| Some parents become over-protective when | | | | complexity of the tasks you assign to them. |
| they realize their child has ADD or ADHD. They | | | | But you'll need to supervise. Don't just expect to |
| don't think that their son or daughter can do | | | | hand your kids the plates and utensils, and say, |
| things that other kids can do. Some feel that it's | | | | "Go set the table." Explain to them and show |
| easier just to do household tasks themselves and | | | | them how a proper setting is done and then, |
| see it done right in a shorter amount of time. | | | | watch them as they repeat the process you just |
| What happens then? Your kids don't learn a single | | | | went thorough. You may have to fold the napkins |
| ounce of responsibility and will go through life | | | | for them, if they're very young and still acquiring |
| thinking that "someone else can do it." | | | | manual dexterity. But when they do it properly |
| You have to teach your child that ADD doesn't | | | | for the first time, be sure to shower them with |
| give them that option. If you don't help them to | | | | praise. |
| learn what they need to become adults, they'll | | | | The following day, you may have to do the same |
| either be called to task by the health department, | | | | thing, and even the day after that, but eventually, |
| or you'll end up being the cleaning lady, until the | | | | the ritual will set in. If you have dinner at the |
| day you die. Don't let that happen to you or to | | | | same time every day, too, setting the table will |
| them! | | | | become something they expect at the same time |
| Stop looking at AD/HD as an illness, number one. | | | | of day. This is very good for kids with ADD. It |
| Number two, just realize that your child's brain | | | | gives them a sense of control. |
| functions differently, unless you have ADD or | | | | This system of training, praising and retraining until |
| ADHD yourself. That's quite possible, since the | | | | kids get their chores right should continue for |
| tendency to have AD/HD runs in families. But you | | | | every task you give them. If they're 10 say, and |
| must realize by now that AD/HD doesn't stop | | | | you give them the job of emptying the trash, |
| you from living and getting everything you want | | | | don't expect them to know what to do. Train |
| out of life. In fact, many famous people, like John | | | | them to do that chore properly, as well. You |
| Lennon, Henry Ford, and Winston Churchill all had | | | | should be delegating more complex tasks with |
| ADD. | | | | every birthday and giving them a little more in |
| The thing is, if you want your kids to use ADD to | | | | return. Make them feel appreciated. |
| their highest potential, you'll have to step in and | | | | And don't let this delegation to little ones make |
| teach them, just as you would any other boy or | | | | you feel guilty, either. You aren't making your kids |
| girl. Begin with a simple task, like setting the table. | | | | your robotic slaves, and if you don't give them |
| Most kids can do this by the time they're five or | | | | some responsibility, they'll never learn it. Also |
| six. In exchange, you may want to provide them | | | | explain to them how in a family, everyone has to |
| with a small allowance. You'll be teaching them the | | | | pitch in to make sure things get done. If you start |
| value of money, too, and that you have to work | | | | levying responsibility early in your child's life, what |
| for what you want in life. Increase the amount of | | | | you'll come out with is a responsible adult. |
| the allowance as they grow and also the | | | | |