If your child has difficulty paying attention, is hyperactive, or displays impulsive behavior, they may have ADHD. The good news is that there are coping strategies parents and children can learn to help them succeed.
What is ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD can cause low self-esteem, school anxiety, troubled relationships, and poor grades.
Coping Strategies
Here are five strategies to help manage your child’s ADHD.
- Praise good behavior and offer rewards
- Give simple, short directions or commands
- Practice healthy habits.
- Develop daily routines for school, homework, chores, and bedtime.
- Help them to build social skills. Spend quality time with your child, encourage them to find a friend, and get them involved in age-appropriate activities.
How Parents Can Help
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, here are some ways you can respond positively.
- Learn all you can about ADHD. Follow the recommended treatment for your child.
- Every child is different. Identify the problems they are having and find ways to help them improve.
- Focus on teaching your child one skill at a time.
- Work with your child’s school and their teachers. If you have a teenager with ADHD, talk to them about how it’s affecting them.
- Connect with others and find support.
- Avoid scolding, blaming, or lecturing. Compliment your child instead on what they are doing well and help them discover their strengths.
Consider Professional Counseling
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common treatment for ADHD. It aims to help a child or teenager make positive changes to their behavior. The licensed therapists at Suffolk Counseling Services can help parents and their children. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
