ADHD

My youngest son has ADHD. At times this has been a struggle for our entire family. His unpredictable moods and struggles catch us all off guard at times and are frustrating. His constant motion and/or humming are often irritating. I have answered the question "why does he do that" many times. I have seen strangers and friends criticize our discipline or as they think our lack of it.

Children with special needs have to be dealt with in special ways. They don't always react or 

understand they same as other people. They need extra time to think and absorb a command or request.Change and interruptions can be devastating. Much love ,patience, and kindness is needed to help these children. But isn't that what we all need? Love,kindness and patience? The world would be a much better place if we stopped putting each other in a mold and realized that we are all different. 

We are all special to the Creator.Walk a mile in their shoes and then give me your advice.I am so touched and thankful when someone does understand and care. This poem was a post that my daughter put on face book this week. I cried as I read it because she gets it! She understands and cares what her brother goes through each day.Thank you Heather Spears!

 If you have or work with a special needs child, be encouraged! They are a GIFT from GOD!

ADHD

My brother, Daniel has ADHD. I love you kiddo. ❤

Take my hand and come with me,
I want to teach you about ADHD.
I need you to know, I want to explain,
I have a very different brain.
Sights, sounds, and thoughts collide.
What to do first? I can't decide.
Please understand I'm not to blame,
I just can't process things the same.
Take my hand and walk with me,
Let me show you about ADHD.
I try to behave, I want to be good,
But I sometimes forget to do as I should.
Walk with me and wear my shoes,
You'll see its not the way I'd choose.
I do know what I'm supposed to do,
But my brain is slow getting the message through.
Take my hand and talk with me,
I want to tell you about ADHD.
I rarely think before I talk,
I often run when I should walk.
It's hard to get my school work done,
My thoughts are outside having fun.
I never know just where to start,
I think with my feelings and see with my heart.
Take my hand and stand by me,
I need you to know about ADHD.
It's hard to explain but I want you to know,
I can't help letting my feelings show.
Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad.
I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.
I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff.
I try really hard but it's never enough.
Take my hand and learn with me,
We need to know more about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong,
Everything I do takes twice as long.
Everyday is exhausting for me...
Looking through the fog of ADHD.
I'm often so misunderstood,
I would change in a heartbeat if I could.
Take my hand and listen to me,
I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me.
I'm not defined by it, you see.
I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.
I'm blamed for things I haven't done.
I'm the loyalist friend you'll ever know,
I just need a chance to let it show.
Take my hand and look at me,
Just forget about the ADHD.
I have real feelings just like you.
The love in my heart is just as true.
I may have a brain that can never rest,
But please understand I'm trying my best.
I want you to know, I need you to see,
I'm more than the label, I am still me!!!!
~Author Unknown

The missing puzzle piece!

ARE YOU A PUZZLE PIECE?

I enjoy jigsaw puzzles once in a while. We spend hours looking for that one piece that is a perfect match. The piece has to fit on all sides, each angle and indent matching. If we try to fit another piece in that spot it doesn’t work. We can try pushing and turning the piece but it will not fit.

As Mothers ,homeschoolers, teachers etc. we often try to make our child “FIT”. Our children, as well as we ourselves, were made by God and have a unique purpose. We fit in a special place. I read a quote that talked about each of us fitting in someone else’s life. With out that puzzle piece (us) that person's life will not be complete.

This speaks to me in two ways, The first being that we need to teach and guide our children without trying to make them something they are not. They each have special and unique talents, attitudes, and abilities given them by God. We cannot and should not try to make them "fit".

I have been actively homeschooling for 25 years. My four children and 2 grandchildren are all different. They learn differently, they help in different ways, they have different character qualities, and respond differently. As their mother/teacher I need to teach and guide them in ways that they understand. This is not always easy! They are all different! It seems like just as we get comfortable with one teaching style we have to change things up! Be patient, (I am speaking to myself), be kind, let them be who they are.

 My homeschool day looks so different now with my youngest son(who has ADHD) and two granddaughters, than when I began teaching my oldest daughter 25 years ago! But that is okay!

Secondly, I realize that I too am a puzzle piece. God has placed me in peoples lives for a reason. I may not always know the reason. We may never know the impact we have on someone else. A smile,a pat on the back,or encouraging words may be just what the child in your church class, the young mother, or visitor at church  needs. Don’t underestimate the impact you can make in someone’s life. We here the phrase “Bloom where you are Planted”. Take time to be that mother, teacher, friend, neighbor or spouse that God has called you to be.

Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.