As much as we tr
y to focus on the positive aspects of our children, there are times when we need to offer a critique. If you have an ADHD child, you likely also have a long "laundry list" of actions and behaviors that could be improved upon. Yet, pointing out only what they do wrong can be a huge mistake. Often, the child will shut down and tune out and none of your helpful hints will penetrate the wall they put up to avoid the sting from your criticism.
The Compliment Sandwich is an effective method of delivering critiques. The Compliment Sandwich is best used with the smaller, day to day issues.
Here are the basics of a Compliment Sandwich;
- Clearly identify the issue that needs improvement.
- Think of something they do very well related to the situation.
- Choose another positive point to remark on. This should be very loosely related to the above point.
- Deliver the first compliment.
- Clearly address the improvement you would like to see.
- Finish with the last compliment.
Criticism wrapped in compliments takes out the sting and opens the door for sincere communication.
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There is a growing recognition in the scientific and medical communities that pesticide exposure is a major risk factor in the development of neurological conditions from ADHD to Alzheimer's disease.
3 cups water
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons almonds
2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons flax seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
*Coarsely grind almonds, sunflower, and flax seeds in a blender before adding other ingredients.
Nothing says love like a delicious smoothie, and the good thing is that children LOVE smoothies and they are healthy! This is designed for feeding the brain and the body the good stuff needed to improve concentration and get those natural results you need.
Do you just love this smoothie recipe? Visit Natural ADHD Cure and sign up for the free, no-obligation, spam-free newsletter and receive absolutely free “109 Brain-Busting Smoothie Recipes”!
If you want to drastically change the relationship between you and your child in a very short amount of time, shift your attention away from his shortcomings. ADHD kids are typically so accustom to hearing negative reinforcement all day long. Sometimes, the only attention these kids receive is in response to their negative behavior. Step in your child's shoes and consider how this must feel.
Consider the breath of fresh air an "Atta Boy" would be. Starting today, show more enthusiasm for his positive attributes and his good behavior and pay less attention to the negatives. Be his cheerleader. Believe in him. Offer kind words, a hug or special rewards for achievements. Smile at him in the morning. In the afternoon, tell him you are proud of him for [insert good quality here].
After all, isn't this how we treat those who you want to nurture a relationship with and isn't that how we would like others to treat us?
y to focus on the positive aspects of our children, there are times when we need to offer a critique. If you have an ADHD child, you likely also have a long "laundry list" of actions and behaviors that could be improved upon. Yet, pointing out only what they do wrong can be a huge mistake. Often, the child will shut down and tune out and none of your helpful hints will penetrate the wall they put up to avoid the sting from your criticism.
