Spark Success Coaching LLC

Back to school days are here already! Transitions can be hard for all of us, but are especially difficult for kids with executive skills deficits. These tips can help families make the first weeks back at school smoother for everyone!

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Those of us who are neurodivergent, often know what we need to do, but don’t know how to plan & prioritize when faced with an overwhelming list of tasks. We frequently begin one task and see another thing that needs doing, immediately shifting to that before finishing the first. We can end up with a whole bunch of half-finished tasks and almost nothing to “show” for all the energy we expended. Our brains benefit from externalized structures for prioritizing the tasks. In my sessions with kids and families I probably come across as a sales person for but there are SO many benefits to using these little sticky squares. First 3: the most urgent and important tasks. Next 3: important tasks, but not immediately urgent. Easiest three: tasks that take just a little bit of time and/or energy. When kids are struggling with getting started sometimes I suggest making one of the easiest three their first task to tackle. This can build momentum and lead into the more urgent tasks on their first 3 post-it. Neurodivergent people in particular benefit from visual and tactile strategies; post-its provide both. It’s especially satisfying to crumple crumple and recycle a task post-it when you’re finished all three tasks listed!

Being a parent can be EXHAUSTING. The limited energy you have to expend each day can be sucked up before you even realize it when you’re carrying the executive functioning work-load for your child. Sometimes it FEELS quicker in the moment to just do the task for them, but if we don’t do the work for them or give them directions, we take away an opportunity for growth. Externalizing the thinking processes associated with developed executive functioning skills for kids, and asking instead of telling, requires them to practice the brain-based skills they need to succeed. Bonus: you get to set some boundaries for your own energy use and save it for something you’d rather be doing later in the day!

Summer course registration is open!

https://sparksuccesscoaching.org/ -5

Registration for summer courses opens next week. Executive skills instruction is woven into the content and structure of each class allowing students to practice these critical skills while engaging in fun games and activities with peers.

Visual timers aren’t just for little kids! For children and teens (and adults!) with executive functioning challenges, estimating the time it takes to complete a task can be difficult. Visual timers show how much time remains using an elapsing color block that brings an abstract concept into concrete reality right in front of their eyes. At our house we use these timers to increase focus for predetermined periods of time, smooth transitions between activities, structure turn taking, and set time expectations for completing undesirable tasks like picking up toys and art supplies.
For older children these timers can be used to increase sustained attention on assignments, set goals for what they’ll accomplish in a given period of time, and to structure planned work and break times using methods like the Pomodoro technique.

Summer course registration opens next week. Check out the flyers for class options for kids ages 7-18. If you want early access to registration links, join our email list here: http://eepurl.com/ipOBC6

I'm offering a February Vacation class for middle school students who enjoy creative writing, improv, graphic novels, and other forms of storytelling. The class will be held in a cozy community space, 19 Carter, in Berlin.

Join us or pass this info along to someone who might be interested!

New session times are opening in February!

Sometimes it feels hard for parents and caregivers to connect with their tweens and teens. When they’re testing your patience more often than not, it helps to slow down, regroup, and remember to show them how much you love them. It might be all they need to open up and reconnect with you.

Via Parenting Teens and Tweens with Connection