Getting Things Done.

As things ramp up for the holidays it's easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle.  Our "To Do" lists grow longer and the hours in a day seem to disappear with the daylight.  It's important to remember during these times of increased stress and reduced patience that our children with Executive Functioning issues aren't trying to be difficult or lazy.  They often times simply can't hold more than 2 instructions in their memories at a time (normally it's about 4).  Add in the distraction that comes with ADHD, disruption to routine or fatigue, and it could create a cocktail for disaster.

The gift that these challenges bring to us is that they remind us to slow down, speak slowly and softly and take things one at a time.  When we are running on all cylinders and burning the candle at both ends, these may not be bad things.  This article from Understood has some great strategies for giving instructions to kids with learning and attention issues.  Some of them we use regularly and some were good reminders.  Enjoy!

It's the little things: Top Secret

So...we have some very exciting news!!  It looks like Ryan will be joining his typical class for Science very soon!!  We'll know for sure when by the end of the week.  This is the most amazing news!  The more typical classes that Ryan returns to, means the more his brain is developing and can begin to handle a typical school workload.  Apparently his math skills are really taking off (Ryan has always had more strength in Math) and his teachers think he might be able to handle the science curriculum.  He will still have some accommodating for his writing and reading but this is truly exciting news.

Ryan also mastered another level in his tracing.  That's 2 levels in 2 weeks!  Apparently a new world record.  So after some initial struggle and frustration, it seems like things are falling into place.  We had a huge discussion about short term "pain" and longer term "gain".  I was glad to have some concrete examples relevant to his world.  All of this great news has renewed Ryan's motivation to stay in homework club and work really diligently at his program.  It's been tricky for the past couple of weeks - this was some much needed good news!!

Happy Thursday!

My Kid Hates School

My son hates school.  I can’t really blame him.  The school environment is not conducive to his learning style.  Ryan is busy and physical and totally learns by doing.  This might be partly to do with his learning disabilities and also just the way his brain prefers to process information.  Now that he is in the Arrowsmith program it’s even worse.  He is totally 2 sides of the coin with his new school.  On one hand, he likes the teachers and kids in his typical class.  He hangs out with them during recess and gym and genuinely enjoys their company.  He is finding social success at this new school.  No one has called him “crazy”, or “stupid”.  No one has intimidated him or threatened him with physical harm.  He has not come home early from play-dates (sorry…from “hanging out”) and he has had amazing times at birthday parties.  Never mind the fact that he’s been invited to birthday parties.

However, his Arrowsmith classroom is very small this year.  There are only 5 students (including Ryan), down from 11 last year.  Ryan does not like 3 of the 4 students left in his class and these are the students he spends most of his time with.  Ryan is only at grade 3 reading and just moved into grade 4 math.  However, he is still in the tutoring sessions with the younger kids.  He wants to be with his buddy who is a grade ahead of him.

The Arrowsmith program is also really demanding.  I mean, REALLY demanding.  I wouldn't choose to do the intensity of work that Ryan is doing.  He mostly tolerates things but it’s really hard for him.  It sounds counterproductive but it’s SO important to follow the program to maximize the results.  Ryan doesn't have the life experience to realize that short term pain will produce longer term gains.  I know that sounds like some 80’s workout video slogan but we, as adults, know it to be true.  How do I explain this to my 10 year old who simply doesn't buy it?