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AD/HD SUCCESS! Solutions for Boosting Self-Esteem: The Diary Method for Ages 7-17

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This is an ongoing thing within my home. I have a 9 and 10 year old that are ADHD and a 6 year old that is ADHD/ODD. The biggest problem I've seen is the lack of knowledge within the school system for these children. People are uneducated on how this really works {watch for my Family Friday post on this}.

This workbook focus' on the diary method. You can make copies of appropriate pages and have your child{ren} fill them out. This helps them to determine their feelings and how they are coping with things. This also allows parents to see progress and frustrations and be able to speak freely about them with their children. You can also tell what methods are working.

This book contains age appropriate diary pages, with a variety of options in each age ranking {7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 and 15-17}. There is also a feelings rating log if needed. You can pick and choose with your child what areas you want to focus on. Then, when those are complete, go back to others. Remember to not overwhelm your child. It will turn them off to trying toward any progress.

There are encouraging phrases every page or so as well as several success stories included in the back of the book.

Is this all the information you need as an ADHD parent? No. But this is a great helper and if used in a *wanting to know way* this can open many door to you being able to further help your child.



RATING: ''''

Pages: 146
Softcover

AD/HD Success is a book for improving communication between parent and child so that understanding and mutual respect may grow. What parent doesn't want that?

Our fast-paced, multi-faceted, technology-distracted lives leave us shouting at each other over media noise and talking at each other while on our way to somewhere else.

Thank God for this book: a workbook for parent and child that may be shared with teachers and that progresses as the child grows. An opportunity to stop. Get quiet. Listen to each other about things that really matter. Share feelings. Get real.

I recommend this book.

Nancy Oelklaus, Ed. D.

Imagine being at the fair; all the lights flashing and the sounds of music and voices and bells catching your attention for this game or that attraction. Now imagine trying to sit and do homework amidst all that chaos; every person walking by holding something unusual to be investigated. That is how I imagine living in my son's head must be. The frustration of trying to pay attention to instructions when rides are flashing and whirling; knowing that you should be doing something a parent asked but not remembering what it was amongst all the games and prizes. And then realizing that you missed the directions the teacher just gave on how to do the assignment, yet again. It sounds like being stuck in a nightmare and getting in trouble for it. Very demoralizing indeed.

If you're the parent of an ADD or AD/HD child, you have probably faced the "to medicate or not to medicate" question. No matter your answer to that question, it is important to be involved and to aid your child in becoming self aware. Kerin Bellak-Adams did a fantastic job of writing age relevant, and appropriately short, journaling prompts in "AD/HD Success! Solutions for Boosting Self-Esteem The Diary Method" to open the lines of communication between parent and child. This workbook helps children ages 7-17 focus on the positive things they did that day instead of only what went wrong. It also helps the parents realize specific areas of need the child may have, but are unable to express.

This workbook is a must have for families struggling to connect with an AD/HD child, and vice versa.

What is one of the most common learning disabilities today? Based upon my experiences in trying to counsel and advise homeschooling parents and in talking with "special needs" coordinators at homeschooling conferences, it has to be Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and the related Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). AD/HD Success! is a simple, direct, and practical guide in workbook form that is intended to increase self-esteem, influence positive behaviors, and motivate children and teenagers to fulfill their individual potentials.
Author Kerin Bellak-Adams is the daughter of the late Dr. Leopold Bellak, a renowned psychologist who had a dynamic influence on categorizing adult ADD as a genetically based disorder. Her own daughter, Dina, experienced auditory and learning challenges but achieved the highest levels of academic success throughout her years in school. And Kerin herself is a former one-on-one teacher of children with ADD and AD/HD. Therefore, she knows whereof she speaks. Using the definition of self-esteem from Richard L. Bednar and Scott R. Peterson, for people to "feel good about themselves when facing problems and anxieties so they deal with them rather than avoiding them," Kerin states as one of her main objectives "to have children learn to acknowledge what they do right so they can feel much better about themselves over time, enabling them to be less self-conscious and more secure and courageous."
The introduction tells us, "As children grow, they are under increasing pressure to learn more, to learn faster, and to keep up with ever-increasing competition. This pressure increases and is felt much more deeply when there is AD/HD involved. Thus, self-esteem has an even lesser chance to flourish. Children with AD/HD are often embarrassed at feeling and/or responding differently than their peers." The four steps to boosting self-esteem are acknowledging strengths, doing positive activities with positive people, taking baby steps, and acknowledging the success. The Diary Pages method of this book is designed to integrate these steps. After Section One, "Getting Started," which explains more about ADD and AD/HD, including instructions for how to use the workbook with notes for both parents and teachers, Section 2 contains "The Diary Pages" with some for different age groups (7-9, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17--copies can be made, especially of the ones with the goals which parents feel need the most attention). Section Three is "For the Parents," and Section Four gives some "Success Stories." Since I have no personal experience or qualifications concerning this subject, all I can say is that the book looks as if it would be a very helpful resource for those who are working with children with ADD and AD/HD.

