Parenting children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel like a roller coaster ride. The effects of parenting a child with ADHD run the gamut from positive to negative. Some days, parents may just want to give up, but there are ways to reduce the negative effects of parenting a child with a mental health disorder such as ADHD.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of ADHD---inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity---make it difficult for children and teens to succeed in school, and make and maintain healthy relationships, reports Helpguide.org. Parents often find they have to spend a lot of time with their children, making sure they stay focused on their homework. They have to double check everything, because their children are more forgetful than other children. Parents also have to spend more time working with the school system to get the needed services for their kids. All of this adds up to a lot more time spent focused on reducing inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity--issues that are not major concerns of parents whose children do not suffer from ADHD.
Effects
Some parents find support groups of other parents struggling with the same issues, and make life-lasting friendships with these other parents, often learning new ways to better cope with their child's disorder. Some parents aren't so lucky. Parenting a child with ADHD can impact a couple's marriage, because they might disagree on discipline and treatment options. Single mothers often don't have the time to attend support groups, as well as individual counseling sessions for their children. Parents who have difficulty adjusting to parenting a child with special needs might develop their own mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Considerations
Parents who have a support network of dependable friends and family members are more likely to cope with the stress of parenting a child with ADHD in healthy ways. Parents who become isolated might not have the option of dropping their child off with a trusted friend for a couple hours, to take a break or get help when they really need it.
Misconceptions
Children and teens with ADHD don't intentionally misbehave. They don't want to lose their homework, only finish half of their tests and upset others. If parents of these children and teens can remember that the behavior isn't intentional, they might be able to practice more patience and deal with the ups and downs better.
Prevention
Parents can take steps to prevent the negative effects of parenting children with ADHD. They can ask for help from friends and family members, get their child into counseling and social skills training, and attend family therapy. It is important that parents explore all the treatment options available, and choose the ones with which they are the most comfortable. Some parents feel as if they should be able to do it all on their own, but parents who allow others to help will have more stamina and energy. They'll be less likely to burn out.
