Because you have gathered hundreds of pages of valuable memories, the temptation will be to include it all. However, consider the cost of publishing (which is based on book length) and what book length your readers prefer. A good target would be 60,000 to 80,000 words. Be assured that having a word limit can only be a good thing because it will help you choose only the most significant aspects and key interviewee accounts.

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At a Team Meeting after at least six interviews are completed and documented, develop a loose chronology of a community timeline, updated map of hubs, landmark events, challenges, and any names recurring in the interviews. Note commonalities or patterns that may become themes. It is important to allow the data and not personal interests to drive this process. Give out assignments and set your next Team Meeting.

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Schedule one to three interviews for each interviewer over a several-week time period. In a few weeks, you will know much more than you did when you started this project! The objective should be to conduct the interviews — being open to what may emerge — and complete all documentation of them in time for an Initial Interview Follow-up Meeting (whether for a team or just you!), which you should also schedule.

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Might some stakeholders have competing interests in this project? What are their goals? Look for ways to build bridges among individuals or groups with disparate interests or ways of doing things. Could you collaborate towards a shared goal? Is there an umbrella organization that is trying to do on a grand scale what you are trying to do on a smaller scale? How might this become a win-win situation?

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Now that you have the idea to write your community story, you may be in a rush to start. Yet you have limited time, energy, and funds. This is all the more reason to create a sustainable project that attracts support, energizes the community, and gets done. Start with setting your intention. Try borrowing our strategy: Say what you want to do in just six words. Got them? Congratulations!

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It’s time to throw out the narrative that makes parents feel like this diagnosis is disastrous. Your child doesn’t need to change; your child needs to learn. Trying to change our children creates stress, overwhelm, drama, and disappointment. And it’s so unnecessary. There is a better way.

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We have been taught that “X” is the way kids are supposed to behave, and it’s definitely NOT the way a lot of ADHD kids behave! But instead of being given skills, parents are made to feel inadequate by schools, doctors, and family members that tell them, “You’re doing something wrong.” But it’s not your fault! It’s a matter of learning the techniques that fit your children.

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It is so effective to have a team that supports your ADHD child and your family. You can give permission for some of the team members to exchange information. For example, an ADHD family coach could be in touch with a school counselor and a therapist. A physician may have important insights for your coach. With so many people connecting to help you and your family, just imagine the possibilities!

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Let me be clear: you are not to become their executive function, but you can be their executive assistant. You make sure they know what they’re doing on a given day, and when things are due. An executive assistant doesn’t run the company but he/she helps the CEO get things done. Also, it’s okay to sit with them and explain instructions or proofread or discuss ideas.

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Your children aren’t lazy or unmotivated. It’s ALWAYS something else. They might need glasses, they might have a learning challenge, they might not be getting enough sleep or healthy food. They might be depressed or anxious or have other conditions just waiting to be diagnosed. Just sit and watch how they move through an hour or a day. Learn them. You’ll get some good information about what they need.

See all 100 lessons in Six-Word Lessons for Parenting Your Child with ADHD.