Hi everyone!
Our second group meeting took place last Tuesday on the 30th November. Thank you so much to everyone that came.
We have put together a little newsletter of information from the last week for those of you that couldn't make it. In the next few weeks we are going to start sending out newsletters to our subscribers, all of the information going straight to your inbox! If this is something you're interested in, subscribe using the box on our home page.
The main focus for Tuesday was on Transitioning to New Schools, ADHD Strategies and overall Time Management. Here are some last minute tips that were mentioned that you may find useful.
Time Management:
For general organisation and time keeping, we have a leaflet that is available to find on the website.
One major thing that was mentioned is the amount of time that appointments take up. If these become too much, for the child or the parent, cut back if you can, schedule phone consultations, or rearrange if you have to.
A key thing that parents struggle with is finding 1-to-1 time with each child. Here are a few ideas that work for us.
- Staggering bedtimes. Space half an hour between each bedtime, this gives you a little extra time with each child where it can be just the two of you.
- Arrange a babysitter for other children so you can spend 1-on-1 time. Do this every so often with a different child each time if you can.
- Get to know your child, really get to know them. Try and know their favourite films, favourite music, what outdoor activities you love, sit down with them over a hot chocolate and find out everything you can about them, even small things like this can make such a big difference.
Transitioning to a New School/College:
We made a leaflet with everything that we did to have a smooth and comfortable transition to a new educational setting. This is available for you all on the website. The main takeaways from this are:
- You are your child's advocate, it is your job to speak up and get them the best that they deserve.
- You can say no. If you feel like something isn't right, or isn't going to work you can say no. You have every single right to change your mind.
- Involve your child in every step of the transition, let them have some kind of say in what is happening.
ADHD Strategies:
Similarly, a leaflet with suggestions that we found useful is available for you all to view on the website. The key points to remember with this are:
- Be present and in the moment. Be there not only for your child but for yourself.
- Give your undivided attention. This one isn't going to be possible 100% of the time of course, but at least a little time when your child has your sole attention can only be beneficial.
- Put down phones and tablets. Talk to each other, go for a walk, get to know each other on a human level, not just in the parent/child dynamic.
- And overall try to remain calm if you can.
We hope that you gained somethin
g from reading this. Please if you have anything extra to add post in the forum! We would love to hear what works for you.
Hopefully we will see you all on Tuesday 7th December 2021.
All our love and admiration,
Vicky, Dave and Sophie