4 Tips for Parents: Making the Most of Life with ADD/ADHD
Attention deficit disorders don’t have to drive a wedge between parents and their children. Here are four simple steps parents can follow to help their children cope with ADD or ADHD.
For parents with children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is important to know that there are options for controlling their child’s symptoms. Following these steps not only eases day-to-day tasks, but also allows parents to facilitate healthier relationships with their children. If you have a child with ADD or ADHD, adjustments in how you handle your child now can have monumental implications for the future.
1.Treat Your Child Normally
Parents should take an active role in ensuring their child is not defined by their diagnosis. With ADD and ADHD, acknowledgement is crucial. However, take care to let your child know that an attention deficit disorder is what they have, not who they are. This is particularly important during a child’s formative years, as negative self-esteem can have long-lasting consequences. If you have a child with an attention deficit disorder, be the cheerleader they need to go through life confidently.
2.Set Rewards and Discipline Immediately
Children with ADD / ADHD need to understand that their actions have either rewards or consequences. When it comes to reinforcing good behaviors and discouraging bad ones, consistency is crucial. They should know without a doubt that discipline will follow negative behaviors while rewards follow good behaviors.
3.Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Perfectionism is not conducive to healthy relationships with children who have ADD/ADHD. Avoid creating unrealistic expectations for your son or daughter by committing to not sweating the small stuff. Focus on your child’s overall character and progress, and save your firmness for the bigger issues.
4.Make a Plan for Issues
There will be times when your child acts out. This is true of all children, not just those with an attention deficit disorder. Assume that this will happen, and come up with a game plan beforehand. Are you going to discipline the child? Would you consider sitting them down and calmly explaining why the behavior was wrong? Remember, children with ADD / ADHD may not intentionally be noncompliant with you, but may likely just be distracted. In this case, reassurance is the best option. Inform your child what you would like him or her to do instead of punishing them for their actions.
At-Home Child Care in Texas
At Home Healthcare understands how difficult it can be to go through this situation and manage a child with ADD / ADHD. If you need help and are looking for qualified at-home child care in Texas, consider our team. We are well aware of the steps to take to help your child develop, manage their symptoms, and reduce undesirable behavior.
Call our team to get started.