5 Tips to Help Kids
with ADHD Enjoy Christmas
December 14th 2005
|
 |
|
ADHD |
|
Parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
often cringe during the holidays. The expectation of presents and
chaotic busyness can turn already energetic children into spinning tops.
Celebrate!ADHD, which provides positive solutions for families affected
by ADHD, has developed a list of “5 Tips to Help Children with ADHD
Enjoy Christmas.”
“Most families self-destruct and miss out on the spirit of the season,”
says Celebrate!ADHD Founder Kirk Martin. “We think parents can make this
the most special holiday season ever by working with their child’s
nature, instead of against it.”
Martin recommends that parents take advantage of their child’s
personality and learning style by following these five tips to enjoy a
peaceful, meaningful Christmas.
1. Give your child less stuff and more time. More presents condition our
kids to be unsettled and bored. Our kids crave one-on-one time. So
instead of buying more toys with short life-spans, create lasting
memories by giving coupons for experiences your child can enjoy with
you.
2. Cultivate your child’s inner gifts, instead of focusing on buying
gifts. The real treasure this Christmas should be found inside your
child, not inside Best Buy. Confidence and a sense of purpose are built
by reinforcing your child's natural gifts, talents and passions. Give
presents that reinforce and develop your child’s gifts and
talents—whether it is building (LEGOS), drawing (easel and pad) or being
strategic (chess, board games).
3. Shower your child with praise, not presents. Our kids soak up
positive reinforcement because they hear it so infrequently. Want to
give a gift they will remember forever? Recognize and reward their
positive qualities and catch them doing good things.
4. Make giving, not receiving, the centerpiece of your family’s
traditions. Our kids have big, compassionate hearts and like to be part
of something meaningful. So turn your family’s holiday efforts to the
less fortunate.
5. Take a holiday from your stress and negativity. Spend the next few
weeks building up your child. Say only positive statements. Reward
progress, celebrate small wins. Expect the best and encourage your child
to live up to higher expectations rather than down to low ones.
You may just be surprised how fun and meaningful the holiday season can
be when you take advantage of your child’s creativity, gifts and talents
and compassionate heart.
For more free tips to improve your child’s confidence, social skills and
school performance, simply request the Celebrate!ADHD newsletter by
visiting
www.celebrateADHD.com or emailing Founder Kirk Martin at ADHDcamp@aol.com.
By Kirk Martin
Celebrate!ADHD Founder Kirk Martin is a nationally
recognized expert on helping families with ADHD find positive solutions
to everyday problems at home and in school. He can be reached at
ADHDcamp@aol.com or through
www.celebrateADHD.com.
Related Books
Keywords and misspellings: ADHD AD-HD AD/HD
Ritalin ritalan hyperactivity |
RSS Feed to our ADHD content
