Update Your Parenting Wish List: A Journey of Connection and Growth

I used to carry an invisible wish list around, full of all the things I hoped my child would do:

Sit still at the dinner table.
Keep the toys neatly arranged.
Read quietly without needing reminders.

But life with my son, who has ADHD, taught me something invaluable: my list wasn’t about him. It was about me. My expectations. My vision of “how things should be.” And frankly, that list was too heavy for him and me.

The Day I Realized My List Needed an Update

One evening, we were trying to finish homework. I was armed with my usual pep talk, “Just focus for 10 minutes, and we’ll be done!” But as I watched him wiggle in his chair, tapping his pencil and humming to himself, I realized something: his brain wasn’t wired to sit still and tune everything else out. He was trying his best, just not in the way I expected.

That was my aha moment. Maybe the problem wasn’t his behaviour—it was my outdated wish list.

From “Fixing” to “Connecting”

So, I grabbed a mental pen and started rewriting my list:

1. From “Sit Still” to “Move with Purpose”

I stopped asking him to fight his instincts. Instead, we turned the movement into an ally. We practice spelling while bouncing a ball or math drills while racing toy cars. Dinner? We added mini movement breaks, like a quick dance or stretch between courses.

It turns out that moving helps him focus better—and it’s way more fun for both of us!

2. From “Be Perfect” to “Embrace His Quirks”

When we drew together, I used to say, “Color inside the lines.” Now, I let his imagination take the lead. His ‘abstract squiggle’ isn’t just a random doodle—it’s a rocket ship heading to a faraway galaxy.

By stepping into his world, I’ve discovered his creativity is magic.

3. From “Follow My Plan” to “Co-Create Our Own”

Routine is important, but flexibility matters more. Instead of a rigid “homework first, play later,” we now decide together: “Should we do 10 minutes of math before foosball or after?” Giving him a say transforms resistance into cooperation.

The Magic of an Updated List

What changed when I rewrote my wish list? Everything.

He started shining brighter because he felt understood. I felt lighter because I stopped swimming against the current. Together, we’re building a relationship based on connection, not correction.

And guess what? Many things on my old list—like better focus, tidier habits, and more cooperation—are happening naturally. Not because I forced them but because I met him where he is.

Time to Update Your Wish List

If your parenting wish list feels heavy, maybe it’s time for an update. Ask yourself:

Are my expectations aligned with my child’s unique needs?
Can I transform challenges into chances for personal growth?
How can I make space for connection over perfection?

Parenting isn’t about fixing our kids—guiding them, supporting them, and celebrating who they are.

Let’s Rewrite Together

If you’re ready to update your wish list but don’t know where to start, I’d love to help. Let’s create a plan tailored to your family’s needs. Schedule a personal consultation with me today. Together, we can make parenting a little lighter and much more joyful.

Let’s Connect

Let’s make that wish list shine!