Jodie Maddox

I PARTNER with parents and schools.

I EMPOWER them to make decisions within their sphere of influence.

I PROVIDE reliable support, with effective strategies, to gain desired results.

Email jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

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Dear Friends,

Last weekend, my nephew brought his sweet family of six to Kansas City for their annual holiday visit. We had a fun weekend filled with the Plaza Lights, Kaleidoscope, and Crown Center, hot cocoa, late-night popcorn, and a Christmas movie.

This year, the children chose to watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, a timeless Christmas classic for the young and young at heart. As I watched the movie, I felt like many of the Grinch's behaviors resembled those of a dysregulated neurodiverse child.

Think about the Grinch for a moment: 💚 He’s impulsive—stealing Christmas without a second thought. 💚 He struggles with emotional regulation—quick to anger, quick to isolate.💚 He feels like he doesn’t fit in, preferring solitude on his mountain instead of being with others in Whoville. Sound familiar? For many parents, the Grinch’s behaviors mirror what it’s like to raise a neurodiverse child: out-of-proportion big emotions, unpredictable impulsive actions, and moments of disconnect that can leave everyone feeling frustrated or misunderstood.

Thankfully, the Grinch has Ms.Cindy Lou, the kind of friend (or parent) every neurodiverse child needs. She sees beyond the behavior, beyond the “grumpy” moments, and into the Grinch’s heart. She understands that sometimes, a meltdown, impulsivity, or frustration is their way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed, I don't understand, or I feel left out.”

With Christmas break right around the corner, I've decided to send you a bonus issue of my monthly newsletter, with a message centered on you, the parent. I asked one of my clients to share a few big takeaways from our coaching with a few strategies she will be putting to good use over the holiday break. In her words, these specific strategies have helped to lower her stress levels and help to preserve her relationship with her ADHD son, as well as her other children. Listed in detail in the Skills for Success segment, her thoughts on this topic are relatable to all parents regardless of the small or larger-than-life needs of their child.

May God bless you all during this festive season. May the gift of Hope brought to us through the birth of Jesus be experienced by all.

With A Grateful Heart,

Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant

A little over 6 months ago, I met a couple who are real rockstar parents. They have a great family vibe, and routine, with consistent expectations, they are highly educated, self-motivated individuals. However, their sweet son, diagnosed with ADHD, was honestly just rockin' their world. We hit the ground running in May, and by the end of the summer, we were able to produce the results their entire family was craving, especially their son.

The mom has graciously agreed to share a few of the strategies she learned, and relies on daily. Honestly, this knowledge applies to so many neurotypical and neurodiverse children. Thank you to her for her willingness to share and enlighten us all. Enjoy!.

1. Drop your expectations. As a (maybe recovering?) perfectionist, I've always held myself and those close to me to high standards. Parenting a child with ADHD has been a different ball game. When I set the expectations for my child too high (whether it's a reward I knew my child would love, or I am trying to accomplish too many tasks, or I am "simply" trying to help him finish all of his homework in one sitting before going out to play,) it generally doesn't go well. Behavior tanks at the thought of losing the reward, and paralysis sets in because there are too many tasks to decide where to start, or it's too much to make a child sit for any longer & not get their wiggles out. It's taken me a while to be aware that I have these preconceived expectations. I needed to learn to adjust them accordingly.
2. Patience is key! Whether repeating the same exact instructions 7 (or more) times before a task is initiated and completed or helping them sort through their feelings, parenting a child with a differently-wired brain takes extra patience. Patience doesn't grow on trees, though - it's important to take a deep breath or a minute to yourself when they're running thin & evaluate what's more critical - connection with your child or correction of their behavior. Note: Some scenarios require immediate correction, but for the most part, that lasting bond between parent and child is significantly more important.
   
3. Get curious. Understanding why a child may be having a hard time in general, or with completing a specific task or with a particular activity, can help you to troubleshoot more effectively and connect & empathize with them. Ask questions, practice reflective listening & repeat back to them in your own words what you think might be going on. Then, with a team-based approach, ask them what they think might be helpful & together walk them through what options they have in solving the problem.
   
4. Prioritize self-care. It sounds cliche to say, "You can't pour from an empty cup," but it's so true. If you are feeling worn down/ anxious/ upset/ sleep deprived/ unregulated in some way, it is significantly more challenging to be patient, curious, and empathetic. Utilize your support system, if necessary, to help figure out how to make time for yourself for extra prayer time and getting movement and time outside.
5. Fill their cup too. Find what excites them, and try to incorporate those activities when you can. Understand their love language and pour a little more of your energy into making them feel seen, loved, and important in your eyes. Behaviors often will follow (not immediately... and sometimes it's very gradual, but it will improve). If you're looking for the good, you'll find it - both in your child and in their behaviors.

