Is it hard to keep your child's mind in one place? Does he/she constantly lose things or can't remember where they were? Is there a never-ending sense of mischief, a never-ending desire to run around and run away? Does he/she interrupt when someone is talking? With all of this, being a parent of a child with ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can be a very tiring experience at times. You may want to break this cycle of being angry with your child all the time, but you may not know how to do it.
Don't worry. Here are some tips to help make life at home a little easier for both you and your child.
Look into their eyes and speak, and think about what you say.
Your child may have difficulty focusing on one thing. He may be easily distracted. When you tell him to do something, he often forgets. Most of the time, this is because what you said hasn't really entered his mind.
There's a great solution to this. The next time you say something to your child, look them straight in the eye and speak . Then, have them repeat what you just said back to you. This simple act will help your words sink deeper into their brains , instead of just going in one ear and out the other.
Let's break big tasks into small pieces.
Any child can feel overwhelmed when given a big task. This is especially true for a child with ADHD. Even if it seems like a small task to you, they may not know where to start. Therefore, breaking down a big task into smaller, doable pieces is a valuable skill that a child can use throughout their life.
Imagine you want to tell your child to clean his room. Given the mess in the room, this is a big task.
- For an older child : Make a list of things they need to do. Ask them to check off each one as they complete it.
- For a young child: Give them only one task at a time. When they're done, have them come to you and ask what they need to do next.
This can be done as a game. Let's see how to do this practically.
| Example: Breaking the big task of cleaning a room into smaller pieces | |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Make the bed. |
| Step 2 | Put all dirty clothes that need to be washed in the hamper. |
| Step 3 | Put the clean clothes in the closet. |
| Step 4 | Put all toys in their proper places. |
| Step 5 | Dust things like tables and shelves. |
Let's practice social skills.
Your child may have problems with self- control , such as being easily angered, or interrupting others when they are talking. These can negatively affect his relationships with his friends.
The best thing to do for this is to practice with the child, just like you're doing a play.
Just keep talking to your child. If he tries to jump in, remind him lovingly that it's not okay. When he gets too emotional, teach him to breathe deeply . Show him how to keep a two-way conversation balanced. Teach him to think of others with compassion and kindness .
Be aware of ADHD and appreciate your child's talents.
Learn about ADHD
Read and research as much as you can about ADHD . This will help you understand your child better and give you the strength to advocate for him.
Highlight the child's strengths
Children with ADHD are constantly being criticized and criticized by friends, family, and teachers. Even jokes can hurt them. Therefore, they need a lot of positive feedback, reassurance, and support .
What is your child good at? What are the things he or she likes the most? Maybe he or she is passionate about science. Or maybe he or she is a budding artist. Continue to encourage him or her in these areas. Be your child's number one fan. Do everything you can to spark his or her interest.
Modern technology and clear rules - a help for the child
Productivity Apps
For older children and young adults, look into productivity apps. These can help with everything from learning to manage money , tracking homework, and practicing mindfulness. There are even apps that can help with calendars to help you remember tasks and lock your smartphone or tablet to limit distractions.
A separate place to work from home
Make homework time easy, limit distractions, and encourage organization. Set up a desk in the room that is free of screens . Use a timer to let your child know when it's time to take a break. Encourage your child to use a planner to keep track of homework, notes, and reminders.
Every child learns differently. Does your child learn best in silence? Or with background noise like music? Is it easier for them to read or study while walking, or while sitting or standing? Help your child find the method that works best for them.
Make expectations clear
It could be house rules, daily routines, or behavior. Make sure your child knows exactly what you expect. Create a chore chart to track daily routines. Before you go somewhere, talk to him about the behavior you expect from him.
If you want to change a behavior, focus on one or two at a time . Imagine your child forgets to brush his teeth. Make a list with two boxes for each day of the week. Every time he brushes his teeth, give him a sticker to stick on the list. When he collects a certain number of stickers, give him a reward. After a while, brushing his teeth will become a habit, and then you can focus on another behavior.
Professional support and positive attitude
Consider Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy is a very effective treatment for ADHD, especially for children under 12 years of age. It works best when given by parents themselves. Training in behavior management can help your child function better at home, at school, and in the community. Older children and young adults may benefit from seeing a therapist for behavioral therapy on their own.
If you are interested in behavioral therapy for parents, find a therapist who specializes in parenting . Ask your doctor for more information.
Stay positive.
Remember, ADHD is no one's fault. Yes, it can be challenging for both you and your child, but that's what makes your child who they are. They may forget everything, but they can also be incredibly creative. They may be a whirlwind in disguise as a child, but they have amazing focus when they're doing the things they love.
Accept all sides of your child. Spot them, encourage them, stand up for them. If you're having a hard time staying positive, find a support group, online or in person. Knowing that others are going through similar experiences and asking how they're managing them can help you feel less alone.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not your child's fault or yours. Accept that it is part of your child's personality.
- A consistent routine and a clear set of rules are very important for a child with ADHD.
- Rather than focusing on your child's weaknesses, appreciate and encourage their talents and strengths.
- Break big, difficult tasks into small, doable pieces and give them to your child.
- Talk openly with your child about ADHD. Be aware of it yourself.
- Never be afraid to seek professional help, such as behavioral therapy. Seek guidance from your doctor.
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