One of the hardest things for any of us to do is to say, "I'm sorry." It is interesting to me that dogs can convey remorse without words, but humans often can't find the words to smooth over a problem that they created. Kids have a terrible time admitting they did wrong; for most adults, it's even harder. One skill that we need to teach our children is how to ask for forgiveness. Here's my formula: Admit wrongdoing. Don't make a child say "I'm sorry." If she's not sorry, you're compounding her transgression by making her lie. An insincere, 'Sorry', doesn't make anyone feel better, … [Read more...]
ADHD Inattentive
March 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Is this your Kid? He loses stuff. She stares into space. He takes hours to do simple chores. Homework never ends. One day she makes A's and the next fails the same subject. He's the personification of disorganization. But he's not hyperactive. And she really isn't a discipline problem. Still, last week you found the ketchup in the medicine cabinet. Maybe it's ADHD Inattentive. Labeled lazy, unmotivated, or maybe just a little bit 'slow', these children often fall through the cracks. Yet perhaps, just like their hyperactive classmates, there is a chemical imbalance in their brain that is … [Read more...]
Another Chore Hint – Laminate!
March 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
We have another great hint on getting kids to do chores from Molly Donnelly, who graciously gave me permission to include her name and her method! For my kids I have printed out and laminated cleaning cards for each chore. If they have to do the bathroom, they take the card and it lists for them step-by-step instructions so nothing gets forgotten-spray the sinks, toilet and shower with cleaner, wipe down shower and rinse, clean the inside of the bowl and wipe down the outside and floor around it, wipe down the sink and counter, use a clean cloth to dry the sink and counter, wipe down the … [Read more...]
Reader Hint – Getting Kids to Do Chores
March 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A reader sent this in last newsletter. It makes me want to go do chores with her! I wanted to throw something out there for working moms who feel like they're always picking up "everyday clutter" constantly, and have a hard time staying organized and caught up. I have two children, ages 8 and 14, with ADD (one inattentive, one hyperactive). I have found that when I say, "clean your room, and help pick up the house", I don't always get a good response, at least not to my satisfaction. Being a working mom, I have had to let go of having the show-room look, but I do like to keep things … [Read more...]
Getting Kids to Do Chores
March 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I've made two blog posts about chores, recently: The Chore of Chores discusses the importance of getting our kids to do chores. Chore List lists guidelines for deciding which chore a child can do. The fact remains, however, that kids don't like to do chores. So how do you get them to cooperate? Do chores together. Everything is more fun with a partner. Work side by side with your child. Have your child clear the table while you wash the dishes. One of you vacuum while the other folds laundry. (Pick up those feet!) One take things off the shelves while the other dusts and wipes down … [Read more...]
Chore List – Guidelines for Assigning Chores to Kids
March 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
In a recent post, I listed five reasons that is important for us to make sure our kids do chores. You can read the list on the ADHD-Inattentive blog. But just how do we assign chores that our kids can - and will - do? Here's your chore list: It's important to match the chore to the child. When you assign chores, take your child’s age, ability and personality into account. From the moment they are out of the high chair, a child can ‘dump their plate’ and put it in the sink. I have sweet memories of our little ones reaching over their heads to lob their dishes (plastic, of course) into … [Read more...]
ADHD-I Turns 18
February 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The most inattentive of our inattentive boys once said that his attention was like an oscillating fan. Bright, artistic, forgetful, self-absorbed, creative, exasperating, determined, spacey...he could be the poster child for ADHD-I. His first year of school, he went to kindergarten without his backpack for days on end - and suffered the consequences. One day, we pulled out of the driveway before he realized he wasn't wearing a shirt. When he turned 18, however, he had matured so very much that it was almost sad. He began to carry on articulate conversations with us, his friends, and (the … [Read more...]
Go Outside and PLAY – ADHD and Outdoor Activity
January 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I know it doesn't seem like it, but the days are growing longer, now that the Winter Solstice has passed. Despite the cold, encourage your child to get outside more. Studies show that activity -especially if it takes place outside - reduces ADHD symptoms. Try practicing spelling words or math facts in the great outdoors. While you're studying, sit on a swing, kick a soccer ball back and forth, or dig in the garden. It just might make those math facts more fun! Even if you're like a friend of mine, who lives in the sub-zero of Alaska (60 below...), remember that inside activity works well, … [Read more...]
What They Need To Know
December 12, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Our school recently sent home an email asking parents to list the skills that were important for a child to know before graduating from high school - and not just academic things. Among other things, I listed: balancing a checkbook, changing a diaper, basic car/home maintenance, filling out a tax return. I started early teaching my boys life skills. At age three, they could make a sandwich. At five, they could use the stove - with supervision. When they were in 5th grade, they were introduced to the iron without supervision. My husband has taught our boys how to change the oil and jumpstart a … [Read more...]
AD/HD Fun, Fun, Fun
December 2, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Older children who have come to terms with their ADHD often wear it like a badge. Or a t-shirt. Check out the talent on this wonderful YouTube video - and notice the t-shirt! (You can buy that shirt on Amazon.com.) This ADHD kid is embracing life, including his ADHD... And take a look at this Facebook status from our son Ron...and the ensuing comments: "Ron wonders why God gave him add. 3:21pm - 8 Comments" CR at 4:14pm November 18: so that you and i could be friends! thats why! Ron at 4:17pm November 18: lol that's reasonable hahaha ;) KL at 4:31pm November 18: because life would … [Read more...]
