It is true that many parents never give up on playing good parental roles in the life of their children. But in the case of parenting an ADHD child, being a good parent isn’t enough. Parenting an ADHD child requires a great deal of effort on your part to ensure that your child has a happy and well-balanced life for the present and as they grow to become adults in the future.
Oftentimes, you may feel that your child is naturally stubborn or hard to deal with, in most cases, it is not always their fault and as such, you should pay more close attention to know when they are been threatened by a neurodevelopmental disorder called ADHD.
For stepparents, before considering when to leave because of your stepchild, it is advised that you should at first, consult with a specialist to diagnose your stepchild and be sure they ain’t battling with ADHD before running into the conclusion of their unyielding attitudes towards you at home.
It is much easier to achieve greater than you might think, and your child or stepchild’s well-being can be improved with just a few tweaks in your parenting style. Only if at first you admit that your child or stepchild is truly suffering from ADHD instead of seeing them as being unnecessarily stubborn.
Table of Contents
What is ADHD in Children?
ADHD is an acronym for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is a high chronic health condition that affects very high numbers of children every year. Starting from the first early years of childhood, most children suffer from ADHD into adulthood.
ADHD in Children is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the behavioral aspects of a child and their wellbeing. Ranging from the child having difficulties in sustaining attention, having troubled relationships, continual struggle with low self-esteem, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior that may even result in a child having low-performance scores while at school.
The effects of ADHD in a child can be enormous, although experts reports have it that such effects decrease by age and as the child grows. But while some child overcomes it completely in adulthood, there are many who still struggle over its effect even in their adulthood. Parents having ADHD narrate their stories 1 and how difficult it becomes for them trying to help their children with ADHD and as well managing theirs.
Parenting an ADHD Child Age by Age
Approximately three to five percent of children worldwide suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Hyperactivity and attention deficits are two of the symptoms of this developmental condition, and ADHD symptoms typically begin to emerge in children as young as 2years. 2
According to the studies, approximately 30 to 50 percent of people are diagnosed with this disorder as children continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. ADHD can be managed with a mix of behavioral and lifestyle modifications, medications, and counseling.
Children who have been diagnosed with ADHD require special methods of mind-control in order to carry on with their daily activities. But, which of these methods of parenting an ADHD child really work?
As reported by Polly Logan-Banks at BabyCenter Uk also, 3, every child is different; thus, recommending a general method or recommendation for a child becomes challenging. Below, we provide some general recommendations for parenting an ADHD child.
Good Disciplinary strategies for Parenting an ADHD Child
1. Accept that your child isn’t as perfect as other kids in his age.
In many cases, when a child has a disorder, it can be tough for any parent to accept. Your child is not perfect, and it is important to appreciate both your child’s negative and positive qualities. Despite the fact that there is no 100 percent effective cure for the disorder, there are treatment options that can help reduce its symptoms.
The bad aspects of your child’s behavior should not be the center of your attention. Instead, be patient and kind when dealing with a challenging issue. When children know that they are accepted and loved for who they are, they exhibit positive behaviors. When your child gets out of hand, keep your cool and guide them back under control. The more you demonstrate signals of patience and composure, the faster the child will settle down.
2. Never believe all the negative news about your child
It’s not fun to hear your child is referred to as “unmotivated” and “lazy” by other students at school. Understand how to deal with an ADD/ADHD child. Let nothing deter you from advocating for your child’s educational needs, no matter how harsh or constant the criticism about them may be. With the right support, an ADHD child can achieve their full potential in life.
3. Compliment your child and play with them even in your busy schedules
When parenting an ADHD child, it can be really helpful to praise and encourage them. Your child’s self-esteem and confidence are boosted when you show you are proud of them. Your child’s good behavior should always be recognized and applauded by you. Do not make your words look like sarcasm, rather, always utilize strategies that are convenient for both you and your child.
