ADHD support for parents – actions to implement now

Children often experience moments when their behaviour is out of control. During these times, they may make constant noise, speed about in aggressive motion, crash into anything near them, or refuse to wait patiently for their turn. They may fail to finish what they started, drift as if they’re in a daydream, or cannot pay attention to certain activities.

These behaviours are more prevalent in some children, and can be referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children experiencing ADHD have ranging severity in behavioural problems that can affect their ability to live a normal life.

ADHD parenting can be tough, especially when you’re stabbing in the dark. This article will discuss how you can recognise ADHD and effectively deal with it so there is more ADHD support for parents to make the right decisions and help your child live their best life.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common health condition that makes it hard for children to pay attention, concentrate, follow directions, sit still, and manage impulsive behaviours. Although kids are often distractible and oblivious to instructions, those with ADHD behave like this more consistently than other kids of the same age.

Their inability to follow through with their tasks and settle down in age-appropriate groups can make it difficult for kids to carry out what is expected of them at school or at home. This can lead to difficulties in getting along with their peers and family members which is why it’s important to provide ADHD support to parents.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is categorised into two distinct groups – inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive behaviours.

Inattentive Symptoms

• The child is easily distracted
• The child commits careless mistakes
• The child can’t organise their things
• The child is forgetful or loses things frequently
• The child has problems following instructions
• The child avoids sustained effort or dislikes it
• When talked to directly, the child doesn’t seem to listen

Impulsive/Hyperactive Symptoms

• The child is very impatient
• The child can’t play quietly
• The child squirms or fidgets when waiting for their turn or staying in one place
• The child blurts out answers, constantly interrupts conversations, or talks excessively
• The child always looks like they’re “driven by a motor” or ever on the go

Some children display the first group of symptoms only, while some display those of the latter group. However, most of the children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD show both groups of symptoms. As a result, it becomes arduous for the children to function in their school or other places, and often leads to conflict with other people.

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Also known as ADD, attention deficit disorder is the older term that refers to the condition that we now call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The condition was known as ADD until 1987, when “hyperactivity” was added.

ADD/ADHD refers to the same condition. Some people still use ADD because they’re more familiar with it. Others use ADD to refer to children with ADHD who aren’t hyperactive.

Besides at home and school, how else does ADHD affect children?

The impulsivity and inattention of children with ADHD also negatively impact their family life, friendships, and extra-curricular activities. They may experience problems making friends and keeping them as they constantly interrupt and may blow up if things don’t go their way.

Children with ADHD are often blackballed from attending playdates, as they can’t be depended on to behave well. They also have problems playing in a team setup, as they find it difficult to concentrate and follow rules.

How do I help my ADHD child? ADHD support for parents

How to help a child with ADHD will be the same as how to help a child with Attention Deficit Disorder. Parenting a child with ADHD requires all the help you can get from professional resources, so you understand how this disorder works for your child. The National Resource Center offers some very helpful tips on parenting children with ADHD. Their advice includes:

• Don’t waste your limited emotional energy on self-blame
• Learn all you can about ADHD – collate ADHD information
• Make sure your child has a comprehensive assessment
• Become an effective case manager for your child at school
• Form a team that understands ADHD and be the team captain
• Learn all you can about your child’s educational rights
• Become your child’s best advocate
• Communicate regularly
• Join ADHD support groups for parents
• Seek mental health professional help
• Work together
• Learn the tools of successful behaviour management
• Find out if you have ADHD

ADHD Parent training will help you learn to:

• Provide clear, consistent expectations, directions and limits
• Set up an effective discipline system.
• Help your child learn from his or her mistakes
• Training helps to provide ADHD support to parents

The bottom line

Parenting an ADHD child is tough. You need the support, whether it is behavioural therapy which involves putting strategies in place to help ADHD children navigate the neurotypical world, and/or educating yourself on parenting ADHD children. But, what can parents do to help their children deal with ADHD and bolster their executive functions?

First, they can give them a checklist to guide them in their activities. Second, they can assign a certain time limit for every process to help them manage time. For example, set limits on video games because even though gaming can build important skills, it’s common for ADHD kids to suffer more with excessive screen time. Finally, parents can also have a reward chart at home to motivate their kids to avoid being easily distracted. Luckily, childhood ADHD symptoms typically reduce as the child grows.

With ADHD, it’s often the case for parents to lose their patience or believe their child is being naughty when in most cases they can’t help it. Knowledge is power, so learn what you can and help your child use their ADHD in a positive way to become their best selves in adulthood.

FAQ

How can parents help their child with ADHD/ADD to be independent?

“The transition to independence is far from instantaneous. This is a slow-motion passing of the baton that takes place one step and one problem at a time. Once you get started, your child may adapt to some of his new responsibilities well — maybe laundry is no big deal, for instance — but continue to struggle with others, like taking his medication regularly. That’s normal, and totally okay. Parenting is a gradual process of letting go, and even when a child is fully independent, a parent’s job is never really done.”

https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/enabling-vs-supporting-helping-adhd-kids-be-independent/

I have no patience for my ADHD child. How do I learn to be more patient?

“There have been times when I have screamed at my daughter: “Why can’t you listen like your sister?!” When she doesn’t do what I ask, I punish her by yelling, taking away screen time, or taking away a toy. I punish her for not listening, so of course she thinks it is a sin. I am punishing her for having ADHD, which is something she can’t control.