I have recently read Kerin Bellak-Adams' book titled AD/HD SUCCESS! SOLUTIONS FOR BOOSTING SELF-ESTEEM - THE DIARY METHOD. In this resource book, Kerin thoughtfully explains the benefits of the diary method for children and their care givers. The main objective is to raise self-esteem in children who are suffering from ADD or AD/HD. Karin stresses the importance of children being able to acknowledge the things that they do that are right, rather than focus on what they can't do or have trouble doing. It is her hope that in completing the exercises contained within the booklet, parents and children will grow together into more trusting and solid relationships.

I think this is a great book that can be utilized for all children and not just those with a learning disability. The diary pages enable children to be honest in their assessments of themselves. Most of the material is very positive, asking children to identify what they did during the day that they are proud of. Only a few pages actually allow children to point out their faults. While I think that in order to correct what's wrong, one must be aware that it's wrong, I also think that harping on it will only cause negativity. Considering that this book is written with children in mind who already struggle, I feel that the combination is effective. Furthermore, not only do the diary pages offer suggestions to get children actively thinking, but there is also space for your child to write in their own thoughts. Another thing that I find appealing about this book is that on the back of every diary page, there is an uplifting quote.

In addition, there's a printable page for teachers to use daily. I think that standard behavior reports are inefficient for a child with ADD or AD/HD and the one included for use here is a much better tool. Your child will also be able to answer questions based on how high (or low) their self-esteem is. The point of this is by the end of completion of the diary pages, your child will see improvements in their self-esteem after completing this page again. Children will also be able to rate their feelings periodically as well as fill in a page titled "if your kids could say what is really on their minds" which is your child's feelings on what they need from you to help them. Additionally, there is section specifically for parents to be able to evaluate themselves and learn to improve or perhaps try something different to better support their child. The best part of all of this is that these pages can be printed out online for repeated use.

I recommend this book to all parents and educators. As I mentioned, I don't think your child needs to have a disability to reap the benefits from this book. The recommended ages are 7 to 17, depending on your child's maturity level.

I really appreciate the approach that Kerin took. Many times you'll find numerous materials with scientific data relating to ADD and AD/HD. You'll even find published opinions on how to best help your child cope. I really think that by giving your child control by allowing them to speak candidly within these pages, is one of the best methods I've seen. No one knows how your child feels, better than your child. Allow them to express themselves and learn to adjust to their needs. No two children are alike and no one book with opinions is going to be the solution. Kerin ultimately understands this and has offered a hands on approach that is certain to produce results.

Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnoses have exploded over the last ten years. Children normally labeled as `problems' are now being seen in a new light, needing patience and sometimes drug intervention to be able to function normally in an academic setting. Stigmas, however, remain and a child's self esteem can suffer greatly in trying to adjust. And while many authors concentrate on the science of AD/HD to inform parents on what it is, how it works, and why it's happening, author Kerin Bellak-Adams takes a slightly different approach.

"AD/HD Success! Solutions for Boosting Self-Esteem; The Diary Method for Ages 7-17" is meant to be used by both parents and students but it is the student's entries which guide the progress. The book is full of diary pages to be filled out and focuses on building up self worth and confidence. The diary pages are broken down by age group for appropriateness and all have plenty of room in which to jot down answers and feelings. There are also pages for daily accountability checks and self esteem levels which help the child remember what they need to do as well as `check in' as to how they feel about themselves. Bellak-Adams includes a question area for parents to gently help with patience, positive vs. negative incentives, coping strategies, and prioritizing. The final section shares Bellak-Adams' success stories. These short passages provide examples of `The Diary Method' program's use and what positive aspects have come from using it.

