My Family’s Journey with ADHD – Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Tell us why you wrote your new book, Raising Attention?

I’ve been gestating this book for almost a decade. It’s taken me that long to be able to make sense of what my family went through and to be able to process it in such a way that I can write a book that is helpful for you.

Believe me when I say I understand what it feels like to be exhausted, desperate for change, hopeless and full of shame and guilt. I was ‘The Gentle Parenting Expert’ why on earth could I not apply my own advice to raise my son? Why was it SO HARD?

I was once told by somebody in the leadership team at my son’s secondary school that I was the problem because my discipline was too gentle. I was told by our family doctor that we couldn’t be referred for an ADHD diagnosis until I had completed a parenting class (it wasn’t enough that I had taught parenting classes to thousands of parents! I ended up self-certifying my attendance at my own course!). I was told by a psychologist that my son was “just immature”. I was gaslit by SENCos. We had such a catalogue of failures and disasters that it’s almost comical. Or it would have been, if it wasn’t so soul destroying.

….and in amongst all this was a child, struggling with fracture self-esteem. Being let down by everybody, including me.

And that is why this book has taken me so long to write. To pick up the pieces and formulate them in such a way that they are devoid of anger and judgement. To pour my heart out onto the page as my attempt to give you the virtual hug, support and guidance that I so desperately needed.

It doesn’t matter if your child is diagnosed with ADHD, or if their behaviour is ‘just’ explosive. It’s for every family who are struggling. Parents and children – and preferably professionals who are involved in their lives; teachers, social workers, health visitors, doctors and therapists.

Never before have I bared my soul and my dirtiest secrets as much as I have in this book. I’m excited it’s out in the world – but quite frankly terrified too!

Listen to me reading from the audiobook edition below:

Anyway – it’s out NOW (you can get a copy HERE) and I would be soooo grateful for reviews on ‘the big A’ site once you’ve read it. I hope it gives you the help and support I so desperately needed.

Sarah xx