Realizing this, I feel like crap. I pray to God to help me be more patient, compassionate, and understanding, but… It is up to me to make that change…. I know the mother I want to be, the one that my daughter needs me to be. It is time to practice what I preach, and to ask my daughter for forgiveness for the sin I have been committing.”

https://www.additudemag.com/losing-patience-with-adhd-child-changing-behavior/

ADHD parent support groups online can help with learning how to manage an ADHD child.

How can I convince my parents to let me get help with ADD/ADHD? I’ve brought up this topic to them, yet they don’t take me seriously and think I can just focus even though both my dad and uncle have it.

“Parents don’t always get it the first time. They might say what you’re feeling sounds normal. If that happens, let them know you’re pretty sure this is more serious. It’s become a big problem in your life… Pick a low key moment… Say what you’re having trouble with, and how it’s affecting you… Just say, “I want to see someone who can help. I want to learn some strategies so I can start feeling better… The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you’ll start feeling better, so don’t put the conversation off. You’ll be proud of yourself afterward, and feeling less alone can be a big relief.”

https://childmind.org/article/how-to-talk-to-your-parents-about-getting-help-if-you-think-you-need-it/

How do I get help with getting diagnosed with ADHD because my parents think I’m fine and I just don’t focus enough and I don’t know how to tell my teacher? We talked about it before, but I don’t know how to bring it up.

Please see above.

What do I do if my nephew had ADHD and his parents won’t help him

Click here for more information on how to handle this situation

What have you given your ADHD child to help them focus?

Click here for five concentration building techniques which you can work on with your child

How do you help your child with ADHD stay focused while doing chores, hygiene and having a conversation

Click here for more tips.

I was newly diagnosed at 19 years old with ADHD. What do I need to know?

Quora has some great tips here.

What is the best way to help a child with mild ADHD without medication?

1, Provide a balanced breakfast.

2. Consider the Feingold diet.

3. Limit television and video games.

4. Teach self-talk skills.

5. Find out what interests your child.

6. Promote a strong physical education program in your child’s school.

7. Enroll your child in a martial arts program.

For more tips, visit institute4learning.com

How can a teacher help a child with ADHD?

Research shows that children with ADHD do best with teachers who are:

Are flexible.

Follow clear routines.

Are consistent.

Provide a range of activities.

Recognise and support individuality.

Maintain a positive teaching environment.

Present information and tasks in steps.

Set firm limits on behaviour.

https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/safeguarding/child-with-adhd/

Does counselling help kids with ADHD? Can counselling help parents deal with a child who has ADHD?

“Counselling for ADHD can help both adults and children learn effective strategies to make everyday life easier, and cope with associated mental health challenges.”

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/adhd.html

What is unbearable for a child with ADHD?

Click here for some examples.

Can steroids prednisone help those with ADHD by improving focus?

“Prednisone is a steroid used to help with inflammatory illnesses, such as arthritis. I have not heard about it being used to help with symptoms of ADHD or ODD. Prednisone can also cause concerns with the immune system, making it easier for people to contract viruses, etc.”

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/prednisone-adhd

Has anyone used TMS to treat ADHD?

For more information on TMS ADHD treatment, click here: https://qr.ae/pvKvfp

Are there any ADHD students that do well in school?

“Various studies on ADHD have shown that these children can achieve great success if they are given adequate attention by their teachers, experts, and parents.”

https://www.allisonacademy.com/students/learning/learning-disabilities/can-a-child-with-adhd-be-good-at-school/

As a teacher, have you ever had a student with ADHD whose parents refused to medicate and what steps did you take to help the student?

“IEP and 504 Plans can offer accommodations for students to help them manage their ADHD, including:

Extra time on tests;

Instruction and assignments tailored to the child;

Positive reinforcement and feedback;

Using technology to assist with tasks;

Allowing breaks or time to move around;”

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/school-success.html

Do you think your ADHD child would be better off homeschooling if you had help and resources?

Click here for some thoughts: https://qr.ae/pvKrzh

How does forcing your ADHD child to keep their room tidy all the time affect them?

Click here for personal experiences: https://qr.ae/pvKrli

How do you get your child to help with your chores when they struggle with something like ADHD or autism?

Chores Tip #1: Make Work Fun and Flexible

Chores Tip #2: Emphasize Independence

Chores Tip #3: Lay Out Consequences

Chores Tip #4: Offer Rewards

Chores Tip #5: Accommodate for Memory and Organizing Challenges

For more information, visit https://www.additudemag.com/chores-adhd-kids-advice/

Are people with ADHD better musicians?

“Does music help with ADHD symptoms? There is limited evidence that musical training may improve attention in children and adults with ADHD. A 2018 paper in Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience found that developing musical expertise appears to strengthen some of the neural circuits that ADHD weakens.”

https://www.clicktrack.fm/p/is-having-adhd-connected-to-musical

What is the best book for help with raising a child who has ADHD?

Additutemag.com has a top ten list of books about ADHD that you could read to your child.

Is ADHD hereditary?

“Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it’s thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.”

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/causes/

What medicine does your child take for ADHD? Does it help?

“Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.”

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/treatment/

*Collaborative feature post*