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fellowtraveler said:
Hi,

I'm interested in knowing if anyone has found any techniques especially helpful for handling the behavior problems that often go along with ADD/ADHD? Alot of the threads here are related to trying to find the right med combination. I agree that that is important, but unfortunately, often meds only get you halfway there. So I wanted to provide a forum here for us to share ideas on what we can do when the doctor has done all he/she can.

I'll start: My best recommendation is to get a book like "1,2,3 Magic" and follow the advice there. In addition to the basic parenting advice there, I would add to decrease stimulation when the child is especially distractable/hyper. For example, given the choice between Chuck-e-cheese and a typical pizza place, go for the quieter, less chaotic environment.

Any other ideas? Any good books?

-ft

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<font color="blue">I completely agree that meds only get you halfway there with ADHD, be they kids or adults. I think that sports for all ADHD kids are good. They expend energy in a good way, and teach kids important skills about interacting with others. Self confidence can really be given a boost. Martial arts I also highly recommend in addition to the team sports. ADHD kids need self confidence, and they also need a place and way to channel their energy to good things.

Creative arts of all kinds, and games that challenge an extremely fast thinker (which is what an ADHD child is) are integral!!! Never let the child believe they are stupid because their grades won't always show it. If an ADHD child channels their energy in these positive ways, you won't have as much of a problem with them. Child psychologists are usually great in working with ADHD kids behavioral problems and self esteem. They can also use cognitive games to work on the child's working memory, which is affected a great deal in ADHD.

Parental involvement in any kids life is the key, but it has to be positive involvement. Many parents are ill-equipped to understand ADHD kids and become easily frustrated. High numbers of ADHD kids are abused.
I think that if a parent is balanced and tempered with loving patience, then their kid will turn out alright, no matter what the diagnosis. Parents need to take care of themselves also, and if this means they see a psychologist and take up running or something, then do it---the consequences are far too great. Parental self-neglect makes for a frustrated, angry, depressed, and even resentful parent. Kids are very intuitive and pick this up. The child's self esteem and relationships with others can be affected negatively and enduringly, developing depression and anxiety as time goes on, making a very unhappy young adult.

Parents have it tough! </font>