Tips for Parenting Kids with ADHD

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD in a child can be very devastating to a parent. Some even go into periods of denial and have difficulty in accepting the reality. However, many parents of children with ADHD have managed to cope remarkably well with their son’s or daughter’s condition. The key for parenting kids with ADHD is intensive parental involvement.

Parenting Kids with ADHD

The truth is ADHD has to be addressed promptly. If the appropriate treatment is not instituted immediately, the child’s behavior could deteriorate to the point that depression, drug abuse, suicide, and other risky behaviors are sure to occur in the future.

Once a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is very important that he or she undergo counseling and behavior therapy. Behavior therapy for ADHD primarily involves helping the child to develop the necessary skills and tools that would enable them to be more focused, organized, and mellower in their behaviors toward their parents and other people. In most cases, the parents also have to attend these counseling sessions so that they could continue with the child’s therapy in the home.

If the child is in school, monitoring them would be a problem. It is very important that the principal and teachers are informed that the child has ADHD. It is not uncommon for teachers to become angry and frustrated with a child with ADHD, since they are inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. Some of these teachers make it even difficult for the child to study, learn and achieve good grades through teaching methods that are inappropriate for kids with this disorder. As a result, they are compounding the behavioral problems associated with ADHD. Early on, it is vital that you inform the teacher that your child has ADHD, so that she can make the appropriate adjustments in his or her teaching methods. However, if it is impossible for the child to get the education that he or she needs, it may be better to consider enrolling them in a school that offers special education for kids with ADHD.

One very important advice that is often offered to parents with ADHD school kids is that they should always be with their child whenever they are doing their homework. Most kids with ADHD end up not finishing their homework and just walk away. Be at your kid’s side and supervise them until they have done all their assignments.

Many parents are reluctant about giving their child so many psychiatric medications for fear of any untoward side effects. It is very important that you mention your concerns to your child’s doctor so that other measures could be taken to relieve some of the ADHD symptoms without using drugs.

One such measure is by making dietary changes. Research studies have shown that certain foods may cause ADHD symptoms to develop. Take note of the foods that you give your child to eat and list down those that have caused symptoms and those that have relieved them. The best diet for an ADHD child is one that is healthy and balanced, preferably with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Do not give them pre-packaged or processed foods, which are loaded with artificial flavors, dyes and preservatives. Do not deprive your child of snack time. But instead of giving them junk food, go for healthier alternatives like homemade cookies, cakes and brownies.