Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) into overload. Too many details to plan, kids to manage, and family to cope with can turn a good day into a stressful one. The following suggestion can help adults manage ADD during the holidays.
1. Know Your Own ADD and Plan Ahead to Deal with It
You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself "How does my ADD affect me on the holidays?" Make a list of all the things that tend to stress you out on the holidays, and make a plan to deal with them.
Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret? Plan to take a deep breath before answering questions, so that you can think about your words before you speak them.
Do hyper kids overwhelm? Plan to excuse yourself and take a brief walk when the kids are so noisy that you can't think straight.
Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that won't fuel the fire, like "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd rather talk about a great book I'm reading right now."
Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.
2. Don't Expect Perfection
Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether you are hosting the holiday, going to a friend or family member's, or visiting a restaurant, realize that something is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is, do your best to move on and let it go.
3. Ask For Help/Accept Help
If you're hosting the holiday, ask for help in the kitchen. This is perfectly acceptable, and most people are happy to help out where they can. If you're offered help, accept it with gratitude! You don't have to do it all on your own.
If you're a guest, offer to take over a task that you're good at or don't mind doing. That doesn't necessarily mean offering to cook or serve, it can mean keeping the kids occupied! (Or, in my family, keeping the dogs out of the kitchen!)
4. Remember That People Do The Best They Can
Long days with family members can often end in frustration and hurt feelings. Try to remember that people do the best they can with the skills and tools they have. Hurtful comments probably aren't meant to be hurtful. If someone says something to you that you find hurtful or offensive, ask yourself "What is this person's intention?" The answer will most likely be "to be helpful." Don't hold it against friends and family members who may not have the necessary skills to express themselves effectively.
5. Smile!
Set the tone for those around you by being positive, smiling often, and enjoying yourself!
About The Author
© Copyright 2004
Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm.
According to a recent study by the internet cigar retailer... Read More
I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More
1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting ?... Read More
No matter how many lists you make, cards you send,... Read More
The Holiday season has officially begun and Christmas is almost... Read More
Electric Christmas lights have been around since the 1880's. It... Read More
This Father's Day, sit back and enjoy a nice cold... Read More
North Pole- The word is out! Due to an "unpublished... Read More
MADRID ? For millions of Americans, this Fourth of July... Read More
Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can... Read More
Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More
To a large extent the holidays have come to be... Read More
Christmas time is finally here, and most people during this... Read More
In theory Christmas is a time that is filled with... Read More
Holiday Stress? Some Tips For Having LessWe all dream of... Read More
Easter is Sunday, March 27th! Don't forget the flowers! Your... Read More
First, a disclaimer:This article requires information about John the Baptist,... Read More
It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect... Read More
Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do... Read More
Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope... Read More
This holiday season don't be trendy ? avoid the Seasonal... Read More
I love this time of year -- decorations on the... Read More
The exact origin of April Fool's Day is uncertain, but... Read More
The kindergarten class I was teaching was scheduled to perform... Read More
Traditional hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments never seem to go out... Read More
On July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration... Read More
1. Keep a stack of directions TO your place for... Read More
Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for... Read More
With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More
The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated... Read More
"This year will be different. I vow I won't get... Read More
"Wouldn't you just know it," muttered my husband, Randy.We had... Read More
To take advantage of the last days of autumn, we... Read More
Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking... Read More
Mothers day is May 8th this year, are you ready?... Read More
Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year... Read More
"Wouldn't you just know it," muttered my husband, Randy.We had... Read More
No matter how many lists you make, cards you send,... Read More
If your diet is making you a humbug this season,... Read More
- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than... Read More
The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear... Read More
The Holidays are coming and children have thought long and... Read More
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More
It's the holiday season, and the first thing that comes... Read More
The exact origin of April Fool's Day is uncertain, but... Read More
What does your holiday season usually look like -- a... Read More
Thanksgiving is the most important holiday of the year.Oh, sure,... Read More
Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running,... Read More
Deecember is a cruel month. Christmas sales, decorations, advertisements -everyone... Read More
Originally this was going to be a list for my... Read More
Kids take their birthdays very seriously, and are extremely disappointed... Read More
No matter how well we may have weathered our basic... Read More
"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving... Read More
Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids... Read More
Just as soon as the stores put away their Christmas... Read More
Hasn't time flown? Only six weeks to Christmas!Now you may... Read More
Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for... Read More
Texas Exotic Hunting is a popular sport in this state.... Read More
The Holiday season has officially begun and Christmas is almost... Read More
This weekend as we celebrate Father's Day, take an opportunity... Read More
A mother's bracelet is a personalized bracelet that celebrates the... Read More
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the... Read More
Birthday party supplies and decorations can bring that necessary magic... Read More
The word mother and mothers day are simple, yet powerful... Read More
The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for... Read More
This time of the year is supposed to be happy.... Read More
Holiday |