ADHD – Page 2

Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow and Star Children

May 29, 2012 By Judy Lipson

A unique and evolving vocabulary to describe an increasing number of children

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

During my years working in the schools and in my private practice, I have met many Indigos. I find them to be wise, intuitive, caring, and curious and they often have a “spark” – which seems to challenge the existing educational and societal constructs.

Many students who have been diagnosed with ADHD are Indigos. It’s as if the characteristics that define one, describe the other: out–of–the–box, right-brained and otherwise unconventional learner, and global thinker.

In addition to the previous descriptors, Indigos are often described as old souls. They may be immature, yet older than their years. They like animals and nature. They might seem to have low self-esteem while simultaneously acting grandiose. The rebellious spirit of the Indigo seems to say: I know I’m here for a purpose. I know that the way we treat each other and our Earth is supposed to change. I’m tired of waiting. Let’s get on with it! [Read more…]

Sleep Hygiene

March 31, 2012 By Judy Lipson

Though sleep is sometimes elusive, it is important. What to do?

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Sleep is necessary to restore the body and provide mental alertness for learning. Yet many children (and adults) have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Your child’s lack of sleep affects you, too. As the parent you worry and wonder: What is my child doing? Will s/he be alert for tomorrow’s lessons and tests? Should I MAKE him go to bed? Should I punish? Should I ignore it? [Read more…]

Manners

November 1, 2011 By Judy Lipson

Our children don’t sit quietly, hands folded silently in their lap, seen but not heard.

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

In recent months, the news carried the story of a restaurant that no longer allows children. There was resounding support by adults who have become tired of sharing a meal with noisy children scampering through the restaurant.

A prominent parenting style assumes children learn the rules of life by observing adults and other children. Unfortunately, from a developmental standpoint, this doesn’t work. Young children cannot infer proper behavior and etiquette from watching others. They need to be explicitly taught. Their ability to infer comes at a later age, and only if the foundation has been set in the earlier years.

I’ve also heard parents express the concern that they will squelch their child’s spirit and self-esteem by overly disciplining them. Interestingly, when parents [Read more…]

Independent Children

July 2, 2011 By Judy Lipson

flamingos By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Children don’t come with instruction manuals! Though this statement is usually spoken as a joke, it’s true; and even this article is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

It’s important to look at your child: emotionally, developmentally, intellectually and chronologically, before creating expectations.

For instance, bright children tend to be very verbal and you may forget that they are “only ___ years old”. There’s a tendency to treat them as if they’re older. This may not be right when deciding what responsibilities they should have. If you assume that your child can handle more than they are emotionally and developmentally capable, the situation is prime for tears and failure.

Children with ADHD tend to have a maturity that’s equal to about 70% of their age. [Read more…]

Effective Communication

May 31, 2011 By Judy Lipson

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Communication is a vital aspect of children’s development and it may be necessary for parents to teach. Below are techniques for how to teach your child effective communication and a unique method to use when your child is resistant to listening. (This is especially helpful for parents of adolescents.)

It’s never too early or too late to teach your child how to communicate and to provide opportunities for your child to practice. Here are some suggestions: [Read more…]

Sensitive Children

May 3, 2011 By Judy Lipson

“I don’t like this shirt; it picks me.”
“I don’t want to wear socks.”
“That is tooooo loud.”
“I won’t eat THAT.”

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

These comments can be humorous or exasperating, but I no longer view them as the problem behavior of a picky child. These children are sensitive. And while many of these sensitive children acquire labels – anxious, ADHD, Aspergers, or autistic – these are only labels. I don’t believe your child has a problem, though at times the behaviors can be challenging.

If you are wondering if your child’s behaviors are indicators of being highly sensitive and want to understand your child better, you can examine the five senses. [Read more…]

Anxiety in Children

April 1, 2011 By Judy Lipson

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Does your child experience anxiety? It has become more common and at younger ages too. Anxiety shows itself in many ways. Some children become quiet and introverted. Others act angry. They may lose focus, display inattention or fidget –resembling ADHD. Many have headaches, stomach upset, etc. In school, some children experience test anxiety, difficulty with oral presentations, reluctance to attend school or they skip classes.

There are various possible causes for anxiety. It may be the result of challenges that your child has experienced. Some families recognize that anxiety seems to run in their family. Many people who are prone to feelings of anxiety are highly sensitive in all five senses. (Read Sensitive Children) [Read more…]

Homework Helper

March 1, 2010 By Judy Lipson

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

Homework is the most frequent concern for students, parents and teachers. Let’s look at some of the reasons students have trouble with homework and specific ways to ease the conflict.

The student doesn’t turn in homework that you KNOW was completed: This is often the most distressing for families. Some students don’t remember to turn in the work; some can’t find it. The solution is to give the student a specific homework folder. The left pocket is for homework that needs to be completed and for notes or returned work to be filed (file that evening into the appropriate subject folders). The right pocket is for assignments to be turned in. With this system, papers won’t be lost in the bottom of the backpack. Also, if the student did not hear the teacher’s instruction to turn in the assignment, there is a much better chance that it will be found in a later class. The student can then turn it in before points are deducted. [Read more…]

Indigo Children & Schools

September 12, 2004 By Judy Lipson

School Children

By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC

I’ve been an educator for 25 years. I believe I’ve always been drawn to the children that we now call Indigo. What’s an Indigo child? There are several books with information regarding this group. Doreen Virtue in her book, The Care and Feeding of Indigo Children, describes them as having a birth date (typically) after 1978. She lists nearly 20 characteristics, many of which are the qualities that I use for identification.

[Read more…]

Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow and Star Children

Sleep Hygiene

Manners

Independent Children

Sensitive Children

Anxiety in Children

Homework Helper

Indigo Children & Schools

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