Erica Stroup

Spoiler: It’s not about control...it’s about connection. You’ve said it five times. You’ve tried asking nicely. Then you tried yelling. And still… nothing. If you’re raising or teaching a child with ADHD, you’ve likely experienced that maddening moment when it seems like they refuse to listen. Whether it’s putting on shoes, turning off the tablet, or following a simple direction, the resistance feels personal and exhausting. Here’s the truth: ADHD isn’t a listening problem. It’s a regulation...

It’s Saturday morning and your child is excited for soccer practice. Cleats on, water bottle packed, ready to go. Then you get the email: practice is canceled due to rain. Suddenly, your child is in tears, refusing to do anything else, maybe even yelling, “This day is ruined!” What’s happening here? This is about cognitive flexibility , the ability to adjust when plans change and problem-solving, the skill of finding new options when things don’t go as expected. For many kids with ADHD,...

It’s 6:45 a.m. and the cereal spills all over the floor. In seconds, your child is shouting, crying, and refusing to get dressed. For you, it’s just a small mess. For your child, it feels like the end of the world. This is where emotional regulation and self-control come in, two executive function skills that help us pause, calm down, and choose how to respond instead of reacting on impulse. For many kids with ADHD, these skills take extra time and support to develop. What Is Emotional...