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Parenting a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult and even overwhelming. However, as a parent, you can assist your child in overcoming daily problems, channeling their energy into beneficial activities, and bringing greater peace to your family. The earlier you address your child's hurdles and the more consistent you are in providing them with help, the better their chances of success in life.
Children with ADHD typically exhibit deficiencies in executive function, which includes the capacity to think and plan ahead, organize, regulate impulses, and complete activities. That means you must take over as the executive, offering more supervision while your child eventually develops executive skills on their own.
Don'ts when dealing with an ADHD Child
Don't sweat the minor stuff, and be willing to compromise.
One duty left undone isn't a huge concern when your child has already accomplished two others, as well as the day's schoolwork. If you are a perfectionist, you will not only be perpetually dissatisfied, but you will also set unrealistic goals for your child with ADHD. Do not become overwhelmed and lash out. Remember that your child's conduct is due to a disorder.
Don't be pessimistic.
It may sound oversimplified, but remember to maintain perspective and take things one day at a time. What is embarrassing or stressful now will not be there tomorrow. Don't let the condition or your child rule your life. Keep in mind that, as the parent, you set the guidelines for appropriate conduct in your household. Be kind and patient, but resist the urge to be intimidated or bullied by your child's actions.
Parenting Tips for adhd
Understand the effects of ADHD on your child.
This is the first thing you can do to aid your child and help them manage ADHD. You can support your child and help them lead a happy and healthy life if you understand how ADHD affects them. One thing at a time, concentrate on teaching your youngster.
Focus on teaching your child one thing at a time
Children with ADHD can learn to focus if they are taught one thing at a time. Multi-step instructions can be difficult for kids with ADHD to understand, so breaking them up into smaller parts might be helpful.
Collaborate with your child's school.
Talk about your child's needs, track their development, and exchange treatment information with their teacher on a regular basis. An individualized education program (IEP) is another option. This free service describes modifications that can help your kid thrive in the classroom, such as more time for testing, a customized learning plan, or a less distracting classroom.
Stay optimistic.
Your optimistic outlook and common sense are your greatest resources for assisting your child in overcoming the difficulties posed by ADHD. You are more likely to connect with your child when you are composed and focused, which will encourage your child to do the same.
Make connections with people to gain awareness and support.
You don't have to raise a child with ADHD alone. This is one of the most crucial things to keep in mind. Consult your child's teachers, therapists, and physicians. Become a member of a formal support group for parents of kids with ADHD. These communities give a secure space to express emotions and exchange experiences, as well as a forum for exchanging advice.
Have faith in your child.
Consider or write down all the good, worthwhile, and distinctive things about your child. Have faith in your child's capacity to grow, learn, adapt, and achieve. Every day, as you prepare your coffee or brush your teeth, reaffirm this trust.
Take care of yourself.
Eat well, exercise regularly, and find ways to relieve stress, such as taking a nighttime bath or practicing morning meditation. If you become ill, accept your condition and seek medical attention. As your child's role model and most significant source of strength, it is critical that you live a healthy lifestyle. If you are exhausted or have just run out of patience, you risk losing sight of the structure and support you have carefully established for your child with ADHD.
Remember to keep things in perspective.
Keep in mind that there is a condition associated with your child's behavior. In most cases, it is not deliberate. Keep your sense of humor intact. In ten years, what is embarrassing now might become a humorous family tale.
Take pauses.
It's great when friends and family offer to watch your child, but you might feel bad about leaving your child alone or the volunteer with a child who has ADHD. Accept their offer the next time and have an open discussion on how to best care for your child.
Create a routine and organization.
When tasks are given to children with ADHD in familiar locations and with predictable routines, they are more likely to be completed successfully. It is your responsibility to establish and maintain order in your home so that your child is aware of expectations and what is expected of them.
Make use of timers and clocks.
Think about putting clocks all over the house, including a large one in your child's bedroom. Give your child enough time for their daily tasks, such preparing for school or doing their homework. For homework or transitional periods, as between wrapping up play and getting ready for bed, set a timer.
