Parenting a Child with ADHD

If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it can be challenging to understand what you can to do to help your child succeed in the classroom and in social situations. Successful parenting for a child with ADHD can involve many creative and alternative solutions.

Parenting a Child with ADHD

If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it can be challenging to understand what you can to do to help your child succeed in the classroom and in social situations. Successful parenting for a child with ADHD can involve many creative and alternative solutions. AGC Pediatrics in Calhoun, Georgia has compiled our top 10 tips for parents of children with ADHD.

AGC’s Top 10 Tips for Parenting a Child with ADHD

  • Identify ADHD Behavior. By educating yourself with the symptoms of ADHD, you can identify indicators of ADHD symptoms in your child, and be able to respond appropriately.
  • Give Direct Instructions. Direct instructions help your child know exactly what you expect from them. Use short, specific words with eye contact and voice variations so that your child will listen to the entirety of the instructions.
  • Create a Structured Environment. Similar to giving direct instructions, a structured environment spells out your expectations on a daily basis.
  • Exercise Daily. Kids with ADHD need daily exercise to express their hyperactive behavior in a constructive manner. Because it is an outlet for pent up energy, many children with ADHD excel in team sports and energetic activities.
  • Stay Consistent with Rules. Consistency with rules helps children understand what their parameters are in specific environments, such as home, school, church, or the school bus. Be sure to keep rules clear and short, so that they hear the entire message you are relaying.
  • Straightforward Consequences for Behavior. One way to create straightforward consequences is to allow your child to decide on what the consequences should be. When they decide on a consequence, they understand the connection between the commitment that they’ve made and the pending consequence.
  • Anticipate Problems. Perfect children do not exist. All children, diagnosed with ADHD or not, will exhibit behavior problems at one time or another. Remaining composed in problematic situations can help your child calm down more quickly.
  • Regulate Sleep. Don’t forget to make sure that your child has enough sleep on a daily basis. By removing distractions and avoiding sugar and caffeine at bedtime, your child will have a deeper, more restful sleep, which can reduce impulsive, restless behavior.
  • Be Your Child’s Advocate. If your child needs specific things in the classroom, don’t be afraid to advocate for them. No one is going to stand up for your child unless you do it first.
  • Ask for Help. One of the most valuable things for parents is a dependable support system. Have people ready so you can take a break and recharge, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Becoming involved in a support group is also an option for parenting children with ADHD.

At AGC Pediatrics, we understand the difficulties you face when parenting a child with ADHD, and are ready to support you and your child. Our professional behavioral psychologists are an excellent resource for helping you discover treatment options for your child, which may include therapy, parenting training or medication.

Contact AGC Pediatrics for Help with Parenting a Child with ADHD

AGC Pediatrics has multiple locations in North Georgia. Each location has experienced and knowledgeable behavioral specialists to help you treat your child with ADHD.

Contact Nurse Mary Stewart via phone at (706) 625-5900 or via email to schedule a consultation for your child.