrician and a mom who understands how hard everyday tasks can feel for kids with ADHD.
Parents often ask, “Why won’t he just start his homework?” The truth is, ADHD brains struggle with what’s called task initiation—not because they’re being defiant, but because their brain gets overwhelmed before they begin.
Here are 3 ways to help:
- Start with one small action — “Write your name on the paper” is a lot easier than “Do
your homework.” - Use a body double — Just sitting near your child while they work can help their brain
engage. - Make the goal visual — A sticky note checklist or timer makes the task feel doable.
When we reduce overwhelm, we reduce resistance. Start small. Celebrate effort. You’ve got this—and so does your child.
🌟 Want more ADHD parenting strategies? Check out Dr. Kristi Briscoe’s book, Raising a Thriving Child with ADHD, available now on Amazon.
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.
It’s Not Laziness — 3 Ways to Help an Unmotivated ADHD Child
By Dr. Kristi Briscoe, Pediatrician with Expertise in ADHD
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
If your child “knows what to do” but never seems to start, it’s probably not laziness—it’s ADHD. The ADHD brain struggles with activation, especially for tasks that are boring, complicated, or require sustained effort. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about wiring.
Try this:
Just 2 minutes
Say, “Let’s do this for just 2 minutes, then check in.” A short start time lowers the mental wall.
Make the first step visible
Lay out the worksheet and pencil. Say, “Write your name at the top.” Clear, tiny steps are easier to begin.
Add a little fun
Use a timer, music, or sit beside them (“body double” support). Engagement fuels motivation.
ADHD kids want to succeed. Let’s make starting feel possible.
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.