Growing Graciously: Manners and Your ADHD Child

Posted by Brock
adhd children and manners

Manners are frequently discussed when they're ignored or forgotten - something ADHD children aren't alone in doing. Your inattentive one may be more prone to forget, however... When our family celebrated Olivia's 6th birthday, her grandparents had traveled approximately 400 miles across three states to celebrate the day. The day stands out because the gift of clothing was not well-received. Once the wrapping paper was happily ripped away, the opened gift box was greeted by tears and a few honest statements that were best forgotten. While preventing a melt-down is always better than … [Read more...]

Update on Kindle for ADHD

Posted by Kayla
kindle

Well, Joe reports that he broke his Kindle, and sent it back for a refund. I've never heard of anyone else breaking one, but whatever. BUT Joe really enjoyed it while he had it, and said he read Michael Crichton and Star Wars books. (Does that make you laugh as much as it does, me? He's 22, remember.) Despite his experience, I still think it's a worthwhile option to explore. If you want to test out an e-reader, I've learned that you can actually loan Kindle books, and the borrower does not need to own a Kindle, because Kindle books can be read using free Kindle reading applications for PC, … [Read more...]

Encouraging an ADHD Child

Posted by Kayla
encourage adhd child

Let's face it. ADHD can be discouraging. Even though they're wonderful, our children often end up feeling less than perfect. They march to a different drummer, their problems often overshadow their successes, and their sense of overwhelm often eclipses the simple joys of life. How do you encourage your ADHD child, and help her to develop and maintain a positive self image? Share in the comments below. Homework can be one of the most discouraging times for our kids. Find out how to "Wake Up from the Homework Nightmare". … [Read more...]

The Tantrum Chairs

Posted by Kayla
tantrum-chair

When our first son Ron was a baby, we bought a beautiful old home with the intention of fixing it up. It was one of those charming old houses with great potential. Built in the early 1900's, it had oak mantels, crown molding, French doors and high ceilings. But -- and that's an incredibly large three-letter word -- it needed a lot of work. Take the living room. A fabulous set of double doors led into a large room of musty-smelling rust-red long-pile carpet. A classic iron chandelier had been repainted with silver paint that flaked every time the wind blew....and sometimes when it didn't. … [Read more...]

Time Saving Hint for ADHD Moms

Posted by Kayla

A long time ago, a friend of mine had the coolest system that she used to simplify her life during school. She cooked all at once on the weekend, and made meals for the entire week. Then she stuck the meals in her freezer, and used them on those busy school nights when she would have ordinarily gone out for fast food. It's an idea whose time has come back around. With the busi-ness of school, the tightness of our pocketbooks, and the new awareness of just how unhealthy restaurant food can be, it's really time to give home-cooked meals a second chance. Those of us with ADHD kids have added … [Read more...]

Three Tips for … Back to School

Posted by Kayla

Thanks to Alana Morales for this great guest post! ----------------- Back to school time is quickly approaching – are you ready? I know I am. My kids need a set routine and unfortunately, as hard as I try, I can’t provide enough structure for them. They are ready to be back around their friends and I am ready for them to burn off some energy during the day. Heading back to school means heading back into the land of homework, morning rituals and killer time management strategies. Here are three tips to help you prepare for the craziness of going back to school. 1. Student … [Read more...]

Start at the End

Posted by Kayla
fourth grade adhd boy

Quick homework hint for today. When your teacher assigns end of the chapter/section questions, make sure your child reads the questions before reading the material. This helps her know what to look for as she reads. If you have a scanner or a copier at your house, copy the questions. He can jot down short answers, or mark multiple choice questions as he goes. We purchased an all in one printer with a scanner, copier and fax last year, and it has been one of the best investments we've ever made. I absolutely cannot imagine life without it now. PS Check out this one: Canon PIXMA MX512 … [Read more...]

Happy Birthday, Ash

Posted by Kayla

When my children were preschoolers, the grandmother across the street from me regularly admonished me to enjoy my time while the boys were little, because it would pass all too quickly. Her gentle prodding shaped the way I faced each day, and I'm grateful for it. Lately, I heard a proverb that summarized Miss Lillie's sentiments. "The minutes drag, but the days fly." It's all too true... Happy 16th birthday, Ash, my youngest son. Help your kids to be more focused, organized, encouraged and successful! Visit Kayla Fay at http://www.adhd-inattentive.com. … [Read more...]

AD/HD Fun, Fun, Fun

Posted by Kayla

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...]

Check Your Calendar – Busy Times Ahead

Posted by Kayla

With Christmas coming, it's a good idea to start eyeing your calendar now. Even without the busy-ness of the Holiday Season, there are days in the week that are more busy than others, because of sports or Scouts or church or music lessons or whatever. Wednesdays are always slam full at our house. Keep this in mind when scheduling appointments. Try to sandwich the full days in between two days that are less busy. On these days, try to work ahead a bit in homework. If you have a project coming up, and you're trying to do a little bit each day, leave that 'busy' day out of the schedule. On those … [Read more...]