Lists

When I got the results from the schools testing that Cars was ADHD (the schools test doesn't mean he "officially" is, just that they say he needs to be officially tested by other health professionals because he is high risk) I decided to take a class on how to best help without medication. I learned lots of good things. I learned that most ADHD kids will be slobs, but that makes the problem worse. A clean house with order and everything in it's place helps their already scrambled bouncing mind to be at ease at home. I decided to put that to the test and skipped the gym for a week and decluttered and focused on being REALLY organized. Dramatic difference (and I already consider myself an organized person. I'm a chucker. If it's under $50 and taking up space and hasn't been used or have a specific place to be, it's gone!). Another thing that I learned was to make a list. That way they stay focused on accomplishing something. I have to make lists for myself or I feel like I walk around the house all day busy, but accomplish nothing. Today after wanting to strangle Cars, I decided I had to change something. I remembered the list. I made the list of 7 things he needed to do, which would take about 20 min if he just did them. I gave him the list and he went from kicking (which he bloodied his toe kicking the wall. I have never been so happy to see blood. Hopefully that cured that habit!) and complaining and wasting an hour already to a total cleaner. He started talking to me and having a normal conversation as he cleaned away! #6 was to kiss mom on the forehead. He told me he would not do that chore, but he did smiling! He is outside playing for the first time in a week (PURE torture for me and him!) and is happy as can be. A LIST! That's all it took. Sometimes I way over complicate being a mom! KISS : Keep It Simple Stupid!