Raising children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with several problems and characteristics. Children with this diagnosis have complex and sometimes inappropriate behavior. Parents should understand that for harmonious learning and development, such children need special care, an approach to teaching, which ultimately will give pronounced positive results.
Tips for Parents
When making such a diagnosis, the main task of parents and professionals is to help children reduce disruptive behavior and cope with the problems that accompany or are a consequence of ADHD.
Experts have developed some fundamental tips for caring for diagnosed children to help them cope with their own emotions, control them, and succeed in learning and social networking.
Statement of complex tasks
One of the main problems of children with the syndrome is the inability to focus on a specific task. Often, children switch their attention and quit what they started, as a result, learning becomes almost impossible.
Experts say that children who solve a difficult problem are practically not distracted and are completely focused on it. Distraction occurs just when the task at hand is simple or seems uninteresting.
The flip side of the coin is hyper focus, when a child is focused on a specific task to such an extent that he does not notice what is happening around him. All methods of distraction and attraction of attention go unheard and without any reaction.
Experts say that if a child has certain hobbies and hobbies, to which he is completely given, parents should only encourage this hobby.
Children need support
It is important to praise the child for good behavior, celebrate his progress in controlling his own behavior and feelings. It is very important for children with ADHD to hear what is acceptable behavior and get praise for following the rules. Parents should talk about what behavior is unacceptable.
Physical activity and a strict schedule
Children should have a schedule that is the same from day to day: get up and go to bed at the same time, despite weekends and holidays, meals, study, free time should also be at a certain time. In this way, children know what to expect and learn responsibility.
Physical activity, such as attending sports clubs, will help get rid of excess energy. For children of all ages, regardless of their health condition, parental example is extremely important. Joint walks on bicycles, hiking will help get rid of excess energy and form good habits.
Solution Algorithm
Some of the tasks for children may turn out to be too difficult and it is necessary to draw up some kind of algorithm. For example, the task was set to clean in your own room. Parents can set several tasks: making the bed, removing toys, dusting, vacuuming, etc.
This separation of activities will help to avoid frustration with setbacks and will make the child feel more confident.
Explain, not command
With a specific request, parents are encouraged to explain why it needs to be done. Children with ADHD find it difficult to tolerate orders and command tone. Information and a parent’s request will have a greater effect if you first explain why and for what certain actions are needed.
Every action has consequences
Children with ADHD need some concessions from their parents. But even in this case, children must clearly know the boundaries of what is permissible, and if they go beyond them, an immediate reaction and consequences will follow.
Children with great potential
At a certain point, parents begin to feel that the children are stalled, and no improvement in behavior is expected. But you shouldn’t stop trying and working on the child’s behavior. According to experts, children with the syndrome have great potential.
But such “symptoms” may indicate that, perhaps, it is only necessary to change the strategy of behavior and caring for the child, as well as his upbringing.
Care rules, communication with children
According to the data, the average time to diagnose ADHD is about 7 years. At this age, children are quite intelligent, conversations with parents can be informative and to some extent help to control the behavior and emotions of the child.
During a conversation, parents should use a language that the child will understand, it is worth avoiding complex terms and abstruse phrases, as well as unnecessary needs. The difficulty of talking and telling new facts can increase as the child grows older.
It is imperative that parents convey to the child the fact that the presence of a diagnosis does not distinguish him from other children, and also does not make him bad. With the support and organization of proper care and education for the child, there should be no negative impact on the child’s life.
ADHD and intelligence
Despite all the difficulties in learning, difficulty in concentrating and developing social connections, ADHD does not affect the child’s intelligence, he can also excel in school. There is no need to look far for examples; according to some reports, Albert Einstein had ADHD.
Children with a similar diagnosis can also succeed in life and achieve certain success and results, as well as find a profession in which they will be fully self-actualized.
According to the data, every 12-15 children in Russia have ADHD, although the data vary. This widespread prevalence has led scientists from all over the world to look for remedies and methods of treatment, as well as develop rules of care that will help reduce risks and consequences in the future.
At the moment, research on ADHD continues, new data are constantly emerging that relate to various aspects of the life of children and parents.
A positive trend has emerged in the fact that ADHD began to be perceived differently, and not as a problem of raising children. Support centers for children, parents, and guardians are being established to provide care for children with ADHD. Attending and teaching children in such centers can make life easier and give them the opportunity to achieve more academic success and control their emotions.