PrintADD/ADHD Playdate Don'ts
DON'T: Let ADD/ADHD symptoms threaten good manners.
If your child is bored: Most kids with ADD/ADHD will be bored during a longer play date -- he should suggest doing something else, using the right words. Instead of saying “This is boring” or “I’m tired of playing the good guy,” he can say, “Can we play something else for a little while?”
If your child is disinterested: Instead of saying “That’s a stupid game you picked,” she should say, “How about we play Chutes and Ladders?”
If your child is possessive: Before your child’s friend comes over, put away toys and possessions your child doesn’t want to share. This will avoid conflicts with friends who want to play with and touch everything. Your child has to share whatever he leaves out.
What's the reward? If your ADD/ADHD child learns to be a good host, he will get what he wants most -- a best friend.
Excerpted from Friends Forever (Jossey-Bass). Copyright 2010, by Fred Frankel, Ph.D.
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