How to Care for Your ADHD Child and Yourself
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children in the United States alone. It’s one of the most common childhood conditions, but it’s often been mischaracterized.
Kids with ADHD aren’t less intelligent than their peers. They simply think differently. They might have a hard time focusing or concentrating on specific tasks. Maybe they don’t like to sit still for too long, and they tend to interrupt conversations.
Even though ADHD isn’t a sign of lesser intelligence, it’s something that requires work to manage—by both parents and children. There’s no question that it can be a challenge to raise a child with ADHD, so it’s important to take care of yourself as well as your child.
So, what can you do to ensure you’re both getting the care you need?
Keep a Positive Attitude
It can be easy for some kids with ADHD to feel discouraged or frustrated about their condition. There are definite obstacles and challenges to overcome, and there will be things they struggle with more than other children.
Instead of focusing on those things, choose to maintain a positive attitude about your child’s disorder. Help them find their strengths and the things they excel at. Some kids with ADHD are amazing athletes. Others benefit from calming activities like yoga or dance.
When you choose to have a positive attitude, your child is likely to do the same, and they’ll be more willing to tackle their challenges head-on.
Be a Model for Communication
Because kids with ADHD can have a hard time sitting still and focusing, and they can quickly interrupt, they might have a hard time making friends. They might even struggle with bullying or being considered “different” by their peers.
School is hard enough. For a child with ADHD, the idea of not fitting in can be overwhelming.
You can help improve your child’s social and communication skills by being a good model for them. Stay connected with family and friends, and make sure your child sees how you behave during those interactions. Take them with you to run errands and communicate with people at restaurants or in stores. The more they’re able to see real-world examples of how to act in social situations, the easier it will be for them to put those skills into practice.
Set Clear and Simple Rules
It’s important for all kids to have rules and boundaries. It’s even more of a necessity for children with ADHD. Write down the rules and expectations of your home and make sure your child understands them. Let them know that they can’t use their condition as an excuse to break those rules, but you’ll help them with anything that might be a challenge.
Children with ADHD do better with simple, clear instructions. When they know what’s expected of them, it’s easier for them to stay focused. Plus, when they stay within those boundaries and rules, their confidence and self-esteem will get a boost.
Practice Self-Care
As a parent of a child with ADHD, you’ll face challenges every day, too. Some days will feel absolutely draining, while others will be incredibly rewarding.
To give your child the best of yourself every day, prioritize self-care. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and taking the time to enjoy some of your own hobbies and activities.
You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you won’t be able to care for your child the way you want when you’re feeling burnt out. Make sure that while you’re providing them the best care possible, you’re not ignoring your mental and physical needs.
