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:
and finally:
Two myths that existed when I was a child:
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 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
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
Hints from Ruowen Wang? Keep a small basket filled with... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
When it's time to put your child into a daycare... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
Are you looking for the Ultimate Airplane Themed Party Games... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
Here is a list of ways to convey the message... Read More
I'll never forget my first lesson in a glider.I'd been... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
This past holiday season Canadians spent over $45 billion-with parents... Read More
When you talk about multiply your child's intelligence, you can't... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
It's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
It happens every year. Just when you are settled in... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
In dealing with children with autism spectrum disorders, its all... Read More
Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
There may really be a real monster under your kidâ??s... Read More
Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More
The following spelling games can be used by parents to... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
Q. Things have been relatively calm and OK with our... Read More
It's been said, time and again, that for a child... Read More
You need to smart to be able influence adolescents. You... Read More
A common theme over the past 20 years has been... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
O.K. I've heard it a hundred times from my prison... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More
There's a new trend for party entertainment. It seems as... Read More
Recently, a parent came to me, conflicted over whether to... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
Most of us recognize the continuing escalation of violence around... Read More
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention... Read More
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Vouchers, which give tax money to parents to pay for... Read More
Parenting |