Dyslexia, ADHD, Child Behavior Problems and Child Discipline - Outrageous Success is The Only Option

hild discipline is a challenge when child behavior problems rear their head.

Matters become much worse when the child has Dyslexia and ADHD -- they may not understand what you are saying through no fault of their own.

As parents, we made tons of mistakes, when we assumed our two kids with Dyslexia and ADHD understood what we were saying and could respond appropriately.

A comment we heard recently summed it up well -- for a child with ADHD it's like they have ...

Ferrari Brains and Bicycle Brakes

The old school believed one dealt with child behavior problems and child discipline challenges with a combination of stern looks, raising the voice and occasionally using the belt.

We now have a much better understanding of Dyslexia, ADHD, Child Behavior Problems and Child Discipline, and want to offer three options:
  • You can accept the status quo -- use a combination of Child Discipline, ADHD Medication, and parenting skills to address the Child Behavior Problems.
  • You can address these issues with targeted efforts:
    •   One for the Dyslexia
    •   One for the ADHD
    •   One for Child Discipline and Child Behavior Problems
  • You can use an integrated approach to address the Dyslexia, ADHD, Child Behavior Problems and Child Discipline; set your goals high, and work with your spouse and professionals to really make the difference for your child, your spouse and you.

As parents of four, two of whom have Dyslexia and ADHD, and now having worked with over 1200 students and their parents, we can virtually guarantee that an integrated approach with committed parents and the right professionals can make a huge difference.

Why does an integrated approach with the right professionals make such a difference:
Dyslexia and ADHD work in tandem. These children often are right-brained learners who need to see and experience things. If you tell a 16 year old child with Dyslexia, "Do not leave the garage door open", he sees the garage door open -- and leaves it that way.  Right-brained students need a positive picture and to know why they have to do a certain thing.

A client tried a simple change, "James, make sure the garage door is closed when you leave -- so that no one steals anything from the garage." Within a day it worked -- he had the right picture and understood why.

ADHD is the inability to pay attention to that which is boring or frustrating. When one realizes that the pill does not teach the skill -- parents are more likely to work on skills.

A classic example: a young lady was not cleaning her room. Mom took a picture of what a clean room looked like, helped her daughter clean it up and shared the many benefits of a clean room. The next day when the room needed to be cleaned up for a party - -the young lady smiled -- it was already done.

In the next article on Dyslexia, ADHD, Child Behavior Problems and Child Discipline we will discuss assessing the situation.

Mark Halpert is a recovering Screamaholic and his wife Mira developed and directs the 3D Learner Program (R) in Boca Raton -- for more information go to Parents Make The Difference, Speeches on "Dyslexia, ADHD, Child Behavior Problems and Child Discipline", and call Mark and Mira at 561-361-7495