Could It Be ADHD?
Do you think you might have ADHD? Does your child, sibling, or parent have it? Maybe some of the information here has you wondering, “Could it be…?” Maybe it’s time to find out.
The demands of parenting a child with ADHD can be exhausting—both physically
and mentally. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of frustration, anger,
and guilt (topped off with a healthy dose of feeling anxious and stressed
as a result).
The best thing for a child (or teen) learning to manage ADHD is to live
in a home that provides them with both love and structure. Staying positive and healthy yourself can
make this much easier.
- Maintain a positive attitude. It’s easier to connect with your child when you are calm and focused.
- Hold on to your sense of humour and try to keep things in perspective.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff, let go of perfectionism, and be willing to make some compromises.
- Believe in your child and remind yourself daily of their unique, positive value.
- Look after yourself. Stay healthy and take breaks by enlisting help from friends/family.
- Remember to seek support. You don’t have to do it alone; talk to your child’s doctors, therapist, and teachers, and look into local or online support groups.
- Shrug off negativity. Not everyone in your social circle will understand your ADHD child but don’t let that deter you from being your child’s biggest support and cheerleader!
To better help your child with ADHD cope day to day
It’s important to establish structure and stick to it. Set clear expectations and rules.
- Follow a routine by setting a time and place for everything, including simple and predictable rituals for meals, homework, play, and bed.
- Consider placing clocks and timers throughout the house.
- Simplify your child’s schedule.
- Make time for unstructured play and exercise outdoors—fresh air and sunshine are important for all children.
- Create a quiet, private place of their own.
- Have an understanding around electronics. Your child should be off all screens at least an hour before bed. Keep electronics out of their bedroom and recharge them overnight away from your child. These habits will pay off in adolescence.
- Build their confidence. Offer support, feedback, and positive reinforcement.
ADHD in the classroom
- Foster a good relationship with your child’s teacher and principal. Ask to be informed of assigned work so you can help your child organize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Ask if your child could be placed closest to the teacher’s desk, or be placed next to quiet, hard-working peers. Sitting at the front of the class will help minimize visual distractions of other students.
- Ask permission for your child to stand and stretch periodically when appropriate.
- Communicate any strategies that have been effective at home to your child’s teacher (e.g., clear breakdowns of assignment tasks, posting routine schedules, using a personal timer, reward systems, etc.).
