Teamwork Tips for ADHD Families: Dr. Sharon Saline's Guide
Start with one small thing right, and I think starting small is really the key here. Because you want to have success, don't go after the big items that you want to change.
Ever feel like managing time and tasks with your ADHD child is an uphill battle? You're not alone. In this episode of ADHD Focus, Dr. David Pomeroy chats with Dr. Sharon Saline, a psychologist who specializes in helping families navigate the complexities of ADHD. Drawing from her book 'What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew', Dr. Saline introduces the '5 Cs' framework to tackle daily challenges head-on.
These principles aim to foster cooperation, consistency, and calmness in households where ADHD is a part of life. One of the standout tips from Dr. Saline is the importance of parents taking a two-minute pause before reacting to their child's behavior. This brief moment allows parents to collect their thoughts and respond more effectively. She also emphasizes the power of small changes, suggesting that incremental steps can build momentum and create a positive atmosphere.
Another key takeaway is the '3:1 positivity ratio'. Dr. Saline recommends aiming for three positive interactions for every negative one, which can significantly improve the parent-child relationship. Understanding the unique challenges of the ADHD brain, such as sensitivity to noise and difficulty with transitions, is also crucial. By working together as a team, parents and their ADHD children can navigate these hurdles and find success.
Whether you're dealing with time management, task management, or emotional regulation, this episode offers practical advice to make life a little smoother. Tune in to hear more about how the '5 Cs' can transform your approach to parenting an ADHD child.