Lesson 8: Lesson 8 - Prevention and Other Tid Bits
- Self-esteem issues - Creating structure and routine - Talking about ADHD with your child - Family meetings - Homework assignment
Self-Esteem
We don’t build self-esteem in our children by focusing on their faults and trying to make them become different than who they are. When children and adults are constantly reminded of their faults, they will not only be discouraged but begin to believe they are worthless instead of worthwhile. Self-esteem is nurtured in our children when we accept them as worthwhile people. That means we accept them as they are.
Tell your children often how much you love them and value them as individuals, even when you are unhappy with their behaviors. Remember, separate behaviors from the child! Encourage your children to talk and listen carefully. Give your children tasks that they are able to handle and allow them room to fail while giving them encouragement. Don’t compare them to other children their ages. Nothing is as defeating to a child as to be held up in comparison to someone else. Tell them often of their improvements and praise them for effort as well. Help them identify their strengths. ADHD children especially hear so often about what they don’t do right and how they don’t measure up, that they need to become aware of the things they do right. Remind them often of their accomplishments, even if they have only accomplished tiny steps forward.
