One afternoon, Sarah sat at her kitchen table, watching her 8-year-old son, Alex, jump from one activity to another. He grabbed a toy, threw it outside, ran outside to pick it up before dashing inside again, then ran over to the window, staring outside for a second before coming back to her. His energy was boundless, but his focus was fleeting. He had unfinished homework and having him do Homework had been a battle, and once again, Alex’s teachers had sent notes about his difficulty staying on task. Sarah felt frustrated and helpless. “Why can’t he just sit still?” she thought. Little did she know, Max was facing a challenge far bigger than restlessness; he had ADHD. Are you a parent like Sarah? Let me tell you what might be happening to your child; he might have ADHD
Understanding ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children’s ability to focus, control impulses, become overly active and have difficulty managing energy levels. It’s common, affecting about 6-9% of children globally and often misunderstood, leaving many parents like Sarah feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to support their child.
1. The ADHD brain works differently: Children with ADHD are often criticized for behaviors like daydreaming, fidgeting, or interrupting conversations. What many people do not realize is that these behaviors aren’t deliberate. ADHD is linked to differences in brain chemistry, particularly in the way the brain regulates dopamine, an important neurotransmitter related to attention and motivation.
Guide: Reframe how you think about your child’s behavior. Understanding that their actions are not intentional misbehaviors but are a result of how their brain works. This can reduce frustration for both you and your child.
2. Build Structure into Daily Life
Children with ADHD thrive in environments that provide clear structure and routines. They often struggle to manage their time or prioritize tasks, which is why schedules and consistent routines can be incredibly helpful.
Guide: Use visual aids like charts or apps that outline daily routines that make transitions easier for your child. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also help.
3. Encourage Positive Reinforcement
Children with ADHD are frequently scolded for their supposed “bad behavior.” Over time, this can have a negative effect on their self-esteem. Positive reinforcement praises their efforts, progress, and positive conduct, helps to boost their confidence and pushes them to keep trying.
Guide: Set small, achievable goals and reward your child with praise, a sticker chart, or a fun activity. Focus on what they’re doing well instead of just pointing out the struggles.
4. Partner with Teachers and Therapists
Your child’s education is an important part of their development, and ADHD can make traditional classroom environments challenging. Working with teachers to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if available, ensures your child gets all the support they need.
Guide: Stay in regular communication with your child’s teacher and consider working with a therapist or ADHD coach who can help with behavior management strategies. See (contact clsn) for free consultation and assessment.
5. Self-Care for Parents
Caring for a child with ADHD can be draining. It’s important for parents to remember that their well-being matters too. Parenting a child with ADHD requires patience, resilience, and sometimes taking a break.
Guide: Make time for self-care, whether that’s talking to a therapist, joining a support group for parents of children with ADHD, or simply taking a walk to clear your head. When you’re taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to support your child.
