Dealing with ADD/ADHD: Parenting A Child With Attention Deficit
2008 January 20 by: ScottOther factors to consider:
Remember, your child’s behavior is related to a disorder. Most of the time it is not intentional.
Hold on to your sense of humor. What’s embarrassing today may be a funny family story ten years from now.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. One chore left undone isn’t a big deal when your child has completed two others plus the day’s homework.
Be willing to make some compromises. If you’re a perfectionist or someone who prizes order and decorum, your child is not the only one who needs to change.
Recognize everything that is positive, valuable, and unique about your child.
Trust that your child can learn, change, mature, and succeed. Nurture your child’s talents and channel those aspects of ADD/ADHD that can be channeled positively. Today’s dreamer may be the next J.K. Rowling.
Let your child make mistakes and learn from them, but be there for comfort when mistakes cause pain. Promote a healthy self-esteem by nurturing the skills your child needs and communicating your unwavering love, approval, and support.
Educate siblings about ADD/ADHD.
Establish a clear set of rules that everyone in the home must follow.
Spend quality time with all your kids. Plan activities that are enjoyable for the whole family.
Don’t take the successes of your unaffected kids for granted. Praise their unique qualities, abilities, and achievements.
Parents need to take care of themselves too!
Look after your own health, and find ways to reduce stress.
Find the support you need and take advantage of it.
Cut yourself some slack if your child with ADD/ADHD doesn’t become a model child overnight: you’re a parent, not a magician.
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