The Many Faces of ADD
In today’s crazy-busy world, so many people are questioning whether they may have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). They run around like “a chicken with its head cut off” as they multitask their way through each day of constant interruptions, hoping they haven’t forgotten anything critical. Then at the end of the day, they try to relax so they can sleep, only their brain continues to race through lists of what didn’t get accomplished and lists of what they need to accomplish the next day. More people are experiencing anxiety, loss of identity, depression, lack of self-confidence, frustration, and exhaustion. But all of that can change!
Do any of these sitations sound familiar?
1. You’re frustrated, overwhelmed, and tired. You feel like you continue to fall behind. Your kids are running the house while mail, laundry and dishes continue to pile up. You forgot you had a doctor appointment because it’s hard keep up with what you have to do for the week. If only you knew how best to use a calendar or schedule. You can’t find the things you’re looking for and everyone says you have no time management skills. You rush out of the house for a meeting that you’re already 10 minutes late for and once you sit down and catch your breath, your phone rings. It’s your neighbor calling to say your dog is running around the neighborhood because you forgot to let it back in before leaving. Sounds like it’s time to create some positive habits! We can help!
2. Everything has been going well for your child in first grade. She is souring and the teachers continue to tell you how bright she is. She’s been a rock star for the past few years. Suddenly something changed. She starts to do things that are unusual, without thought. Her grades begin to fall. She was beginning to understand how to multiply numbers when all the other kids were learning how to add. The other kids start complaining about her behaviors. What just happened? Why are her grades beginning to fall? Why is she not getting along with peers suddenly? Should I put her into public school? Should I hold her back a grade? Who do I talk to?
3. You are a parent of a 7 year old boy who is showing signs of impulsivity and restlessness at school. His behaviors are becoming inappropriate at times and causing some concerns with the teachers. He loves to run and summersault around the house and inadvertently crashes into furniture, people, and the family pets. Things get broken or lost constantly. He can watch television or play with his Lego’s for hours on end but he can’t sit still enough to eat dinner at the table or get his hair cut! His grades are good, but he does struggle in subjects like math and team sports. He loves anything that moves, lights up, makes a noise, or flies through the air. He is a bright and sensitive boy who can occupy himself easily outside as long as there are kids, animals or bugs to socialize with. Learn what resources you have available. Also, learn what your parental rights are in school..
4. You just began a new business for the first time. You have carved out a nice office space in the corner of the dining room where you can keep an eye on the kids after school and listen to TV. Everything takes longer and longer than you expected as you learn the new business between multi-tasking all of the family responsibilities, meetings and cooking. The house shows signs of neglect because there just aren’t enough hours in a day to take care of it all. Your spouse asks what you do all day long, but your brain is completely taxed from too much mental strain to answer. You just stand there trying to process his dozen questions as you watch the family puppy run off with your new brand shoes to munch on. To top it off, you haven’t had a vacation for six years!
What can I do to get help?
I know what it’s like to be told, “…from our findings, your child has ADD….” Okay, I have a label, so now what? Who do I talk to? Where do I learn more? How do manage the forgetfulness, the daydreaming, the lack of motivation or the homework? What do I need to know about medications, food choices, gaming or hearing my child was bullied for being different? You’re in the right place!
If you want to learn how to manage the characteristics of ADHD in your child, then let us help you:
• understand how your child’s brain is different
• make positive changes in your family dynamics that supports the ADD child
• learn how to communicate effecting with one another and with teachers and doctors
• create an environment that supports growth and learning and forgetfulness
• learn how to manage schedules, discipline, homework, transitions and consistency
Would you like support from an expert who has studied ADHD for years and who has lived with 4 generations of family members who experience ADHD? I have more than 2 decades of experience helping parents and I know and understand your frustrations. But more than that, I will partner with you and help you learn how to use very simple tools to stay ahead of this thing called ADD…or ADHD. (these are used interchangeably on this site)
Contact us today if you are stuck in any of the situations above! We’re here to help you create an enriched life for your child and strengthen your parenting skills…all at the same time!
Cathy lives in Roanoke, Virginia and specializes in supporting families who desire to change their relationship with health–the way they eat, feel and live. She is a certified Health Coach & Educator with a strong passion for supporting each client in their journey to feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic. Cathy presents workshops online and locally and regularly talks about real food, fitness, natural living, and all things ADHD.
Cathy is the creator of the Holistic Wellness Academy, an online training platform that will soon provide other wellness advocates a place to share their expertise with their clients so they too can learn how to eat smart, move more, feel better and live longer.