Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) or attention-deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADHA) is characterized by poor ability to attend to a task, motoric overactivity and impulsivity.

ADHD-afflicted people display different behaviors indicative of problems associated with the disorder.  Being inattentive can be seen when a child or adolescent:

• Often does not follow through on tasks.
• Often has difficulty getting organized.
• Often makes careless mistakes, failing to give close attention.
• Often has difficulty sustaining attention.l
• Often does not seem to listen.
• Often dislikes or avoids sustained mental efforts.
• Often loses things.
• Often is easily distracted.
• Often is forgetful.

Having your child diagnosed with ADD/ADHD is best accomplished by a licensed medical professional specializing in AD/ADHA and similar medical conditions.  The most comprehensive testing for ADD/ADHD is performed by a psychologist or neurophysiologist.  Psychological testing provides important data in the process of diagnosing ADD/ADHD as well as other possible diagnoses. 

Children learn in many different ways, although each child may have a preference for one or two particular ways of learning. These preferences are called learning styles. Some children learn most easily when ideas, concepts, and information are first presented visually, through pictures or videos. Others gain understanding only after firsthand work, such as writing, experimenting, problem solving, or playacting. Some children need to have ideas presented in a very precise and sequential order; for others, close attention to sequence complicates learning rather than promotes it. Teachers are most effective when they know children well enough to understand their individual learning styles. This lets them individualize each child’s learning experiences.

Part of the reason two-year-olds have tantrums is because they don’t have the words or other tools they need to express their anger or frustration fully or appropriately. For this, your toddler needs your help.

Thus the most important rule in handling tantrums is this:

Ignore the behavior, but don’t ignore your child.

Q-tip

Challenging your child by saying, “No laughing,” may be a good way to transform anger into a burst of the giggles. Yet although this is a very useful trick at times, this approach also slights your toddler’s anger. So if you decide to diffuse your child’s anger in this way, be sure to take the time to encourage her to talk about her anger with you afterward, when she has calmed down.

What is your toddler trying to communicate to you through her tantrum? Anger? Frustration? Ask your child what’s wrong and at the same time, encourage her to calm down enough so that you can help her. Let your child know that if she’s frustrated with something, you can’t possibly help her unless you know what’s wrong-but that you can’t understand her when she tries to talk to you in the midst of a hysterical tantrum.

Don’t ignore your child’s expressions of anger. In fact, if they are appropriate, encourage them. Suppressed anger can become even more explosive. So don’t encourage your toddler to rein in her anger or frustration. Instead, teach your child to express it in non-destructive or non-hurtful ways. Allow and encourage your child to express anger and frustration:

• in words;
• by punching a pillow or mattress;
• by slamming clay around on a cutting board;
• by banging a drum;
• by running around outside;
• by doing something brief, loud, and angry: letting out a “primal scream,” yelling, dancing, or singing about her anger; or
• by creating an angry work of art.

The lessons you teach your child about expressing anger and frustration may seem to have little impact during her third year—and perhaps even her fourth. Your toddler (and later, your preschooler) will no doubt still have angry outbursts, violent episodes, and uncontrollable tantrums at least occasionally. In time, however, your child will absorb these lessons. And learning how to handle anger without becoming destructive or hurtful is an invaluable lesson for anyone, child or adult.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Parenting a Preschooler and Toddler, Too © 1997 by Keith M. Boyd, M.D., and Kevin Osborn.

Five scholarships will be awarded to area high school seniors this year by the Mission Viejo Activities Committee.  The deadline for all applications is March 20.

Selections will be made based on community service, academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and school participation.  Scholarships will be awarded to students planning on attending four-year schools, community colleges or technical programs.

applications are available at the Mission Viejo Library, Mission Viejo City Hall as well as Capistrano, Trabuco Hills, Tesoro and Santa Margarita Catholic high schools.  Information:  949.830.7066

The Activities Committee, a voluntary and non-profit organization, has awarded $30,000 in scholarships since the program was started in 2001.

Parents often ask how they can help their children navigate through high school to be prepared for college.  Studies show that students are much more likely to excel when their parents stay involved.  Parents should keep track of their student’s progress, encourage goal setting and consult regularly with the student’s academic advisor.

High school students who aspire to attend college should take a rigorous course of academic classes.  Classes that are the most challenging, such as honors, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement courses, will give the student the best possible preparation for the admissions competition and the demands of college.

One of the key things parents can do is to make sure their sons and daughters take the appropriate “A-through-G” classes required by the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.  To meet he minimum eligibility requirements, applicants must have completed a series of high school college-preparatory courses that provide a strong academic foundation, including, but not limited to:

Two years of history/social science; Four years of English’ Three years of mathematics including advanced algebra and geometry (four years of math are strongly recommended); Two years of laboratory science (three years are strongly recommended):  Two years of a language other than English (three years are strongly recommended); One year of visual and performing arts; and One year of a college-preparatory elective.

Going to College?