Before I had my first (and only) child, I used to think that after about two decades of managing various projects and teams in a mix of industries, I had all the skills necessary to be a good Project Manager and manage any project that came my way. However, when I became a parent and it was apparent that my child had ADHD, things changed, and I questioned my assumptions.
At first, I found it frustrating to deal with my child’s constant distractions and inability to stay on task. But as I observed him closely, I realized that he had a unique way of approaching problems that I could learn from. His bursts of energy and creativity were something to behold, and I began to appreciate his unique perspective on the world, which ultimately also changed mine.
Being a parent of a child with ADHD can be challenging…very challenging…but it can also be incredibly rewarding. My child’s hyperactivity and struggles with focus and organization was an unexpected benefit, and it forced me to think outside the box and adopt new approaches to dealing with not only him but my work as a project manager. In this post, I’ll share how parenting my ADHD child helped me become a better project manager and really improved my project management skills.
1 – Patience
Parenting an ADHD child requires patience, lots of patience. Children with ADHD can be impulsive and easily distracted, which can be frustrating for parents and other family members. However, learning to be more patient and understanding has helped me be a more effective project manager. I understand that not everyone works at the same pace, and that some team members may need more time or support to complete their tasks, and that’s ok.
2 – Flexibility and Adaptability
Parenting an ADHD child requires a high level of flexibility. Plans often need to change at the last minute, and unexpected challenges can arise at any time. As a project manager, I had always relied on somewhat strict schedules and timelines to keep projects on track. But with my child’s ADHD, I found that rigid schedules didn’t always work. Instead, I began to more embrace flexibility and adaptability in my approach to managing projects. I learned to be more open to new ideas, anticipate unexpected challenges and to pivot quickly when necessary. In a sense I became a more agile Project Manager.
3 – Clear Communication
My child’s ADHD also taught me the value of clear communication. When parenting a child with ADHD, communication is key. Clear and concise instructions are essential to help them stay on task and complete their work. I realized that I needed to be more explicit in my instructions and to provide more frequent feedback to my team. I began to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and to communicate expectations clearly. It cannot be overstated that clear communication is essential to ensure that everyone on the team understands their role and what is expected of them.
4 – Active Listening
In addition to communication, I also became more aware of the importance of active listening. With my child’s ADHD, I found that I needed to be more present and attentive to his needs. This translated to my work as a project manager, where I learned to listen more closely to my team members and to be more responsive to their concerns. Also, having been taught by my child to be more patient also worked well for me as being a better active listener and I believe that the two go hand-in-hand.
5 – Creative problem-solving
Another important lesson I learned from my ADHD child was the value of creativity and outside-the-box thinking and problem-solving. My child’s bursts of energy and unique perspective inspired me to take more risks and to think more creatively about solutions to problems. I have had to come up with creative solutions to help my child manage their symptoms and succeed in school and in certain situations. Now when faced with a challenging problem on a project, I can think more creatively and come up with innovative solutions. I also encourage my team members to think outside the box and to embrace new ideas and approaches. Overall, it has worked very well.
6 – Time management
Managing time is a challenge for many children with ADHD. They may struggle to complete tasks on time or to manage their time effectively. As a parent, I have had to help my child learn time management skills. This has helped me become more mindful of time management in my work as a project manager. I am better able to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and manage my time effectively to ensure that projects are completed on time.
Parenting my ADHD child has been a source of both challenges and inspiration for me as a project manager. He has helped me develop a range of skills that have improved my project management abilities two fold. His struggles with focus and organization have taught me the value of flexibility, clear communication, active listening, creativity, and patience. As a result, I’ve become a better project manager, and I think a better person. Parenting a child with ADHD is not always easy, but I’m so grateful for the lessons my child has taught me and would not have it any other way.