Namita Das's Blog, page 69

The Ultimate Checklist for Driving with ADHD: What Every Teen Needs to Know

Driving can be challenging for anyone, especially teens with ADHD, as it requires concentration, impulse regulation, and planning skills. These skills are essential for safe driving but can be hindered by ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Fortunately, some strategies can help teens with ADHD become safer drivers. Here are some teen driving rules for teens with ADHD that can help you avoid distractions and accidents.

Get enough sleep. –

Lack of sleep can worsen your ADHD symptoms and impair your alertness and concentration. Ensure you get at least eight hours of quality sleep every night, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime. If you feel sleepy or tired while driving, pull over to a safe place and take a nap or call someone to pick you up.

Take your medication. –

Medication can help you control your symptoms and improve focus and impulse control. However, be aware of the possible side effects of your drug, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or loss of appetite. If you are prescribed medication for your ADHD, take it as directed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you experience problems or need to adjust your dosage or timing.

Limit distractions. –

Driving requires full attention, so avoid anything that can divert your eyes, ears, or mind from the road. Pull over to a safe place first if you need to do something that requires your attention. This includes using your phone, texting, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, or talking to passengers. You can also ask your passengers to help by keeping the noise level down, reminding them of directions, or handling the navigation system.

Plan. –

Before driving, know where you are going and how to get there. Use a map or a GPS device to plan your route and check for traffic conditions. Leave yourself enough time to reach your destination without rushing or stressing. If possible, avoid driving during peak hours or in unfamiliar areas. You can also practice driving on the same route beforehand to familiarize yourself with the road signs, signals, and landmarks.

Practice with supervision. –

Driving is a skill that improves with experience and feedback. If you are a new driver, practice as much as you can with a licensed adult who can guide you and correct your mistakes. You can also enrol in a driver education program or a defensive driving course that can teach you the rules of the road and how to handle different situations. The more you practice, the more confident and competent you will become.

Seek professional help. –

If you feel that your ADHD symptoms are interfering with your driving ability or safety, do not hesitate to seek professional help. You can consult your doctor, therapist, or coach, who can help you manage your symptoms and cope with your challenges. You can also ask for accommodations or modifications that make driving easier, such as using an automatic transmission, a steering wheel cover, or a seat cushion.

Driving is a privilege and a responsibility that requires attention, skill, and maturity. Teens with ADHD can become safe and responsible drivers by following these teen driving rules and seeking help.

Read more:

https://chadd.org/for-adults/adhd-and-driving/https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-drivinghttps://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-driving-tipshttps://www.verywellmind.com/driving-with-adult-adhd-20438https://www.gov.uk/adhd-and-driving

I Am Not Sleepy! by Markita Staples

It is a cute and funny bedtime story many kids and parents can relate to. The illustrations are colourful and expressive, and the characters are diverse and likeable. The book also shows some positive parenting techniques, such as validating the child’s feelings, offering choices, and setting boundaries.

However, the book was short and repetitive and had no clear resolution or message. The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying, and it left me wondering if Cameron ever fell asleep or learned anything from his bedtime routine. The book could have been more creative and imaginative instead of just listing what Cameron did not want to do before bed.

Overall, this book is fun for young children who struggle with bedtime, but it could have been better developed and more engaging. I give it three stars out of 5.

A Pet of My Own by Olena Rose

I read this book for my son, who has been begging me for a puppy.

He loved the story and the illustrations and learned a lot about the responsibilities and challenges of having a pet. He also enjoyed exploring the different types of pets that the book introduced, such as fish, birds, hamsters, and even rocks. He realised that only some pets are suitable for some families, and some require more care and attention than others. He is now more open to getting a different kind of pet or maybe waiting until he is older and more ready for a puppy.

This book was a great way to have a fun and honest conversation with my son about pets.

I highly recommend it to any parent who is facing a similar situation.

I Love Being Me! by Markita Staples-Green

This book will be a delight to read with your kids.

They will love the colourful illustrations and the catchy rhymes. They will also relate to the characters and their various features. They will enjoy pointing out their curly hair, brown skin, or big feet and saying, “I love being me!”

