Practical Advice for Parents from Parents
November 15, 1994
This well-written book provides guidelines, suggestions, and advice to help parents interact with their children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although opening chapters define the ADHD symptoms and resources for the parent, the major focus is on preventing (or managing) misbehavior, working with teachers, and providing a stable and nurturing family atmosphere for the family of the ADHD child-both parents and siblings. Many of the recommendations and tips come from other parents as well as pediatricians, counselors, and teachers. Alexander-Roberts wisely stresses that every ADHD child reacts differently and that many techniques may be needed to parent the child. An appendix lists further reading and helpful support organizations. Though numerous books have been written on ADHD in recent years, such as The Hyperactive Child Book (LJ 3/1/93) and A Parent's Guide to Attention Deficit Disorders (LJ 10/1/91), this work stands out as a family management guide. Highly recommended for parenting collections in all public libraries.-Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, Md.
October 15, 1994
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, aka ADD) affects a huge number of children; the estimates of experts are truly impressive--five million school-age children and 5 to 10 percent of the general population. Subtitled "Practical Advice for Parents from Parents," here's a book filled with the experiences of hundreds of parents of ADHD children gathered via surveys by the author. ADHD, a condition marked by distractibility and impulsive and related behavioral symptoms, is defined briefly, and insight into the diagnostic process follows. Then, the author focuses on management techniques that a family and child can utilize to survive everyday life--morning activities, homework, peer relations, summer-vacation blues. Tips from educators and other professionals are tucked in, especially throughout the lengthy chapter on school and teachers. Appended, along with a bibliography, is a list of ADHD organizations. ((Reviewed October 15, 1994))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1994, American Library Association.)