It IS the Truth

MAY 10, 2002

Published on the 10th, 20th and 30th of each month (USUALLY)

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IT'S THE TRUTH

I have decided to share some troubling, TRUE statements I've heard from parents and teachers over the 30+ years I've been working with ADD/ADHD and LD students.

You may find these quotes humorous or shocking.

First the PARENTS

Things parents have actually said to me concerning their child. .

Please pray for my son and me. (This was said after the "gentleman" had cussed at his wife about her inability to get their son to behave.)

I don't want a label put on my child. She'll grow out of this problem. Besides, I'll work with her this summer and she'll be just fine in the Fall. (Nope, she continued to struggle and was finally placed in my LD program 3 years later)

Just let me know if he misbehaves and I'll take care of it. (I called this father about what I considered a minor incident. The child came to school the next day with a enormous bruise on his left cheek.)

She's just like I was at her age.

I don't have time to help with any homework so just keep him in at recess or after school.

He talks back at home too.

He never shows me any of his assignments and won't tell me about his day at school.

Her Kindergarten (first grade, second grade etc.) teacher ruined her.

I've tried EVERYTHING and nothing works.

Send me an e-mail if you have any concerns.

If she'd just try harder ........

He just doesn't like reading.

He knows all of his spelling words when we practice at home.

We study the (multiplication facts, spelling words, states and capitals, etc.) every night.

He could do it if he wanted to.

Now the TEACHERS

Things teachers have really said to me concerning an ADD/ADHD or LD student.

She's just spoiled. A good spanking would straighten her out.

These parents NEVER read their e-mail.

I've tried EVERYTHING and nothing works.

If she'd just try harder ........

The parents don't care.

She'll be pregnant before she's 13.

This one will end up in jail before age 13.

He gets no help at home.

Her home life is so bad, it's a wonder she learns anything at school.

He could do it if he wanted to.

She's got an attitude problem not a learning disability.

I can't give this child more time on the test. That's unfair to the other children.

I've always done it "this way". It works and I'm not making any "accommodations"

IT'S YOUR CHOICE

Be accepting of the fact that both parents and teachers may have inaccurate views of students with ADD/ADHD or LD diagnoses.

Additionally, both sets of adults may be extremely frustrated and "burnt out" with trying to help a child with learning differences and/or attention issues.

That said, the above statements are detrimental to a child's progress.

Children KNOW if you have faith in them or not.

They don't have to hear you actually SAY any of the above statements.

They can tell by your interactions with them if you actually respect, value, care for, &/or love them.

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DISCLAIMER

This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I’ve taken during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students – sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.

Some information has been acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment.

Additionally, much of this information is a direct result of research done for workshops I've presented (or have been asked to present). CLICK TO SEE MY WORKSHOP OFFERINGS.

This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input.

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Editor: BJ Madewell

Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com

www.ADDchoices.com

Wichita, KS area

316-733-9532

FAX not available

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Please include my email address, web site address, & phone # on anything you give to others.

BJ Madewell