It’s a joy for parents to get to watch their children grow and develop. It’s a treasure to see their personality develop and they become the individual they are going to become. All children have their own quirks and hurdles they will need to overcome as they do develop. One of these hurdles is ADHD.
Many parents are now worried about their children developing and suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This disorder develops in children and teens and is often responsible for kids who “lack attention” and are “troublemakers” at school. ADHD causes impulse control issues for many children who have it. However, parents should relax. The signs of ADHD are out there, and there are many strategies to assist parents in helping their children manage and succeed with ADHD.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
As mentioned, it’s quite possible to determine if a child has ADHD. Being around a child every day allows a parent a unique opportunity to see the symptoms. Here are the things that parents need to be watching their children for:
- Self-Focus - Many children with ADHD will only recognize their own needs and desires. This often comes out in two forms. These children will often interrupt conversations other people are having to force their own conversation. They may also struggle taking turns for games and push forward against other children.
- Fidgeting - An inability to sit still and quiet is a very common symptom. Children with ADHD will either attempt to get up and move around, or squirm in their seat while they are forced in one spot.
- High Noise Levels - Frustration from sitting reasonably still or being unable to pursue the task they want will often result in yelling, screaming or speaking at a high level.
- Incomplete Tasks - Many children with ADHD will start a task, but quickly abandon it. This is especially true for tasks that require a sustained mental attempt, like homework.
Parenting Strategies
Helping your child with ADHD is not an immediate process. It takes time and acceptance of what they are. No child is perfect, but many parents have issues admitting that about their child. Parenting a child with ADHD is a process and it’s important to recognize limitations. Here are some strategies to assist in helping your child develop:
- Don’t Depend on Medication and Be Patient - Medication is often one aspect of assisting your child. Just because they are taking something to assist them with focus, it doesn’t mean everything is now solved. Stick with it. Working with children with ADHD takes time.
- Focus Improving Games - Try playing games like “Freeze, Focus”. In this game randomly throughout the day, you will tell your child to “Freeze, Focus”. They need to freeze in place. When it’s over, you ask them to describe things they saw during the frozen period. Gradually, extend the length of time that the child is frozen. You can place signs around the house with specific items or tasks for them to find during the focus period.
- Musical Learning - Music is catchy. A great way to assist your child with some tricky things like spelling is to help them spell to a beat. Creating your own simply tapping rhythm for trouble words will help them spell. Using their favorite music can also keep them on focus during chores.
- Turn Their Daily Life into a Story - One way to help a child with ADHD internalize their daily routine is to go through it at the end of the day. Have the child tell the story of their day as if they were a fictional hero. This assists them in internalizing a routine without being obvious about it.
- Keep The House Free of Distractions - This is easier said than done, but it’s important to give directions when there are no extra distractions. Don’t let things like a television or computer be running in the background that may take away attention when speaking with your child.
- Wait - When you speak to your child, give them what’s known as “wait time” from teachers. This 3 to 8 second time gives the child time to internalize their thoughts and come up with a response. It also gives you as a parent time to watch their faces for understanding.
Every child is different. These are just some ideas and strategies that can be used to assist a child with ADHD. Be patient, do research and try things that you believe fit with your child’s unique personality. It will be worth it.
