The Three Skills That Changed Everything for My ADHD Family

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running a marathon in roller skates while parenting a child with ADHD, pull up a chair—you’re in good company! I’m Sharon Collon, ADHD coach, mum of three boys with ADHD (plus a husband with ADHD for good measure), and founder of The Functional Family. I’ve spent the last 15 years on a mission to make life easier, calmer, and a whole lot more joyful for families like ours.

Why I Had to Rethink Everything

When my eldest son was diagnosed, I thought I’d tried it all—occupational therapy, speech therapy, every diet under the sun, and enough behaviour charts to paper the lounge room walls. Some things helped, but honestly, our home was still chaotic and exhausting. I knew there had to be a better way, so I became a detective in my own home, studying, experimenting, and (let’s be honest) failing spectacularly at times, until I found what actually worked for our family.

The CRC Method: My Parenting Lifeline

Let me introduce you to the CRC method—Curious, Regulated, and Clear. It’s the backbone of how I parent and coach other families. Here’s how it’s changed my life (and how it can change yours):

Curious: Ditch the Judgement, Embrace Detective Mode

Instead of jumping straight to “Why are you doing this to me?!” I try to get curious. What’s really going on for my child? Is he hungry, overwhelmed, or has he just spent the day masking at school and now the wheels have fallen off at home? Curiosity helps me see the behaviour as communication, not defiance. It’s a game-changer for connection and understanding.

Regulated: Model the Calm (Even When You Want to Scream)

I won’t lie—there are days when my own regulation is hanging by a thread. But I’ve learned that my children borrow my calm (or my chaos). When I take a breath, slow things down, and get myself regulated, my kids are far more likely to follow suit. I’m not perfect, but I try to show them what it looks like to manage big feelings, even if it means taking a “mum timeout” in the pantry with a biscuit.

Clear: Say Less, Achieve More

Children with ADHD need instructions that are short, sweet, and specific. Gone are the days of long-winded lectures. Now, I keep it to one step at a time. “Shoes on.” “Teeth brushed.” If I can say it in two words and a smile, I’m winning. And I always try to check that I’m being clear before expecting a result—because stacked instructions are a recipe for disaster in our house!

My Top Tips (from the Trenches)

• Don’t stack instructions—one thing at a time.

• Practice what you want to say in your head before you say it out loud.

• Remember: dysregulation isn’t personal. It’s a sign your child’s brain is having a tough time.

• The CRC method isn’t magic, but it’s the closest thing I’ve found to it!

Your Challenge: Pick One Skill to Try

Which CRC skill will you focus on this week—Curious, Regulated, or Clear? Let me know in our free support group. No wrong answers, and every small step is a win.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I still have those days. But with the right strategies, things really can get easier. If you want more practical support, check out my ADHD Family Foundations program or tune into the ADHD Families Podcast for more tips, laughs, and a healthy dose of reality.

Let’s make space for the good stuff—one CRC moment at a time.

With you all the way,

Sharon x

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