How to Parent ADHD Children
Parenting is a challenging job. When you are parenting a child with ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, that job becomes even more of a challenge. Many times you can't get your child to sit long enough to listen to what you are saying. And then if he hears you, he tends to forget what you just told him and goes about his activities as if you never had a conversation with him. It can be enough to make you crazy, if you let it. There are ways around the challenges of caring for a child with ADHD.
Instructions
Choose the right medication. There are many different medications available for the treatment of ADHD, but not all are going to be effective for your child. There are many symptoms attached with ADHD and your child may suffer from only a few specific ones. Ensuring that your child's treatment plan is tailored to his needs will enable you to parent more effectively. Be patient. One things parents have to understand about children with ADHD is that most have an inability to comprehend more than one instruction at a time. Even then, they may forget that instruction five minutes later. They are not being rebellious, they just cannot help it. Once you understand this and learn patience, it will result in fewer conflicts with your child. Be understanding. One of the most difficult things for a child with ADHD to do, is sit and concentrate on schoolwork. If it is a subject that he has particular problems with, he may become agitated quickly due to frustration. If you are helping with homework and this occurs, do not reprimand your child. Rather calm him down by relating to him. Tell him you know how frustrating math or science can be, and let him know that you are there to help him. Talk soothingly instead of in harsh tones. Once he sits back down to do his work and you notice his frustration rising again, defuse the problem before it begins by repeating the same process. Over time, you will notice a difference. Make a reward chart. Many children with ADHD are used to being reprimanded for inappropriate behavior. However you can change your child's expectations around by making a reward chart. Post it either in his room or on your refrigerator. Every time that he does something good, even if it's just sitting still long enough to eat breakfast, give him a sticker. This will give him an incentive to try his best everyday. Be an advocate for your child. One of the most important aspects of parenting a child with ADHD is being an advocate. First and foremost, focus on medication. If you are not happy with the side effects of the medications (for example, if he is too lethargic, or the "comedown" as the medication leaves his system leaves him emotionally upset), then you must tell the doctor that you want the medication changed. If the doctor does not agree with you, get a second opinion. It is your child. Second, you must always stay on top of your child's education. Many times the school will try to tell you how the teachers will be educating your child. However, if you do not agree with their plan for your child, insist that they take another route. No one knows your child better than you do. Effective parenting of an ADHD child means consistent advocating as well.