The book teaches kids to appreciate themselves and celebrate their differences. It will also make them laugh with funny expressions and situations. It’s an excellent book for building self-esteem and having fun.

I give it five stars! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a positive and uplifting story for their children.

Rosie: Stronger than Steel by Lindsay Ward

I loved this book! It is a beautiful and inspiring tribute to the women who worked hard and sacrificed for the war effort.

The story is told from the perspective of Rosie, a tractor built by women in the US and sent to England to help with farming. Rosie is a brave and loyal machine which does whatever it takes to support the cause. She ploughs the land, hides from enemy planes, and even makes friends with the animals.

The illustrations are stunning and capture the mood and atmosphere of the time.

The book also includes historical notes and photos at the end, which provide more context and information about the real Rosies. This book is excellent for children and adults who want to learn more about this fascinating history chapter.

I highly recommend it!

Feeling Empty as a Parent? Here’s How to Love Your Child and Yourself Again

Parenting is one of the most gratifying and demanding responsibilities in life. You want to give your child the best of everything, but sometimes you feel you have nothing to offer. You feel empty, exhausted, and disconnected from yourself and your child. You wonder if you are a good parent or if you even love your child at all.

If you can relate to these feelings, you are not alone. Many parents struggle with emptiness at some point in their parenting journey. It does not mean you are a lousy parent or don’t love your child. It means you are human and need help filling your cup and reconnecting with your child.

In this post, I will reveal how I learned to love my child when I felt empty and provide you with five strategies to overcome emptiness and find happiness in parenting again.

How I Learned to Love My Child When I Felt Empty

I remember when I realised I felt empty as a parent. It was a sunny afternoon, and I sat on the couch with my four-year-old son. He was cuddling with me and telling me about his day at preschool. He looked so happy and innocent, and I felt nothing: no warmth, affection, or interest. I felt like a shell of a person, going through the motions of parenting without emotion.

I felt guilty and ashamed. How could I not feel anything for my child? What kind of parent was I? Did I even love him? I wanted to love him, but I didn’t know how. I felt like I had lost myself somewhere and didn’t know how to find myself again.

I had neglected my needs and emotions for so long that I had become numb and detached from myself and others. I decided to talk to a therapist friend, and I’m glad I did. With the help of my friend, I learned that my emptiness resulted from several factors: chronic stress, unresolved trauma, depression, and lack of self-care.

I realised that to love my child; I had to love myself first. I had to heal my wounds, manage my stress, treat my depression, and care for myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It was not easy, but it was worth it. As I filled my cup, I noticed that my emptiness gradually faded. I started feeling alive, present, and connected to myself and my child. I began to enjoy parenting again.

Five Tips to Overcome Emptiness and Find Joy in Parenting Again

If you are feeling empty as a parent, here are some tips that helped me and might help you too:

Seek professional help. –
If you feel empty for a long time or if it interferes with your daily functioning, you might suffer from depression or another mental health condition. It is a brave and wise decision to ask for help from a professional therapist or counsellor who can help you discover and resolve the issues that make you feel empty.Practice self-care. –
Make time daily to do something that nourishes your body, mind, soul, and spirit. It could be anything from taking a walk, reading a book, meditating, journaling, listening to music, or anything else that makes you feel good. You are not selfish when caring for yourself; you are responsible for your well-being and ability to parent well.Express your emotions. –
Emptiness often stems from suppressing or ignoring your feelings for too long. You might think that you are protecting yourself or others from pain by doing so, but in reality, you are hurting yourself more. Emotions are natural and healthy; they must be acknowledged and released in healthy ways. Find a safe outlet for your feelings: talk to someone you trust, write them down, cry them out, or use any other method that works for you.Connect with others. –
Emptiness can make you feel isolated and lonely and withdraw from social interactions and relationships. However, human beings are social creatures; we need connection and support from others to thrive. Reach out to your family, friends, or other parents who understand what you are going through. Join a support group or an online community where you can share your feelings and experiences without judgment.Connect with your child. –
Emptiness can also make you feel distant from your child; it can make you lose sight of the bond and love that you share. However, your child needs you more than ever; they need your attention, affection, guidance, and presence. Try to spend quality time with your child. Listen to them, play with them, hug them, praise them, and show interest in their lives. Imagine how they view the world and respect their differences. Express to them that your love has no limits or conditions.

