mother with ODD and ODD kid

From Desperation to Hope: My Journey with ADHD and ODD

ODD| ADHD
June 21, 2024•3 min read

Hey Moms, 

If you’re navigating the turbulent waters of parenting a child with ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), you’re not alone. I’m Bonnie Leota, and I’ve been where you are. My journey with my son’s challenging behavior brought me to my knees, but it also led me to discover a transformative approach to parenting that I want to share with you.

ADHD, ODD, parenting tips

When my son was six and a half, he was diagnosed with ADHD and the worst case of ODD the school psychologist had ever seen. His outbursts were so extreme that he once threw his desk across the classroom, causing chaos and necessitating the evacuation of his classmates. He then jumped from desk to desk, ran out the door, and locked himself in the bathroom. I was called to come to the rescue, and each night, he cried for hours at bedtime. It was an incredibly challenging time.

Searching for Solutions

In 2010, the only solutions offered were medication or therapy. I was hesitant after going through this with my oldest son, who was then 12. He was on a drug called Concerta, and after a couple of months, he became dependent on it. One day, he desperately begged for his pills, even banging his head on the counter in distress. It was heartbreaking, and I decided no more medication for my younger son. I prayed for an answer, believing there had to be another way.

A Personal Journey

I also want to share that back in 1994; I was a child who would have been labelled with ODD. My mom had no idea how to handle me, leading to feelings of unworthiness and rebellion. When I was 21, I read "Think and Grow Rich," which taught me the power of setting goals and creating plans. This book was a turning point for me, and I realized I wanted to empower children with the same mindset by the time they were 12 years old.

Finding a New Approach

Despite trying everything—books, Supernanny, therapists—nothing worked. Even with medication, my eldest son struggled at home. Desperate and hopeless, I was at my wit’s end. Then, I met Thomas Liotta, now my husband and business partner. Watching him interact with my kids was eye-opening. He used a language aligned with everything I’d learned in personal development.

Parenting with Goals

Thomas showed me that parenting with goals can transform behavior. Implementing this approach at home brought magical results. My kids started cooperating, getting along, and taking the initiative—like cleaning the car without being asked or making breakfast in bed. They wanted to achieve goals, which motivated them from the inside out.

Empowering Parents

I believe experts do their best, but traditional parenting lacks the principles of success found in personal development. Creating Champions for Life integrates these principles, empowering children to thrive. Over the past 13 years, I haven’t found another parenting approach like it.

Hope and Empowerment

If you’re a mom like me, exhausted and overwhelmed from trying everything to get your kids to cooperate, know there is hope. You can turn ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and depression into happiness, joy, love, harmony, and peace. Join our free Facebook group to connect with us, share your story, and find the support and knowledge you need.

You have the power to transform your family. Visit [LearnToSpeakKid.com](http://learntospeakkid.com) and embark on a new, magical, and empowering parenting journey. Let's rise up together and create a brighter future for our children.

Love,

Bonnie


Bonnie and Thomas Liotta, authors of the acclaimed books Learn to Speak Kid (2015) and Raising Healthy, Happy, Cooperative Kids (2018), are the masterminds behind the Creating Champions For Life 90-Day Parenting Challenge for Change mentorship program. With over 60 years of combined expertise in personal development and human potential, their work has garnered numerous accolades, including Bonnie’s distinction as a top performer in two multi-million-dollar companies and Thomas’s induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his innovative after-school program. Their mission is to equip parents with the tools to effectively communicate and connect with their children, whether they’re dealing with behavior disorders like ADHD or ODD, dealing with emotional challenges such as anxiety or depression, or simply seeking stronger family relationships. Bonnie and Thomas empower parents to raise their children with confidence and compassion.

Bonnie and Thomas Liotta

Bonnie and Thomas Liotta, authors of the acclaimed books Learn to Speak Kid (2015) and Raising Healthy, Happy, Cooperative Kids (2018), are the masterminds behind the Creating Champions For Life 90-Day Parenting Challenge for Change mentorship program. With over 60 years of combined expertise in personal development and human potential, their work has garnered numerous accolades, including Bonnie’s distinction as a top performer in two multi-million-dollar companies and Thomas’s induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his innovative after-school program. Their mission is to equip parents with the tools to effectively communicate and connect with their children, whether they’re dealing with behavior disorders like ADHD or ODD, dealing with emotional challenges such as anxiety or depression, or simply seeking stronger family relationships. Bonnie and Thomas empower parents to raise their children with confidence and compassion.

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