 |  | |
| Simplicity News May 2006 If you are receiving this e-zine, you either subscribed via the Catalyst Organizing Solutions web site, via another web site or you were personally invited to join and you did. If this e-zine brings you value, please forward it on to your friends and associates with all text and contact information intact. And remember... if you are planning to change your email address, we don't want to lose you! Simply UNSUBSCRIBE your current email address, and then RE-SUBSCRIBE with your new email address. You can do both by clicking on the appropriate word above. Remember you must confirm when you receive the email asking you to, or your subscription will not be processed. Thanks! In This Issue:
You Asked... A reader in Sugar Hill, Georgia wrote, "My son has just recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Through my readings on the subject, I have some of the same ADD behaviors. I would like to see some information on how to set up routines, systems of organization, etc. to make life easier for those like me and especially my son." You mentioned that you see some of the ADD behaviors in yourself. Common symptoms of ADD include: a. often ignores details; makes careless mistakes b. often has trouble sustaining attention in work or play c. often does not seem to listen when directly addressed d. often does not follow through on instructions; fails to finish e. often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities f. often avoids activities that require a sustained mental effort g. often loses things he needs h. often gets distracted by extraneous noise i. is often forgetful in daily activities Looking over that list, I'd bet everyone reading this exhibits at least one or two of those behaviors frequently or occasionally. So first, I would caution you to resist self-diagnosing. Secondly, let's talk about some ways you can help your son manage his life with AD/HD. People living with ADD or AD/HD have trouble imposing internal structure on themselves, so they desperately need external structure mechanisms to keep them on task and focused. Here are four ways to add this structure to your son's life and you may find they help you too. 1. Be Clear With Rules and Expectations. Instructions and rules of your home should be delivered using two modalities - speaking and writing. It's not enough to just tell your son what you expect of him. Back it up by using checklists, chore charts, daily notes, or whatever you come up with that will reinforce your expectations on paper. Also, teach him to create his own lists, charts and checklists to help him in school or at home with household jobs. 2. Be Consistent With Discipline. It's important for parents to show a united front to their children, especially children with ADD and AD/HD. All kids need consistency, but these kids need it even more. The more you can offer it, the better they will respond. Let's face it, we all like to know what to expect next, and your consistent behavior in regard to enforcing rules and requiring accountability will tell your child that his world is stable from day to day. 3. Be Specific About Time. Time is a fluid concept for those with ADD and AD/HD. They often experience time "getting away from them" or "losing track of time". We've all done that, however, for those with ADD it's an ongoing challenge. For those with ADD and AD/HD, it is helpful to quantify a chunk of time, which gives them another way to relate to it. For example, "in a half hour, it will be time for bed" may not mean much to a child with ADD. But if you say "bedtime is in a half hour, which is also when your video ends" he can connect the end of a half hour with the end of the video. It's also helpful to get the child to focus for a second on the present time and ask him to name the time it will be a half hour from now. Ask, "What time is it now?" Then ask, "and in a half hour, what time will it be?" This simple exercise focuses his attention for a moment on being aware of the time, and coupled with the end of the video, will be helpful in getting him to bed on time without a fight. 4. Create Zones for Focus. Because those with ADD and AD/HD are so easily distracted, it's important to set up distraction-free zones for work or study. Doing homework in front of the television is a challenge for any student, but it spells disaster for a child with ADD. 5. Develop Consistent Routines. All children need routine, and ADD kids are no different, except they need it more than other kids. Set up a morning routine for getting out the door on time. Waking up at the same time every day, and going through the same motions in the same order will ensure that your child doesn't forget crucial steps. Remember to write the routines down and post them where your child can see them as a reminder. Create simple after school and night time routines as well. Again, your ADD child needs as much structure as possible, but remember to mix in ample time for creativity and play as well. Your goal as a parent is to make your child as self-sufficient as possible, and to teach him crucial life skills while he is under your care. These skills he learns will not only increase his chances of success academically and otherwise, but will also build his self-esteem and give him confidence to try new challenges over his lifetime.
Blog American Style Upcoming HGTV Appearances Episode #609 Home Office Cleanup
Episode #503 Restoring Office Functionality
Declutter Your Life With FREEcycle! Decluttering your life is a wonderful way to rid yourself of the things that no longer give you value. It is also a great way to help someone in need at the same time. All over the world, people are helping others and decluttering their lives by giving away the things they no longer need, through FREEcycle.org. This means fewer items are going into the trash and filling up the landfills of our planet. It's so simple to join! You just sign up through the web site, and you'll begin getting the emails that people in your local FREEcycle group send out either seeking free items, or offering free items. It's as simple as that! Just go to FREEcycle.org to sign up!
Check it out and let me know what you think of the idea. If you've received something or given something away through this wonderful concept, tell me about that too! Monica Ricci is an Organizing Specialist, and the founder of Catalyst Organizing Solutions, an Atlanta based company. You can see Monica on the popular HGTV show, MISSION:Organization. She is also the author of the book Organize Your Office In No Time. For media interviews or appearances, or to schedule Monica to speak to your conference, team, or association, contact her at 770-569-2642 or by email at Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com (c)2006 Catalyst Organizing. All Rights Reserved. | ||