Don’t let emptiness drag you down. It’s not a flaw but a call to action. You can change your life and fill it with joy and meaning. Feeling empty as a parent is normal, and it doesn’t mean you don’t love your child. Taking care of yourself, connecting with your child, practising gratitude, seeking support, and letting go of perfection are essential. Following these tips, you can overcome emptiness and find joy in parenting again. Remember that you’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

Read more –

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/empty-nest-syndromehttps://psychcentral.com/relationships/signs-of-having-an-emotionally-unstable-unavailable-parenthttps://modernparenting.onemega.com/empty-nest-syndrome-the-loneliness-parents-feel-when-kids-leave/https://www.lifehack.org/582113/feel-empty-why-all-feel-empty-sometimes

The Bird that forgot what kind of Bird it was by Elisa Anderson

I read this book on my Kindle, and I loved it!

The story is simple but engaging, and the illustrations are colourful and creative. The book has a unique style, using paper cutouts to make the pictures.

I enjoyed guessing what kind of bird the main character was and learning about different types of birds along the way. I also liked the story’s message: to be yourself and appreciate your uniqueness. This book is excellent for kids who love animals and stories with humour and heart.

I highly recommend it!

Shh! We got a Reindeer by Anjeanette Carter

Shh! We Got a Reindeer is a fun and engaging Christmas book for kids that will spark their imagination and curiosity. The story follows a brother and sister who discover a lost reindeer in their backyard and try to return him to Santa before it’s too late.

The book contains colourful illustrations and humorous dialogue to amuse kids. The book also encourages kids to think critically and creatively about how to solve problems and help others. It’s a great book to read aloud with your family or enjoy alone.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a festive and adventurous story that celebrates the magic of Christmas. I give it four stars out of 5.

How to Turn Conflict into Connection: A Guide for People with ADHD

People with ADHD may face more difficulties than others when dealing with disagreements in their relationships, as they are bound to happen sooner or later. ADHD can affect how you communicate, listen, empathise, and compromise with others. It can also make you more likely to react emotionally, act impulsively, and get defensive. These difficulties can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and resentment in your personal and professional relationships.

However, conflict doesn’t have to be destructive or damaging. Rather than seeing it as a problem, it can be a chance to connect more deeply, learn new things, and grow as a person. The key is to learn how to manage conflict healthily and constructively. Here are some tips and tools for people with ADHD to resolve conflict effectively:

Recognise your triggers. –

Identify what situations or behaviours trigger your negative emotions or reactions. For example, you might feel angry when someone interrupts, criticises, or ignores your needs. Knowing your triggers can help you prepare for them and avoid overreacting.

Take a time-out. –

When you feel upset or overwhelmed by a conflict, take a break to calm down and collect your thoughts. You can say something like, “I need some time to think about this”, or “I’m feeling too emotional right now to talk”. Then, find a quiet place to breathe deeply, relax your muscles, or do something else that helps you cope with stress.

Reflective listening. –

Listening is a crucial skill for resolving conflict. It shows that you care about the other person’s feelings and perspective and are willing to work together to find a solution. However, listening can be challenging for people with ADHD, who may get distracted, interrupt, or jump to conclusions. To improve your listening skills, try reflective listening. Reflective listening means repeating what the other person said in your own words to check that you understood them correctly. For example:

– Person A: “I’m agitated that you forgot our anniversary. It makes me feel like you don’t care about me.”

– Person B: “So you’re feeling hurt and unappreciated because I didn’t remember our special day.”

Reflective listening helps to clarify the message, avoid misunderstandings, and validate the other person’s emotions. It also gives you time to process what they said and think of a response.

