Discipline and Behavior - Columbia, SC

While I dont have a child with ADHD my live in boyfriend does. It can be very hard to get him to focus on something and get it done, and is case is very severe even though he is 30 years old. But, I have learned a trick....If i only get him to focus on one thing at a time and not bombard him with other ideas or suggestions while he is focusing on that one thing...he usually gets it done. Ive also learned that I have to change my mind set about certain things because I am not like this...but he is...and he cant change, even though I know he wishes he could. Unfortunatly with a child....a teenager at that....she thinks she knows everything already and blah blah blah. Does she get frustrated like my boyfriend does? Hes on medication but he sometimes gets off the track of taking it, he has to take it several times a day. I have to mold my mind into thinking the way he does when i am asking him to do something...and although it may take longer than I like for him to get it done...he does usually get it done eventually. You are going to need a lot of patience and understanding....but you will have to be firm too...if you expect something done she needs to know you MEAN for her to get somethin done. Good luck

I don't think it has anything to do w/ ADHD. i would say she's a teenager and teenagers go through phases like those.

my 23 year old has had adhd since he was a young child...diagnosed at 8. i made lists did checkoffs, sent him to his room with temper tantrums (that really worked well for us) he had alot of well if you dont get it done you bear the consequences and alot of other footnotes but our therapist helped the most and the meds of course. good luck hope i helped.

C.,
I do not have any children with ADHD, however, I do teach your daughter's age group and have students with the same diagnosis. I can say that you will need to try to "narrow" down what is truly ADHD symptoms and what is currently "middle school mentality" and puberty. The back talk, etc may just be her age, social interactions, etc. Focusing, yes...ADHD and she may need to prioritize what you ask of her...one item at a time. Multitasking is usually not a good thing for ADHD children. And, like all children and teens, consequences need to be set and followed for not doing as told to do. Hope this helps.
J.

I just posted a bulletin about my soon-to-be 13 year old. Same behavior as yours, talking back, doesnt care, and rebelling. Last year he was honor student and baseball allstar...this year he has failing grades and is getting in trouble in school. I dont know if I am any good for advice since I am at a loss myself, but helps to know I am not the only one. I am trying my hardest to keep line of communication open with him, but seems it is only affective when it is on his terms. I am thinking about possibly taking him to counceling. I am lost.

C.,

I have a 14 yr old boy with ADHD we have been dealing with it all his life. It was 15 months ago I found out I also had it and Things have been a struggle. We found that we set rules in the morning, and it has helped. Boarders Books in APex has alot of GREAT books on AHDH. and dealing with teenagers.Is she on medication?

I am also a mother of an ADHD child. My son is only 5 years old and hate to say that I have no idea what to do with him anymore. I am struggling as well. The only advice I have, although I do not have teens yet, is that I am taking my son to a ADHD therapist. They are teaching me different things to do with my son and how to handle the CRAZY days. Because as you know, there are a lot of them. Some days are great, others are very hard. Don't feel failed as a mom. That is my biggest issue. Why can't I help him? What am I doing wrong? Are question I ask myself all the time. I'm sure nothing compares to teens, but my turn is coming. She may not want to go to therapy, but it seems to be helping me deal.