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Way to go Captain Obvious!
Dr. Phil did a show on ADHD and ADD today and part of the show was "simple things you can do to help your child with ADHD or ADD"
1. Stick to a schedule
2. Organize
3. Be clear and consistent
How do these things only apply to children with this condition? My experience is that all "simple" creatures benefit from these treatments. Everything from children to pets appreciate those things. And heck, when you get right down to it, most adults are more comfortable with those things than without them too. Sure, we like a bit of spontaneity, but for the most part we appreciate schedules. And of course we all feel better when our homes are clean and organized. When it comes to anyone who claims they love the chaos I deeply believe they're just making excuses and justifications because getting organized is a lot of work (and I totally get that because it is). And isn't having a boss that isn't clear or consistent a major complaint among unhappy workers?
Why is this sort of advice put out there as something only for "special" kids when the truth is that it helps ALL children (and all relationships with other living creatures)?
Again we're just reinforcing my idea that doggies make great practice kids. The fur-babies wake at the same time every morning and expect to be let out. They expect to eat at the same time every night. And they head upstairs for bed at the same time every day. Any change to the schedule definitely gets them upset. And any time you want them to follow a rule, consistency is key. If you let them get away with something once they'll try it again and again. I'm not sure they care as much about things being organized. They are just dogs after all. All their worldly possessions would fit in one plastic bag.
Parenting isn't rocket science. Sure I expect to make some mistakes along the way, but I'm thinking the basics are pretty easy to grasp. It amazes me how many people don't think those simple three things are obvious and applicable to all children.
In other news we got our estimate for the ant treatment. It's a bit of a hit to this month's budget, but it has to be done. They'll be coming to do it tomorrow and as soon as it's done we'll head out to an SCA event for the weekend. Hopefully camping in the record-breaking heat won't be too bad. There aren't nearly as many ants around now, but there's still a few and there's an absolutely horrid ant mound near the AC unit outside, so it will be good to have them all dead. I found out what they like about fresh, clean laundry... apparently there are proteins in detergent and fire ants like protein. So it wasn't the fabric softener after all. And again, I guess this will teach me to put it away.
I really should go and get something done, but I really am exhausted from this whole week. I just want to curl up and sleep and do nothing at all. I'm hoping I can do some more creative/fun things next week since this week has been a whole lot of not fun.
1. Stick to a schedule
2. Organize
3. Be clear and consistent
How do these things only apply to children with this condition? My experience is that all "simple" creatures benefit from these treatments. Everything from children to pets appreciate those things. And heck, when you get right down to it, most adults are more comfortable with those things than without them too. Sure, we like a bit of spontaneity, but for the most part we appreciate schedules. And of course we all feel better when our homes are clean and organized. When it comes to anyone who claims they love the chaos I deeply believe they're just making excuses and justifications because getting organized is a lot of work (and I totally get that because it is). And isn't having a boss that isn't clear or consistent a major complaint among unhappy workers?
Why is this sort of advice put out there as something only for "special" kids when the truth is that it helps ALL children (and all relationships with other living creatures)?
Again we're just reinforcing my idea that doggies make great practice kids. The fur-babies wake at the same time every morning and expect to be let out. They expect to eat at the same time every night. And they head upstairs for bed at the same time every day. Any change to the schedule definitely gets them upset. And any time you want them to follow a rule, consistency is key. If you let them get away with something once they'll try it again and again. I'm not sure they care as much about things being organized. They are just dogs after all. All their worldly possessions would fit in one plastic bag.
Parenting isn't rocket science. Sure I expect to make some mistakes along the way, but I'm thinking the basics are pretty easy to grasp. It amazes me how many people don't think those simple three things are obvious and applicable to all children.
In other news we got our estimate for the ant treatment. It's a bit of a hit to this month's budget, but it has to be done. They'll be coming to do it tomorrow and as soon as it's done we'll head out to an SCA event for the weekend. Hopefully camping in the record-breaking heat won't be too bad. There aren't nearly as many ants around now, but there's still a few and there's an absolutely horrid ant mound near the AC unit outside, so it will be good to have them all dead. I found out what they like about fresh, clean laundry... apparently there are proteins in detergent and fire ants like protein. So it wasn't the fabric softener after all. And again, I guess this will teach me to put it away.
I really should go and get something done, but I really am exhausted from this whole week. I just want to curl up and sleep and do nothing at all. I'm hoping I can do some more creative/fun things next week since this week has been a whole lot of not fun.
no subject
Here: vet appointment tomorrow morning. Can't wait. Finally: I never liked Dr. Phil, and I've never watched him on TV :)
Can't even decide if I believe in ADHD and ADD. In any case, I think giving young children medications to prevent these 'diseases' is wrong.
no subject
Vet appointment for what this time?
