parenting classes

Is Therapy For My Child With ADHD Really That Important?

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 A Reader Asks:My child with ADHD is doing well on her prescribed medication, except she has this terrible screaming meltdown problem. My husband and I have to yell at her and threaten to spank her to get her to stop. Our doctor asked me if I thought we needed therapy. So now I’ll ask you…Is therapy really that important?  Respect Effect Mom Answers:Medication solves only 25% of the problem at best. The rest of thesolution requires therapy, structure and behavior modification, and consistency. A skilled play therapist can help you with all of these.I highly recommend that all married parents that have children with ADHD get marital counseling. Parenting a child with ADHD can take a terrible toll on marriage....

ADHD Parenting: How Can I Help My Child Without Losing My Mind?

Friday, July 17th, 2009 A reader asks: My son hasn't been diagnosed with ADHD but I know in my soul, he has it. He was such a wonderful child from birth to age 5 (3 years ago. That’s when I noticed a behavior change. Now, he's the complete opposite—not loving but selfish, not caring but rude and obnoxious. And never stops talking. He talks over us and interrupts our conversations, especially when I’m on the phone. He's impatient, vengeful, resentful and mean. He blames others for his mistakes and is oversensitive. I have tried different things, but nothing worked. I’m tired, stressed out, and need some help.  I got angry at him, screamed at him, and cursed him. Yes, it might have felt good...

Adhd Parenting: A Poem About My Family’s Story

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 I wrote this poem about my experience with my son who was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) when he was four. By age 8, he had full-scale ODD, oppositional defiant disorder, and our family was in real trouble. I hope it touches you and gives you hope. The Turnaround  The quicksand of worry was starting to win.The more that we struggled, the more we sunk in.With fierce love and honor, we clawed at the rim.It was just so chaotic living with him. This man-child with blue eyes and bright golden curls,Who charmed the grandmothers and giggling girls,Would gut us and wrench us from every direction,Then cry for a break from our icy rejection. The torment and sorrow were too much to...

ADHD Parenting: Should I Spank My Child With ADHD?

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 A reader asks: My parents asked why I wasn’t spanking my son with ADHD. What should I say? Respect Effect Mom answers:I'm 100% against spanking children for too many reasons to go into here. Run don't walk away from anyone that tells you to spank your child or recommends harsh punishment. It causes the fight or flight syndrome. It is harmful to your relationship with your child and his or her opinion of adults. And the damage is very difficult to undo if not impossible. Look for a play therapist with experience in treating children with ADHD? For us, it was the turning point. And it was really fun for my son. Don't let the word "play" leave you...

Specialized Parenting: When Typical Parenting Just Doesn’t Fit

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 Parents tell me they worry about their role in their children's behavior challenges. So let's just get that out of the way... Obviously you care enough to get extra help for your child. That's why you're here right now, right? :)  This is what I think, and you can see if you agree.  Having been through this myself, I'm 90% certain that you are not directly responsible for the development of your child's behavioral or emotional problems. As your child's primary caregiver (not stepparent), you are the only one with the power to resolve his or her behavior and emotional problems.  Some children are more difficult to parent than others. Lots of children have short attention spans. It's hard for them to handle change....

Shorty Awards for Most Valuable Health Content on Twitter

Saturday, January 24th, 2009 Twitter is a social media network for building relationships with others byphone or computer. Here's the catch... You only get 140 characters in whichto relay each message.  It's PERFECT for fast communication without wading through the confusingfluff we often get otherwise. And it's perfect for busy parents who may notLOVE to read.  Twitter is my favorite way to attract seekers of valuable informationon raising children with special needs. The Shorty Awards finished yesterday for the most valuable short content onTwitter in 26 categories.  I was first nominated for the Shorty Awards in the health category on December16, 2008. By midnight yesterday, I had received 22 nominations and 127 votesto win for producer of best health content. Each voter was required to enter WHY they placed their votes with me. You cansee their comments here.  http://shortyawards.com/user/ADHDParenting <<<<<<<<< Yes, I did a little campaigning and I'll tell...

ADD ADHD Parenting: Building The House of Respect - Preparing Your Child With Values, Skills, and the Success Mindset

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 It's easy to get so busy raising our kids that we lose scope of the ultimate goal. That goal is to prepare our children with the values, skills, and mindset for success.  A widely-accepted definition of success is the ability to support oneself in a career he enjoys. It includes the ability to create and maintain enriching relationships. And requires remaining a law-abiding citizen not dependent on drugs or alcohol.I have an embarrassing admission. It bothers me that I got so involved in running this business, that I lost track of some of your goals, too. That is why I'm focusing more on connecting with you, to find out what you want and need to assist you in parenting. On thing is...

ADHD School: Homework Problems Solved - This Gift…

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 Tonight's Respect Effect Parenting Success Summit Event Session 1 - Kumon - No more homework police Remember when you were little and you had that ONE gift you were just DYING to give your mom or dad? Just thinking about their opening it made you feel fantastic... That's how I feel about this session with Dr. Mary Mokris of Kumon North America. Listen, if you know anyone with a child who's struggling in school, send this to them. They've just GOT to attend this session. http://www.respecteffectparenting.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ************************************* This one event alone will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. That's a promise. If I could do ONE thing over again, I would have kept my son with ADHD in Kumon from kindergarten til...