Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention, which all can cause issues at home and at school and with peers. Parents can help their child reduce and control their ADHD symptoms. They can help empower their childr, work with their child's teachers and school and get involved with helping their child to succeed.
Routine and Structure
All children need a daily routine and consistency, but children with ADHD need this even more to be successful. Symptoms of this disorder will increase and affect the child's life if things are inconsistent, especially at home. Parents should have a morning and evening routine, so the child knows what to expect. For instance, the evening routine might be that the parent helps the child with homework, the family has dinner together, the family watches a television show or plays a board game, the child gets ready for bed and then the parents tuck the kid into bed. Also, it's important to have consistent ground rules, rewards and discipline.
Rewards and Motivation
Children need motivation, just as adults do. If an adult works hard, he receives a paycheck at the end of the week. When a child works hard, she should receive a reward as well. This doesn't mean you have to buy your child something for working hard. Praise can be enough encouragement and motivation. Children with ADHD need immediate, short-term rewards. Telling your child she'll get good Christmas presents if she behaves all year won't work for a child with ADHD. Children with ADHD need something they can focus on and see immediate results. Some rewards might include staying up 10 minutes later, getting to choose between two dinner options or being able to play a favorite video game for 20 minutes.
Decrease Hyperactivity
Children with ADHD have a hard time focusing, because they are hyperactive. They fidget and have difficulty sitting still. To decrease symptoms of hyperactivity, parents can encourage their children to be active. Enroll your child in a team sport or play soccer in the backyard with him after school. Go to the park on the weekends and try to spend time outdoors instead of in front of the television. If your child has an outlet for his energy, he'll be less likely to be hyperactive when he needs to focus.
Get Involved with School
A child with ADHD usually has more struggles than other children at school. Parents can help their children by becoming more involved with the school and getting to know the teachers. Let the teachers know your child struggles with ADHD and ask if the teacher can make certain accommodations for her. For instance, many teachers will sit children with ADHD up front, give them leadership roles to increase their self-esteem, pair them with a good role model and give them more time for quizzes and tests.
