ADHD – A common behavioural disorder that many parents struggle with these days. What is ADHD? It is Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. Taking care of children with ADHD can be physically and mentally taxing. Usual methods and techniques of child-rearing won’t be much effective in such cases. Even though ADHD is not fully curable, you can manage its symptoms. Having ADHD does not mean your child is not intelligent. It is just hard for them to focus or to apply their intelligence to things they do. With the right approach, you can help them realize their potential. So, let’s avoid paying too much attention to labelling our young ones, and focus on helping them optimise their potential!
Diagnosis is vital
Diagnosis is the first step before anything else. And it requires a doctor or a specialist. Also, ADHD can manifest differently in boys and girls. In the case of girls, ADHD can manifest with the inattentiveness symptoms as being predominant. Due to this, cases of ADHD in girls go undetected most of the time. So, do not easily dismiss the chance your child might have ADHD if they are not hyperactive. For a credible diagnosis, book an appointment with an experienced doctor and get your child examined – this will definitely save a lot of time and headache wasted on a wrong diagnosis!
Learn about ADHD and educate others
Getting yourself educated on ADHD can help you deal with it better. The stigma regarding such disorders prevents many parents from having their children diagnosed and giving them proper treatment. You are not helping your child by hiding their issues. Ensure that your children receive the care they require and stand by your children.
Behavioural therapy classes
Behavioural therapy is a better treatment for young children, best administered by parents. For that reason, many organizations offer Behavioural therapy classes for parents. Medication should come only after trying behavioural therapy and if it doesn’t show results.
Support your children
What they need is not your criticism, but your compassion and guidance. Never punish your children for things that are out of their control. Talk to them about their responsibilities and how they can manage their actions. But keep in mind that their ADHD shouldn’t be a get out of all responsibilities card for them. Make sure your children understand that their actions have consequences.
Children with ADHD can be subject to bullying at school or being ridiculed by adults around them. They can be perceived as lazy or naughty due to their symptoms. Not being able to complete tasks or perform well in school can cause low self-esteem in your children. In the case of teenagers, the struggle can be more intense. It is a time where children learn and create their identities. You have to be pillars of support for your children and show them that they are good enough and can do better if they put in the effort.
Routine is key
For children with ADHD, a routine can be a saving grace. Letting them follow routines can help them from getting distracted. Give them simple rules to follow and break down their tasks into small ones they can finish. When they finish their tasks, make sure you appreciate them.
Sleep and health
Lack of sleep can worsen inattentiveness and create further havoc. So, having a healthy amount of sleep every day is crucial. Also, exercise and sports can help get rid of all the excess energy in the case of hyperactive children. It can also add some discipline and team spirit to their lives. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can offer a calming experience to your children.
Teach them how to be social
Your children can be lacking in social skills if they have ADHD. Teach them how to make friends and act in public. Give them tips that help improve their social skills. It is also a good idea to teach them to think out loud, and express their emotions in words, which can help them monitor their thoughts and not act impulsively. This ability to remain calm and express themselves in a more controlled manner can be crucial, especially in social situations.
Communicate with your child’s teachers
Talk to your child’s teachers and communicate with them about your child’s needs. Keep in touch with them to know how your child behaves at school, how they interact with their classmates, and how well they are performing in their assessments. You can also seek their help to identify your child’s strengths and talents and help grow them.
Self-care is important
If you feel strained or need some time off, ask someone to take care of your child for some time. There is nothing to feel ashamed about when it comes to asking for help. Also, it is a good idea to talk to someone about what’s going on in your mind. There are support groups for parents with children who have ADHD. Your child’s doctor might have information about such groups. Another thing you have to keep in mind is that ADHD is hereditary. So, if your child has it, there are chances that you or your partner might also have it. Do get the right support that you need to help yourselves and your child!
If your children can manage their symptoms, their inner talents can shine through. There are many examples of successful people who have ADHD. The important thing to remember is that it is not a life sentence. By recognising that your child needs specific help, it will definitely help them in their educational journey, and improve their overall learning experience.
Let us not forget that swimming legend and Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps has ADHD. Even Einstein and Thomas Alva Edison were said to have this same condition. So, the key here is not to give up. Perseverance is key to overcoming any challenge. We hope you hang on and see the fruits of your efforts. All the best! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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