Jillian A. McCarthy

As the parent of a recently-diagnosed child, I was eager to read this book - but it's probably best appreciated by readers who are new to the topic of ADHD and looking for more of a general overview. Having read widely on the subject, none of the content was new, though I appreciated the holistic viewpoint. The author seemed conflicted about the use of ADHD medications, however, which could lead some readers to second-guess the advice of medical professionals. Nonetheless, the writing style is clear and well-organised, and many readers will doubtless find this book to be a useful introduction to the topic.… (mais)

I half-joke that if I were to write any kind of parenting guide or manual, it would be titled, or a prominently featured chapter would be, “do not read parent manuals.” I half-joke because it is a little tongue-in-cheek, but in truth no book can really provide us what we are looking for: the how-to book for our child or children. And no author knows your kid(s) in particular in order to tell you what, precisely, to do. And even if they could for a given moment, such does not mean they would know what to do with your child(ren) as they develop. Just like no dating or relationship guide can give you the specific how-to with your partner, so no book about children can precisely define your child.

At the same time, whether as new or veteran parents, we still do not know what we do not know. And others, on account of enduring different circumstances, know some of those things. And this can be the great purpose of all kinds of parent manuals: not to be a specifically targeted “how to” guide, but an experienced voice explaining his or her experiences, ideally reinforced by scientific research, and providing insights and pointers which one may find useful in parenting children.

At this Jillian McCarthy has done well for those whose children manifest ADHD in A Parent’s Guide to Raising an ADHD Child. The book begins with her explaining her own experiences with her ADHD child, but never assumes the reader must be going through the exact same circumstances. As proves necessary with ADHD, she provides appropriate definitions (and redefinitions) and tries to clear up some misapprehensions about ADHD, and the kinds of behaviors consistent with ADHD (and how ADHD may well be part of anxiety, autism, etc.).

The author does well to make sure ADHD is not stigmatized; she points out how the various challenges which attend to ADHD can be manifest as strengths which she calls “superpowers.” Throughout she will provide vignettes of people who have proven successful not despite, but often on account of, their ADHD.

She then provides guidance and counsel well reinforced by recent scientific literature about inculcating self-control and managing emotions, the importance of routines, working within a school paradigm, cultivating relationships, how to build the self-esteem and self-confidence of a child with ADHD, the value of providing rewards over punishments, and then considers therapies: behavioral first and foremost, and medications only secondarily.

This resource is available through Amazon at a very affordable cost and definitely worth considering for those parents who have children with ADHD, parents with ADHD who may be having a child soon or have a younger child, or those who work with children with ADHD.… (mais)

A Parent's Guide to Raising an ADHD Child is a great resource for parent's learning to navigate life with an ADHD child. It is a great starting point to get an overview of what ADHD symptoms can look like and how they affect children in many areas. It also gives information on how the ADHD brain works and advice for disciplining and motivating a child with ADHD. It gives parents a lot of reassurance about how hard having an ADHD child can be and is written in a way that will make you feel less alone. There is a lot of great advice in the book and can help a parent navigate the challenges that will occur.… (mais)