"AD/HD Success! Solutions for Boosting Self-Esteem; The Diary Method for Ages 7-17" is a quick and easy read for parents who need more than just the `science' of AD/HD. Bellak-Adams gives proactive measures for parents to get their kids on the right track NOW. Since the book doesn't take long to read, the program implementation is that much faster. Age appropriate information further helps parents give their kids a focused agenda for boosting self esteem. The book is also sprinkled with quotations by successful people - some of which had ADD tendencies - which push kids to believe in themselves and try their best.

Reviewed by Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal"

Reviewed by: Nancy Messmore

Synopsis: Kerin Bellak-Adams is a former teacher of children with AD/HD. The concept for this workbook came from her experiences "in the trenches," so to speak. She discovered that boosting self-esteem and developing self-awareness were keys to success for children with AD/HD. As the book opens, background about the author and the disorder are presented. Then caregivers and teachers are presented with information for using the workbook. Even the children and teens receive instructions. All of the directions are easy to follow and are explained in depth, which help the users succeed in using the workbook and diary pages.

The first section, "Getting Started," includes a reproducible "Home/School Daily Accountability Sheet." What a great way to provide continuity in assessing a child's progress and/or identifying when or where problems begin. The final pages of the book provide suggestions and questions for parents and teachers to use to facilitate the development of self-esteem. Tips and resources are also provided.

The next section is for the child; it is the diary. A questionnaire assessing self-esteem is to be copied and filled out before starting the daily diary. In the future, self-esteem can be reassessed and compared to the benchmark results. The meat of this book is this diary. Each entry starts with a quote. Then a single question is posed followed by space for a short-response to finish a thought-provoking question. To end the daily diary entry, the child ranks his or her feelings for the day on a scale of 1-10.

Overall thoughts: Well, here's another testimonial from personal experience. Both of my children have ADD or AD/HD and we were blessed to work with an occupational therapist who recommended similar activities. However, had this book been available at that time, it would have made our lives so much easier! I found it hard to keep track of all the daily activities we were to use. Writing daily notes to the teacher was cumbersome and some days I dreaded the return notes. The correspondence for parents and teachers in this book are slanted toward reinforcing positive behaviors and offers a structured space for responses; I would have looked forward to these notes! This volume provides a single location for parent, teacher and child input. When a child has issues managing time, organization and himself or herself, having a single item to keep track of reinforces responsibility in an easy to manage way.

Kerin Bellak-Adams does a great job of combining practical strategies with an empathetic/inspirational approach. Some books manage one or the other, but it's not an easy task to do both. I like this workbook for the practical skill building applications, and just as much for the empathetic tone, warmth, and gentle humor that children with ADHD need and appreciate.

Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.
ADHD Centers
[...]

"AD/HD Success!" by Kerin Bellak- Adams
978-1-61599-024-5

A tool providing solutions for boosting self esteem. AD/HD diagnosis is on the rise and all of us know, work with or have children with special needs. This book is for children, teachers and parents. The author clearly set forth a fabulous workbook that everyone can use to help our children feel better about themselves. Building character and good behavior is not an easy task. Bellak- Adams gets you started with how best to use this book, broken down for parents, and teachers. The second section is for the kids. They learn how to rate their feelings and evaluate how high or low their self esteem is. The diary pages are a daily check in and creative way for them to identify nod assess everything from tasks, to acts of kindness. They learn and build character and get to feel good about themselves...all on one page. The diary pages are separated by age groups. The "feelings rating" scale allows for discussion and conversation. This book is a journey into sell esteem building that is easy to use on many levels. It is a happiness book. I loved that it is jammed packed with inspirational quotes and sayings. Teaching and learning are easier with this book. The daily dairy will be something the child or teenager looks forward to. It can be customized. Tasks and goals can be made laser sharp...relating to what need needs to be accomplished for that individual. Goals, structured work and tasks should be fun and Bellak-Adams hits a home run. Very few work books bridge the gap from elementary student to teen. I liked that this book addressed topics from ages 7 to 17. The middle grade and teens often get overlooked. They still need the help and this book brings them from the early years to adolescence plus with ease. It will help teachers begin the dairy protocol with students who have never used this and it will help Mom and Dad create new ways to foster esteem. It brings nothing but reward.
I found that you can take these pages to new levels, creating your own assessments and tools that directly relate to your child's specific daily needs. This book is a springboard for addressing a wide variety of issues. The wok book format gave me many ideas to draw from. It helped me create new games, and opportunities to teach and assist my AD/HD kids. It can be used on all children to build self esteem and teach positive thinking.
I received a complimentary review copy.