Let's Talk Life - My son has ADD

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Contributor

Dear Counsellor,

My son has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and he is getting unruly and defiant. I want to manage my household so that no one feels alienated, ignored, or persecuted.

- Edith

Dear Edith,

Parenting can be a struggle at times. The task is to raise a child who is emotionally healthy, wise, mature, productive, and helpful. Separate your son from the diagnosis. He needs to know that his parents love him no matter what's happening. Involve the whole family in the management of your son. Brainstorm ways to correct the problem and try the best one. Encourage all the children to voice their feelings about what is going on in the family.

Celebrate each child's accomplishments and meet each child's emotional needs. Schedule one-on-one time for each child. Don't keep the diagnosis a secret. If your extended family knows that your child has ADD, they'll be able to work with you to find solutions to chronic problems.

Focus on the positive. Praise your son when he is tuned in or trying hard to address his problem. When he messes up, keep your comments constructive.

- Counsellor,

Dear Counsellor,

I work as a caregiver for the elderly and I am fatigued and stressed. I would like some tips on improving my health.

- Maria

Dear Maria,

We all are caregivers and the work is very challenging. You need to take care of your health first. Caregivers get burnt out and frustrated because they develop compassion fatigue. Lack of sleep at nights can make you irritable and cranky. Try and get some sleep. If you work in the day and the night, then you need to get some nights off to get adequate sleep. Maintain a well-balanced diet. You are what you eat. T

ake care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Talk with someone every day. Laugh about something every day. Humour is a great stress buster. Smile a lot as if you were happy all the time. Exercise daily. A brisk walk daily is good for the heart. Avoid noisy or tension-filled movies at night.

The late news itself can add to stress. Skip it! Reduce daily caffeine intake. Listen to music. Pray daily. Join a faith group. Learn to take several deep breaths whenever you feel stressed. Give yourself a treat at least once a month. Let family and friends help.

Get professional help if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.