Raising a child with ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder--renamed ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association--can be daunting, especially for parents unfamiliar with the condition. Children with ADHD may be forgetful, messy and listen poorly. They may also drive parents crazy with constant fidgeting, daydreaming or hyperactive behavior. Fortunately, with a little wise parenting, children with ADHD can learn to cope with their disorder and achieve success in spite of it.
Identification
ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that affects a person's ability to focus, stay on task and follow directions. All children have difficulty paying attention or sitting still at times. However, in children with ADHD, distractibility is the rule rather than the exception. Untreated, ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem, poor performance in school and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.
Misconceptions
The first step in parenting a child with ADHD is to accept the disorder for what it is, and understand the challenges and limitations it may present for your child. ADHD is a real condition that your child will likely struggle with for years to come. It is not the result of poor parenting or a lack of discipline; it is not caused by TV exposure, video games, sugar or food additives; and it is not an excuse for poor behavior. In addition, ADHD has nothing to do with your child's intelligence. Most children with ADHD are smart and exceptionally creative, with a fresh, one-of-a-kind way of seeing the world.
Discipline
Children with ADHD have a more difficult time learning from their mistakes than other children. They need extra encouragement when they succeed, and extra patience when they fail. They also need to be set up for success. Family Doctor suggests that you make simple house rules, with clear consequences. Be consistent with both consequences and praise. Give your child clear instructions, and make sure she has heard them. Keep a level head and speak in a calm, firm tone, no matter how angry you feel. Most importantly, keep your sense of humor, and learn to let the small things go. Today's frustration may end up being a shared memory that keeps your family laughing for years to come. Encouraging your child to not take herself or her mistakes too seriously will help her cope with setbacks in the future.
Structure
It's especially important for children with ADHD to have structure in their lives, as they often don't deal well with change, and they feel lost when they don't know what to expect. Help Guide suggests that you create an easy-to-follow schedule for your child, and use timers, checklists and reminders for tasks. Children with ADHD are often easily overwhelmed. Break up large tasks into small, manageable steps, and allow your child to take frequent breaks.
Treatment
There is no cure for ADHD, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment. Your child's doctor may recommend medication, behavioral therapy, or some form of both. Make sure you are involved in each step of the treatment process and comfortable with your child's progress. Keep track of improvements, setbacks and medication side effects, and discuss any concerns openly with your child's doctor.
