Both fathers of ADD children themselves, Dr. Hallowell & Dr. Jenson, do an excellent service here reminding us parents to stay focused on the most important factor of all in raising any child (with or without ADHD) ... Unconditional Love.
This book is upbeat, positive and easy reading. It helps you deal with all the parenting challenges you face at school and at home while raising a child with ADD. But more importantly it helps you see the gifts of these children in a much brighter light.
The practical strength-based techniques they give you in this book show you how to put the talents, charms, and positive essence of your child ahead of any shortcomings associated with ADD.
This book is clearly outlined and organized and gives you a specific game plan that includes:
* UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Tune out the diagnosticians and labelers and simply notice and nourish the spirit of your child for who he is. Providing this unshakable base of support will set the tone for all interactions to come.
* VIEWING THE MIRROR TRAITS There are positive sides of the negative symptoms associated with ADD: stubbornness = persistence; impulsiveness = creativity; intrusiveness = eagerness. By recognizing the mirror traits, you avoid the ravages of shame and fear.
* THE CYCLE OF EXCELLENCE Use this critical 5-step process to help a child develop self- and social awareness. Nurture an environment in which a child can safely take risks, reserve time to let a child dabble as a way to learn, encourage playful practice, support mastery of a skill (whatever the skill may be), and then recognize a child's accomplishments.
* IDENTIFYING AND TAPPING THE SOURCE Pinpoint your child's inner, conative strengths, which drive what he naturally and spontaneously does, as opposed to what he is told to do or feels he must do. Your child will do his best when allowed to use these conative strengths.
If you're the parent of a child with ADD or ADHD you should definitely check out this practical step-by-step advice. May it help you transform what is too often labeled a "lifelong disability" into a "lifelong blessing."