ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a disorder often characterized by short attention span and poor concentration. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may affect executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and impulse control. Hyperactivity may also be a component. While an ADD/ADHD diagnosis is never an excuse for acting out behavior, it is something that needs to be taken into consideration when determining what approach to take.
I often joke that kids with ADHD would make great politicians or lawyers, because they never give up a fight! Trying to cope with a child who argues at the drop of a hat can test the patience of any sane person. Not surprisingly, over the years many parents have asked me what they can... Read more »
Homework can be difficult for most kids during the school year, but it can become a major challenge when you have a child with ADHD. But here’s some good news for exhausted parents: if you take the right steps now, at the beginning of the school year, homework hassles can be kept to a minimum.... Read more »
For the parents of a child with ADHD, everyday tasks turn into battles—from getting the child out the door in the morning to getting him to bed at night. My son was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6, so I remember what it was like to have a daily tug of war with an attention... Read more »
When you look at kids and people in general, it's easy to see that we all have differences in how our brains are wired and work. As a parent, you see these differences between your children every day. Your son is great at figuring out how long it will take him to write that English... Read more »
Does your child with ADD or ADHD seem to have more meltdowns, moodiness and anger issues than other kids do? If you feel this way, you are not alone. Children with ADHD are more prone to meltdowns for a number of reasons. Often the brain circuitry that regulates their emotions is dysfunctional. What this means is... Read more »
“I never suspected my nine-year-old daughter’s inability to concentrate was due to ADHD,” said Diane, the mother of three girls. “She isn’t ‘hyper’ or noisy—in fact, just the opposite. Kayla is the middle child—she’s quiet and tends to daydream a lot. We were frustrated because she couldn’t ever seem to concentrate or get her schoolwork... Read more »
The word “disorder” conjures up images of illness, disease and serious disabilities. All parents want to see their child as the smartest, most capable and best liked boy or girl on the block. So why would they want to have a label attached to them that often conveys just the opposite--such as slow learner,... Read more »
For children and teens with ADD or ADHD, summer can be a much–needed and most–appreciated break, with many taking a “drug holiday” from their medications and enjoying the freedom from school schedules and homework. Life is manageable. The start of a new school year, though, often means added anxiety and stress for the whole family.... Read more »
