Tag Archives: guns

Being Mom in a New Moon Phase

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Moms go through phases just like the moon. Today I’m in a “new moon” phase, where everything is dark and I’m waiting for enlightenment, change, and the ability to somehow start over again. I’ve reached a point with my ten-year-old stepdaughter where I know I need help. I feel myself unraveling and I recognize that I’ve lost my equilibrium. Maybe I just need a break. Maybe I need a mini-vacation where I turn this child temporarily over to the total care and control of her father—just until I can get my bearings again. This morning there was another argument. She … Continue reading →

Does Your Child Have ADHD or Central Auditory Processing Disorder (or Both)?

Children with central auditory processing disorder have similar symptoms to those with ADHD. Both disorders cause children difficulty with paying attention, difficulty distinguishing foreground and background noise, and difficulty with following directions. Some people are unfamiliar with the signs of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Here is a comparison of both disorders: ADHD The child has difficulty focusing on tasks that are not interesting or stimulating. The child has a hard time ignoring background noises, which makes it hard to pay attention. He or she does not have any notable difficulty with memory. He or she is impulsive, and acts … Continue reading →

ADHD and Adopted Children

Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) more commonly diagnosed in adopted children? One study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that of 808 adopted children, ages 4-18 years, 21 percent had enough behavioral symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. This is twice the rate in the general child population. (This study was based on extensive parent questionnaires.) An analysis of risk factors showed that those with behavioral symptoms usually had pre-adoptive risk factors such as history of abuse or neglect, later age at adoption, prenatal drug exposure and/or multiple foster placements. Still, experts advise being cautious … Continue reading →

Free NRA Membership for Active Duty Military

The National Rifle Association exists to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.” To that end, they offer a lot of educational programs for people of all ages. They have a stringent safety course, and a youth program that is first class. Since 1871, the NRA has fought to maintain the right to keep and bear arms, and to improve the accuracy and safety awareness of the gun-owning public. With millions of members and steady growth, they will continue to do so. Education is their primary goal. I heartily recommend their Eddie the Eagle safety program for children … Continue reading →

Ten Tips on Organization for the Child with ADHD

Children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) have a tendency to be disorganized. Your child may drop his backpack in the first vacant spot he finds after coming in the door. Perhaps he leaves his dirty clothing on the floor or toys scattered in his room. He may have a tendency to misplace or lose things on a regular basis. Getting your child organized and helping him stay there is not difficult. By following these ten suggestions, your child will learn simple techniques to keep his world orderly and arranged for his comfort and convenience. 1. Help Your Child get … Continue reading →

Teaching Learning Disabled Kids To Read

Trying to teach a learning disabled child to read can be a frustrating experience. When our oldest came to us, he was a poor student. His report card read D’s and F’s across the board. He detested reading and refused to even try to enjoy anything involving the printed word. A big part of Randy’s aversion was his discomfort in doing it. He felt inferior because he had poor reading skills. He didn’t have a good foundation to build on; no one read to him as a child and he was never encouraged to read. He was never taken on … Continue reading →

ADHD and Medication: Finding the Right Dose

If your child is on stimulant therapy for ADHD, finding the right dose can be difficult. Every child is an individual who will respond physically and mentally to medication in different ways. Even when a dosage has been working well for some time, it will likely need to be adjusted as your child grows and develops. The difference between the correct dose and an incorrect one can make all the difference in your child’s outlook. Finding a dose that will benefit your child requires a triangular partnership between you as the parent, your child’s pediatrician, and your child’s teacher. What … Continue reading →

Building Our Foundation

Hello All. I am Linda Hansen, also known as Artcraft. I am a new blogger here and I’m excited about beginning my new journey with families.com. I will be blogging on special needs parenting. My husband and I are permanent custodial guardians to biological brothers, ages eleven and fourteen. Our fourteen year old has been diagnosed with ADHD, Alcohol Fetal Syndrome, learning disabilities, and impulse/reaction disorder. Our younger child has Attachment Disorder and emotional issues stemming from his past environment of parental neglect. We have worked hard to learn all we can about the necessary care for children with special … Continue reading →

ADHD, Middle School, and Those Two Dirty Words

We were on a long drive, and I was trying to gather up the courage to tell my husband something. I knew it would be a little bit touchy, and I wanted to approach the issue in just the right way. After all, it was about his oldest daughter–my stepdaughter–and I knew he had very tender feelings for her. And I’d have to use two dirty words: special education. For months I had watched Sunni drown in her middle school classes. To read my previous blog on this story, click here. Despite working with her, meeting with teachers, and enrolling … Continue reading →

Ten Ways to Help Your Child with Tourette Syndrome Succeed in School

Children with Tourette syndrome (TS) often face a hostile, unkind world in the public school system. Teachers can be impatient with the tics and peers can be cruel and insulting. What happens in the classroom, and how the tics are handled, can seriously impact the life of this special child. Here are ten classroom accommodations which can help your child with Tourette Syndrome (or other tic disorders) succeed in school: 1. Select a good teacher. The teacher should be carefully chosen. He or she should be patient, understanding, and knowledgeable about TS. The teacher should have a private meeting with … Continue reading →