Episode 85: My Teen with ADHD Won't Try Coaching. Now What?

You've found the support.

You've done the research.

You know your teenager could benefit from ADHD coaching...

But every time you bring it up, you're met with, "I'm fine." or "I don't need it."

If you're wondering how to help a reluctant teen without pushing them further away, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon is joined by ADHD Teen Coach Kimberley, who shares why so many teenagers resist support, what ADHD coaching actually looks like, and how parents can introduce help in a way that builds trust instead of resistance.

Together, they unpack why resistance isn't defiance—it's often protection—and why the right support, at the right time, can help teens build confidence, executive functioning skills and emotional resilience that lasts well beyond school.

👀 In This Episode, Sharon and Kimberley Covers

✔️ Why resistance to support is often a sign of protection—not defiance

✔️ How executive functioning challenges can be mistaken for laziness or lack of motivation

✔️ Why ADHD coaching is different from therapy

✔️ How to introduce coaching without pressure or conflict

✔️ What teenagers actually work on during ADHD coaching sessions

✔️ Why connection comes before strategy

✔️ How confidentiality works between coaches, teens and parents

✔️ What progress really looks like in ADHD coaching

✔️ Why confidence and self-awareness come before behaviour change

✔️ How coaching helps teenagers understand and work with their ADHD brain

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Why teens often refuse ADHD support

03:12 – Meet Kimberley: ADHD coach, educator and mum

05:34 – The executive functioning skills teens are missing

08:02 – Why your teen keeps saying "No"

11:03 – How to introduce ADHD coaching without creating resistance

12:54 – What ADHD coaching actually helps teenagers with

15:53 – Building trust, confidence and connection before strategies

20:44 – The biggest mistakes parents make when seeking support

27:49 – What success looks like when coaching starts to work

30:56 – Special offer for ADHD Teen Coaching

⭐️ Teen ADHD Coaching with Kimberley

Looking for practical, strengths-based support for your teenager?

Kimberley is an ADDCA-trained ADHD Coach, former secondary teacher and mum of three children with ADHD. She specialises in helping teenagers build executive functioning skills, confidence, emotional regulation and practical strategies in a supportive, judgement-free environment.

For listeners of this episode, we're offering a special introductory offer of 20% discount available until 31 July.

👉 Book your Free 20-min Discovery Call with Kimberley

🎁 Free ADHD Family Systems Workshop

Feeling like you're constantly reminding, nagging or putting out fires?

Join Sharon's FREE ADHD Family Systems Workshop to learn the simple systems that reduce daily overwhelm, lower family conflict and help your home run with less stress—and more connection.

We start first week of September. We would love to have you!

👉 Reserve your FREE SEAT here

🔔 Next Steps & Resources

Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast

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Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com

Work With Sharon

Sharon Collon helps ADHD families create calmer homes, stronger relationships, and practical systems that reduce overwhelm. Through her programs, resources, and podcast, Sharon shares compassionate, evidence-informed support for parents navigating the realities of ADHD family life.

Whether you’re struggling with emotional regulation, executive functioning, school stress, or family routines, Sharon’s work is designed to help parents feel supported — not judged.