A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD
Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
OCTOBER 20, 2003
POSITIVELY SPEAKING
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If you could listen to the thoughts of an ADD/ADHD child, you would no doubt hear an astounding number of NEGATIVE STATEMENTS. Adder's and LD kids are typically bombarded constantly with critical, negative comments from their parents, teachers, siblings, relatives and friends. After being criticized a gargantuan number of times -- the child begins to internalize the statements and start actually believing them.
Statements such as those below are probably being repeated over and over in their brains:
I'm stupid and lazy.
I never finish my work.
I can't do anything right.
I can't do this, it's too hard for me.
I'll never learn the multiplication tables.
All my writing is messy.
I can't remember anything.
They don't love me because I get poor grades.
I won't get a good job when I get older.
I won't graduate from high school.
I'll never get to go to college because I don't try hard enough.
==== YOU GET THE GIST OF THEIR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, DON'T YOU? ====
Once children begin putting down themselves, it can become a spiral of negative thoughts that seem to take over the child's will to even try. Students may "shut down" and be virtually unresponsive to educational endeavors.
Parents and teachers can slow the spiral down with positive remarks and bona fide praise. It is assumed that hearing such comments from adults will enhance the ADDer's "self-esteem" and thus their "self-confidence".
That may be true --- HOWEVER, in my opinion, coaching students to justifiably praise themselves to override their negative thoughts is a terrific strategy to use -- especially with children who have struggled for years. Too often children are not identified with learning or attention difficulties until 6th or 7th grade. Some do not find out until college!
To learn how to help children create positive self-talk and affirmations, go to this site: http://www.childrenslit.com/th_positivetalk.html
To read research articles on self-talk and children --- summaries included. http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/coachsci/csa/vol14/basic.htm
BJ
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Consider encouraging children to have positive thoughts about themselves. Affirmations can be VERY POWERFUL.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken AND GIVEN during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. 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.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
Leave me a message. I will call you back. I have really cheap long distance rates. :D
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
