Talk ABOUT your kids... to get them to listen!

Have you noticed, in sessions we sometimes talk 'about' children when we know the kiddo is within earshot?? 

"Gee, I wish Tommy could join us in this game but he is choosing to do his own thing and miss out on the fun" or "I am so proud of Tommy, he has been working so hard at school and at home!"

You know how our ears perk up to listen to gossip? 

Similarly, kids are much more likely to learn from things they 'overhear' rather than when they are being 'lectured'. 

Try this technique instead next time you are tempted to lecture in your best monotone voice... the one that your kid so quickly tunes out! :)

Parenting a Child with ADD/ADHD

Daily Schedules For Children with ADD/ADHD

While schedules and routines can be extremely helpful for most adults and children, this behavioral therapy technique is especially helpful for a child struggling with ADHD/ADD.

As we know, a consistent, predictable routine helps children feel safe and secure.  This is especially important for children with ADHD/ADD who often feel that their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are out of control.  A predictable routine is key to establishing a safe environment, which in turn, makes it easier for children struggling with ADHD/ADD to establish internal regulation and to be more in control of their feelings. 

Making this routine into a visual schedule helps break down tasks into manageable parts to teach your child to focus on one activity at a time. For a child with ADHD/ADD the task of cleaning their room or getting ready in the morning can feel completely overwhelming because there is so much to do and they don’t know where to start. Organizing their daily routine into manageable tasks helps give them a sense of structure and organization, which allows them better success in completing their daily responsibilities.

The visual schedule also creates a sense of independence for your child and saves you from constantly reminding them. Instead of standing over your child and having to instruct them to brush their teeth, you can simply direct them to follow the next task on the schedule! Following the schedule on their own sends the message that they are capable and competent.  This is contradictory to the message children with ADD/ADHD typically internalize, which is that they are “disorganized” or “forgetful”.

We love this schedule an IFC family created!

How to:

1. As much as possible, keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time, to bedtime.
2.  Create a visual representation of your family schedule (http://pinterest.com/ has many great examples!) 
3.  Include time for homework, meals, ‘free-time’, chores, family time and more.
4.   Keep the schedule in a place where your child will see it often. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible (Post-its are great for changes).
5.  Create rewards when your child follows the schedule. For example, set a goal that if they get to bed on time 4 days in a row they earn a reward.