Try nonverbal cues if you’re having trouble getting your child to take verbal cues instead. Studies have shown that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder require a lot of physical interaction. Play with them and give them hugs and tickles to show how much you care for them. Be a role model for your child by giving them positive attention rather than negative ones every day. Invest sufficient quality time in your child to enable you to see and appreciate his or her positive characteristics.
4. Be distinct with the difference between discipline and punishment
Punishment and discipline are frequently used interchangeably by parents. A behavioral modification program is the best technique to instill discipline in a child with ADHD.
It is important to parent an ADHD child according to his or her age. Determine the proper goals for your child’s age and ability level. Reward him or her in a systematic manner for each and every minor accomplishment until they develop good behavioral attitudes into a habit.
Other methods of disciplining a child who is out of control include timeouts and the loss of a privilege—children with ADHD who are prone to impulsiveness and hyperactivity benefit greatly from timeouts. Make sure the timeouts are short.
Punishment also serves a useful purpose. However, it must never be administered in a way that is abusive, whether verbal or physical.
Correct the bad conduct rather than dwelling on what happened. Consistency is key when it comes to disciplining your child, especially the one with ADHD. The exhaustion of parents can make it easy for them to swiftly move from one parenting strategy to another when one fails. Don’t give room for yourself to be easily discouraged.
5. Don’t be too quick to say “No.”
Children need to be told “no” in situations that pose a risk or are unsuitable. Regardless of how impulsive the child is if his or her parents are always saying no, even when it would be appropriate to say “yes,” the child will rebel. This may get even more worst in blended families. So, as a parent or stepparent, know when it is right to say “no” and “yes.” Do not force some unpleasing lifestyles on your kids, rather make them see reasons with you as you suit their needs.
6. Separate the person from the action
There is a direct correlation between the way you treat your ADHD child and its impact on their self-esteem. Your child’s self-esteem will suffer if you make his or her ADHD issues personal. You may, however, establish a loving and supportive environment for your child despite their many flaws if you work together with them to fix the problem.
7. Never punish your child for uncontrollable behavior
When it comes to children with ADHD, it’s normal for them to be easily distracted, and it’s something they can’t usually manage. Punishing a child under these conditions would only lead to a prolonged disorder. Chadd Organization 4 for ADHD children’s support for parents will assist you in managing these situations.
8. Get away from difficult situations
Try to stay away from circumstances and activities that demand a lot of your time and focus. It may be helpful to split up an activity, such as grocery shopping, into manageable tasks for the child.
Forcing things on your child is not a good method of parenting an ADHD child as it will only worsen their conditions. Involve them in things they enjoy, such as playing sports, listening to music, or creating art. You and your child will both benefit from routines, such as mealtimes, bedtimes, and naps. Exhaustion worsens the symptoms of ADHD. To avoid overtiredness, make sure your child gets adequate sleep each night.
9. Don’t blame others for your child’s problems.
Blaming others solely for your child’s difficulties is a bad idea, even if they contribute to the situation. With this in mind, your child will develop the habit of seeking quick fixes to all of his difficulties in the future.
10. Make healthy eating a priority for your child
Eating has an effect on a child’s mental state and behavior, even though it isn’t the actual cause of ADHD in that child. Keeping tabs on what and when your child consumes food is critical to maintaining control over his or her nutrition. Keep your children away from junk food by serving them nutritious meals on a regular schedule.
ADHD children are renowned for having erratic eating habits. They may go for long periods of time without eating and then consume whatever they can get their hands on, causing harm to their physical and emotional well-being. Schedule a healthful meal or snack for your child every three hours or less.
11. Educate your child on how to make and maintain friendships
Children with ADHD typically have difficulty interacting with others and may struggle with issues such as talking too much, interrupting people frequently, being very aggressive, or being too emotional. Their emotional immaturity may cause them to stand out and make them ideal targets for bullies.
