When working with parents of kids with ADHD, I often refer to Cindy Goldrich's book. I've never seen a parent who did not find it helpful and often it has been an eyeopener, a source of challenge, and a comfort -- all at the same
time.
"Parent the child you have," seems so obvious it need not be said. But how many of us have an image of who our child should be or even an unrealistic image of who our child actually is?
When that child behaves in ways that are completely contrary to our image, our parenting can involve trying to shape-shift our unique, wonderful child into the form of the mold that exists only in our minds.
Parenting almost always involves challenges, but the road
for the parent and child can smooth somewhat if the parent acknowledges the unique individuality of the special child put into his/her care and then parents that child.
