Understanding ADHD in Children: A Guide for Parents

Navigating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children can present its share of hurdles, yet armed with insights and effective approaches, parents can become powerful allies in their child's growth journey. In this guide, we'll explore practical tips and strategies tailored for parents embracing the ADHD journey with their children. At Reach Counseling, we're committed to partnering with children and parents to embrace their unique neurodiversity. We firmly believe in uncovering and nurturing each child's inherent strengths and qualities while empowering them to understand their brain and neurodivergent identity.

Understanding ADHD

1. Educate Yourself 

Begin by learning about ADHD, its symptoms, and its impact on children. Understanding that ADHD is about how your child’s brain is wired and not a result of parenting skills is crucial. Parenting is hard. Taking the time to learn about ADHD and parenting a child with ADHD, may take some stress and guessing away from your plate. 

2. Professional Evaluation 

Seek a thorough evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and identify specific challenges your child may face. A professional diagnosis can open doors to support and resources that could be beneficial for your family and help calm their fears and distress.

How to get an evaluation for ADHD:

• You can start by seeking help from your child’s pediatrician or family physician. Some pediatricians can help evaluate and treat ADHD.

• You can receive a psychological evaluation from a licensed mental health professional who specializes in assessment, usually a psychologist. A full-scale evaluation will rule out other developmental disorders and mental health issues such as anxiety.

• You can seek an evaluation and medical services from a child psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health conditions. They can both evaluate for ADHD and provide medical interventions such as medication.

Creating a Supportive Environment

3. Consistent Routine 

Establish a predictable daily routine. Children with ADHD often thrive in structured environments where they know what to expect. Knowing what to expect helps your child take the energy away from guessing what the day will look like and put more energy into what is in front of them and what is expected of them. 

 4. Clear Expectations

Clearly communicate rules and expectations. Use visual aids and reminders to reinforce routines and rules. Simple cause and effect charts are helpful. You can create this with your child to discuss consequences that make sense and motivate them! Every child is different and will respond to different motivations. 

 5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps 

Help your child tackle tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Provide positive reinforcement for each completed step. This is helpful for tasks and to-do lists! 

Communication and Discipline

6. Encouragement

Encouragement promotes self-motivation and internal evaluation by focusing on children’s efforts and contributions. Encourage their efforts rather than praise their achievements. Example: “You worked really hard on that!” or “Even though that was hard, you didn’t give up!” Recognize your child’s effort and improvements and show appreciation for their contributions.

 7. Consistent Consequences

Establish consistent limits and consequences. It's crucial to be fair and predictable in your responses. Your child will understand and expect consequences when they are consistent, logical, or natural to the action. A conversation beforehand can go a long way! 

You can read more about how to set limits in Carrie Manning’s article here: Four Strategies for Setting LImits With Your Kids

Managing Distractions

 8. Organizational Strategies 

Help your child stay organized. Use tools like planners, calendars, and checklists to keep track of assignments and activities. You can help your child take off some stress by teaching them how to plan and organize. These skills do not come naturally. This can especially be true for children with ADHD. For the younger kiddos, make an easy “to-do” list with pictures and put it somewhere they can see it: dog bowl for feeding the pets, or a clean room for picking up toys.

9. Minimize Distractions 

Create a quiet, organized study space. Minimize distractions such as noise, clutter, and electronic devices during homework or focused activities. This can be done in several ways. Create a cozy corner with a sound machine, relaxing lights, and a healthy snack. A child who is not hungry or overstimulated will be able to concentrate easier. Remember to take brain breaks and move the body when needed! 

Promoting Physical Activity

10. Regular Exercise 

Encourage regular physical activity. Exercise can help channel excess energy and improve focus and self-regulation. Your child will benefit from getting physical activity each day. It not only exercises the body, but the brain as well. 

11. Structured Hobbies 

Engage your child in structured extracurricular activities. Sports, music, or art can provide an outlet for energy and enhance self-esteem. Find what interests your child, or take up a family hobby such as free style dancing, walking, or bike riding! 

Collaboration with School

12. Open Communication with Teachers 

Maintain open lines of communication with your child's teachers. Share strategies that work at home and inquire about what is effective in the school environment. Remember that the parent-teacher relationship should be a team effort and approach!

13. Educational Supports 

Work with the school to develop a 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if your child needs support in the classroom. These plans outline specific accommodations and support for your child's unique needs. If this is the right fit for your child, it may give them the emotional or educational support they need to have a better day! Contact your child’s teacher or school administrator to request a 504 plan if your child needs extra accommodations. If your child needs more support, request a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) through Special Education services.

Professional Support

14. Therapeutic Support

Consider counseling for your child with a licensed therapist. Therapy can provide additional tools and coping strategies for managing ADHD-related challenges. Play Therapy can help younger children with emotional regulation. For older kids and teens, therapy will provide your child with a safe space to understand their unique strengths and challenges. Working with a therapist will also give you and your child a space to navigate the ups and downs of family life.

15. Medication Management 

Consult with a qualified medical professional, such as your pediatrician or child psychiatrist, to see if medication treatment would be a good fit for your child. Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, and are considered the first-line treatment. They work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help with symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention span. If prescribed by a healthcare professional, ensure your child's medication is taken as directed and monitor any side effects.

Conclusion

Remember, every child with ADHD is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's essential to be patient, adaptable, and continuously seek guidance from healthcare professionals and educators. Building a strong support network and maintaining a positive, understanding attitude can significantly contribute to your child's success and well-being.

Reach Counseling offers individual and family counseling for children, teens, and adults. Contact us today to get your child’s healing journey started and to find that support and community that you, as a parent, deserve! 

(682) 593-1402 info@reachcounselingtx.com