In the US, more than 6 million kids have ADHD. Although millions of families face similar challenges, raising a kid with ADHD can feel solitary, especially when the diagnosis is fresh.
It’s possible to raise a happy, healthy child with ADHD. With a few tweaks, you can significantly alter your child’s symptoms and experience. Consider the actions below, in addition to seeking professional help for your child.
ADHD Education
While ADHD affects millions of people, many myths and misconceptions persist. For instance: there are multiple forms of the disorder, and ADD is now considered an outdated term. As researchers discover more about this illness, it’s critical that parents keep informed about optimal practices.
Contacting a reputable behavioral health specialist will help you learn about ADHD without negative myths. Please feel free to ask your child’s provider any concerns concerning their treatment plan. Children gain from parent-provider collaboration.
Keep a Routine
Children with ADHD and their families need structure and regularity. Predictable days help kids meet expectations. Consider creating morning, supper, homework, and bedtime routines.
You don’t have to plan out every second of the day. Starting with one predictable thing per day is a good place to start. You may go on morning walks, say a prayer or rhyme before each meal, set aside time for homework, or let your child choose a bedtime reading. Add more to the routines as they become habits.
Exercise and Sleep Priorities
Adolescents with ADHD benefit greatly from regular exercise and rest. These children sometimes have more energy than their peers. Participation in high-energy sports can help them manage this. Depending on your child’s interests and needs, you might consider:
Basketball
Martial arts
Yoga
Track
Other High Activity Sports
Rest is as vital as movement. Insufficient sleep can impair concentration even in those without ADHD. Insufficient sleep exacerbates these symptoms in children. Setting up a good sleep routine and putting your child to bed early can be beneficial.
Self-Esteem for Kids
ADHD can affect a child’s self-esteem. Redirecting and disciplining them can make them feel horrible about themselves. Increasing your child’s confidence can help:
Spend time with them often.
Tell your child how much you adore them and that your love is unconditional.
Help them understand how to make friends
Reinforce their strengths
These positive reinforcement tactics can deepen your child’s bond and boost their confidence. Positive habits and new experiences can be learned as their self-esteem improves.
Get Self-Help
Parents struggle no matter what their child faces. Keeping up with an ADHD child can be difficult even with all the techniques in the world. Taking care of yourself is just as important.
A therapist or a peer group can provide that support. In either case, sharing your worries and struggles can assist. You may also want to be tested for ADHD, which can run in families.
Contact Me
Please contact me if your family is battling with ADHD in or near Chandler, AZ. I am here to help your family with mental health solutions, and get back on the right track.