ADD / ADHD Children : Being Your Childs Best Friend
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child? If so-- my hat is off to you! ADD / ADHD children are brilliant, full of energy, smart as a whip (as grandma says), and tons of work. They are also the rising sun and the setting star: meaning much of life revolves around them in one way or another. One tactic you might employ is to: be your child's best friend. Hear me out just a bit. I am not promoting parents in "jammies" all day-- everyday, messy homes filled with increasing whirlwind clutter that no-one attends to, nor hot dogs and pizza nightly just to avoid more arguing with an ADD / ADHD child. I am suggesting the reminder we all need with these special needs children: keep perspective. And yes-- try thinking along the lines of being best friends with your child. Best friends are people who look out for the best interest of another. Best friends have a special tolerance for each other. Best friends set aside time to truly know each other and how each other thinks and feels. Best friends stand up for one-another, for their rights, their feelings, their health, and their needs. Best friends look forward to more time together. Best friends cherish each other dearly. Best friends also speak the truth and help guide each other along the journey of life together. Here are more simple reminders that we easily forget when caught up in our daily grind. I hope they will help from time to time with your ADD / ADHD parenting: - Remember to keep the rules-- but not TOO many rules all at once... all the time!
- Schedule FUN
- Stop being organized now and then to ad-lib and make delight shine for you both again!
- Yes-- even with medicated kids some days are suddenly going to be worse than others.
- This is physiological-- remember?
- You are the expert in his/her eyes. Provide correction and consequences accordingly.
- Use notebooks, or better yet email, to communicate with the teacher daily.
- It is no fun for the ADD / ADHD child to be "wrong" or in trouble so much of the day-- catch him/her being good!!
- With young ADD / ADHD children try picture charts on the wall for daily routines to follow.
- Your child needs extra reminders, extra chances, extra love, and extra encouragement (so do you!!)
- Read The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.
- Know the educational rights in your school district and utilize each and every one of them :-)
- Be patient with the child, your mate, and especially yourself.
- Tenderness and politeness goes a long way with these precious ones.
- These kids love to be helpful-- utilize it, just don't seek perfection :-)
and finally: - * DON'T go It ALONE! Enlist the help of extended family, friends, neighbors, associates, playmate families, medical professionals, and perhaps a coach for sanity.
Two myths that existed when I was a child: - The first was that the parents were always right and had all the answers.
- The second one was that "You can have it all, baby".
Well, as a parent-- I know the first is NOT true. And as a working mom-- the second is out the door as well (or at least the romanticized fantasy version of it is). - You are a parent-- do your best.
- Learn every day.
- Ask for forgiveness.
- And cherish this relationship.
You can design your life-- You are a parent, and an individual. You have to pick and choose which elements will be incorporated within it, and, how you want it to run. Your child needs love, fun, consideration, truth, honesty, openness, and the gentle/firm guidance that best friend's can give without damaging or straining the relationship. You already have so many different hats to wear all day for your various roles. Being your child's best friend might simplify some of that. Give it a try. Enjoy these years and enjoy your ADD / ADHD child !!!! Until next time--- all the best, Kate About The Author Kate Hufstetler is a well established business & personal coach who has helped many individuals like yourself to beat "the blues" and gain control over their lives. Through personal and business mentorship, she could help you! Visit more of Kate's articles here: http://www.comedreamwithme.com & http://mindpower.smartads.info Kate@comedreamwithme.com
Related News
Parenting kids to health and happiness - TheMedGuru
MetLife Foundation Begins new Phase of Award-Winning Parenting ... - MarketWatch
Parenting classes offered - Wicked Local Chatham
Parenting classes offeredWicked Local Chatham, MA -17 hours agoThe six-week parenting series facilitated by Cindy Horgan provides parents skills to help them with some of the challenges that can make parenting difficult ... |
Parenting under the law - Jamaica Gleaner
Parenting under the lawJamaica Gleaner, Jamaica -Oct 12, 2008Under the law, parents and guardians have particular obligations relating to the safety of children which should not be ignored. ... |
Oldham parenting group to host event about online safety - Louisville Courier-Journal
'Lemonade' author to speak at Los Gatos High tonight - San Jose Mercury News
Obama & Cindy McCain on parenting and Secret Service - Seattle Post Intelligencer
Film spotlights alternative parenting - Victor Harbor Times
Film spotlights alternative parentingVictor Harbor Times, Australia -5 hours agoBY DREW EVERS REGION - Local writers Shane Farrell and Jennifer Deaves are shedding new light on alternative parenting in a planned documentary. ... |
Drop-In parenting support at Wormley Community Centre - Broxbourne Borough Council (press release)
Drop-In parenting support at Wormley Community CentreBroxbourne Borough Council (press release), UK -6 hours agoBroxbourne Council and Broxbourne Housing Association have funded the Hertfordshire Practical Parenting Programme (HPPP) to run informal drop-in parenting... |
Why Some Kids Are Bullied From the Start - U.S. News & World Report
Why Some Kids Are Bullied From the StartU.S. News & World Report, DC -8 hours agoThe team followed them for more than seven years, receiving information from the children's mothers about victimization, family adversity, parenting styles, ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How Can I Teach My Child To Be Responsible?
Most of us when asked what we want our children to become, we include "responsible" among other things such as happy, fulfilled and caring.
We want our children to learn to make wise choices, be responsible for their actions and live responsibly.
Home And School Education - Your Kids Can Benefit From Both!
Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way down to
the annexe that housed the school's History Department.
Is Your Teen Swamped with Homework and Tests?
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed out with schoolwork, tests, finals, finding time to study, and extracurricular activities.
Humans and Their Innate Need for Drug Stimulation
We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like across the globe used such mind-altering drugs to alter their states. Still today in the world we have whole cultures enslaved to drugs of some type. Heroine, Opium, Peyote, Marijuana, Cocaine, it almost appears to be a human issue, a need. Most who study such believe that since the addictions affect the frontal lobes that the it also affects the basic drives of that individual which we have all heard of when individuals will steal from friends and family to obtain more drugs. For mankind to progress we will need to maintain flow of thought in all members of the species. We have failed miserably in this regard.
The Secret of Understanding Children
It was a day that I will forever be etched into my being. My husband was out of town visiting his mother and I was parenting my two extraordinary children solo. After three days of embracing high drama, soothing explosive emotions, and relaxing righteous indignation, I was exhausted.
How To Help Your Child Learn
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child. The way that your child learns depends a number of different factors, which combined together, create his unique learning style. By helping your child discover how he learns the best, you will set him up for life time success in learning, and reduce the frustrations that come through trying to learn in a way that does not use his particular strengths and to him seems uncomfortable.
Help! My Kids Dont Listen to Me
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to you when you wanted them to? This is one of the most common issues that parents bring to me seeking help and support. Parents tell me that instead of listening to them, their kids sometimes ignore them, walk away, don't do what they are told, laugh at them, turn up the radio or TV, talk back to them or give them the silent treatment. Parents say that they feel tired, frustrated, upset and at times at their wits end. By the time they come to me they have tried everything without success. So what else is there to do?
Public-school Teachers Know Best --- They Send Their Kids To Private Schools
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found that nationwide, public-school teachers are almost twice as likely as other parents to send their children to a private school. The study also found that more than one in five public-school teachers send their kids to private schools.
Picky Eater - Fighting the Good Fight
Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is not
so much about food as it is about control. As children become
more independent, conflicts can arise as they carefully
scrutinize what goes into their mouths. The more you push, the
more they resist with the outcome resulting in tears and
frustration.
The Top 5 Reasons Why Unwed-Parents Must Establish Paternity
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more than an African proverb, and when the village is small and one parent is missing the task becomes even more challenging. Fortunately, being proactive and understanding your rights as a parent will help alleviate any issues that might arise as you take on the role of single parent. Every child has the right to a parent-child relationship with both parents, and all three deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in the relationship.
How to End the Misery of Bedwetting
When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend to become dry
during the day more easily than at night. During the day they are
awake and aware of their feelings and can go to the toilet normally.
However, at night, when they are asleep, the usual feelings of a full
bladder aren't sufficiently strong to wake them. The result is a wet
bed. Or, young children have to continue wearing diapers at night.
Bird Flu Pandemic
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent spreading in an epidemic outbreak in America of a virus. There are many things you can do and warn your kids not to do; for instance tell your children; Do not touch handrails in public places and buses. Whenever possible; do not sit on and stay off park benches. You should wipe of gym equipment after each use when working out. Do not go to a movie and sit on theater seats with shorts on or bare skin touching.
Joining a Gang: How to Help Kids Prevent it, How to Tell if Theyve Joined One, How to Help Them Out
While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced back to the early 19th century -- the demographic of a youth gang is something that is constantly changing. Many people stereotype gang members as urban, inner city males from racial minorities, but in fact gangs are a problem in suburbs as well as cities, for all races and for girls as well as boys.
PG Rating Isnt What It Used To Be
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking of taking their under-10 year olds to see the PG rated Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, please read the following from a ScreenIt.com review:
5 Simple Steps Guaranteed To Allow You To Spend More Time With Your Children This Summer
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last day of school, the local outdoor swimming pool is open, and the temperature has sky-rocketed. Summer is here! Are you still stuck in your winter routine? The one filled with rushing around to after school programs, play dates and endless birthday parties. Do you still feel the pressure of hurrying your kids to catch the school bus and rushing out after them to deliver the lunch that little Amanda forgot on the table? Summer is here! Time to relax!
Hold a Childs Birthday Party for Charity
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party routine can be an almost painful experience. With about 20 children in your child's class, going to more than one birthday party in one weekend can occur quite often. If you have more than one child, birthday-party weekends can take over your entire life. Finding the right gift takes hours, wrapping the present and preparing the card is more time. When it is your child's turn for a birthday party, do you really want to put other parents through the same routine? Will your child really appreciate 20 birthday gifts on top of what you and your family have already given him? Does your child really need more toys?
Watch What You Say
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold."
You Want Whaaat???
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with a very special request... one that not every father gets from his loving daughter. I was sitting in front of the TV after a hard day at work and while I was fidgeting with the defective cable company-provided remote (the one the kids only know how to operate) trying to find a movie I hadn't yet seen ten times already on cable, she blurts out, "Dad, can I have a breast reduction?"
Ritalin (Methylphenidate) in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its name causes more fear in the hearts of parents than any other medication. It is the topic of radio talk shows, protests by the Church of Scientology, and negative newspaper articles. And yet, I wonder, if it is so very bad, why is it so "over-prescribed" as the critics claim? Let's explore the issue further, and give some information to parents who might want to know more about the medication.
Three Sure-Fire Ways to Teach Your Child About Safety
Levels of Safety
|
