Helping Children and Adolescents Navigate ADHD
It's no secret that parenting is hard. But when you add a child with ADHD into the mix, it can sometimes feel like you're constantly treading water. From finding the right treatment to dealing with school and behavioral issues, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But there is hope! Here are some tips and resources for helping your child or adolescent navigate ADHD. With a little help, they can learn to thrive in spite of their diagnosis.
How is ADHD defined?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed before age 12. ADHD affects school, home and social life in many ways; it can create problems such as difficulty in paying attention, hyperactive behavior and impulsivity. ADHD Parents Intensive (API) provides families with the education and resources to understand ADHD and its implications. Parents also have access to ADHD experts with experience in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as well as Section 504 plans which ensure that all children receive a tailored educational package to meet their needs. ADHD Diagnosis can be difficult and take time, so finding the right support is important to manage ADHD in and out of the classroom successfully.
Impacts of ADHD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a difficult and overwhelming disorder for a child to manage. Children with ADHD often experience behavioral outbursts, restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness, and impulsivity which can significantly impact their lives at home and school. At home, these behavioral symptoms often present as greater difficulty in emotional regulation, meaning that it can be especially challenging for a parent to provide an environment conducive to helping their ADHD child thrive. At school, children with ADHD can struggle to stay focused as well as dealing with the social impacts of ADHD. Without proper management strategies and interventions these behavioral patterns may become more severe over time and make it increasingly difficult for an ADHD child to succeed both socially and academically.
Tips for Parents
Supporting a child with ADHD can be a challenge for parents, but there are steps that can be taken to meet them where they’re at and make life better. Consider signing up for an ADHD Parent Intensive course to learn about techniques to minimize symptoms and maximize success. Identifying weaknesses helps focus on the areas the child needs help in, such as studying, staying organized and managing screen time more effectively. It's also important to understand that impulsivity is often part of life with ADHD, so try and work within it while still setting clear boundaries. Making small adjustments and understanding that it takes time are essential when it comes to helping children with ADHD thrive.
Coping Skills for ADHD
As a parent of a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it can be difficult to find ways for them to effectively manage and self-regulate their behavior. However, by reward with praise, providing clear and effective directions, establishing healthy habits, and developing routines, it is possible for parents to assist in helping children adjust. Aiming to reward with praise instead of material rewards whenever possible can help build resilience in children as they learn that their effort and accomplishments are being acknowledged. Likewise, providing clear directions without overloading them with a ton of instructions at once will help the child stay focused and engaged.
Additionally, consistently establishing healthy habits like regular exercise or meditation can help in reducing restlessness and impulsivity. Finally, developing daily routines has numerous advantages such as allowing the child to keep track of all activities throughout the day. Implementing these strategies can significantly assist children in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Join Our One-Day Intensive
Parents who are seeking further information on how to help their children with ADHD might consider attending Parents of Children With ADHD One Day Intensive. This workshop provides education and empowerment solutions tailored specifically to parents, including research-based strategies that can help parents create a supportive and nurturing environment in the home for their children. The intensive also offers valuable chances for dialogue between participants and professionals in the field, creating an opportunity for parent conversations about successful practices for parenting a child with ADHD.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, or you suspect they may have it, know that you are not alone. Thousands of children are struggling with this disorder every day, but there is hope. With the right support and treatment plan, your child can thrive both in school and at home. Be sure to reach out for help if you need it- we offer a Parent One Day ADHD Intensive that might be helpful for you. Click the button below to learn more:
