Tomorrow is the first day of school for my 10-year-old and my 13-year-old ADHD child. That means a 8:00 p.m. shutdown of all games and televisions and a 9 p.m. lights out routine once again on school nights in the hopes that they will both be asleep by 10 p.m. The thought has crossed my mind to drug them with horse tranquilizers, but since I don't own a horse, and don't know a veterinarian, that's out of the question. The warm milk I can do ... if I could get them to drink it. (It's a joke about the tranquilizers people, don't go all crazy on … [Read more...] about Bedtime and the ADHD Child
ADD and ADHD
ADD and ADHD is a chronic condition that includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. More than 3 million US cases are diagnosed each year. Treatment can help, but this condition cannot be cured. With treatment, this mental health disorder can last for several years or be a lifelong condition.
ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may also contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, difficulty at school and work, and in some cases can also cause the development of other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Life in a House has a personal connection with this topic of discussion, so feel free to reach out to us if you need resources or help.
Breakfast Ideas for the ADHD Child
Breakfast is vitally important - for all of us - as it is the fuel that jump starts your day and keeps you going. For children with ADHD, having high-protein foods in their diet is a must, along with cutting out the sugar but not taking away from the taste. We all know, if it doesn't taste and smell good - they are NOT touching it! ADHD children who are on stimulant medications have little to no appetite once they have taken their medication. To help you get the fuel that they need into their bodies in the morning before school, consider … [Read more...] about Breakfast Ideas for the ADHD Child
Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner Review
Keeping your student on track with their academics and after-school activities can be a daunting task at times. Leslie Josel, founder of Order Out of Chaos and creator of the Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner has designed a planner that will help your student learn to manage their time and enable them to use the week-at-a-glance system to their advantage. This is no ordinary academic planner. This is literally a "everyone" planner. Instead of subjects, use the 7 "subject" areas to divide your activities and commitments you need to … [Read more...] about Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner Review
Another ADHD Moment
Life can go along so peacefully and then, in an instant, chaos reigns supreme in the lives of those living with a child and ADHD. Had a nice, relaxing afternoon at the pool today with T. (the 10-year-old), but the minute we came home and encountered J. (the 13-year-old), all hell broke loose. I don't know if it was because I made T. leave the pool (he wanted to stay longer but wasn't swimming, was just sitting there shivering) or because J. didn't like T.'s tone of voice when we came in. It's as though J. can just automatically "sense" when … [Read more...] about Another ADHD Moment
Video Games and ADHD
My 13 year old is an avid Black Ops gamer. He spends hour after hour playing, leveling up, getting to the next achievement. He has a goal - to get qualified to play in the $2,000 tournament this summer. Some parents might disagree with me, but I leave him be. As long as he takes care of his chores and responsibilities (including homework and keeping his room semi-organized), I leave him to it and don't nag about his time online - that much. Have I researched the benefits of video gaming and ADHD? No, not in depth. I learned a long time ago … [Read more...] about Video Games and ADHD
The Scream
Sharing an old post from Friday, July 29, 2005 with my readers. J. was 5 years old at the time and T. was 2 years old. We were on our way out of town for the day, taking a drive down to Willoughby Spit in Virginia to the pier for some ocean and sand and fishing. I think any parent has felt the full wrath of "the scream" when attempting a road trip or a packed day of errand running. At one time in your parenting life or another - you will encounter "the scream" if you have more than one child. Mine scream at each other weekly. We had a repeat … [Read more...] about The Scream
Parenting Exceptional Children
I suppose I am like any other mother out there - I think that my children are exceptional, they are smart, witty, funny, unique creatures that I am blessed to have in my life. I want nothing but the best for them. I want them to get a good education, to be able to find a job that they love and can excel at, and to have long, healthy lives filled with happiness. That is my dream for them. Making that dream a reality however is a whole other ball of crazy. Much as we as parents would love to wish our dreams into reality for our children, it … [Read more...] about Parenting Exceptional Children
Instead of 911 I Need Dial Dr. Phil!
They are not going to make it through the summer – and they are not even out of school yet. Still have one more week of school to go, they get out next Friday. Either they are going to need some serious intervention from Dr. Phil or the good doctor is going to have me on a show entitled, “When Moms Finally Crack and Go Postal.” The fighting, the bickering, the name-calling, is absolutely driving me insane. I remember my brother and I did not always get along with each other – but we also were … [Read more...] about Instead of 911 I Need Dial Dr. Phil!