Re: how to fight The Butterfly Effect?

[Guest guest]

Hi! I know that three weeks is a long time to wait but as waits go, it's not

too bad. I have a thirteen year old and an eleven year old, both girls and

both with OCD. We don't have trouble with the meds because both take them

willingly. The therapy was another thing. We (the therapist and I) had to back

Hannah (the older one) into a corner to make her do the therapy. I pretty much

promised no TV if the homework wasn't done and rewards if it was done. She

was not happy but did make some good progress this summer. It wasn't pretty!

As far as meds are concerned, are you able to just put your foot down? We

have non negotiable things at our house--things the kids know I won't argue

over.

Can you pull rank and insist? If she had an infection would she balk at

taking antibiotics? Insulin if she had diabetes? You would have to insist and

make her do it. Yah, I realize that's easier said than done but every once in

awhile I'm able to pull it off If meds are completely out of the question,

make a deal with her that you won't insist on the meds if she will agree to a

therapy program. I also point out to Hannah that if she wants me to

accomodate her and her issues, she needs to meet me in the middle. I run down

the

list of things that I do for her (including laundry) and let her know that if

she

doesn't do the homework, she gets to start doing those things for herself.

Once your daughter has some success, it will be easier. Good luck and hang in

there. I hope your new person will be able to help more. Kelley in NV

[Guest guest]

And what was the name of Chansky's book?

Re: how to fight " The Butterfly Effect? "

Dear Gale,

I've never heard of The Butterfly Effect, but I am amazed that anyone

would write a book like that!!!! Were they TRYING to cause an epidemic of

childhood OCD??? Geez. Unbelievable.

You're on the right track, reading Tamar Chansky's book. I'd look at

Aureen Pinto-Wagner's books too. She has one for children called Up and Down

the

Worry Hill, which your daughter will scoff at (being 14...) but it might help

her anyway, if you can convince her to read it. It's only about 35 pages long,

with big print. A very quick read. You could tell her that if she works very

hard at Exposure and Response Prevention therapy that she may not have to take

medication. Lots of people conquer OCD alone without medication. Remind her of

how frustrated she is trying to do her homework and assure her that she will

feel much better when she beats OCD.

I wish you lots of luck on this one - it's hard talking a 14 year old

girl into anything she doesn't want to do!

in NV

[Guest guest]

....I'd look at Aureen Pinto-Wagner's books too. She has one for

children called Up and Down the Worry Hill...

Thank you for posting this. I just ordered it for my daughter (due

to your post) and she's excited to see what it's like.

Thanks-