Does Parent Coaching REALLY help?

Parenting a child with big emotions or challenging behaviors can feel overwhelming. You’re trying your best, but sometimes it feels like nothing is working. You may be wondering—does parent coaching actually help?

The short answer? Yes! But only when it’s done right—by a trained professional using evidence-based strategies that fit your child and your family.

Keep reading to learn more about benefits of parent coaching. We offer this service in person in Jacksonville, Florida and Telehealth across PSYPACT states (42 US States!)

Anxiety & Parent Coaching

When kids struggle with anxiety, our natural instinct as parents is to comfort them, reassure them, or help them avoid what makes them anxious. Unfortunately, that can sometimes make things worse in the long run.

That’s where SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) comes in. This is an evidence-based treatment developed at Yale University that focuses on small but powerful changes parents can make to help their child manage anxiety more effectively. It’s been shown to work just as well as individual therapy for kids!

ADHD & Parent Coaching

ADHD isn’t just about being “hyper” or getting distracted—it affects everything from emotions to daily routines. A lot of traditional parenting advice doesn’t work well for kids with ADHD, which can leave parents feeling frustrated and exhausted.

That’s why parent coaching is one of the most effective treatments for ADHD-related behaviors. We focus on strategies that actually work for ADHD brains, like setting up routines that make life easier, using the right kind of reinforcement, and adjusting expectations to support your child’s unique needs.

Autism & Parent Coaching

Parenting an autistic child means navigating things like sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and emotional regulation. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—but with the right strategies, you can help your child build independence, manage overwhelm, and connect in meaningful ways.

Parent coaching gives you the tools to support your child’s strengths while addressing challenges in a way that works for your family.

What to Expect

If you're wondering what parent coaching actually looks like, here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Free Consult & Intake Forms – We start with a free consult to see if this is a good fit. You’ll fill out some quick forms to give us an idea of what’s going on with your child.
2️⃣ Initial Meeting – We’ll do a 60-90 minute session to get a deeper understanding of your child’s needs and challenges. Your child may or may not be a part of this, based on their age.
3️⃣ Ongoing Coaching – We meet regularly to teach you effective strategies, make adjustments, and support you in putting them into practice. You leave sessions with concrete plans of exactly what to do in the next week.
4️⃣ Wrap-Up – Once you feel confident in your skills and see real progress, we wrap up coaching—but you’ll have the tools to continue supporting your child long-term.

No Diagnosis? No Problem!

Your child doesn’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from parent coaching. We start with a brief evaluation to figure out what’s going on and create a plan that makes sense for your family.

If you’re ready to learn how to support your child in a way that actually works, let’s chat!

​Book a free consult today to see if parent coaching is right for you. IN PERSON services available in Jacksonville, Florida and TELEALTH across all PSYPACT states!

ADHD in Girls

When you think of ADHD, you might picture a child who’s constantly on the move, interrupting conversations, or struggling in school. But what if I told you that ADHD can look completely different—especially in girls?

Meet Sophie. She’s 9 years old, bright, and full of personality. Her teacher says she’s “a great student, just a little chatty and forgetful.” No one seems concerned. But at home and in other settings…

✨ She talks...A LOT—her brain moves fast, and she struggles to filter her thoughts.
✨ She interrupts —not to be rude, but because if she doesn’t say it now, she’ll forget.
✨ She zones out mid-task—even when she’s interested, her mind drifts before she realizes it.
✨ She touches everything—in stores, in waiting rooms, at the dinner table—she just can't help herself.
✨ She forgets what she’s supposed to be doing—even if it’s something simple like brushing her teeth.
✨ She is always moving—but it’s not always running and climbing. It’s leg swinging, hair twirling, tapping her pencil, adjusting her seat a hundred times.​
✨ She holds it together at school, but by the time she gets home, she’s emotionally drained and melting down over “small” things.

Sophie has ADHD, but because she’s not struggling academically (yet), and because her hyperactivity looks different, no one has recognized it.

🔍 What ADHD Can Look Like in Kids (Beyond the Stereotypes):​
✔️ Talking excessively, interrupting, and struggling to pause for others
✔️ Zoning out mid-task, getting distracted by thoughts, missing details
✔️ Fidgeting constantly—playing with zippers, straws, erasers, or their own hair
✔️ Being impulsive with words andactions—blurting things out, grabbing objects, making quick decisions
✔️ Struggling with follow-through—not from laziness, but because their brain jumps between ideas
✔️ Holding it together in structured settings (like school) but melting down at home

Many kids—especially girls—are overlooked because their ADHD doesn’t fit the stereotype. But recognizing these patterns early can make a huge difference.

Wondering if you or your daughter have ADHD? I conduct ADHD evaluations in kiddos and parents via Telehealth OR in-person in Jacksonville, Florida.

Book a free consult to learn more about my evaluations that are thorough and evidence-based BUT don’t take months or costs thousands. Telehealth across 42 US States and IN PERSON in Jacksonville, Florida (NE Florida).

High Impact, Low Effort Parenting Strategies

Parenting often feels like a total roller coaster. Some days are great; others..not so much. As a military spouse and parent with ADHD, I need practical strategies that actually work. Thankfully as a child psychologist, I’ve got a few tools in my kit. Here are some of my go-to, easy but effective, parenting strategies that generally lead to more positive child behavior.

The Framing Hack

Framing is all about how you present things to your child to encourage better behavior. This could be a task, chore, request..etc. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference with very little effort!

In Action: Here’s a way I use it on with toddler. She often resisted the high chair, so I began calling it something else! If we were at a restaurant waiting for her meal and had a toy, I’d use that: “Let’s get into your Special Play Dough Chair!” At home, I’d say something like: “let’ s get into your Special Spaghetti Chair, Yummy!”

