Story of the Week
Okay, so this is just a quick post with our family’s story of the week! My 9 year old daughter came home the other day from school and she was limping. This was a new issue, she was fine when I sent her. However, having experienced a total of three casts, two slings, a wrist splint and a set of crutches between both kids last year I was not shocked.
I looked at her with interest, but not enough to jump up and inquire about her ankle. My oldest daughter, before I could say anything, said “Okay mom. Listen, but try not to laugh or react, okay?”
Now I was worried. Okay.
“What happened?”
“Well,” my 9 year old slowly states, obviously unsure of my upcoming reaction “we were practicing cheerleading at school today” (she doesn’t do cheerleading by the way) “and my friends threw me up in the air and then they let go.”
Only and ADHD child!
Oh yeah, and the kicker? They weren’t even on the grass! They did it over bark chips! Testimony to the impulsiveness trait!
I’m Baaaaack!
Well, after a brief haitus to handle some personal business I have returned to share thoughts, experiences and general info about living a life with ADHD, a life that is enriched by raising 2 children with ADHD.
My oldest daughter, 17 years old, has been very busy playing on the Varsity soccer team for her high school this season. She is finding it VERY challenging to balance school, work and soccer, and get ready for graduation and an advanced diploma. I’ve got to say though, I am very proud of her. She is handling things like a champ.
Her inherent opposition to organizational help continues to be a struggle, but she is beginning to understand the benefits. It’s funny, as much as we tell them and show them that organization helps, sometimes that is the one thing they need to find out on their own.
Our biggest success so far this year? She used her school issued planner for two and a half weeks before beginning to take shortcuts on assignments and keeping track of them. This is a task that is particularly challenging for kids with ADHD, and a number of factors can serve to make it worse.
My daughter’s brilliant school decided last year to make classes last an hour and a half. Now these poor kids, that the school already complains aobut being hyper, have to sit still and listen to lectures for longer than before. By the time class is over they are so ready to get out of the room they already have everything packed up, thus not writing down assignments.
I can’t say that I blame her. So, what have we done? Well, right now I go over all of her assignments with her every day. Tedious? Yes. Necessary? Maybe. Helpful? Definitely!
The energy that raising kids with ADHD takes never ceases to amaze me, but the amazing things they accomplish are just as amazing!
So, on that note I am going to go to bed. More to come tomorrow!