Make your child's schedule simpler.
Avoiding idle time is a good idea, but if there are a lot of after-school activities, a child with ADHD could get more preoccupied and "wound up." Depending on each child's skills and the requirements of specific activities, you might need to modify the child's after-school schedule.
Establish a calm and orderly space.
Ensure that your child has a personal, peaceful area. As long as it's not the same location where the youngster takes a time-out, a porch or a bedroom will work fine.
Keep your ADHD children occupied!
Idle time can worsen symptoms for children with ADHD and cause turmoil in the home. For a youngster with ADHD, it's crucial to keep them occupied without overloading them with activities. Sports, martial arts, and other school-related activities can fall under this category. Plan easy activities that occupy your child's time at home, such as cooking, board games, painting, etc. Try not to spend too much time watching TV or playing video or computer games. Unfortunately, the content of TV shows and video games is getting worse, which could exacerbate your child's ADHD symptoms.
Promote sleep and mobility.
Children with ADHD frequently have a lot of energy. They can focus their attention on particular motions and skills and release their energy in healthy ways by participating in organized sports and other physical activities. Exercise has countless advantages, including enhancing focus, reducing anxiety and sadness, and stimulating brain development. However, the most significant benefit for kids with attention difficulties is that exercise improves sleep, which can help lessen ADHD symptoms.
Allow your kids to spend time outdoors.
Children with ADHD benefit from spending time in nature, according to research.
When children play in a park with grass and trees instead of a concrete playground, their symptoms of ADHD are lessened.
Establish clear expectations and regulations.
Children with ADHD require regular rules that they can understand and obey. Make the family's behavioral guidelines basic and unambiguous. Write out the rules and place them where your kids may easily see them.
Praise good behavior.
Keep an eye out for positive behavior and give it recognition. Given how little praise they usually receive, it is especially crucial for kids with ADHD. These kids get remediation, punishment, and complaints about their behavior, yet a simple smile, good comment, or other reward from you can help your child with ADHD focus, pay attention, and manage their impulses. Try your best to respond as little negatively as you can to incorrect behavior or subpar task performance, and instead concentrate on providing positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior and task completion.
Use rewards and consequences.
Instead of giving your child food or toys, reward them with privileges, praise, or activities. Change your prizes frequently. Children with ADHD become bored when the reward is always the same. Create a chart with points or stars awarded for good behavior so your child has a visual reminder of their accomplishments. Immediate rewards outperform the promise of a future reward, although little rewards leading up to a larger one can also be effective. Always follow through on a reward. Consequences, on the other hand, should be clearly stated and implemented quickly following your child's misbehaviour. As a consequence for misbehavior, consider time-outs and privilege loss. Always follow through on a consequence.
20. Encourage your kids to eat healthily.
Although diet does not directly cause attention deficit disorder, food can and can have an impact on your child's mental health, which appears to have an impact on behavior. ADHD symptoms can be lessened by keeping an eye on your child's diet and making adjustments to what, when, and how much they consume.
21. Help your child with ADHD learn how to interact with others.
Simple social connections might be challenging for kids with ADHD. They could have trouble interpreting social cues, talk excessively, interrupt a lot, or come across as hostile or "too intense." Because of their relative emotional immaturity, they may stand out among kids their own age and become the subject of hurtful taunts.
22. Consult a licensed therapist
Favor Mental health services is here to support you on your wellness journey. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges or substance use concerns, our team of caring professionals will work closely with you to find the right path forward.
23. Follow the five C's of ADHD.
Dr. Sharon Saline is credited with coining the five C's of ADHD. It encompasses self-control, compassion, collaboration, consistency, celebration. When you are upset with your child, you should take some time to calm down; support your child when they receive unsatisfactory feedback at school; talk about chore problems as a team and use effective incentives; practice steadiness rather than setting unrealistic goals; and acknowledge the positive aspects of effort and both small or large victories.
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