June 5th, 2008 Volume 1, Issue 12 A Note From Rory Dear Reader, What a quick week it has been here.  I still can't get over that another week has just flown past.  I actually spent a little bit of time this morning trying to think about what actually occurred this past week...  I'm sitting here thinking... and thinking...  The only really exciting thing that comes to mind is that my 9 month old son has mastered running and has progressed all the way up to climbing the stairs. In fact - I actually encouraged him to climb the stairs.  He was good with getting up two of them, but then just stopped.  So I decided I would show him that there more...  I showed him how to climb the rest of the stairs.  And now he does it himself.  Unfortunately - it now means the gates in the house really do need to be closed all the time. It's sort of funny.  I am proud of my son for being able to walk so soon, and for being able to climb the stairs.  But not everyone shares my enthusiasm.  We get mixed messages from people - particularly his grandmother who was just visiting.  She thought I was just absolutely out of my mind for encouraging that sort of behavior. Me?  It just made sense to show him the way.  He was doing all the work, and I just cheered him on. Rory Stern, PsyD http://www.theADHDparentsmovie.com PS - If you have questions, I am very pleased to announce a new partnership.  Read about it here.

Featured Article Encouragement - It's A Contact Sport By, Dr. Rory Stern As a child growing up, I never really did understand that "encouragement really is a contact sport."  I didn't know any better.  As kids - we often only know and come to expect that what we get or how we are raised is normal.  It's only later in life, when we leave our homes and enter the world, that we truly understand what is ordinary, what is extraordinary, and what is just plain unexpected. If you ask me, encouragement really is a contact sport.  And quite frankly, there's not enough of it.  What inspired me to share this little story with you started from the response I get from people who find out that I taught my 9 month old son to climb the stairs.  You see, to me, it only made sense.  It doesn't seem odd at all.  He has an older sister that he wants to keep up with.  And I'll support that. But what made all the difference - the idea about it being a contact sport - came from a conversation I had with another parent about a year ago.  At the time, I was speaking with a close friend of mine and mentioned that I really wanted to learn about potty training my oldest child.  At the time, I was being bombarded with messages and information about "potty training in a day." The topic is really for a framework, but the message is what is important.  Here I was looking for support - seeking out information and education.  My friend's response: "Don't worry about it.  It happens naturally.  You don't see adults walking around with wet pants!" I'll admit, he's right.  He has a point there.  But what really stood for me, was the idea of being active (or proactive) versus passive.  Now we might agree to disagree that you can't really help a child speed up their potty-training routine.  I won't argue that.  BUT - the point is that you can support it - you can encourage it - and you can applaud the efforts along the way. As parents: We want the best for our children. But we cannot control our children. We can only be their biggest supporters and biggest fans! Ultimately the choice of what they do, and how they do it - is up to them. Encouraging Words To Live By: Do the best you can. I'll love you no matter what. I'm proud of you for trying. And to really maximize the effect - get down on the ground and be with your children.  One of the biggest (and most frequently overlooked) thing you can do for your child - be on their level. Don't speak down to them.  Don't speak above them...  Be on their level and you will win every single time.

News & Events Announcing the ADHD Strategy Series! It's NOT too late to sign up.  Our speakers are really getting personal here and providing information and strategies that you can begin using immediately.  We are talking strategies here...  Real strategies from real advocates in the ADHD community that will help you start to experience a difference in your child's life, your life, and in your family's life - starting today! Real strategies, real people, real solutions... Your Own Support Community ADHD Support Network - Join our growing community of parents and advocates looking for an additional circle of support and resources.  This is a forum that was created for our registered guest at the ADHD Strategy Series.  If you haven't joined this group - I would welcome you to come find out what we are up to.

Questions Ask Dr. Theresa Cerulli I am very pleased to announce a new partnership arrangement with Dr. Theresa Cerulli.  For those of you attending the ADHD Strategy Series - you will likely know her from the opening call to the series.  If you missed the call or have not registered, Dr. Cerulli is the former medical director of the Hallowell center, and she is the co-founder of ADD Health and Wellness, a holistic clinic focusing on integrative treatment of ADHD. You can visit Dr. Cerulli, and ask her any question you have on ADHD.  Each month, we will select several questions and answer them on a LIVE 60-70 minute teleseminar.  And yes - we will have all the phone issues worked out ahead of time. To ask Dr. Cerulli a question, you may visit http://www.askdrcerulli.com As always, you are still more than welcome and encouraged to contact me directly if you have questions, comments, or feedback about your children, this newsletter, or all things ADHD. Send in your questions here...  Just be sure to use "Question" in your subject line.

About The Truth The Truth Behind ADHD is managed by Dr. Rory Stern. Dr. Stern is an advocate, therapist, coach, and speaker on parenting children with ADHD. In managing "The Truth" and this newsletter, he offers a unique style of providing parents of children with ADHD both information and insight into what their child is experiencing. In addition, he connects with parents on a level that allows them to understand their own struggles along with how their children are struggling. His main goal is to provide parents with the support, encouragement, and resources to take action now - so they can start to experience change in their child's life, as well as in their own. Read more about The Truth...

Disclaimers The material contained within this newsletter and any additional mailings are only for educational and informational purposes. The Truth Behind ADHD does not guarantee or provide any warranty for the information presented. You should continue to make any and all medical and mental health decisions with your licensed medical professionals. The Truth Behind ADHD cannot make any specific diagnosis or recommended individualized treatment plans in this capacity.

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