We have moved to a brand new site. Please come visit us at www.adhd-inattentive.com. You can subscribe to the feed at www.adhd-inattentive.com/feed.
See you there!
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, September 25, 2009
Handwriting on the Desk and Other Random Parenting Hints
Handwriting on the Desk and Other Random Parenting Hints
If your child is in elementary school and keeps forgetting the same things, type up a "to do" list and tape it to their desk. When one of our sons was in fourth grade, the teacher had encouraged her children children to do this - not just ADHD kids. I saw 'how to label a paper', 'what to pack for home', 'what to unpack in the morning', and 'before I speak'. (I'm not saying whose that was!) It's a life skill to make lists, so all children should learn how.
If in the chaos of changing classes, your middle schooler can't remember what's needed for each class, here's a hint for you. It was sent in by Barbara. "My eleven year old son…just started middle school. Everyday he leaves with an index card in his back pocket. On the index card is his schedule for that particular day. We list the subjects in order along with the classroom locations. He is allowed two locker stops during the day and one at the end of the day. On the index card we note the times for locker stops with a bold black line. Then he knows which books to take with him to classes, until the next locker stop. Otherwise he would probably carry all of his books with him, all day long, for fear he would forget something. It works for us!"
Get your children in the habit of saying positive things. One family I know has a "best thing" time each night at dinner. Each member of the family - even the teenagers! - tells the most positive thing that happened to them that day. Another encouraging exercise is to go around the table and have each person say something positive about the other family members. Of course, our oldest son's favorite compliment used to be, "He's got an awesome big brother." Ron turned 23 yesterday. He'd probably say the same thing if we did this tonight. :)
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
If your child is in elementary school and keeps forgetting the same things, type up a "to do" list and tape it to their desk. When one of our sons was in fourth grade, the teacher had encouraged her children children to do this - not just ADHD kids. I saw 'how to label a paper', 'what to pack for home', 'what to unpack in the morning', and 'before I speak'. (I'm not saying whose that was!) It's a life skill to make lists, so all children should learn how.
If in the chaos of changing classes, your middle schooler can't remember what's needed for each class, here's a hint for you. It was sent in by Barbara. "My eleven year old son…just started middle school. Everyday he leaves with an index card in his back pocket. On the index card is his schedule for that particular day. We list the subjects in order along with the classroom locations. He is allowed two locker stops during the day and one at the end of the day. On the index card we note the times for locker stops with a bold black line. Then he knows which books to take with him to classes, until the next locker stop. Otherwise he would probably carry all of his books with him, all day long, for fear he would forget something. It works for us!"
Get your children in the habit of saying positive things. One family I know has a "best thing" time each night at dinner. Each member of the family - even the teenagers! - tells the most positive thing that happened to them that day. Another encouraging exercise is to go around the table and have each person say something positive about the other family members. Of course, our oldest son's favorite compliment used to be, "He's got an awesome big brother." Ron turned 23 yesterday. He'd probably say the same thing if we did this tonight. :)
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Focus Pocus
"Focus Pocus" was Ron's Facebook status the other day. I didn't ask him about it, but I can only imagine why he posted. Maybe in the throes of studying, Facebook beckoned. More likely, in the throes of Facebooking, his conscience called him to study.
Anyhow, it's a great title. There are many little 'magical' strategies that help improve focus. None of them work all of the time - nothing works all of the time for our kids! All of them work some of the time, and chances are one of the following will work for you today:
Limit the Viewing Area - Cut down on distractions by limiting what the eye can see - or what the ear can hear.
Take It In Spurts Hooked on Phonics taught me this strategy - and boy does it work. Break things down into smaller bites, like a telephone number.
Keep the Real Task in Mind - There are multiple skills at use for each task your child is given. It's important to figure out the primary purpose of an exercise, and make sure that is where the major focus is placed. In order to do this, it's okay to occasionally do some of the non-focus stuff for your kids. You should let the teacher know when (and why) you give extra help.
Inspired by Ron, I'm getting ready to release a new guide called "Focus, Pocus". In it, you'll find hint after hint for helping your child to pay attention. If you'd like advance notification for "Focus Pocus", sign up for the newsletter.
See you there!
Kayla
PS You can also sign up at the website at www.goaskmom.com.
