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How to Deal With ADHD Children

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition that is as difficult for parents and caregivers as it is for affected children. Often, what the child is experiencing is hard for the parents to understand because they have their own issues as a result of the condition. Aside from worrying about the right treatment plan for their child, they must also manage life on a daily basis; no medication is a cure-all. Due to the intensity of emotion that accompanies ADHD, parents must find a way to cope with the challenges this condition has brought into their lives.

Things You'll Need

  • Support group
  • Journal
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Instructions

  1. How to Deal With ADHD Children

    • 1

      Talk to the child's doctor. He will be a rock for you, especially during the first few months following diagnosis. He will be able to guide and educate you about ADHD. This will give you insight into what your child is experiencing, thus making it a bit easier for you to understand why she can't sit still or why she doesn't follow through on instructions. He also may be able to offer some coping mechanisms that will get you through the more difficult moments.

    • 2

      Talk to the child's teacher. Once a diagnosis is in place, stay in close contact with your child's teacher. She may be able to tell you what techniques she uses in the classroom to redirect your child's attention to a specific task, how to keep him seated, and what incentives she uses to help him listen. Always keep in mind that educators generally have more experience dealing with ADHD children than you do; their advice is worth taking.

    • 3

      Find an ADHD support group. Many online support groups are set up specifically for the parents of children with ADHD. Their members offer advice and support to each other, letting you know you are not alone. This is extremely important, as many parents feel guilty because they think they shouldn't feel frustrated over a condition their child cannot control.

    • 4

      Lean on your spouse. When your stress levels have reached their peak, ask your spouse to take the parenting reins for a while so you can take an hour for yourself. Go for a walk or a drive. Go visit a friend. Do whatever you need to do, as long as you get away from the situation for a while. This allows you to come home refreshed and ready to deal with an ADHD child who won't go to sleep or who would rather talk and run than sit and read.

    • 5

      Write it down. Keep a journal of situations that arise, how you handled them, and the results. This may seem useless, but it will help by giving you a guide to follow and showing you what you can try differently the next time that situation arises. If you found a technique that enabled your ADHD child to remain seated through dinner, for instance, you can refer back to your journal to use it again the next night. If you found a way to instruct him to take out the garbage and he did it the first time, write it down. Your journal also may show you that you are handling situations better than you think you are.

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