Raising a child with ADHD can be trying at times yet at the same time it can be utterly fulfilling. In this case, ADHD means a child, he or she cannot concentrate, follow instructions, or restrain him or herself in play and work – in class, with friends or at home and this impacts on their academic performance, social relationships and family roles. In this guide, parents find practical measures so that they can support their child in a proper way to have a good future.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three main symptoms:
1. Inattention: Having a problem to concentrate or being distract easily or forgetfulness.
2. Hyperactivity: Students that walk, shift in their seats, or can’t sit still for long periods of time.
3. Impulsivity: Speaking without listening, talking when others are talking or worse still not being able to wait for their turn.• More of them are hyperactive-impulsive in nature
These symptoms vary in intensity and presentation, often falling under three subtypes:
• Predominantly inattentive.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive.
• Combined type.
Practical Tips for Parenting a Child with ADHD
- Wake them at reasonable times every day as well as stick to acceptable eating habits as well as timings when going to bed.
- Make use of graphic organizer to display the activities and roles for the day.
- Arrangement for transition from one activity to the other in order to avoid stress or confusion.
- It was envisaged that large tasks be segmented into small manageable components.
- Do not give your child more than one instruction at a time for effective understanding.
- Without knowing it is important to avoid punishing individuals for not following directions but rather rewarding them for doing so.
- Finally, offer a behavioral reward system that would include a sticker chart, to motivate the child to behave well.
- Set realistic goals and set accomplishments in small stages to improve your child esteem.
- Provide options to make your child feel that there is something he/she can do concerning the situation.
- Make it mandatory to choose a calm, well structured environment for accomplishing homework/study.
- Avoid distractions such as, noisy environment, many people around, television, Facebook or any gadget with excess time.
- It is recommended that you take your child through the use timers or alarms with a view of ensuring that he/she concentrates on activities.
- Make your child engage in several physical activities as this will reduce their hyperactivity as well as help to concentrated.
- Give proper nutrition including whole grain food products, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins for the purpose of boosting the head region in the body.
- Get better sleep by creating a soothing pre-sleep environment, and avoiding bright screens during the night.
- Consult with your child’s teachers frequently to confirm that he or she is given classroom modifications they may require, for instance, extra time to write examinations or change in desk position.
- Consider seeking advice from a behavioral therapist or hiring an ADHD coach for more approaches.
- Stimulant medicines, methylphenidate or such amphetamines, are helpful to maintain attention and control impulses.
- Through behavioral therapy, your child will learn other ways of expressing and controlling emotions and behaviors.
- Use positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, for following instructions
Support for Parents
It is not easy to raise a child who suffers from ADHD.
• Support groups: There are groups for parents of ADHD children and joining a group helps parents with same problems.
• Go to a counselor or therapist to learn how to deal with stress.
• Take care of well-being by paying your main focus on your health state.
Conclusion
This paper presents findings on effective strategies of raising a child with ADHD; taking into consideration that it calls for patience, consistency and flexibility. Civilizing a child by involving him or her in professional activities, exhibiting and rewarding positive behaviors, and engaging in professional help are two ways through which parents can help his or her child overcome life’s hurdles. Just remember that ADHD is not a limitation, but rather with it people have a different perception of the world. Your child has the ability to grow and achieve a lot if only he or she is directed and loved correctly.