Parenting ADHD Children

12 Easy to Implement Tips for Parents

If you are parenting ADHD children you might feel like you are stuck in the “terrible twos” for years. Usually, signs of ADHD are present by the age of 7, but it can be hard to diagnose before the age of 5.

If you suspect your young child might be ADHD, but your doctor has taken a “wait and see” approach because of his age or you aren’t interested in an official diagnosis, there are a few things you can do to help reduce some tension for you and your child. You may notice that many of these tips are useful for parenting all types of kids!

1. Be consistent.

2. Have a schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

3. Give directions one step at a time and in simple words. A lot of explanation is confusing to an ADHD child.

4. Make eye contact when speaking to your child. I had a teacher friend who used to always say, “Look at my eyes…” before giving directions. Good parenting advice for all children not just those with ADHD symptoms.

5. Outside time is important. Research shows that being in nature with bushes, flowers and trees (not just on a concrete slab playing basketball) helps the ADHD brain focus better.

6. Remember that kids with ADHD are often very intelligent, but since their minds work differently, their intelligence isn’t always recognized.

7. Use visual and kinesthetic teaching techniques. Let the touch, do, feel, see. ADHD children are better at this than just listening. If you are learning about bugs, don’t just read about them, find them in the woods, observe them, touch them (if they aren’t poisonous), have you child pretend he is one, ect.

8. Use a lot of positive reinforcement. If you want a behavior to continue, praise it, praise it, praise it! Again, a great parenting tip for everyone, not just for ADHD kids.

9. Use picture labels for organizing toys, closets, drawers.

10. Know that you will have to correct the same behavior “umpteen” times before it finally sinks in.

11. Discover your child’s strengths and encourage them.

12. Understand that most of the time they really DO forget to do things. They aren't trying to be disobedient.

Understanding and having strategies for parenting ADHD children makes life easier for you and your child.

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