adhd in children

Should My Child Be Assessed for ADHD?

Monday, August 3rd, 2009 A Reader Asks:How do I determine if my child should be assessed for ADHD? Respect Effect Mom Answers:I refer folks looking for the definitive checklist for ADHD and ODD to the DSM-IV for ADHD, and for ODD.  These make it very simple to determine if one’s child should be assessed.In addition, here are some unofficial red flag ADHD alerts you rarely hear mentioned:•    As infants often appear colicky and easily over-stimulated.•    Always chewing on something, sleeves, collars, something.•    Often late to talk and toilet train.•    Often appear to have speech and hearing problems.•    Chronic interrupting.•    Lack of eye contact, especially during introductions.•    Rarely sit through an entire meal without getting up and running around for one thing or another.•    Trouble...

ADHD in Children: is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Just Bad Behavior?

Saturday, August 1st, 2009 Is ADHD in Children a Medical Condition or Bad Behavior?Parents often ask me if ADHD is a real medical condition or merely bad behavior that requires more severe discipline like spanking.Spanking children with ADHD only causes a fight or flight syndrome that is damaging to the parent-child relationship. A sturdy parent-child relationship is "the thing" that will get parents through this. You CANNOT help your child without it, because he will NOT listen to you.When you learn how to provide your child with the relationship, structure, reward, and consistency he craves, you will see a remarkable improvement in his attitude and behavior. And you will see without a shadow of doubt that ADHD is VERY real, and VERY treatable....

Should We Medicate Our Kids with ADHD?

Thursday, July 30th, 2009 Parents often ask me if they should medicate their children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Talk about shark-infested waters…  I rarely discuss medication because it is such a controversial topic. However, I am willing to brave these shark-infested waters to offer another viewpoint.Here's the thing. Medication only solves about 25% of the difficult characteristics of ADHD that can be solved. Mainly, it helps children concentrate in school. The remaining 75% can be resolved with the help of a skilled therapist who can teach you how to provide structure, consistency, and more.If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you are reluctant to rely on medication. However, if your child is struggling in school, you may want to look into administering your...

ADHD In Children: 14 Common Excuses and Defenses by Parents

Friday, July 24th, 2009 When struggling with a child’s difficult behavior, it is common for us to cope rather than determine the underlying cause. We get so deep in the thick of despair, it is difficult to dig out of it.Recurring Rationalizations, Defenses, and Excuses of Parents of Children with ADHD: Denial—“I’m not sure he has ADHD.”  (He’s difficult, but you don’t know why.)  “He can pay attention when he’s watching a movie or playing with his toys.”  (Kids with ADHD can pay attention under five conditions.)  “He’s fine.  There’s nothing wrong with him. He’s just… His dad used to… When things get back to normal, he’ll…” (The list goes on.) Self-doubt—“I must have bad genes to have created a kid like this.”  (Slow...

How I Use Rich Media to SHOW Parents How to Help Children with ADHD and ODD

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 Please Tune in Tonight at 9 Eastern, 8 Central, and 6 Pacific to SEE how we use rich media in our family-run business to SHOW parents how to help their children feel more successful at home, at school, and in the community.What is Rich Media?Rich media is the new term for incorporating text, graphics, audio, video, in an interactive format to communicate a message. Tonight Rich-Media GENIUS  Paul Richardson (@TheMediaCzar on Twitter) grills me on how I use rich media, Twitter and other social media, blogs, bookmarking, and email to deliver our Message of Hope and Practical Steps to POSITIVE CHANGE to parents around the world.  Here's How to Join in the Conversation...You can join us by listening in on your...