Anyhow, it's a great title. There are many little 'magical' strategies that help improve focus. None of them work all of the time - nothing works all of the time for our kids! All of them work some of the time, and chances are one of the following will work for you today:
Limit the Viewing Area - Cut down on distractions by limiting what the eye can see - or what the ear can hear.
- When reading, use a plain 3x5 or 4x6 index card with a small area cut out in the center for lines of print to show when reading. This blocks out everything on the page except what is being read. Make your own, or purchase this Typoscope for fifty cents.
- In class or at home, give your child a study carrel. It can be as elaborate as the ones they use at the library, or as simple as a box cut out. (When Joe was in fourth grade, that's what his teacher used.) Check out these, which are cheaper than I ever imagined: ClassroomProducts.com.
- Have your child do homework in an area that is visually plain. Limit things on the wall, on shelves, on the floor. Close the door, or block the view with a sheet. My office - which used to be study central - still has only one picture on the wall.
- Keep the television off - even if it's in the next room. Our guys could hear - and pay attention to - the television if it were on downstairs and across the house. We had the unpopular rule of no television for anybody on school nights. I know, we're strange.
Take It In Spurts Hooked on Phonics taught me this strategy - and boy does it work. Break things down into smaller bites, like a telephone number.
- Instead of giving your child one page with 20 math problems, copy the problems five at a time onto four sheets of paper. You can copy by hand or using a photocopier with an enlarger.
- When your child has material to read, change it up. Read the first section to your child, have her read the next section aloud to you, then read the third section silently. As always, make sure the material is understood.
- Make small goals/rewards for work. Section an orange, and say, write two definitions, then have a section. Do part one of the homework contract, and run out and get the mail.
Keep the Real Task in Mind - There are multiple skills at use for each task your child is given. It's important to figure out the primary purpose of an exercise, and make sure that is where the major focus is placed. In order to do this, it's okay to occasionally do some of the non-focus stuff for your kids. You should let the teacher know when (and why) you give extra help.
- If your child has problems in the math book, you copy them onto the paper. (It's about math, not copying.)
- Occasionally, read social studies out loud to your child, instead of having him read it silently. (The important part is the content.)
- Gather everything needed for the homework session. (Work on organization tomorrow!)
Inspired by Ron, I'm getting ready to release a new guide called "Focus, Pocus". In it, you'll find hint after hint for helping your child to pay attention. If you'd like advance notification for "Focus Pocus", sign up for the newsletter.
See you there!
Kayla
PS You can also sign up at the website at www.goaskmom.com.
Monday, September 14, 2009
ADHD Hint - Saving Time & Money
A long time ago, a friend of mine had the coolest system that she used to simplify her life during school. She cooked all at once on the weekend, and made meals for the entire week. Then she stuck the meals in her freezer, and used them on those busy school nights when she would have ordinarily gone out for fast food. It's an idea whose time has come back around.With the busi-ness of school, the tightness of our pocketbooks, and the new awareness of just how unhealthy restaurant food can be, it's really time to give home-cooked meals a second chance. Those of us with ADHD kids have added reason to save time and serve more nutritious meals. I've just found a guide that will help you do just that. I love it! It's called "Freezer Cooking Made Simple", and it makes meal cooking easy, but since you do it mostly all at once - it makes it fast. You owe it to yourself - and your family - to take a look at this deliciously practical guide at HillbillyHousewife.com. Check it out. You'll thank me next time this week!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
An Encouraging Word - And ADHD Success Story
It's always so encouraging when readers send in success stories. Here's a great one*.
Our oldest, an eighteen year old boy, has matured so much in the last year. A little over a year ago, he wasn't that connected to the youth group, hadn't found his spot, he was at a deadend with school and gravatating to "friends" who were probably only good for providing him with self medicating products which we were watching extra closely. Then he lost his best friend, who died from an accident a year ago. Since then, we found (no - God led us to ), an amazing sports program that started out being for homeschool boys and ended up also including at risk kids as well. It is led by some of the most Godly men I've ever met - with a heart for seeing these young boys grow into Godly men. Our son joined a team for the first time in his life. He now attends their school and comes home, sits down to homework, gets up early to work on homework without me asking - a miracle in this house. He also tried out and joined the youth band as the drummer.
