Summertime has a way of creeping up on us. School is suddenly out. Children are home. Days may now be wide open. Summer is often a lazy, relaxed time. But for a child with ADHD, a daily routine continues to be very important.

Click on Tips For Developing A Summer Routine to read more.

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“Our 13 year old son was diagnosed with ADD and GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) four years ago. My question is how can I tell the difference between typical teenager behavior and ADD behavior? We have four other children (both older and younger than our ADD son) and you would think it would be easy for me to distinguish, but at times it is so difficult and I doubt myself on the way that I parent certain issues. Lately he is more inattentive and distracted and showing some hyper signs that he has not shown before.”

Click on Parenting Strategies to read response.

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There are jobs out there that require workers to have high activity levels and lots of movement. The best way to be successful in these jobs is to not sit still! If you have the predominately hyperactive-impulsive type or combined type of ADHD, this list is for you.

Click on Thrive in Jobs that Require Movement to read more.

Can you think of any other jobs to add to the list?

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I just wanted to let you all know of an upcoming parenting series, The ADHD Strategy Series, organized by Dr. Rory Stern. Dr. Stern provided expert quotes for a recent article, What Is Your Child's Learning Style?

The Series begins on Monday, May 19th at 8:30 pm EST (with a 24-hour replay line in case you miss it live) and continues with a new speaker and topic each Monday and Wednesday through July 2.

Parents can register for free. Once you register you will be given specifics about how to call in to listen to the speakers. There is an option to upgrade for a cost. By upgrading you will be purchasing the mp3 audios of each call, pdf transcripts, and will also be able to attend 2 90-minute Q&A calls with some of the experts.The upgrade is optional. You do not need to upgrade to hear the speakers.

Speakers:
This list does not follow the exact order of the line-up. The correct order should be released shortly.

• Evelyn Polk-Green
  TOPIC: Parent As Advocate - The Key To Finding The Right Doctor & Team To Support Your Child
• Kirk Martin
  TOPIC: Success Strategies To A Calm Classroom, Calm Home, And Calm Child
• Theresa Cerulli, MD
  TOPIC: Medication & Natural Supplements - Balancing What Your Child's Body Really Needs
  ADHD Basics - Just What Is ADHD?
• Rhoda Kupferberg, PsyD
  TOPIC: The Art & Science Of A Thorough Diagnosis - What Questions To Ask
• Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA
  TOPIC: Strengths & Self-Esteem - Truly Understanding The "Gifts" Of ADHD & How To Build Self-Esteem
• Linda Anderson, MCC
  TOPIC: Effective Organization Skills For You & Your Child
• Gregory Fabiano, PhD
  TOPIC: COACHES - Effective Strategies To Get Dads More Involved In Treatment
• David Giwerc, MCC
  TOPIC: Building The Foundation To Your Child's Success (AKA - What They Don't Teach You In School, But You Really Need To Know)
• Tara McGillicuddy
  TOPIC: ADHD Resources Online - Finding Safe, Reliable Sources Of Information & Support
• Rory Stern, PsyD
  TOPIC: "What Else Might It Be?" - Looking Beyond ADHD To Include "Real Life" Problems & Solutions

We all want our children to be responsible and make good decisions, but for a child with ADHD impulsive reactions can sometimes lead to poor choices. As parents we can make a difference. We can help our children face these challenges with a sense of responsibility, healthy self-confidence, and stronger decision making skills.

Click on Reducing the Risk of Alcohol and Drug Use to read more.

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A big cheer to you all!
People have been so responsive in joining our Forum. Thank you for all the kind support you have given to each other. Thank you for being so open and willing to share experiences and provide advice to those going through similar issues. Please continue to help one another. Just knowing you are not alone is a big relief.

If you haven’t checked out the forum, please do. We’d love to have you join us. Click on ADD/ADHD Forum …and welcome!

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Have you ever been reading, gotten to the end of the page, and wondered -- “What on earth did I just read?” Rather than absorbing the words and understanding what was written, has your mind simply wandered midway through the page onto something else?

Does this sometimes happen when others are talking to you? Then there is that awkward pause, where you are expected to reply but you have no idea what the other person just said. What if they had given you specific directions and you haven’t a clue what they were because your mind was off on something else.

You are not alone.

Click on Tips for Maintaining Focus to read more.

Please share any other strategies you have found to be helpful.

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“My 9-year-old son has ADHD and is an only child. Being a single parent, I feel guilty for having to work and wanting some time for myself, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by his clingy attitude. He's not maturing in this aspect and, coupled with his hyperactivity, I feel like an incompetent mother. He asks for hugs all the time, doesn't let me go to the bathroom without knocking on the door, interrupts conversations...I'm in dire need of better methods to help my son.” -- About.com user

Click on Parenting Strategies to read response.

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I would like to invite you all to our Forum.

As our forum continues to grow, it has become a place you can come for support and community. New people are joining everyday and I hope to see more and more posts. I want you all to feel comfortable sharing your experiences and helping others.

We have had recent posts of those feeling uncertain and stuck. Hearing from others who have gotten through this darker time can provide tremendous hope for those who are feeling a sense of despair. If you or your child is newly diagnosed, the forum is a great place to ask questions and seek support from others who have been through your same situation. If you simply want to say hello and connect to others who have ADD/ADHD in their lives, this forum is a nice place to be.

Please take a look.

Warmly,

Keath

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Nancy A. Ratey, internationally recognized expert on ADHD, a leading ADHD coach, and author of the book, The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents, talks about initiating change through self-coaching.

Click on Take Control of Your ADHD to read more.

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