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Welcome to my imperfect email.
As always, every week, we’ll send a question that will help you reflect on your own imperfect life, inspired by this week’s episode.
You know that saying, “you can’t have it all.” Well, today, you can!
We are joined by both Hamish Blake AND Janelle Booker to talk about ADHD and parenting.
Attentionally yours,
Bell
Bell Northeast
when was a time you were met with compassion instead of judgement? how did that make you feel?
We'd love to hear your answer. If you're in the mood to get vulnerable and share your writing, send it through.
The ADHD Playbook for Parents
With Janelle Booker (and Hamish Blake)
How do you raise a child whose brain works differently?
This episode is for parents of kids with ADHD. And parents who have ADHD. And people who don’t have a diagnosis, but would consider themselves ‘fast and loose’. And for everyone who knows someone who fits the above criteria.
Janelle Booker, a psychologist who specialises in ADHD, is BACK, this time, to talk to parents of ADHD kids, and how to parent when you yourself have ADHD.
And also, ADHD-curious Hamish Blake is here too.
We look at the role of dopamine, energy vs stressors, and how to make your mornings less chaotic and more compassionate.
Hamish and Janelle. What a duo.
For right now
Choose kindness. Especially towards yourself. (1:28:03 - 1:28:51)
Drawing from the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, Janelle insists that if you are kind to yourself, all else will follow, including being a more compassionate parent.
For this week
Be on your child’s side. (1:10:32 - 1:11:31)
Mornings, as an ADHD parent, or parent of an ADHDer, can be ROUGH. Letting go of expectations, and setting an intention for connection, may not mean you are on time, but it can lead to a better experience for both you and your child.
For this season of your life
Choose slow-pamine activities. (1:36:30 - 1:39:19)
Activities that provide a slow release of dopamine can be a great way to help support yourself and your child. Slow-pamine activities include getting out into nature, bouncing on the trampoline, or going for a walk around the block.
Want to know what you value? Our very own psychologist, Dr Emily has created a simple guide to help you uncover your values.
And because we value you so much, we’re going to give it to you for free.*
*All you have to do is share this newsletter with just one other person.
As soon as they sign up, you’ll get the worksheet straight in your inbox.
Or send them your unique signup link: {{rp_refer_url}}
what advice fundamentally changed the way you live your life?
"Just Plan something."
This advice happened twice, but from two different people.
The first time was 20 years ago when talking with a (new to me) doctor. I mentioned that working in the family business was making me feel a bit blue, that I wasn't depressed but needed a way to work it out.
He replied that I needed to set a challenge then to plan the steps to get there. My plan turned out to have huge repercussions as I decided to leave the family business, which ultimately lead to my family members selling the business and their retirement.
I'm not sure that the steps made me happy but each step felt like a weight being lifted.
Years later, I was in my current training career and was approached by my much respected manager to discuss my accrued annual leave. I told him how after years of working in the family business I just didn't know how to have a holiday.
His answer was similar to the doctor. "Just plan something. Book a two week vacation then on the day you get back, I'll approve another 2 weeks for 6 months time. Even if you don't immediately have a location in mind, you have a plan."
That's the way it's been ever since. We now have holidays planned for August, October and February next year. There's also plenty of weekends away.
Theatre, comedy, music and sport.
Bruce
Thank you so much for sharing your reflection with us, and with all of you! Always vulnerable responsibly.
On August 19, at the Balwyn Cinema, Dr Emily will join Hugh, Ryan and Josh for our first ever live podcast recording, answering YOUR questions.
Tickets are sold out BUT you can still WIN your way there.
Randomly drawn, one lucky winner will receive a GOLD CLASS DOUBLE PASS.
We’ll fly you in for the event from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, OR, if you’re already in Melbourne, we’ll send a limo to your door.
To enter the competition, you must be an A Little More Imperfects subscriber AND you’ll need the code word given in the most recent A Little More Imperfects episode.
After you’ve entered the competition, if you refer a friend to sign up to our patreon, you’ll get another entry into the draw. So more chances to win!
The competition is open now, until the end of June, when it will be randomly drawn.
Did this newsletter make you think of someone in particular?