After I posted ADHD - What We Did Right yesterday, it showed up on my Facebook page. I got the most glowing comments - all of which would have gone to my head had I not know that - today was coming. So here it is...my tip of the iceburg list of all the things that I did WRONG. Trust me, this post would be way too long if I listed them all. Yelling, inconsistency, throwing a tomato (yes I did), not taking supplements, talking about it too much...Sigh. I'll depress myself if I think about it. So here are three of our TOP mistakes. Not Learning Together - Since at some point Ron did assume … [Read more...]
Ten Years with ADHD – What We Did Right
January 25, 2010 By 8 Comments
As promised, here's part one of the lesson we've learned since our son was diagnosed with ADHD ten years ago. Lowering Standards - I had to learn to ask one question over and over. "What's more important?" What was more important, pristine rooms or an environment where I wasn't stressed about it?* Straight A's or kids who weren't stressed (too much) about grades? Boy Scouts or three more unscheduled, laid back hours in a week? Legibility or learning? Over and over, I had to relax standards, lower expectations, and let go of preconceived notions. What was left were the essentials. *I'm … [Read more...]
Ten Years of ADHD
January 23, 2010 By 1 Comment
This year marks the ten year anniversary of our first ADHD diagnosis. Before then, I thought ADHD referred to wild, undisciplined children who couldn't be still or shut up mainly because they were hyped up on sugar and needed a firm hand. Joe was a calm, spacey child who had never (not even once) got his name on the board or been in any sort of trouble. Sure, he occasionally forgot to wear a shirt, couldn't keep track of anything, and zoned out during class. And, yes, he was pretty annoyed at loud noises, had a terrible time getting a good night's sleep, and approached learning in a strange … [Read more...]
Getting Rid of Clutter
January 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
So you've made a resolution, and this year you're getting rid of clutter! You're going to eliminate the clutter! ADHD kids crave order, even if they don't act like it. If your home is in disarray, your children can't focus. If you haven't already, make it your New Year's resolution to clear a path - and clear the clutter! There are several great online products to help you de-clutter and organize your stuff. One of my favorite resources is Fly Lady. She'll nag via email, and help you organize your life step by step - with no charge - including getting rid of clutter! Another unique … [Read more...]
Clocks for ADHD
January 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
When Ron was in his second year of college, he signed up for his first 8:00 class. This was a huge deal for him, as he has always been a chronic oversleeper. Lots of ADHD kids are. Nevertheless, I quit waking him up while he was in high school; when he oversleeps, it's his problem. (He has walked the four miles to school.) At the beginning of college, Ron simply scheduled later classes. But one semester a class he really wanted to take was only offered at 8:00. So he signed up. To make sure he wakes up, he has set THREE alarm clocks and his cell phone. He also has asked my husband to check … [Read more...]
The New Year – Looking Back and Looking Forward
January 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The New Year has always been a time to reflect on the past, and look forward to the future. The name "January" actually comes from the name of the Roman god Janus, who has two faces for standing at the threshold and looking backwards and forwards in time. Take a minute and look back on your year with your kids. Start with the accomplishments they have made - big and small. Think about: Academics (made it to regionals on her science project) Organization (kept up with his bookbag the entire year) Personal responsibility (remembered to feed the dog without being nagged too … [Read more...]
