Strategies for Family and Home

Families that include a child with ADHD often have more chaos, more stress, and more frustrations. But there are many things family members can do to ease these emotions.

"It's important to remember that the child with ADD/ADHD who is ignoring you, annoying you, or embarrassing you is not acting willfully. Having ADD/ADHD can be just as frustrating as dealing with someone who has it. Kids with ADD/ADHD want to sit quietly; they want to make their rooms tidy and organized; they want to do everything Mom says to do, but they don't know how to make it happen. If you keep this in mind, it will be a lot easier to respond to your child in positive, supportive ways."

Make a point to recognize and acknowledge positive things. Chances are your child is already aware of his shortcomings. Help him see the good things, too. It's also important to keep things in perspective and remember that when your child acts out, he does so because of a disorder, not because he's willfully disobedient. Read more at HelpGuide.org.

CHADD Offers Family Training Course

Parents of children with ADHD know they need support and guidance, but don't always know where it can be found. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) has developed a class called Parent to Parent, to help equip parents and other family members.

"Parent to Parent provides educational information and support for individuals and families dealing with AD/HD... The entire course includes 14 hours of time and is usually offered as a seven week class, meeting for two hours once a week."

The curriculum covers parenting strategies, ADHD assessment, educational strategies and more. Courses are offered in local communities across the country. Read more at CHADD.org.

Still looking for a summer camp for your ADD/ADHD child? Visit the ADD Summer Camps page at SummerCampsInfo.com for a full list of camps.

Become the Parent Your ADD/ADHD Child Needs

A new year often means New Years Resolutions. As a parent with and ADHD child, one of your resolutions could be to keep finding new ways to help your child manage and cope with her ADHD.

"This new year, take stock of your child's life at home and at school - and how you think you are doing as her parent. How can you create an environment that helps your special, wonderful child overcome the obstacles in her path?"

Helping create strong family connections and leaving time for unstructured play are just two of the suggestions offered in this article. Read more at iVillage.com.

Learn about Camp Huntington special needs summer camps.