How Can You Help Boost Your Child's Confidence?

October was ADHD Awareness Month, and most Woodlynde families are already familiar with ADHD to some extent. I read an article on CHADD's (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) website on boosting your child's confidence and wanted to share some key points. All students need a confidence boost from time to time as they navigate their way through life.
 
 
1. Tell your child that you love and support him/her unconditionally. Even if you think they already know this, it's important to remind them that you will get through the smooth and the tough times together. You love them, you may not love their messy room or backpack, but you love them.
 
2. Notice your child's successes, no matter how small. Often parents and teachers are telling students what they need to do or fix. Pay attention when they are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing and comment on it. Be precise. Noticing small changes can help motivate children as they are working toward a goal. Save the big praise for when they do something exceptional. 
 
3. Set aside special time with your child. Everyone has packed schedules, but finding time to give your child your full attention can help strengthen your relationship and build their self-esteem.  
 
4. Identify your child's strengths. Many children with ADHD struggle with some part of school and that is where they spend a majority of their time. Help them find something that they excel in such as athletics, music, or film making. Allow them to build upon these strengths by joining activities, taking lessons, or devoting weekend time for these pursuits.
 
More information about ADHD can be found at:
www.drhallowell.com (check out the podcast section too)

By Ms. Tracey Szmajda, Middle/Upper School Counselor
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Woodlynde School is a private, co-ed college prep day school located in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that serves intelligent, talented students with learning differences in grades K - 12. Woodlynde provides a comprehensive, evidence-based Kindergartenelementarymiddle and high school program in a challenging yet nurturing environment for students with average to above average cognitive abilities (IQ) who have language- or math-based learning differences (such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia or Dyscalculia), Executive Function Challenges, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Auditory Processing Disorder. Even for those students without a diagnosed learning disability (LD), Woodlynde offers expert and caring teachers in small classroom settings that support academic success. Woodlynde School also offers a post-graduate (PG) program in partnership with Rosemont College as well as a regional Summer Camp for students who learn differently.