Parenting is always a challenge, but if you have a child with ADHD, the challenge gets even greater. Children with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, require additional structure and routine--and lots of patience--to help them succeed in school and their social relationships. It can be wearing for parents to cope with their child with ADHD, keeping up with medications, getting extra help with school and maintaining a relationship with teachers. Parents of a child with ADHD can't forget to take time for themselves and get a little support for what they're dealing with as well.
Talk to Other Parents
No one can better identify with the challenges and struggles of parenting a child with ADHD like another parent of a child with ADHD. Talk to other parents at school or find a support group (either local and in-person or online) for parents of children with ADHD. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or CHADD, is an organization that helps people with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD find support. Its website offers lists of local CHADD chapters in each state and online support groups and forums (see Resources for the link). DailyStrength.org also offers an online community of support groups and forums for parents of children with ADHD. You can ask questions or join in on other discussions.
As a member of a support group, you can get together for lunch or coffee if you live nearby, or give other members a call when you need to talk. You can swap helpful hints and ideas, doctors and specialists and even just provide a sympathetic and listening ear.
Lean on Your Partner
Together, you and your partner have to figure out the best, most effective way to manage your child's ADHD symptoms. Then you have to stick with the routine and share the responsibilities together. Talk about your frustrations and concerns, and relieve each other when you need a break.
ADHD Central offers an expert's opinion and advice for parents of children with ADHD on how to keep the strain of parenting from affecting your relationship. You can read tips, suggestions and advice (see Resources).
Get Good Advice
Talk to your child's doctors, teachers and therapists about the best ways to help your child manage ADHD symptoms. You'll need help figuring out the routine, rules and methods of working with your child. Empower yourself, your child's school and your child by keeping careful records of your child's diagnosis, medications, problems and symptoms, and what works for your child. The better prepared you are and the more information you can offer your child's school, the more receptive they'll be toward your efforts.
Both parents and teachers should want what's best for the child, and a little effort on both parts can help a child succeed--and a parent to feel like progress is being made. Schedule regular meetings with your child's teachers to gauge progress and identify any issues that need to be addressed. You'll also need a little encouragement and validation that you're doing what your child needs, and just to keep up your efforts.
Take Some Parent Education Courses
There's much for parents to learn about ADHD, and tips on how to parent a child with the condition. Contact national organizations like CHADD to find out about parent education training for parents of children with ADHD available in your area. These training courses can help you better understand your child's challenges and needs, and offer you better tools to deal with these challenges. As a parent, you need to set clear expectations and explain them in a way that's easy for your child to understand. You also need to make sure that there are clear consequences for your child's behavior and set up a reward system for good behavior and success.
These classes can also help parents to understand that your child doesn't have a behavior problem; ADHD makes it truly difficult for a child to understand these expectations and the consequences of not fulfilling them. A better understanding of your child's condition can help you remain patient, use every challenge and experience as a learning tool and encourage your child to succeed.