He found his spot. He's been overseas on a mission's trip, and is now interning at the church in the youth group over all youth events and worship activities with a college graduate who has become his mentor. This week he's leading the band in an entire set of songs that not only glorify God but are a remembrance of his friend's life...All that to say, as moms, as parents, we know God has a purpose for them and when it doesn't follow the path and pattern that most seem to follow, it just makes us dig in a little deeper to help them find their way to success and their purpose because we know its there.
I'd love for you to add your success story in the comment section below. We all need an encouraging word now and then!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
*Note that the names and details are changed for the sake of privacy:
Our oldest, an eighteen year old boy, has matured so much in the last year. A little over a year ago, he wasn't that connected to the youth group, hadn't found his spot, he was at a deadend with school and gravatating to "friends" who were probably only good for providing him with self medicating products which we were watching extra closely. Then he lost his best friend, who died from an accident a year ago. Since then, we found (no - God led us to ), an amazing sports program that started out being for homeschool boys and ended up also including at risk kids as well. It is led by some of the most Godly men I've ever met - with a heart for seeing these young boys grow into Godly men. Our son joined a team for the first time in his life. He now attends their school and comes home, sits down to homework, gets up early to work on homework without me asking - a miracle in this house. He also tried out and joined the youth band as the drummer.
He found his spot. He's been overseas on a mission's trip, and is now interning at the church in the youth group over all youth events and worship activities with a college graduate who has become his mentor. This week he's leading the band in an entire set of songs that not only glorify God but are a remembrance of his friend's life...All that to say, as moms, as parents, we know God has a purpose for them and when it doesn't follow the path and pattern that most seem to follow, it just makes us dig in a little deeper to help them find their way to success and their purpose because we know its there.
I'd love for you to add your success story in the comment section below. We all need an encouraging word now and then!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
*Note that the names and details are changed for the sake of privacy:
Friday, August 21, 2009
Spelling Success for Back to School
Back to school. Whether you approach this time of year with anticipation or dread, it's about to happen. New teachers and classes, different rules and expectations, leave children and parents overwhelmed with excitement and anxiety. Below are six ways to send your child back to school with success.
Supplies - Most schools provide a list of essentials for each child to bring on the first day of class. Make sure your child has exactly what is requested, and save enough cash for those supply needs that crop up the first week of class. Stock up on all types of paper, writing utensils, art supplies, notebooks and folders during the back to school sales. Gather an assortment of calculators and reference books. There is nothing that gives confidence like the satisfaction of having just the right tool for the job. Check out our families' comprehensive list of supplies at http://www.goaskmom.com/MomsToDo/Staples_ADHD.html.
Communication - While summer is still in session, visit the school and meet the secretary and principal. Limit yourself to brief introductions, but offer your support to help make a great school year. Leave your name, telephone and email so the school can contact you if they need help. The first week of school, write the teacher a letter introducing your child, and briefly listing strengths and weaknesses. Share important information such as family situation and medical needs. Finally, tell the teacher you would like to meet during the second month of school to strategize ways to work together for your child's education.
Habits - Children usually crave routine. A couple of weeks before school, transition children to the schedule they will follow once the year begins. Send them to bed and have them get up earlier. Adjust mealtimes. Once school is in session, quickly establish routines for homework and chore. Make it a habit to prepare the next day's clothes, lunches, and school gear each evening.
Orientation - Familiarize your child with the all the places she will be during the school day. Follow the bus or car pool route. Arrange a visit to the school before it begins. Practice the route into the building. Find the bathrooms, the library, and the lunchroom. If your child is in middle or high school, let them walk their schedule until they feel comfortable. See if there are volunteer opportunities that will help your teen to feel more at home in the maze of corridors that line most campuses.
Organization - Buy into the adage "a place for everything, and everything in its place". A two drawer file cabinet works well as a center to organize a child's school/home communication, backpacks, shoes, and homework. Each afternoon, school gear and shoes go in. Before bed, add clothes, bookbag, notes and homework for the next day. In the morning, everything is in one spot, and makes it easier for the child to get dressed and ready. (For an ingenious organizing tool designed especially for our boys, check out our new "PAC-kit" student planner!)
Love - Insensitive classmates, missed buses, forgotten homework and misunderstood math can make school a traumatic place. Shield your child by expressing your love over and over again. Tell her you love her. Give him a hug. Hide a love note or symbol in an Algebra book. Offer your time, your understanding, and your prayers. With the teacher as your partner, wrapping your children in love is the best way to spell a successful beginning to the school year.