Express yourself clearly and respectfully. –

When it’s your turn to talk, use “I” statements to express your thoughts and feelings. For example, instead of “You never listen to me” or “You’re always late”, say “I feel frustrated when I don’t feel heard”, or “I get anxious when you don’t show up on time”. Avoid blaming, accusing, or name-calling, as these can escalate the conflict and hurt the other person’s feelings.

Focus on solutions. –

Instead of focusing on what went wrong or who is to blame, let’s work together to find a solution. Brainstorm ideas that can meet both your needs and preferences. Be open-minded and willing to compromise. For example, if you have different opinions on spending money, you might agree on a budget or a savings plan that works for both of you.

Apologising and forgiving. –

Sometimes, resolving conflict requires apologising or forgiving. Apologising means admitting that you made a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings and expressing regret and remorse. Forgiving means letting go of anger and resentment towards someone who wronged you and restoring trust and goodwill. Both apologising and forgiving can be challenging for people with ADHD, who may struggle with guilt, shame, pride, or stubbornness. However, they are essential for healing and moving on from conflict. Here are some tips for apologising and forgiving:

– Be sincere: Apologise or forgive from the heart, not from pressure. Say how you feel and avoid being defensive or manipulative.

– Be specific: Say what you did wrong or what hurt you and how it affected you or them. Don’t be vague or general.

– Be respectful: Be kind and respectful, even when angry or hurt. Don’t use sarcasm, insults, or blame. Don’t expect them to respond right away or at all.

– Be constructive: Plan to change your behaviour or avoid the same problem. Show that you want to learn and improve.

Apologising and forgiving can help you rebuild trust and harmony after a conflict. It can also help you grow and have more empathy and resilience.

The STAR method. –

Another helpful tool for resolving conflict is the STAR method. STAR stands for Stop, Think, Act, Review. It is a simple way to slow down and think before reacting to a heated situation. Here is how it works:

– Stop: When you notice that you are getting angry or frustrated, pause and take a deep breath. It will help you relax and prevent you from making a mistake that could hurt you or others.

– Think: Ask yourself what the problem is, what you are feeling, thinking, and what you want. Identify both parties’ underlying needs and interests and avoid blaming or judging.

– Act: Choose a positive action that will help resolve the conflict or improve the situation. It could be expressing your feelings and needs, asking questions, requesting, apologising, or suggesting a compromise.

– Review: After you act, check the results. Did it help or hurt? Did it bring you closer or push you further apart? If it didn’t work, try something else.

The STAR method helps you to be more mindful and intentional in your communication and to avoid impulsive or aggressive reactions that can escalate the conflict.

It’s hard for everyone to resolve conflicts, but people with ADHD may face more difficulties than others. However, using these tips and tools, you can learn to manage conflict healthily and constructively. Remember that conflict is not always destructive; it can also be a chance to learn more about yourself and others, to grow as a person, and to strengthen your bond with your loved ones.

Read more:

https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/conflict-resolution-skills-family-relationships-adhd/https://www.fastbraiin.com/blogs/blog/adhd-and-conflict-resolution-2https://recoophealth.com/blog/conflict

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Reminders of Him is a poignant and emotional story of redemption, forgiveness and love. Colleen Hoover delivers a powerful and realistic portrayal of a young mother who struggles to rebuild her life after prison and reconnect with her daughter. The characters are flawed and complex, and their journey is full of challenges and heartache.

I was invested in Kenna and Ledger’s relationship, which was sweet and supportive, but also faced a lot of obstacles and judgment.

The book also explores the themes of guilt, grief, family and friendship, and how they affect the choices we make. The writing is beautiful and captivating, and the dual timeline adds suspense and depth to the story.

The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is that I felt that the ending was too rushed and unrealistic. I also thought that some of the sex scenes were unnecessary and detracted from the emotional impact of the story. I would have liked to see more development of Kenna’s bond with her daughter and less focus on her physical attraction to Ledger. Overall, this was a moving and memorable read that touched my heart and made me cry.

I recommend it to fans of Colleen Hoover and contemporary romance.