One of the most common childhood diagnoses, ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impacts a child's life at home, in school and with friends. ADHD affects 3 to 7 percent of school-age children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include impulsivity, lack of focus, daydreaming, fidgeting and hyperactivity. Treatment generally includes a combination of therapy, medication and behavioral intervention strategies.
Approach
Pete Wright, attorney and author of "Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy" and the parent of two ADHD children, suggests that parents should reward positive behavior, enforce consequences for negative behavior, be consistent and maintain high expectations. A prioritized list of desired behaviors, developed by parents, should include things as remembering to do chores, waiting for a turn to speak and not interrupting adults, completing homework and getting up in the morning. Children should receive positive reinforcement for accomplishing these tasks without reminders. Not following the rules results in negative consequences. Once the child knows the plan, parents should consistently implement their parenting strategies.
Considerations
Parenting a child with ADHD is often irritating and frustrating. Parents need to adjust their communication style to meet their child's needs. To be most effective, parents of children with ADHD need to remain calm or walk away when they start to get mad. In addition, they need to find opportunities to catch their child making good choices and provide compliments. Children with ADHD comply more willingly when their parents listen, communicate their expectations, express empathy and follow through with immediate consequences, suggests Terry Illes, Ph.D., at ADDitude.
Benefits
Because ADHD is not curable, ADHD symptoms will mostly likely continue throughout an individual's life. The discipline and structure provided by parents teaches planning, organization and follow through, which are all essential life skills for work, family and relationships.
Challenges
Children may receive appropriate discipline from parents, but teachers may be unsure of how to work with a child diagnosed with ADHD. The CDC recommends that parents educate teachers about their child's needs including the accommodations and discipline that will promote classroom success. Regular education teachers often know very little about ADHD and will benefit from parents' guidance, suggests the CDC.
Perceptions
Some people may perceive that parents of children with ADHD are too strict. Parents may hear negative comments or snide remarks about the words they use or the consequences they impose. However, parents know their child best. Once they put a discipline plan in place, they should remind themselves it is a necessity in order to help their child learn and become a responsible adult.
