Is your child/adolescent grade failing due to the inability to remain focused and inappropriate behavior?
We all know children who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow directions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. However, they may have ADD/ADHD.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood. You may know it by the name attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADD/ADHD makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness
Normal childlike behavior vs. ADHD/ADD
The signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal “child behavior.”
If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADD/ADHD. On the other hand, if your child shows a number of ADD/ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations—at home, at school, and at play—it’s time to take a closer look.
Behavior modification could be the answer. Some children/adolescent can change their behavior in all setting with positive psychotherapy alone. But there some children/adolescent, who needs are met with a combination of psychotherapy and possible medication. This will be determined through the counseling process, which may lead to a psychiatric referral if necessary. Your child/adolescent may even already be taking medication to assist with managing his/her behavior, but the behavior continues to interrupt his daily functioning’s.
Are the negative influences of peer pressure, possible illicit substance use, and unruly behavior affecting your adolescent?
Peer influence is increasingly is creating negative outcomes in our teen/adolescent lives. Teen/Adolescent need to belong often lead to poor judgment and characterization of others. These negative behaviors will increase and continue over time if there is not an intervention to break the cycle. The best teen/adolescent can make one poor decision, which will affect the rest of his/her life. Teens/Adolescents, who exhibit oppositional defiance, unruly, substance use, and antisocial behaviors may become juvenile delinquents with legal involvement.
Counseling will assist with being able to identify inappropriate behaviors, decision making and playing the tape through…..realizing possible consequences associated with negative behaviors.
Counseling can help your child achieve academic and personal success
Being able to focus, not disrupt class, and not miss instruction time due to suspensions will assist your child/adolescent with their academic performance. Also the counseling process will assist with child/adolescent being equipped to make better decision by thinking of the possible consequences of negative behavior.
You are still not sure if counseling is the answer for your child?
While, I cannot offer any guarantee of total success. I can offer positive transformation/change with active and engaged participation in the counseling process. Counseling should be viewed as a positive intervention in discussion with your child/adolescent.
A few tips for discussion with your child/adolescent when seriously considering counseling
Be truthful regarding your intent to pursue counseling as well as specific reasons for your decision
Allow child/adolescent to share openly their feelings toward counseling participation (parents stay positive and remain calm
Validate child/adolescent feeling towards counseling such as…”I understand why you may not want to participate in counseling”. However; I believe counseling may assist you in being more successful in your daily activities and future goals”.
Share with child/adolescent that this will be there time to discussion issues and concerns, which are pertinent to them as well (if age appropriate)
Explain counseling as their time to share through discussion, role play and activities in a safe environment
Take the next step….
Congratulations!!!! You have completed the 1st, hardest step in identifying that you need to get your child/adolescent some help. Now, it’s time to take the next important step in requesting an appointment or call me for your free telephone consultation today! I look forward in hearing from you soon.
Transforming Lives Daily,
Ms. Phillips
