Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. Parenting ADHD child age by age is challenging as well as frustrating for parents in daily life. However, following behaviour management strategies for ADHD children will make life easy for both the child and the caregiver.
ADHD Strategies for parents: Children with ADHD lack self-control, have poor organization skishowshows impulsive behaviour, fidgeting, etc Let us learn How to treat an ADHD child at home.
- Compassion and consistency: Not only a child with ADHD but also the overall family life suffers due to the child’s impulsive behaviour. Parents need to be patient and maintain a positive attitude to keep the home environment stable. Be in your child’s shoes to understand the perspective.
- Self-care: ADHD children cannot listen to your instructions and act upon them. It leads to frustration, anger, and guilt in parents. With these kids, caregivers cannot aim to complete every chore in the house. Parents should rigorously take care of themselves, as they are the support system of the children. A balanced diet, exercise and stress management are effective to stay calm and focused.
- Seek support: For raising a kid with ADHD, you are not alone. Take support from doctors, therapists, and groups of parents with the same disorder. Venting out your worries and concerns with alike people will give some valuable insights.
- Create a plan: Formulate an easy plan for your child to follow for everyday life. Stick to the routine for playtime, sleep schedule, meals, homework etc. Limit screen time, which helps in reducing impulsive behaviour. Focus on performing the short task at a time, it will avoid confusion.
- Adequate sleep: Minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep, will prevent restlessness and hyperactivity. Create a bedtime routine conducive to sleep. Encourage children for physical activity, and reduce sugar intake.
- Pause and react: Children with ADHD do not have self-control. Parents need to teach them to pause before reacting. Allow them to verbalise their emotions before acting out. It will aid in reducing aggressive behaviour.
- Establish clear expectations: Children with ADHD lack attention; therefore, consistency is the key; to instilling behavioural change in them. As parents it is jarring, but do not give up. Do not pay any heed to criticism, your positive words and acceptance yield impulse control.
How to support a child with ADHD in the classroom?
Children with ADHD cannot learn at the same pace as other children. Parents should inform the teacher which will help students with behavioural management and training.
What teachers can do?
- Give simple instructions to a child.
- Assign one task at a time.
- Provide extra time for assignments or tests.
- Support with positive reinforcement
- Help the child in organizing things.
- Allow breaks and limit distractions.
- Frequently talk with school counsellors and parents.
Parents and teachers need to collaboratively take efforts so that the disorder cannot take over the child. With a systematic plan and consistent behavioural training, kids can reduce their destructive impulses. The family should pose patience, compassion, trust, and persistence to simplify the life of a child with ADHD.
How can we help?
Vigour 360 identify disorders with early intervention and conduct parenting workshops, and counselling services for students to achieve mental well-being. Connect with us to know more.
Meta description: Strategies for parents and teachers to manage children with ADHD at the home as well as in the classroom.