The heat's not that bad really. I have AC to run back in to so it's no big deal. I haven't gotten some things re-potted that I'd like, but that can always wait. I have managed to get some stuff done outside in the mornings. Really the only reason I'm exhausted right now is the furniture-moving and super-cleaning. I think that would have exhausted me no matter what my condition or the weather. And the fact that I'm doing it because of bugs also adds to the mental fatigue. It's hard to do all that work and not feel exasperated.
rambling on
Vet this time: diabetic cat is feeling poorly and has to stay there over the weekend. Just to have him retested and such. His bloodsugar is too high, he is too fat, and I just hope he won't fight me when I'll try to get him into his carrier. It's a zoo here again with the not-so-new cat. The diabetic one absolutely hates him. I always have to keep them in different rooms.
Heat: yes, AC helps. Still it does not help outside where the sun burns holes into my fig tree leaves. The figs we got this year are about 50% smaller than those from last year. All my blackberry shrubs died.
Just get some rest and don't think about the bugs ... I was nice and did not send you the article about the copperhead and rattlesnake problem in central TX - because I forgot.
Re: rambling on
I haven't seen any since that one so I'm not too worried. The pest inspector also reported that our place isn't really bug or snake friendly, it's just the fire ants that are a problem, so this should clear up my wildlife issues.
And yes, I'd noticed the sun being unreasonable too. It keeps bleaching my mandevillas and hibiscus flowers. I didn't know flowers could get sunbleached in a day. It's an interesting learning experience living here.
Still, as a human, dealing with the heat is all about being smart. Don't over-exert, drink lots, be as lazy as you need to be. I've mastered all of those skills so I'm a-okay here.
Sorry to hear the cats still aren't getting along. My two didn't like each other at first either. We had a few rough weeks and tempers flared up occasionally over the next few years, but now they are inseparable.
no subject
Sing it sister.
I shake my head when I've asked for our School Board Special Ed team to come in and help me better meet the needs of a student in my class and inevitably the first thing they tell me to do are those things. At which point I have to look at them and say "I know that. I'm already doing that. What *else* can I do?"
Oy. I shake my head.
Don't knock Dr. Phil
I agree the advice is good for any relationship and a bit simplistic when dealing with ADHD. Also as with all mental health issues it is not cut and dried and there is a whole range of levels and different symptoms involved in this disorder? I am generally an anti medication person. I don't take anything unless I really need to. But I do know that medication that is well managed can help a child deal with the issues around ADHD.
My boys have all been identified as gifted, and two of them also have ADHD. It is an interesting ride trying to parent them. I think the hardest part is the ideas and behaviors that come in from left field with no warning and often at a very inappropriate time. The medication is not to prevent or cure them, It main goal is to slow down the impulsive to do something so they can try and think if what they were going to do is a good idea or not. As my Dr Phil told me once, the medication is not to cure them it is to try and get them through there teenage years with out having done themselves any major lasting damage.
"Parenting isn't rocket science. Sure I expect to make some mistakes along the way, "
I wish it was a science, at least that way there would be rules and laws that apply. ( do this and you will get this result) IMHO Parenting is more of an ART, there are no hard and fast rules, it is more up to interpitation. Every one will have there own set of gifts and challenges and each of us will deal with them in our own way. I firmly believe that if parents have good will and are willing and able to spend time with there kids, most of life’s challenges can be over come.
Not that these issues will affect you, at least not for many years if at all ( you will have your own set of challenges with your soon to arrive young one). but if you interested in some more information on ADHD and a parenting style that I like, check out the following books: "Only a mother could love him" by Ben Polis, "hold on to your Kids" by Dr Gorden Neufeld
My this has become a bit of a rant, I am never sure where these come from, but in any case enjoy your young one when they arrive, I’m sure that you will do well.
Best regards
B
Re: Don't knock Dr. Phil
If only all parents believed that. I really do think that spending time with your kids and at the minimum following those three tips is the basic foundation for good parenting. Anything above and beyond that you do is awesome, but just meeting that bare minimum of being there for them, being clear, consistent, organized and scheduled will get you off to a good start. Being a GOOD parent is hard work, but being a decent parent really isn't as hard as people make it out to be.
I figure it's like school. Being top of your class is going to require some smarts and some effort. But just passing every course is relatively easy. If you don't pass you're probably actively doing something to screw it up (skipping class, acting out etc.) Same thing for parenting. Getting a "passing grade" isn't that hard as long as you show up and make some attempt. You might not win parent of the year, but you also probably won't end up with your kids slamming you on some talk show.