| Helping your A.D.D Child enjoy the holiday season.... | | | | was to interview each family member about their |
| and learn valuable social skills at the same time. | | | | hobbies etc. and then using that knowledge help |
| The holiday season presents a unique set of | | | | his mother pick out appropriate gifts. This kept |
| challenges for all family members, but more so | | | | him involved, gave him a sense of pride and |
| for those who suffer from A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. The | | | | accomplishment -both of which are vital for |
| absence of familiar routines throws the child off | | | | building a healthy self-esteem. And he was thrilled |
| balance. Add guests, shopping, the hustle and | | | | when family members loved the gifts he helped |
| bustle of the season, parents who are stressed | | | | to choose. |
| out and kids may suddenly become disruptive and | | | | Teaching Teamwork and Co-operation: |
| uncooperative. | | | | A.D.D./A.D.H.D. kids tend to be very disorganized |
| But if approached in a careful and well-planned | | | | bunch and are notoriously poor planners as |
| manner this season can be a wonderful time of | | | | well.Getting your child involved in planning a party |
| bonding for parent and child, as well as a time to | | | | is a terrific way to build her self-confidence and |
| pass on the values and belies that you hold dear. | | | | improve her planning skills. Help the child make a |
| And you can help your child to develop those all | | | | list of the things you need to purchase and how |
| important social skills. | | | | the evening will proceed, for example snacks and |
| Teaching Empathy: | | | | drinks followed by dinner and then everyone |
| Impulsive, hyperactive kids are often | | | | gathers around the piano to sing Christmas Carols. |
| self-absorbed and self-focused. Use this season to | | | | Work together to make the evening a |
| help your child to shift the focus from himself to | | | | success.Let your child do as many tasks as she is |
| others. | | | | capable of, and let go of the need to have |
| One family found a fun way to get their 8 year | | | | everything 'perfect'. After all building your child's |
| old son,Mark, actively involved in the Christmas | | | | confidence and improving her planning skills are far |
| planning and shift his focus at the same time.Mark | | | | more important than having everything 'just so. |
| acted as a gift consultant to his mother. His job | | | | |