Child Psychology : How to Parent a Child With ADD

Parenting a child with ADD means understanding the child's motivation systems. Gain insight into ADD parenting techniques with the assistance of a licensed psychologist in this free video.
Expert: Dr. Craig Childress
Contact: www.drcachildress.org
Bio: Dr. Craig Childress is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of ADHD and angry-oppositional relationship disorders of childhood.
Filmmaker: Max Cusimano
Series Description: Raising children can be a confusing project at times. Improve communication with your child and resolve common issues with the assistance of a licensed psychologist in this free video series.

[@smyrnasstory]

“And fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of God”

[@jamieleeharrison]

I was diagnosed ADD at age 6. I had a really horrible home life from a very young age. I had horrible anxiety/separation anxiety. My mother was an alcoholic, my sisters were both 9/7 years older, and they were both wild child’s, and my Dad worked all the time. There was definitely a lot of neglect and misunderstanding of my needs as a child, and it progressed into middle school, highschool. Now I am an adult with severe mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, and I haven’t been diagnosed but I think I have type two bi-polar disorder. My one message to parents whose children have ADD/ADHD, take care of them, be there for them, and if you have to- join support groups or spend time talking with an expert so that you better understand them. All I ever wanted as a child was love, and to be treated as an equal. I was always so aware of the world around me, and I never missed a beat. I picked up on so much, and I don’t think my family ever realized how alert I was, and how conscious I was of the world around me. I remember I was once questioned by social workers after my mother had almost been arrested for drinking/partying with my sisters and their friends while my dad was at work (he worked the night shift) I was 8, and in the third grade. They asked me “does your mom drink a lot?” I had never been coached by my mother or anyone for this scenario. But I knew what to say, and how to say it, because I was smart enough to know that if I said the truth I would be taken. They asked this question and without hesitation I very matter-of-factly said, “she drinks a glass of wine occasionally” MY MOM DIDNT EVEN DRINK WINE.. she was a 24 pack a night bud light drinker. But I paid enough attention to movies, and the other mothers to know that wine was superior, and an occasional glass wouldn’t get me taken from my family, and it wouldn’t have my mom sent to jail. I don’t think they believed me, they were probably astonished and knew that they could never get me to tell them anything close to the truth, so they had no case. But I was 8 years old. Children are far more wise then most people give them credit for. All of my life I felt like a small adult, and possibly my circumstance had forced me to grow into that position in life a lot sooner. But kids who have ADD/ADHD are hyper aware. I also always felt that I knew what was best for myself and 9 times out of 10 I did.

[@rhomoo4855]

God is able to speak to your illnesses and heal you. I feel your pain. Your explanation has made me so conscious of those who may be suffering with these issues.

[@calistamond]

I hope you’re doing better and have a support system of people who love you, because you deserve it. ❤️

[@jamieleeharrison]

@@calistamond thank you so much.. ❤️ and yes! Since writing this comment, I have found what I had been searching years for. Someone to call home. I’m finally with a great man who actually loves me, and who has brought so much joy, love, and light back into my life. I will say that I do still struggle from time to time with my mental health, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon- BUT- I am no longer severely depressed for the first time since age 12 (almost 25 now). Although it’s rough at times, I finally feel like I have so much more to look forward to in the years to come.

[@marisolambriz4081]

Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story! I just came across this I’m dealing with my son having rough days at school making bad choices he’s 10. But he keeps telling me “he’s a bad kid” when I ask him why he makes those choices. I tell him you make bad choices your not a Bad kid. I’m trying to figure out what will help him. Next is to take him to therapy and see if that will help him. He has severe motor ticks but hasn’t been diagnosed with anything yet.

[@marisolambriz4081]

@@jamieleeharrison I forgot to tag you.

[@Spoton16]

Imagine kids in the foster care system or with unstable home lives :-( They have even less of a chance of resolving or managing their ADD and it can reflect in school, relationships, and add many other complications in life.

[@junkhogjr2946]

I have a small niece who is about 5 and has been diagnosed with ADD. I try my best to understand but I fear I'm not enough since I am a teen struggling with depression having been diagnosed at the age of 12. If I were to put on a facade would that also effect her

[@robert4490]

Deep i new it was my mothers fault

[@Jaxson_5]

knew

[@tuca3434]

@@Jaxson_5 knio