Tips for Living With an ADHD Child
If you’re just starting down the path yourself, tape them to your bathroom mirror and remember, you are never alone. …
Photo Credit: AbMoriarty Designs
When Lee was diagnosed with ADHD at seven years old, I had no idea what to do. It felt like someone knocked the wind out of me, and I was flat on my butt. But when I picked myself up to face the challenges that lay ahead, I found a lot of hope on my road of discovery. Here are some of the tips that helped me cope through the years Lee grew from child to teenager. If you’re just starting down the path yourself, tape them to your bathroom mirror and remember, you are never alone. There is always a way to get up off the ground.
Go slow: Don’t overload. Bits and pieces. One thing at a time.
Reflect back: Your emotional reaction can increase your child’s anxiety. Step back and listen, then respond.
Don’t compare: Life with an ADHD child will be anything but typical…don’t compare to other peoples’ lives.
Praise what your child can do, offer help with what she can’t. Celebrate the things she did well that day.
Educate others so they understand your child. Knowledge is power; ignorance fuels judgement.
Remember? How many times can you ask your child this question? Instead, give your child a tip to remember or ask what tip he wants.
No one is perfect: Mop up the mess or turn it into a game. Reassure your child that life can get sloppy. There’s no shame.
Acceptance: Don’t be afraid to ask a teacher for changes. Help them see your child’s brain is wired in a different way.
Go with the flow: Life is a rollercoaster. You will be caught off guard more times than not. Enjoy the ride.
Take care of yourself. Now that you’re armed with some tips to get through the day, take a deep breath, and look in the mirror. Put yourself first, even if it’s just for these few moments. Close your eyes and think of something that brings a smile to your face. Take this thought with you throughout your day. You’ve got this!
Blogs
Related
The Gift of Mommy Friendships
As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to thank all the special moms who supported me through the years. Parenting a neurodiverse child is challenging and makes it difficult sometimes to find understanding friends. When I was struggling, long before my child’s ADHD diagnosis, two moms stepped forward and gave me hope and the gift of friendship. This blog is in honor of them.
The Power of Books
Over the years in my quest to help my child with ADHD and now complete a memoir about it, I accumulated many books on the subject. Maybe it’s the teacher in me or just my passion for books, but I ended up with a pretty good collection. This month’s blog focuses on some of my favorites.
Communicating With Your ADHD Child
Even though I’d heard that communication is a skill we learn and practice, no one told me how important that would be in raising my child. Between Lee’s inability to focus, a lot of hyperactivity, and emotions that were hard to regulate, it became my challenge to find a different way to communicate. In this month’s blog, I put together the tips that worked for me over the years. Hope you’ll find one that works for you!
As soon as I discovered this internet site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them. Ulrikaumeko Markos Starr
Thank you! I appreciate your support.
I got what you intend,saved to my bookmarks, very decent web site. Ardine Mischa Lesya
Thank you, Ardine, and welcome!
Have a plan in place whenever you get ready to practice. Kellia Erik Fem
Good strategy!
Hello. This post was extremely fascinating, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this subject last couple of days. Tobey Mitchell Vtarj
You’re right. Living with a child with ADHD is an important subject. Hope my tips were helpful!
I like this blog very much, Its a very nice post to read and incur information. Carlin Clayton Deth
Thank you! I hope the information helps.
I am not sure the place you are getting your information, but good topic. Cinderella Wyatan Petronia
Thanks! These are the tips that helped me when I was raising a child with ADHD. I got them from ADHD experts, resources like ADDitude magazine, and going to CHADD conferences. There’s a lot of help out there!
We stumbled over here different web page and thought I should check things out. Catharina Roderich Anis
Thanks!
You have noted very interesting points! ps nice site. Laurena Derek Ahab
Thanks so much! Hope the tips will help.