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10 Tips For Parents of Children With ADHD
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1) Build a relationship with your child's teacher
“It is critical that parents discuss what they have found to work with their child with the teacher so those methods can be utilized at school as well,” said Nekeshia Hammond, a licensed psychologist specializing in children, teens and families. “Similarly, parents should also listen when the teacher provides suggestions about ways to help the child. It can also be very helpful for parents to bring in literature about ADHD for the teacher and explain any triggers for ADHD or behavioral issues the child may have.” Felix Pergande/PhotoSpin
2) Stick to a routine and one-step instructions
“Sticking to a routine is often very beneficial to children with ADHD,” Hammond added via email. “Remembering to use one step instructions can also help, such as saying ‘please go brush your teeth,’ rather than giving multiple step instructions like ‘please go take a bath, brush your teeth, and go get ready for bed.’” Alena Ozerova/PhotoSpin
3) Start parent-teacher meetings early in the school year
“I always recommend that parents keep in fairly frequent contact with teachers to see how their child is managing in school - well before the first regularly scheduled parent-teacher conference,” said Andrea Stephenson, a clinical psychologist who works with children who have ADHD. “I often tell parents who suspect ADHD in their children to talk to teachers even before school starts if possible. If a teacher knows that there may be a problem, they can put strategies in place in the classroom to help the student start out the year being successful. It is very difficult to come back and make up time and teaching if problems drag on for too long.” MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin
4) Recognize less obvious symptoms like absentmindedness
“When kids don't have the hyperactivity part of the picture, it can be much more difficult to detect a problem. This is mainly because these kids don't cause issues in the classroom and are not usually behavior problems," Stephenson added. "They tend to be very quiet because they are often lost in their own daydreams, which is why we tend to describe them as ‘absent-minded professors.’ Things to look for with these kids are that they tend to lose things, they are unorganized, they don't turn in assignments and they seem to not be paying attention in class. These kinds of kids are more likely to get diagnosed later (4th or 5th grade).” Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
5) Monitor your child's grades on assignments at least weekly
“Kids with attention deficit respond to clear consequences and boundaries. They also often need clear rewards to help motivate their behavior," Stephenson said via email. "Waiting until the grading period is over is almost always too late. Parents really need to be checking in with teachers or through online grading systems on a weekly basis (sometimes daily if the ADHD is severe) to ensure assignments are getting completed and handed in.” Scott Griessel-Creatista/PhotoSpin
6) Set clear and consistent boundaries and consequences
Parents need to set consistent and clear boundaries. Consequences should be enforced consistently and clearly stated, as children with ADHD don’t work well with ‘gray areas,’ Stephenson said. It can be helpful to use a point system that rewards children for completing tasks. Jaimie Duplass/PhotoSpin
7) Make sure your child can repeat back any requests you make
“Parents also need to ensure that whenever they ask their ADHD child to do something, that the child is paying attention and can repeat back the request,” Stephenson said. Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
8) Children with ADHD need structure, supervision and organization
“ADHD kids need a lot of structure with a lot of supervision. Planners need to come home each day with assignments written in them,” Stephenson added. “Homework time needs to happen at the same time every day ... Some schools will put into place a daily communication notebook or sheet, which the child brings home every day. When completing longer tasks, these children need frequent, time-limited breaks. Sometimes ‘fidget’ toys can help - something they hold in their hand while they're doing their work.” Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
9) Daily schedules and checklist need rewards and consequences
“Parents may develop a schedule or checklist for things that need to be done each morning before school, after school, etc.,” said Dr. Ashley Gorman, a neuropsychologist and ADHD specialist. “A behavior system for rewards and consequences should be developed and clearly communicated between parents and their children. If possible, have the checklist of your child’s to-dos and responsibilities visible in the house.” Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
10) Ask yourself certain questions to check your child's progress
Here are a few questions Gorman said parents can use as checkpoints for their children with ADHD: 1) What does your teacher say about your child’s classroom behavior? Are there any missing assignments? 2) Is your child completing their homework within a reasonable amount of time? Does your child need multiple reminders to begin their homework or complete a household chore? 3) How are your child’s organizational skills? Is his/her room excessively messy? 4) Is your child getting along well with his/her peers? Is he/she maintaining friendships? 5) Is your child making careless errors when completing their homework? MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin
Sources
Sources: Hammond, Nekeshia. Email interview. October 22, 2014. http://hammondpsychology.com/meet-team Stephenson, Andrea. Email interview. October 28, 2014. http://www.viewpointchildfamily.com/home Gorman, Ashley. Email interview. October 29, 2014. http://www.morrispsych.com/about-us/associates/ashley-gorman-phd Tags: ADHD, ADD, mental illness, mental disorder, children and ADHD, parents and ADHD, ADHD Awareness Month Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
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