Grab-Bag Prizes

What do kids love? Surprises! This is also called Mystery Motivator also and can be used a few ways. You have a bag of cheap, simple toys or objects that your child can’t see into. When they earn a prize, you allow them to pull a prize out of the bag (without looking!). This can be incorporated into a points chart for learning or practicing a behavior/skill/routine or used more randomly.

In Action: This is great for learning new routines or adjusting current ones. For instance, we were having a rough time with bedtime and needed to prioritize this (for all of our sanity). I created a checklist of nightly routines and gave my daughter “points” for following the routine each night. Once we hit a certain amount, she was allowed to select a Grab Bag prize.

TELL, Don’t ASK

Do you ask your children to do things that you expect of them? Or do you tell them to do it. Using simple commands is much more effective than asking your child to do something. If you’re providing an expectation, use a statement, not a question. A little swap in language makes a big difference! 

In Action: I expect my daughter to pick up her laundry. She knows this and has done it many times. But if I ASK her “would you pick up your laundry?”, that insinuates that she doesn't have to do it if she prefers not to. Instead, you could say “please place your laundry in your drawers as soon as your video is over”.

Specific Praise

Parents often go into what I call “”corrector mode where every statement to our children is a behavioral correction. I’ ve been there! But this only kills the mood of everyone involved and does NOT typically improve behavior. Instead, notice what they are doing right and tell them! Be specific on what behaviors you see and show enthusiasm.

In Action: This should be used as frequently as possible, not just in those difficult times. Telling children what they’ re doing right helps them to understand and demonstrate good behavior. A simple example statement: “Thanks so much for getting your shoes on right away when I asked you! I really appreciate your hard work and listening today ”. Boost the effects by getting on their level, making eye contact, and pairing it with a high five or hug. 

State Your Expectations 

Kids don ’t always necessarily know HOW to behave across different settings. Okay mom, so we go to the park and I run around, but then we go to the store and I also think that I can run around! Understanding expectations is a skill that needs to be taught. So before entering a new setting or starting a new task, tell them a few expectations that you have (and tell them what TO do vs. what not to do-when possible).

In Action: We may be entering a setting that’s more calm, like a museum or a church. Before we get out of the car, I state a few expectations. “Hey girls! We’re going to a new place today which is really exciting, but there are a few rules we’re expected to follow. We are allowed to point at objects to show each other, but we are not allowed to touch them. Can you show me how to point to this without touching it? Great! Also, we are expected to keep our bodies and voices calm and stay close to mom or dad. Can you do these things for me today?” . Having them agree to the rules and/or restate them will boost the effects also!!

Beat the Buzzer

This strategy is simply using a timer to motivate a child to complete a task or routine. Y ou challenge your child to “ beat the buzzer”. Make sure that you set them up for success the first few times to make it more fun! This is great for getting ready for school or bed and cleaning up their toys.

In Action: My favorite way to use this one is as a “Clean Up  Challenge”. Especiallyyy at the end of a play date at my house with multiple children. They all get into it and do a great job! Another option is to use a song or a certain number of songs. If they finish their goal before the song(s) are up, they win! Cranking up some fun music provides a bit of a mood boost during the activity!

Roughhousing/Physical Play

This is probably my personal fave! It’s great for those times where you need to move your body but don’t have tons of mental energy. Have a tickle fight, dance party, or even toss your littles around. They LOVE it and it is shown to improve behavior!

In Action: We often end our morning routine with what I call “bed throws”. I throw each of my littles onto the bed a few times. Using the strategy in this way also creates excitement around finishing our routine. However, this strategy should be used throughout the week as opposed to framed as a reward.

Disclaimer: This tool is provided as parent education ONLY and

does not imply a therapeutic relationship. To seek therapy services,

contact a licensed mental health professional in your area.

If you are interested in parenting/therapeutic services for your child

you can contact Dr. Hannah directly at drhannah@samahapsychology.com.

Follow Along @itsdoctorhannah for free, science-based parenting content

for real parents.

ADHD Supports in Louisiana Public and Private Schools

Navigating the educational landscape with a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenging journey. Fortunately, Louisiana schools offer a range of services and accommodations to support these students in reaching their full potential.

Public Schools

If you believe your child has ADHD, they may benefit from an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan . These personalized plans are designed to address the specific needs of students with ADHD by outlining accommodations and strategies tailored to their requirements. These may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, access to assistive technology, or behavioral supports. The IEP, governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), falls under the umbrella of Special Education. This act provides a legal framework for students with disabilities, including ADHD, to receive appropriate services and supports in school.

However, many students with ADHD are successful in schools without an IEP. An alternative resource is the 504 Plan. The 504 plan named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensures that students with disabilities, including ADHD, have equal access to education. It outlines accommodations that do not fundamentally alter the curriculum, but provide necessary supports for students to participate fully in school activities. These accommodations might include preferential seating, additional time for assignments, or the use of organizational tools. Additional accommodations may include: breaking assignments into smaller segments, providing visual aids, or implementing behavioral management techniques to create an environment conducive to learning.

Private Schools

You may have a child in a private school and be wondering what to expect . While private schools in Louisiana may not be bound by the same legal requirements as public schools when it comes to ADHD support, many are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive. Many private schools have programs for students with disabilities, which help to provide similar accommodations as public school 504 plans. As private school resources are highly variable, be sure to ask your child’s specific school about resources available for children with ADHD.

Understanding educational supports can be a complicated, stressful process for parents. Samaha Psychology offers ADHD evaluations with individualized recommendations. We also provide educational consultation for parents seeking additional guidance through this process. Learn more about Our Services.