TUTORING MAY NOT HELP KIDS WITH ADHD

So many exasperated parents use tutors to help their ADHD children and teens succeed.

A recent study, however, found that as children's attention difficulties approached the level that is often seen in ADHD, the beneficial affects of tutoring were substantially reduced. This study controlled for a number of other factors that may have influenced children's reading achievement, including IQ, parental involvement in school, and still found that attention difficulties were the critical factor in whether or not tutoring was likely to be beneficial.

Source: www.helpforadd.com

WHAT MOST FAMILIES FORGET

I find that many families overlook their strengths. It amazes me when I see the psychological resources of some couples and family members. Surviving deaths of other family members, working back from the shock of infidelity, coping with a family member in the throes of an addiction, hanging tough through job loss, smiling in the face of chronic pain, and dealing with the medical and emotional challenges of children with special physical and emotional challenges are just a few that I have seen.

I have learned that providing couples and families with concrete specific observations of how they cope effectively has a tremendous therapeutic value. I use these observations to inspire hope and optimism and this plays an important role in helping families. Watching a child’s eyes light up when I emphasize his courage to accept a new born sibling, or for her to play a new sport or sharing that a mother’s success in balancing of home and career is impressive really does mean a lot. Reflecting how invested a husband was to have painted his mother-in-law’s house, or acknowledging that a couple has been at a major impasse but admiring them for not giving up on their marriage, are more examples of highlighting the client system’s strengths. Focusing on strengths makes it easier to make improvements.