need help | ADHD Information

Keep in mind that in addition to attention issues and impulsivity, ADHD kids are about 30% behind their peers in maturity issues. I have to remind myself to keep coaching my 10yo daughter as though she were 7.

We use a check list (a dry-erase board) for each child and reward them accordingly. My daughter has done much better on these things since she started meds, but I had to train her as though she was younger to get to where we are now. This may all fall apart at puberty for us though.

Thank you for your reply. We have tried to designate a special spot for his school stuff, but he just leaves it in theliving room when he is done with homework and I have to tell him a few times to pick it up. Otherwise he would just leave it there until school the next morning.  Is that the ADHD or is that a teenage boy?

Seems my husband doesn't remember being 16 and expects him to be perfect, where I am with you...you have to pick your battles. Is it worth the hassle? In the grand scheme of things?

We were just beginning the struggles of ADHD at 5....and I fought medication until he was 13! The strategies that worked up until that point don't work anymore so I guess it's just a game to find the ones that will work.

Good luck to you as well...

One of the things that drives my husband the most crazy is that I have to tell my son constantly to do the same things. I.e...clean the litter box, pick up your school stuff, don't bring your lacrosse sticks in the house.... My husband's question is WHY do I have to constantly remind him and am I going to have to follow him around the rest of his life reminding him to do things? How can I get my son to remember and be more responsible? I've tried as many ways as I know how and am out of ideas....Anyone?

For school stuff try having a  special box near the door that he can place items for school in.

For LaCrosse sticks...I'm not sure exactly, but why not just allow them to come to his bedroom.

In general I think I would start chores at a small level and build up to more chores.  I'm finding that we get a lot more accomplished this way in my home. 

I also wonder for my own sake if we sometime just need to choose our battles as parents.  I think sometimes that we want perfection and that just isn't going to happen. 

Hope this gives you something to ponder and maybe even help.  Good luck and let us know if you find something that helps you and your son with this whole process.  I'm sure I'm just beginning these struggles as my son is just turning 5.  You never know I might be dealing with Lacrosse sticks someday. 

The marbles program would probably significantly improve this problem -- it's tacked at the top of this board.Our son at school and at home is on a redirection plan of two times.. Sounds like a lot, two times to do something.. but, this is for school work etc.. Tell him he will be told to do something then 1 reminder.. he gets points for doing things with one reminder.. he is now doing some of the stuff with no reminders, and just being asked.. it has to be explained to him... even at 16, you will be asked or told, then reminded.. then something has to happen good or bad...