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Tween Parenting

ADHD Daughter & Sex!

For those of you how have ADHD children out there, you know what I mean when I say my 12 year old daughter does not process information in her brain like those of us who are not ADHD. We do everything we are supposed to do, behavior modification, medication, follow through at home, counseling, medication management and now talk of ODD has come up because my daughter has decided to become a habitual liar. Even more unfortunate, her lies are now revolving around sex. We know she is not physically having sex or started her period yet, thank god. We just don't know what to do to keep her naiveté and immaturity from getting her pregnant or raped. I just don't think we are getting through to her. Please help, suggestions are welcome.

 

Scared mom.
Reply from: lcompian Date: Mar 11, 2008 at 2:50 pm

It is understandable that you would be scared and frightened by the potential risks surrounding your daughter. It sounds like you have done a wonderful job, though, of researching and accessing all of the available resources for parents in your situation.
 
You certainly have a tough road ahead of you, but I believe that you are on the right track. Continue with the behavior modification program, remaining firm and consistent. If you have not already, consider ways to integrate your behavior modification program at home with the school environment. You would need to sit down with your daughter's teacher and the school counselor to identify target behaviors, consequences, and rewards that would be consistent across the home and school environments.
 
Also, trust your instinct to protect your daughter's "naivete." Of course, your daughter will be exposed to certain ideas and experiences when she is not with you, but feel free to heavily structure her time with friends. Always ask who she will be with, contact information for their parents, and set a firm schedule for when she is expected home. Talk with her often about your hopes and expectations for her as she moves through adolescence. Let her know how you feel about sex and substance use. For ideas on talking with your daughter about these issues, take a look at the following sections of this website:
 
http://www.education.com/reference/topic/TeenYears_TeenDatingAndSex/
 
http://www.education.com/reference/topic/TeenYears_SubstanceUse/
 
Finally, parenting a daughter with ADHD and possible ODD symptoms can be a frustrating and tiring experience. Your time together is likely filled with many complaints, some cajoling, and some anger. Make an effort to spend time with your daughter once a week in which the two of you pursue an activity of your choice. Refrain from doing the hard part of parenting during this time. Just enjoy your daughter, smile, laugh, and engage in fun together. Remind her always that you may not like some of her behavior, but you will always love her unconditionally. Research has shown that his kind of time together is very important for parents struggling with children who exhibit behavior problems.
 
Good luck!
 
L. Compian, Ph.D.
Education.com Team

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Reply from: wolverinesmom Date: Mar 11, 2008 at 4:15 pm

Thank you for your input. It is nice to hear that what we are doing is validated. I do like the idea of having  one on one time with her on a weekly basis. I know we can't keep her locked up at home forever but hopefully a full summer of this new habit will help keep her on track when she starts junior high next year. Wish us luck. Thank you.

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Reply from: lcompian Date: Mar 13, 2008 at 2:44 pm

You are very welcome. It sounds like you have a reasonable plan. I wish you luck in your journey! Let us know if we can offer any additional support.
 
L. Compian, Ph.D.
Education.com Team

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