Children who do not have to cope with ADHD can be challenging enough. When you have a child that is caught up in the hyperactive world ADHD brings, it can be stressful for both child and parents. Currently, the major treatment for ADHD is prescription medication such as Ritalin. Medication along with professional counseling and a lot of support will help your child get through some rough times.
As parents, you can do some specific things to help your child. Here are some tips that have been proven helpful: Most children with ADHD have problems with short-memory span. For this reason, when your child does something positive, do not wait to praise them. The same is true for discipline. If they have done something wrong, you need to correct them immediately. Make your message clear and very specific.
Just as feedback needs to be immediate, it also needs to be frequent. Whatever your child is involved in needs to be validated often. When providing positive feedback, be sure it is based on a specific accomplishment. This praise could be a small treat, or even a hug. Normally, children with ADHD have a lower sensitivity to consequences and rewards. For this reason, it might be necessary to use rewards that are more important as motivation if smaller ones do not work.
Always remember to keep the positive before the negative. When your child is acting out, do not always use punishment as your first option. Before you do that, try pointing out something positive that your child recently did. When punishing, again keep it very specific and mild. During the time that your child is dealing with ADHD, be persistent. These children have difficulty with obeying so you will need to keep on course. This consistency is not just for the home, but everywhere you go.
While in public, children with ADHD can be disruptive. Rather than being caught in a bad situation and feeling overwhelmed with frustration, have a strategy already in order before you leave the house. This way, there are no surprises as to what will be done in a particular situation. Parents of ADHD children know all too well how difficult it really is.
These children can raise embarrassment and anger. As the parent, you will need to remember to stay in control at all times. Maintaining composure will be a challenge but something that will help over time. Just remember that your child is not choosing to have ADHD so they should not be punished for a problem they don’t want. To help your child remember things, make lists for them. These lists might include household chores, daily hygiene things, etc.
Be sure that your child has appropriate outlets. You might consider getting them involved with a sport such as soccer or gymnastics, something that will keep them focused and allows them to expel some energy. Finally, learn to accept the fact that your child has limitations. Your child needs you and while it is hard on parents, it’s even harder on the children. Your child will get past this and they do, they will have you to thank for succeeding.