Strategies To Help Your Child With ADHD
“This child is bouncing off the walls!” exclaims the frustrated mother. Dealing with short-lived rambunctious energy is one battle parents fight daily. But, when this rambunctiousness becomes 24/7 spectacle parents begin tearing out their hair in dismay. Teachers are also at a loss as very few know how to keep them focused. A visit to a child psychologist reveals that this special high-energy child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The ADHD Institute estimates that between 5.29 percent and 7.1 percent of children and adolescents globally have ADHD. Furthermore, an article entitled ADHD, By the Numbers published on additudemag.com states that boys are “nearly 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.”
There are 3 groups of ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Understanding how to help your child with ADHD means paying specific attention to these three groups of symptoms. It also means accepting the fact that your child faces a unique set of challenges. Five strategies that can help you support your ADHD child are outlined below.
Do Not Depend Heavily on Medication
Medication is often a part of the treatment of the symptoms. Too often, however, parents view medication as the magic formula for solving their child’s problems. How your child is treated and the type of environment that is created for him or her, also contributes to effectively solving Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder problems. Furthermore, you never want to make your child think that his or her behavior is exclusively controlled by external factors. That mindset facilitates dependency.
Apply Discipline Over Punishment
Failing to comply with instructions happens often with children with ADHD. They just become distracted from the task. Instead of using negative reinforcement, discipline your child by reminding him or her about what you want to be done, and being firm about the desired outcome. Persistent defiance, however, is another kettle of fish altogether.
Emphasize Positive Behavior
The frustration of dealing with a child with ADHD often leads to focusing exclusively on the negative behavior. Flip the script by paying more attention to positive behavior. When your child does something well use positive reinforcement. Lift your child up.
Have a Plan for Being in Public Spaces
A child with ADHD sometimes does not have strong emotional intelligence. However, like all children, this child benefits from consistency. Always make your expectations clear before leaving the house. The consequences for defying these expectations should also be clearly stated. Be consistent with making the expectations clear and carrying out appropriate follow-up action if the expectations are not met. Consistency is key.
Join a Support Group
Raising a child with ADHD is not easy. It helps to have the support of people who are facing challenges similar to yours. Ask your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist to recommend support groups that you can join. You can also join CHADD which is an online support community for parents and teachers of children with ADHD. They also provide support for both children and adults with ADHD.
It is not an easy road. The strategies outlined in this article can help make the journey smoother. However, it must be noted that these strategies only skim the surface. It’s important for you to do additional research to gain a rounded perspective to support your child with ADHD.