Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is gripping three to five percent of the children globally. It is a developmental psychiatric disorder characterized by the co-existence of hyperactivity and attention problems. The symptoms of ADHD surface normally before the age of seven years. Researches show that thirty to fifty percent of individuals diagnosed with this disorder in childhood continue to have symptoms in adulthood as well. ADHD can be dealt with a combination of behavioral and lifestyle changes, medicines, and counseling. Since every child is unique, it becomes quite difficult to recommend a general approach or recommendation for a child. Below are some general suggestions, which can be followed for the ADHD children.
1. Accept your child for what he/she is
Often, it is difficult for any parent to digest the fact that the child has a disorder. A child having negative aspects will equally have positive aspects that you should acknowledge. Though there are no cures for ADHD, however, you can try treatment approaches to lessen the symptoms. Do not focus on the negative aspects of your child’s behavior. Instead, show patience and care to handle a difficult situation. Children show positive signs when they feel that they are appreciated and loved for what they are. When your child goes out of control, stay calm while dealing with the situation. More you show signs of patience and calmness, faster the child calms down.
2. Set realistic expectations
When you are putting efforts in bringing down the ADHD symptoms in your child, set realistic expectations and know your child’s limitations. This will help you in lessening the burden for yourself and your child.
3. Compliment your child
Complimenting your child works wonders when you are treating a child with ADHD. Expression of admiration boosts your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Make sure to compliment your child regularly on noticing a good behavior. Pay sincere compliments since children can smell insincere, flat compliments miles away. Use ways that work for you and your child. In case your child has difficulty in accepting verbal gestures, use non-verbal mode to show you care. Studies show that ADHD children need lots of physical contact. Show your love by hugging, tickling, and playing with them. Provide positive instead of negative attention to your child every day. Spend enough quality time with the child to appreciate the good qualities of your child.
4. Avoid difficult situations
Avoid situations and activities that require long attention span. Try breaking the activity, such as shopping into smaller time frame so that the child can manage easily. Imposing things on ADHD child will only worsen the symptoms. Let the child choose his activities that he enjoys, such as sports, music, and arts. It will be easier on your child if he has a routine set for a particular activity such as meals, bedtime and nap time. Exhaustion makes ADHD symptoms worse. Ensure that your child is rested enough from becoming overtired.
5. Use gentle ways to discipline your child
Time outs and loss of a privilege are some of the ways with which you can discipline a child who is not in control. Timeouts help ADHD children control their rash and hyperactive behavior. Ensure that the timeouts are brief. Focus on correcting the improper behavior than focusing on what they did. Be consistent with your disciplining strategies. It is often easy for exhausted parents to switch from one technique to the other if one does not work quickly. Do not get easily discouraged.
6. Give specific directions
Make eye contact with your child when you are giving directions. Talk clearly and slowly and give very specific directions. Stay with your child to make sure he maintains the attention for the task. If complied, praise him immediately. You should also specify the consequences for a direction or a task that is not complied, such as loss of privilege.
7. Help your child
Children with ADHD might find it hard at school due to their short attention span and hyperactivity. Talk to your child’s teacher about your child’s condition and work with them to monitor your child’s work. Having open communication with the school authorities goes a long way in ensuring school success of your child. Encourage your child to use lists, reminders, and calendars to remember home assignments, tests, and other activities. If your child has trouble with handwriting, use a pencil with grip or for senior grades, check if your child can use a computer in the classroom.
Being an ADHD child is difficult and even more difficult is parenting such a child. Learning creative ways to counter this disorder can make you and your child’s life easier.