Parenting A Child With ADHD: How to deal with them

How does a child with ADHD behave? A child with hyperactiveness is often inattentive and restless. Their mood can change dramatically, and it's challenging to engage them in activities for a long time. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder manifests in this way. Currently, it is diagnosed in 11% of school-age children worldwide, and this number continues to grow.

Parents may feel confused about how to help a child with ADHD. How to calm hyperactive children to spark their interest in games and studies, and teach them to control their impulses? Many questions arise, but it's important to start by accepting that the child is different from others. Developing a behavioral strategy based on recommendations from psychologists and teachers who specialize in raising hyperactive children is crucial.

Features of a child with ADHD

Most parents desire well-behaved children who study hard and cause as few problems as possible. However, this may not be the case of children with ADHD. Parenting such children can be challenging. They require a unique approach and a great deal of patience.

Parents often receive comments from kindergarten or school teachers about their child's behavior: getting into fights, running around the classroom, or climbing onto furniture. These behaviors are not always a result of simple misbehavior. In many cases, these children meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, even without an official conclusion.

The signs of hyperactive children — impulsivity, excessive activity and reduced concentration are associated with physiology. Therefore, these children require comprehensive support, including medical, educational, and psychological assistance, along with active involvement from the family.

If parents give up on their child and do nothing at all, the attention deficit and hyperactivity can negatively impact their learning, socialization, and have long-term consequences in adulthood, such as antisocial behavior, addictions, and psychological problems. So, how can parents help a child with ADHD? Let's discuss it further.

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Signs of hyperactive children

What are the signs of hyperactive children? ADHD is a neuropsychiatric disorder and an official medical diagnosis, typically made by the age of 5 or 6. The exact causes are not fully understood, but a direct link has been observed between challenging pregnancies, difficult childbirth, and the development of ADHD.

Advancements in prenatal diagnostics and neonatology have allowed for the care of children with underdeveloped nervous systems. However, some dysfunctions in the nervous system can lead to physiological hyperactivity.

Complications during childbirth can result in cervical spine and head injuries, asphyxia, and hypoxia. These factors can contribute to significant pathologies and attention disorders, disrupting the functioning of inhibition mechanisms in the central nervous system. Therefore, a thorough neurological examination is necessary in cases involving labor stimulation and other complications.

Mistakes in raising a child with ADHD

How to handle hyperactive children? Sometimes, even with an official diagnosis of ADHD, parents may feel uncertain about what to do with their hyperactive children, how to educate them, and whether they should seek help from psychologists, doctors, or special education teachers. They may become desperate when observing their children's behavior and resort to punishment, blame, and depriving them of the love and warmth that every child needs.

What are some common mistakes parents make when dealing with hyperactive children?

1. Ignoring the issue: Some parents refuse to admit that something may be wrong with their child. They may believe that the problem will correct itself and not have a lasting impact on their child's development and well-being.

2. Reliance on kindergarten and school: Parents may notice their child's hyperactivity around the age of 2 or 3 and make efforts to adjust their parenting accordingly. However, once the child starts attending kindergarten or school, it can be tempting to rely on the caregivers or teachers to solve the challenges associated with their child's ADHD.

3. Ignoring the child's strengths: Hyperactive children often have a curious and open-minded nature, quickly grasping new information. It is important to leverage this and turn mundane lessons into exciting activities. Unfortunately, the child's inability to sit still for extended periods is often misinterpreted as a lack of interest in learning, rather than a need for a modified approach to presenting the material.

4. Lack of structured routines: Hyperactive children thrive on clear rules, instructions, and a consistent daily routine. They struggle to organize their day and keep track of everything. Parents often miss the opportunity to address ADHD-related behaviors with simple and accessible strategies.

5. Overdependence on others' opinions: Under the influence of societal expectations, parents may oppose their children's behaviors that deviate from the norm. This can lead to a constant battle between the parents and the child, creating additional stress and frustration.

How to deal with a child with ADHD: 10 tips for parents

How to deal with a child with ADHD ? It requires a systematic and long-term approach to address the manifestations of ADHD. Parents should follow specific guidelines for interacting with their children, being consistent and fair in their approach. While it requires effort, the results will be rewarding, with improved academic performance and reduced behavioral issues.

Here are ten tips to help parents support their child with ADHD:

1. Implement a system of rewards and consequences: Clearly communicate to the child what behaviors will be rewarded and what will be met with consequences. Consistency is crucial, ensuring that the same offense is not praised one day and punished the next.

2. Avoid physical punishment: Building a relationship with your hyperactive child based on trust, support, and understanding is key. Fear-based approaches are counterproductive.

3. Use effective discipline techniques: Hyperactive children are often unresponsive to lectures or reprimands. Instead, focus on more effective methods, such as temporary deprivation of privileges, additional chores, or tasks.

4. Assign regular and manageable responsibilities: Providing the child with ADHD with daily responsibilities helps teach self-control and reduce impulsiveness.

5. Teach anger management techniques: Hyperactive children may display aggression during moments of anger. Intervene promptly by redirecting their attention or you should learn how to teach hyperactive children self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing exercises.

6. Encourage limited-group interactions: Hyperactive children tend to thrive in smaller groups of 1–2 friends, as larger groups can overwhelm them and trigger tantrums. When possible, organize playdates at home, allowing parents to maintain better control of the situation.

7. Foster autonomy in learning: While the child should understand the importance of completing their schoolwork, allow them some choice in what and how they learn. This autonomy can increase their engagement and motivation.

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8. Avoid excessive criticism: Scolding a child with ADHD for poor performance achieves little and may create a negative attitude towards learning. Instead, focus on their strengths and work diligently on interesting subjects while setting achievable goals for the rest.

9. Promote physical activities: Hyperactive children require outlets for their energy. Engaging them in sports or activities that allow for physical exertion can help them channel their energy positively.

10. Encourage hobbies and interests: Finding a hobby that captivates and allows the child to excel among their peers can provide motivation and cultivate diligence in other areas of their life.

Remember, finding effective approaches for parenting a child with ADHD requires being on their side. Be their most devoted friend and loyal advocate, supporting them through their unique challenges.