Parenting tips: How best to live with and manage your child’s ADHD
According to a 2016 national parent survey, there are over 6 million children with an ADHD diagnosis within the United States. I would imagine that the number is even larger these days. But even though the disorder is such a common one, it’s still easy to feel like you’re struggling as a parent when you don’t know how to help your child. Kids with ADHD often have a low frustration tolerance. They can act out in anger or develop anxiety. It’s also not uncommon for them to be susceptible to depression.
The good news? There are things you can do to help them and to make life easier for both of you. Just because your child has ADHD doesn’t mean they can’t have a perfectly normal and fulfilling life.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few tips you can use to help your child through some of their symptoms and behaviors associated with ADHD.
Make Sure Things Stay Interesting
Children with ADHD tend to get bored easily. They also get quickly distracted by more interesting things. So don’t be afraid to give them complex tasks or allow them to do things that will hold their interest.
By finding ways to make schoolwork, daily responsibilities, or even household tasks more interesting for your child, they’re more likely to focus on those specific things and get the job done.
Praise Good Behaviors
As parents, it’s far too easy to bring up negative behaviors. But it’s just as important to notice the positive ones and offer encouragement when your child is doing something good. They’ll associate their action with the good feeling of praise, and they’ll be more likely to continue it or do it again in the future.
Break Down Tasks Into Smaller Pieces
It’s easy for a child with ADHD to feel overwhelmed when they have to look at big picture scenarios. As a result, they might act out in frustration or anger.
So, if you want your child to do something, try to break it down into less-overwhelming pieces. For example, if you want them to help you set the table for dinner, start by asking them to put the plates out. Then, give them the silverware to set out. Finally, ask them to fill the drinking glasses. Breaking things down makes the task seem more manageable.
Cut Back on Distractions
Again, children with ADHD often get easily distracted. So remove as many of those distractions as possible, especially when you want your child to get a specific task done. Take away things like television, mobile devices, and even toys until the task is done.
You might hear some arguing at first. But eventually, without distractions, your child will be able to fully focus on their task, whether it’s homework, cleaning their room, etc.
Pick Your Battles
Pick your battles when it comes to how you respond to your child with ADHD. Not every behavior needs to turn into a big situation. In fact, by “ignoring” some of the small things, you can focus on changing the more destructive behaviors. Remember to take care of yourself, don’t let the small stuff get to you, and through it all, make sure your child knows how much they are loved and cared for.
Stay Calm and Take Care of Yourself
When you have a child with ADHD, spending time working with them each day can get frustrating. It’s so important for you to take time for yourself and to make sure you’re getting the care you need. When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, your child will likely be able to pick up on it. Unfortunately, that can aggravate troubling behavior. If you’re not able to take an actual break, take deep breaths before saying or doing anything in reaction to your child’s challenges.
You want to seek out ways to take breaks when you need them: Safe and trusted caregivers who can step in for an hour or two. An extra movie for the kids on the weekends. Re-visiting the roles you and your partner take in your parenting and around the house. Do things that help you to feel calm and re-focused, such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, or other forms of exercise. Let’s emphasize this one: It’s okay to ask for help! You’re not alone in your endeavors.
If you or your child need more help, please read more about parent counseling and don’t hesitate to contact me. It would be my pleasure to support you and your child as you live and work with your child’s ADHD.