Parent Training #3 - 3/25/08

At this session, we talked about "Helping Your Child Improve Game-Playing Skills", "Common Mistakes in Conversational Skills Made by Children with ADHD", and "Dealing with Teasing".

For game playing we are to play games with our child and practice skills. We can let them win long enough to learn the game and then start challenging them. During the game, we should address issues as they arise and use effective praise and constructive feedback.

From what I have seen, I think Joey's main mistakes in conversations with friends is unknowingly bragging about himself, frustration when others don't believe what he is saying, and talking nonstop. Joey compliments other kids a lot but the research indicates that this doesn't actually make much difference. He has to deal with his problems in conversations in order to maintain friends. Homework is to create a secret signal with Joey that I can do whenever he is unknowingly doing one of these behaviors. That way he won't be embarrassed by me saying stuff while he is with his friends and the immediate correction will help him tremendously.

In dealing with teasing, we can talk to our child about how it may work to ignore it. If that doesn't work, then make fun of the tease. He can find other friends to play with. Also he should try not to tattle to the teacher about the bully unless they are hurting him physically or something dangerous. He should continue to tell me about it though so we can talk through the situation.

Also for homework, we are to continue special times, attentive listening, and effective praises and feedback.