Step One
Talk with your child, and accentuate the positive.
If your child has attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), she may have low self-esteem. To succeed in school, she must not only adhere to academic and behavioral standards, she must believe in herself.
Educate your child about her condition and present the upside of it. For example, ADHD often correlates with traits such as creativity. As she meets new people and faces new challenges at school, help her remember that she is a valuable member of her classroom community — in spite of, or because of, her differences.
Step Two
Ask your child about his friends.
He may need your help in identifying classmates with whom he could develop constructive friendships. During the first weeks of school, ask your child to describe his classmates, and listen for clues about personalities that might complement his own.
Children with ADHD tend to form quick alliances with children they find exciting or interesting. Encourage your child to get to know the quieter, studious kids, who may admire his imagination or boldness and who may be a calming influence.
This article comes from the Fall 2009 issue of ADDitude.
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