cheetomama
New Member
Joined: September 2008
Posts: 1
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Post by cheetomama on Sept 14, 2008 14:39:06 GMT -5
Hi! I'm CheetoMama. I live with my 15YO daughter, four cats, and a dog. I am tired of living in squalor and am having more trouble than ever before getting motivated, getting started, getting stuff done.
I joined this board hoping for some support and tips. Specifically, I'm starting to think I may be ADD, and that may be contributing to my squalor issues. In addition to general tips and encouragement, any input from people with ADD would be very helpful.
Thank you!
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Post by skitter on Sept 14, 2008 14:53:07 GMT -5
Hi Cheetomama,
I've not been diagnosed as ADD except by myself. I find it hard to keep my attention on something long enough to carry the task through. I am so interested in so many things, and so easily distracted.
I am starting to learn, and this board and the former Squalor Survivors have been so helpful, especially in helping me get rid of the clutter that overwhelmed me.
Best wishes, You'll find lots of friends and good advice here.
Cheers, skitter
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Post by iprocrastinate on Sept 14, 2008 15:43:42 GMT -5
:-*Cheetomama
I think a good place to start is working in threes on the listzilla track. It allows you to feel an accomplishment from even the smallest thing and to move. Another way is a 5 minute timer. It can amaze you what you can do in 5 minutes that you wouldn't tackle if you thought about the whole thing.
Welcome!!!
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Post by messymimi on Sept 14, 2008 19:31:24 GMT -5
Hi, Cheetomama  !
My Bigger Girl, age 15, is officially ADHD,dyslexia, Asperger, and a few other things, but I found two things that work for the attention problems.
The first is routines. Start slow and build up a routine to get certain things done.
The second is going to sound crazy, but it was taught to us by her neurodevelopmentalist. If you are right handed, put one of those silicone ear plugs that you get from the drug store in your left ear. If you are left handed, plug your right ear. According to the NDs, ADD/ADHD are the result of listening to sounds mostly with your non dominant ear. Taking in the sound with your non dominant ear distracts you mightily.
Don't try to do it all day, just an hour or so at a time and build up. It might help you focus. Once we got Bigger Girl hearing on her dominant side, it turned out she was my only born organized child! Yes, from ADHD to very organized and routine, with a clean room to boot. Amazed us. I also have a friend who's son will calm down and get back to work within a very short span when she asks him, "Where's your earplug?" His behavior is different without it.
HTH
messymimi
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Post by crazycatlady on Sept 14, 2008 21:38:45 GMT -5
Welcome, CheetoMama. I'm so glad that you found us. I am diagnosed with ADD, and was on medications for several years. I no longer take medications for it.
Listzilla and chat were vital to reclaiming my home. No one would come into my home now and think that I am a squaloree, but certainly no one would think that I was a cleanie, either. But by taking babysteps, and utilizing the skills and support that I found on-line, I do live in a comfortably clean home. You can, too.
My kids have learned new skills, too, and your 15 y/o can learn new skills so that she will never have to live in squalor.
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Post by tiredofthis on Sept 15, 2008 6:49:32 GMT -5
The second is going to sound crazy, but it was taught to us by her neurodevelopmentalist. If you are right handed, put one of those silicone ear plugs that you get from the drug store in your left ear. If you are left handed, plug your right ear. According to the NDs, ADD/ADHD are the result of listening to sounds mostly with your non dominant ear. Taking in the sound with your non dominant ear distracts you mightily.
Don't try to do it all day, just an hour or so at a time and build up. It might help you focus.
messymimiThis sounds very interesting, messimimi. My DD is in her early 20s, still on meds, but still has a really hard time focusing, especially before she takes her meds or when they are wearing off. You say to use the plugs for an hour or so a day, and then build up. What is the goal? Using the plugs for how long? Does your DD still do this, or did she see an improvement and stop using the plugs. I would love to have my DD check this out, and also my son. |
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Post by mellowyellow on Sept 15, 2008 18:40:40 GMT -5
Mimi, I am also curious about this earplug thing. It sounds like an interesting idea.
I've never heard of it before, but I have heard about using an eye patch to cover one eye. If you cover your left eye, it's supposed to allow your left brain to be dominant and increase in skill. If you cover your right eye, it lets your right brain develop.
From a neurological level both ear and eye ideas make sense. It's just not something I would feel comfortable doing with my students. I'm sure the parents would think it was hookie.
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Post by heylady1 on Sept 16, 2008 8:17:39 GMT -5
Welcome Cheetomama!! You've certainly come to the right place!  That thing about the ear plugs is fascinating!!!
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