Being a parent is a hard job, but parenting a child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as ADD, can be overwhelming and frustrating. However, you can make your home more calm and peaceful, even with a child struggling with ADHD, by using some basic strategies. First, realize that you're not alone and you should get support if you need it. You can turn to a mental health professional for therapy and parenting support, join a support group of parents dealing with the same issues and turn to friends and family members when needed.
Step 1
Talk to a licensed mental health professional such as a social worker or psychologist about the diagnosis, what it means and your options for treatment. Some children struggling with ADHD greatly benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.
Step 2
Set up a rewards and consequences system for all the children in the household. You don't want to single out the child diagnosed with ADHD any more than needed, so make sure all household rules apply to each child. Put up a piece of poster board with a list of behaviors that will be rewarded such as sharing, doing chores, finishing homework and taking a bath. Place one jar on the counter for each child and write the names on each jar. When one child does a behavior that should be rewarded, give him a marble to place in his jar. When his jar gets full, give him the already agreed upon reward such as $10 or the ability to stay up 30 minutes later on Friday night.
Step 3
Follow through with consequences. It's much easier to give in and let a child have what she wants when she's yelling and screaming, but you have to follow through with your consequences consistently to promote good behavior--otherwise, your children won't take you seriously.
Step 4
Make sure that your child understands your expectations. Children with ADHD have a hard time following directions, so make eye contact with her when you're giving instructions. Have her repeat the instructions in her own words and make corrections if she didn't understand.
Step 5
Establish a daily routine. If you have a child with ADHD, it will be much easier on him and you if you have a daily routine that you stick to every day, even on weekends. You should try to wake up, eat and go to bed at the same time each day. Also, have morning and bedtime routines. For example, at bedtime each night have your child get into pajamas, brush his teeth and then read a book together.
Things You'll Need
- Poster
- Jars
- Marbles
