Teach Your Children Through Storytelling

Have you ever wondered how you could connect with your child with ADHD in a way that would help him develop good character? And have a healthy perspective about the world she lives in? Well, consider telling your child stories.

People used stories to teach moral lessons long before words were printed on a page. Believe it or not, storytelling is a powerful way to shape your child’s perspective. You, as a parent, are the amazing author. Children can easily identify with the characters of a story, especially in real-life scenarios.

Stories can help children develop a perspective for where they fit into the world around them. They can help children see beyond themselves as well as understand certain complex truths. There are family stories that can give them a healthy perspective about their identity. Cultural stories can help them to gain a deeper understanding about the "other side of the world" and how they fit into the world in general. Stories can help children to develop empathy for others who are less fortunate. Stories from religious texts and classical mythology can help them see the difference between "good" and "evil." The list goes on and on and is limited only by your own imagination.

Many children with ADHD are quite creative and imaginative and respond well to storytelling. By telling stories to our children, we teach them values that hopefully will guide them the rest of their lives. Make a difference in your children’s lives today through storytelling!

Terry


Terry M. Dickson, MD, ACG, CPCC, is the founder and director of The Behavioral Medicine Clinic of NW Michigan that has served and supported children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD for over eleven years. He has been a principal study investigator for several clinical ADHD medication trials. He is also a graduate of the ADD Coach Academy and the Coaches Training Institute. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Dr. Dickson speaks regularly and has been interviewed locally and nationally on radio, television, and CHADD’s Ask the Expert. Dr. Dickson and his wife of 32 years have two teenage children, both of whom have ADHD.