Many ADHD children are extremely intelligent and creative. It won’t take long for them to work out how to get along with everyone and understand the nuances of each situation. So educating them will help you both overcome the disorder in a decent time other than you may expect.
12. Get your child a pet
Get your ADHD child a pet. If your home already has a lot of noise, you might want to think twice before adding more to it by getting a pet. A child with ADHD can benefit greatly from the company of pets. In addition, they can help him, or her learn about responsibility and get them going better outside the house.
The addition of a pet to the household will also bring much-needed relaxation. Studies have established that pets can protect you from stress, worry, and even medical issues.
13. Seek Support
You may start with the teachers. A good working relationship with the teachers of the child who has ADHD is absolutely essential for your success in parenting an ADHD child. Improve your relationship with your child’s teacher by being honest and open while communicating with them. This will have a significant positive impact on your child with ADHD.
Be a part or start a support group for other parents in the same position (parenting an ADHD child). There are many organizations and forums filled with parents on the same mission as you with specialists willing to offer firsthand care and attention to whichever challenge you may be having with your child.
These communities provide forums where you may ask and answer questions and share your thoughts and feelings. If you can’t find any of these organizations near you, you may consider joining the AADD online forum here.
14. Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself, Too.
The best way to assist your child manage ADHD is for you to maintain a positive outlook on life. Keeping your own emotions in check is essential if you want to be an effective parent and supporter of your child. If you’re going to make progress, you can’t get “bogged down in minutia.” Also, be confident in your child’s abilities.
Take care of yourself first, and then you’ll be able to help your child better. As a parent who wants to support their child with ADHD, you have a responsibility to take care of your health and avoid exhaustion and impatience.
15. Get some top toys for adhd kids
Just as it is with other neurotypical kids, they play a lot, so to make their life therapeutic, fun, and more fascinating, you should consider getting them some top toys for ADHD kids.
There are many top toys for ADHD kids available on Amazon and other shopping stores. Get your child one or more of these toys to help them pass over such neurodevelopmental disorder as quickly as you would appreciate.
Some of the top ADHD toys to consider include:
- Fidget Dodecagon
- Solace Chewelry Necklace
- Hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes
- Hedstrom Hopper Ball
- Heruo Infinity Cube
- FluidStance The Grade Balance Board
- Tangle Jr.
- Playscene Sliding Zoom Ball and others
These Amazon lists contain all-in-one mixtures of the above-listed top toys for kids that you can get for prices less than $20. They are 5-star rated, so feel ok to check them out and pick any of your choices from one of the bestsellers.
Wrapping Up on Parenting an ADHD Child, by age, and good approaches to utilize.
Children with ADHD may develop a negative attitude and low self-esteem as a result of terrible experiences that they may have had in their lives. Find out what negative thoughts your child is having and help him, or her replace them with more positive ones.
In addition, if your child with ADHD has done anything bad, ask them about it casually. Be practical and positive as you guide them toward overcoming their negativity.
It’s hard being a child with ADHD, but parenting an ADHD child is even harder. You and your child’s life can be made easier if you discover new approaches to dealing with this disorder.
In all, always seek the counsel of specialists. They are in the best position to provide you with an even more proven medical approach to helping your child suffering from ADHD resonate with you and get over their disorder with time.
Verifiable References- AADD Forum, UK where parents share different thoughts on ADHD and how it affects them with their kids, with approaches they maintained to bring orderliness as time flies[↩]
- Prevalence of Parent-Reported ADHD Diagnosis and Associated Treatment Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 2016, by Rebecca H. Bitsko, Melissa L. Danielson, Stephen J. Blumberg, Joseph R. Holbrook, Reem M. Ghandour, and Michael D. Kogan at Taylor Francis online Journals (TandFonline), 24 Jan 2018.[↩]
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages one to five by Polly Logan-Banks at BabyCenter UK[↩]
- Parenting a Child with ADHD by Chadd Organization[↩]
