Strategies to Help Children with ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is caused by unknown factors among children and affects the neurodevelopmental functions of the brain influencing learning and social skills. Children with ADHD generally face difficulties in thinking, planning, organizing, completing tasks, and controlling their impulses and may require extra guidance to acquire executive skills.

A child having ADHD symptoms can sometimes be very challenging as their behavior may disrupt the family life due to their disorganized and easily distracted routine. They often interrupt conversations, demand attention, and say tactless or embarrassing things. They usually put themselves in physical danger and ignore, annoy or embarrass the family members. The parents need to understand that the child doesn’t willingly act like that and wants to be organized, and do everything their parents want them to do but are unable to know how they can fix these things. It is equally frustrating for the child as it is for other family members and it requires patience, compassion, a positive attitude, and plenty of support to behold the child’s behavioral issues.

Early diagnosis of ADHD and treatment can bring a huge change in the behavioral attributes of a child. Although, it can be cured with some effective medication, and treatments such as self-organization techniques, concentration techniques, and conflict management training focusing on improving daily life, education, personal and family life, following behavioral, social, and psychological attributes.

Parent involvement is compulsory to influence the physical and emotional health of the child and they can play a major role to rehabilitate their child from ADHD. Don’t forget that your child’s behavior is not intentional, you need to maintain a positive attitude and remain calm and focused to connect with your child emotionally.

You need to believe in your child and let them know about everything valuable, positive, and unique, about them. Trust that your child can change, learn and succeed in every aspect of life.

Establish a routine that will help your child to understand and meet expectations. Provide them with a schedule and help them to be punctual to do their homework, eat, play and sleep. Let them choose their activities in their idle time and allow some time for free play.

Make sure to provide a quiet, private space for your child where they can have some time alone, and organize your house in such a way that your child knows that everything has its place. Lead your child to organize as much as possible.

Your child may need consistent rules to understand and follow, keep the rules simple and clear for them. Praise them and give rewards when they obey the rules.

Criticism can ruin a child’s personality, make sure to look out for good behavior and give positive reinforcement to your child.

Encourage your child to make new friends and improve their social skills. Help your child to become a better listener, understand people’s expressions and body language and interact with them.

Remember that you are not alone. You can always seek an expert’s advice. Your child’s therapist or teacher can guide you all along. Being a parent, your emotional support is enough to boost your child’s confidence and personality and your involvement will make the relationship stronger with your child.