Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment has lost some momentum lately, the basic strategies and techniques are still worth teaching your children. My favorite version of the technique it the "Five Step Problem Solving Strategy," and it goes something like this. . .
Teach your child this five step problem solving strategy:
1. Ask yourself, "What is the problem?"
2. Think up three possible solutions (options) to the problem.
3. Look at each option for a minute. Ask yourself, "Is this a good move or a bad move?"
4. Pick the best option/solution.
5. Try it out and see if it works.
I use Checkers in my practice to teach this formula. It is a great way to practice without it effecting anything in the "real world." I use this formula:
Move "A" - think of three good moves that you could make. Pick the best move.
Move "B" - choose your move. Now once you have moved, ask yourself, outloud, "Is this a good move or a bad move?" If it is a bad move, go ahead and move something else.
Move "C" - choose your move. Now once you have moved, ask yourself, "Now that I've moved here, what will the other player move next?" If you look ahead and find that you won't like the consequences for your move, go ahead and change your move. Think ahead!
I really like the kids to be able to think in terms of "Look at all of your options," "Is this a good move or a bad move?" and "If I do this, what will happen next?" Parents, you can do this with your kids at home. Just remember the point of the checkers game is for the child to learn the problem solving strategies (let him change his move even if he's taken his hand off of the game piece!). Game by game watch your child (if age 6 or older) get better and better at making decisions and good moves. Then use the "language" from the game to talk about real life situation. Good luck with this.
If you would like to learn more about how to help children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, please visit us at the ADHD Information Library at http://www.ADD101.com.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Designing a Calm ADD / ADHD Home Atmosphere
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Nutrition Expert and Author Shares Important Diet Information For ADD, ADHD and Weight Loss
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What Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The most recent models that attempt to describe what is happening in the brains of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder suggest that several areas of the brain may be affected by the disorder. They include the frontal lobes, the inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex, the limbic system, and the reticular activating system.
Learning Disabilities And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Imagine the next time you join a discussion about ADHD. When you start sharing the fascinating ADHD facts below, your friends will be impressed.
neuroscienceCME.com Launches Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Clinical Knowledge Center
Web-based resource for ADHD professionals offers education, treatment guidelines, references, etc.
Fish Oil's Powerful Abilities Against ADD or ADHD
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ADHD - Sleep Difficulties, Procrastination and other difficulties related to Job Stability
Statement: My intent in this newsletter is to express as quickly as possible my own beliefs and opinions on matters. I have no problems with people who disagree with my opinion and have even been swayed to rethink my position from time to time.
Attention Deficit Disorder: Einstein's Secret Weapon
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The Existence Or Absence Of ADHD, Helpfull Behavioral Interventions
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Parenting Child With ADHD
Lets be totally, brutally honest: raising a child with ADHD can be very draining and place a heavy strain on your emotions.m Many people keep asking on how to parent an ADHD child. Frustration and impatience can slowly develop for parent of child with ADHD, and stress just seems to well up inside of you, and the best and most effective way on parenting children with ADHD is a near impossible question to answer.
Using Behavioral Therapy For The Relief Of Adhd
Children who suffer from ADHD often experience difficulties at home or in school. What can be seen as unruly behavior in young children can become overwhelming in children as they reach their teens. They may perform badly in their academic work, become involved in fights or struggle to make friends. Some end up being moved from one school to another due to disruptive behavior. So it?s important to try and find relief of ADHD while children are young.
ADHD: Causes and Treatments
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is largely neuroligical in nature. ADHD is characterised by inattentiveness, restlessness and/or inappropriate impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Although commonly associated with children, this disorder can persist into adulthood. Symptoms often interfere with children learning and socialising.
Tips for the Classroom Teachers with ADHD Students
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom! It is hard enough being a classroom teacher today, but when you add to the difficulties two or three children with either Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or minor head injuries from FAS, managing a classroom can be a real challenge!
The ADHD Information Library has designed a web site just for you classroom teachers. We have taken 500 classroom interventions that we have gathered over the years from dozens of sources, and placed them on the site for you to visit, consider, and use if appropriate.
Tips On Finding The Best Adhd Supplements
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