Parenting

Raising a Child with ADHD

Raising a Child with ADHD

Every parent wants their kids to be as healthy as they can. However, that is not always so easy.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a worry on many parents' minds. Raising a child with ADHD takes extra care. However, there are many ways to still be a great parent to ensure your children still grow up healthily while living with ADHD. Like any other parent, you should encourage them and boost their self-esteem, molding them into happy, healthy young adults in the process.

Confidence is important

Parents who have confidence in their children help them feel accepted and supported. So, if your child has ADHD, embrace what makes them shine. Your child might be bright and creative, or they could have incredible interpersonal skills.

When it comes to managing life with ADHD, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with your child's healthcare professionals in the process. You and your child's doctor should work together to develop the best course of management, whether or not that involves medication or other forms of treatment. If you're uncomfortable with how your child's doctor is handling the situation, don't hesitate to get a second opinion. Your child's doctor is ultimately there to help, and you as a parent should be feel comforted in their care.

The role of treatment in ADHD

If you decide to use medication to help manage your child's ADHD, privately discuss with their doctor or psychologist to determine how you will talk about it with your child. Especially when it comes to children, medication is a sensitive issue. It's important for your child to know that there isn't anything "wrong" with them, and it's important to prevent them from thinking that medication will "fix" something that's "broken."

Parents who have children living with ADHD should also realize that there is a difference between punishment and discipline. Discipline slowly teaches a child how to behave or change a negative behavior. The goal is to redirect the child to positive behavior. On the other hand, punishment involves inducing fear and shame to force the child to behave properly. In reality, this usually doesn’t make the child’s behavior any better. It may cause the child to grow more resistant to you as a parent. It is important to teach your child good behavior through discipline. These include setting attainable goals and rewarding the child for all the positive achievements made. Doing this makes them feel proud and successful. It also motivates them to do the right thing.

Children with ADHD might fail to perform tasks if they become easily distracted. This is something your child has no control over. When a parent punishes them for such behavior, the child gets frustrated and may feel like a failure. To try to prevent this from happening, keep on reminding the child to do what they should be doing. With time, their behavior will improve.

Having a child with ADHD comes with different kinds of responsibilities. No matter how your child behaves, you should never insult them. This is hurtful, and has the potential to reverse any progress that has been made in positive reinforcement. You should team up with your child to work on various negative behaviors. This creates a positive environment that makes your child feel loved and supported despite ADHD. Parents should also be good role models. Make sure any serious conversations with your partner or other family members are done privately.

A child living with ADHD is just like any other! They just require specialized attention from you, the parent, so that they can grow to become their happiest and healthiest.