PS Again, one of the best back to school tools ever is "PAC-kit" student planner
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Three Tips for … Back to School
Thanks to Alana Morales for this great guest post!
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Back to school time is quickly approaching – are you ready? I know I am. My kids need a set routine and unfortunately, as hard as I try, I can’t provide enough structure for them. They are ready to be back around their friends and I am ready for them to burn off some energy during the day.
Heading back to school means heading back into the land of homework, morning rituals and killer time management strategies. Here are three tips to help you prepare for the craziness of going back to school.
1. Student readiness. Sit down with your child and come up with some goals for the next school year. Once you decide on a few (I would say no more than 5), find a place to post them (inside of binder, over desk) and then make a plan on how you will reach those goals. Keep these in an easy to reach place as well.
Once this is figured out, try to come up with a school organizational plan. Who will go through the backpack daily? Where? Where will homework be placed? What about field trip notes, class newsletters, etc? Try to have this all figured out before school begins to keep things streamlined.
2. Teacher Readiness. Have you prepared a letter to your student’s teacher? Even if you don’t know who their teacher is, you can still write a draft of a letter or email. Explain your child’s ADHD, explain the accommodations that seem to work best for them and you can even tell about the type of support they can expect from you at home.
Being proactive will let the teacher know that you are ready to be an integral part of your child’s education. Just be sure to approach everything positively so, otherwise the teacher may be worried about what they will be dealing with for the school year.
3. Your Readiness. OK, so I’ve told you how to get your child and your child’s teacher ready for the new school year, but what about you? What have you done for yourself lately? Maybe you could go out for a nice quiet dinner, a pedicure or even a massage before the craziness of the year hits your family. One of the most important factors in your childs success is your attitude and ability to help them. If you are recharged, you will have more patience to deal with the challenges you will undoubtedly face. Don’t think of it as being selfish; think of it as a way to help you run at optimal efficiency. You need to be on your toes so much that you need to remember to take time for yourself as well.
Remember, getting things ready before school starts can make a big difference in preparing your family with as little stress as possible for an ADHD family. Enjoy!
Have a question about your child’s education? You can also follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/alanamorales.com for my mom and ADHD tips. More tips available at my online ADHD blog – www.MommyADD.com.
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about the author at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
-----------------
Back to school time is quickly approaching – are you ready? I know I am. My kids need a set routine and unfortunately, as hard as I try, I can’t provide enough structure for them. They are ready to be back around their friends and I am ready for them to burn off some energy during the day.
Heading back to school means heading back into the land of homework, morning rituals and killer time management strategies. Here are three tips to help you prepare for the craziness of going back to school.
1. Student readiness. Sit down with your child and come up with some goals for the next school year. Once you decide on a few (I would say no more than 5), find a place to post them (inside of binder, over desk) and then make a plan on how you will reach those goals. Keep these in an easy to reach place as well.
Once this is figured out, try to come up with a school organizational plan. Who will go through the backpack daily? Where? Where will homework be placed? What about field trip notes, class newsletters, etc? Try to have this all figured out before school begins to keep things streamlined.
2. Teacher Readiness. Have you prepared a letter to your student’s teacher? Even if you don’t know who their teacher is, you can still write a draft of a letter or email. Explain your child’s ADHD, explain the accommodations that seem to work best for them and you can even tell about the type of support they can expect from you at home.
Being proactive will let the teacher know that you are ready to be an integral part of your child’s education. Just be sure to approach everything positively so, otherwise the teacher may be worried about what they will be dealing with for the school year.
3. Your Readiness. OK, so I’ve told you how to get your child and your child’s teacher ready for the new school year, but what about you? What have you done for yourself lately? Maybe you could go out for a nice quiet dinner, a pedicure or even a massage before the craziness of the year hits your family. One of the most important factors in your childs success is your attitude and ability to help them. If you are recharged, you will have more patience to deal with the challenges you will undoubtedly face. Don’t think of it as being selfish; think of it as a way to help you run at optimal efficiency. You need to be on your toes so much that you need to remember to take time for yourself as well.
Remember, getting things ready before school starts can make a big difference in preparing your family with as little stress as possible for an ADHD family. Enjoy!
Have a question about your child’s education? You can also follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/alanamorales.com for my mom and ADHD tips. More tips available at my online ADHD blog – www.MommyADD.com.
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about the author at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
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