 of your child’s favorite relatives to “buddy” with him while you’re busy. Decide which family activities (like religious services) your child is expected to participate in. Be sure to build in “escape routes” for him, so he has a quiet place to go when situations or his feelings overwhelm him. Work with him to decide how and where he can retreat. Gently remind him of this coping strategy throughout the holiday season.
Taking trains, planes, and automobiles
If you plan to travel as a family, there are several ways to prepare your child:
- Show him a map of the route you’ll take.
- Mention the interesting sites and scenery you’ll see along the way.
- Talk about how many miles you’ll travel and how long the trip will take.
If he’s never traveled by plane, bus, or train before, spend extra time telling him what to expect at the airport or station, as well as on board or in flight. And be sure to warn him about “travel transitions” such as connecting flights.
Before your trip, let your child choose toys, games, and books to take along. This ensures he’ll be entertained during travel. It also gives him a sense of security and choice. For his sake (and your sanity!) be sure to include items such as:
- Books, puzzle books, and hand-held games.
- Audio-cassette or CD player (with individual headphones) for listening to music or books on tape.
- A small ball or Frisbee for on-the-road exercise breaks.
Like many kids with ADHD, he may chatter non-stop about sights and scenery he sees along the way. Dictating his comments into a tape recorder will keep him busy while you concentrate on driving or navigating.
On road trips, take frequent exercise breaks. Help your child transition from “play” time to “driving” time by telling him, “You have 10 more minutes to play. Then we have to drive some more.” In airports and train stations let him walk and explore as much as is safely possible.
Staying with relatives
If you plan to spend time at a relative’s home, be sure to prepare your child for the situation and the situation for the child. Do this even if you’ll be staying in a familiar place. Discuss the situation with your child and encourage him to ask questions. Typical questions include:
- Who else will be there?
- Who else will stay overnight?
- Where will I sleep?
- If I need a break, where can I go?
- If you’re busy, which family members can I go to for help or advice?
If you don’t know all the answers, talk to your relatives right away. Remind them of your child’s special needs (such as having a designated “quiet room” for hectic times). Be firm but polite when asking for special arrangements. Once the plans are made, thank your host and share the plan with your child.
Making a memory book
When your vacation or holiday season is over, help your child create a scrapbook of holiday photos, souvenirs, and other mementos of the experience. Remind him of his successes — his help, cooperation, and contributions to a happy time together. Review this memory book with him from time to time — especially when planning for next year’s adventures! Facts about LD:
- Difficulty with basic reading and language skills are the most common LD.
- LD may be inherited.
- LD affect girls as frequently as they do boys.
- Kids don’t outgrow or get cured of LD.
- With support and intervention, kids with LD can be successful in learning and life.
AD/HD by other names and acronyms
While attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the official term and acronym used by today’s mental health care professionals, it is sometimes referred to by other names and abbreviations. For example, it is sometimes called:
- ADHD (without the “slash” in the middle)
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Attention disorder