Working with Jodie has drastically improved my outlook on parenting. Jodie helped us recognize and then improve several areas in our parenting that weren't effective and replace them with new skill sets that have enabled us to foster connection and more balance in our family. We're still not perfect (and I realize nothing likely is this side of heaven), but we've made so much progress - progress that I'm proud of!

Proudly shared from a rockstar mom and dad of three children ages 10, 8, and 5.

Learning how and when to be flexible is extremely important for our mental health. The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also be extremely stressful when things don’t go as planned. Practicing flexibility allows us to embrace the unexpected and focus on what truly matters—love, connection, and the spirit of the season.

Here are 10 ways to stay adaptable this Christmas:

1. Adjust Expectations

Things won’t always go perfectly—and that’s okay! Focus on the joy of the moment rather than trying to make everything picture-perfect.

2. Simplify Plans

If your schedule feels overwhelming, scale back. Prioritize the traditions and activities that matter most, and let go of what feels like a burden.

3. Embrace Changes in Traditions

Whether it's hosting Christmas dinner in a new way or trying a different recipe, be open to evolving family traditions. New memories can be just as meaningful as old ones.

4. Be Open to Different Perspectives

Family gatherings bring diverse opinions. Practice patience and empathy when conversations get tricky, and remind yourself that connection is more important than agreement.

5. Pivot Gift-Giving

If supply chain issues or budgets limit gift options, get creative with homemade presents, experience gifts, or thoughtful gestures that don’t involve shopping.

6. Stay out of "Fix It" mode

If children are disappointed, listen, and affirm their feelings, but you don't need to fix it. Sometimes if life we are disappointed, but that doesn't mean there needs to be a new solution or outcome.

7. Be Willing to Change the Schedule

Weather delays, unexpected events, or family emergencies can alter plans. Embrace the opportunity to slow down or celebrate differently.

8. Find Joy in Small Moments

If big events are canceled or money is tight, shift your focus to small, meaningful moments—like sipping cocoa, popping popcorn for a Christmas movie, or watching Christmas lights.

9. Practice Gratitude

When things don’t go as planned, focus on what’s going right. A gratitude mindset helps you navigate holiday surprises with grace.

10. Let Go of Control

Remember that Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection, joy, and love. By letting go of rigid plans, you create space for the unexpected magic of the season.

Being flexible during the holidays helps reduce stress, deepen connections, and make the season more enjoyable for everyone. After all, the best moments are often the ones we don’t plan.

Here are five signs that you may benefit from connecting with a parent coach:

1. Frequent parenting conflicts: If you and your spouse, ex-spouse, or other caregivers are consistently clashing over how to raise your child, it may be time to seek professional guidance. A parent coach can help align your approaches, develop joint strategies, and create more harmony within the family.

2. Chronic behavioral issues: If your child’s behavior is becoming increasingly challenging to manage—defiance, tantrums, or struggles with routines—a parent coach can offer support, strategies, and guidance on addressing these challenges effectively and constructively.

3. Feeling overwhelmed or burned out: Parenting can be exhausting, and if you find yourself constantly feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or even burned out, a parent coach can provide emotional support, practical guidance, and tools to manage your well-being while parenting.

4. Your child has a diagnosed need or disability: If your child has been diagnosed with a disability or chronic illness, is neurodiverse, or has special needs, a parent coach can help you gain valuable knowledge, connect with necessary therapists and guidance, and gain valuable insight into your child's condition and unique needs.

5. Navigating major life transitions: Divorce, remarriage, relocation, new school, or a new baby can disrupt family dynamics. A parent coach can guide you through these transitions, helping you and your children adjust to new routines, roles, and expectations.

Hiring a parent coach can provide tailored support and practical strategies to help you grow as a parent and create the balanced family life you desire.

Contact me today for your free consultation at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

Instructional coaching can benefit teachers at any stage of their careers, from novice educators to seasoned professionals.

1. Novice Teachers: Those who are new to the profession can benefit from instructional coaching to develop foundational teaching skills, classroom management techniques, and instructional strategies.

2. Teachers Seeking Growth: Educators who are motivated to improve their teaching practice and expand their instructional repertoire can benefit from coaching to refine their skills and implement new teaching methods.

3. Teachers Facing Challenges: Educators who encounter specific classroom challenges, such as addressing diverse student needs, managing behavior, or implementing new curriculum standards, can receive targeted support and guidance through instructional coaching.

4. Teachers in Transition: Teachers transitioning to new grade levels, subjects, or instructional roles may benefit from coaching to navigate the challenges associated with these transitions and adapt their teaching approaches accordingly.

Let's work together to make a difference for teachers and kids! For a description and a full list of topics I am currently offering, click here.

Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
Facebook: facebook.com/Jodiemaddox-ParentCoach&consultant