Parenting children with ADHD presents unique challenges. Everyday tasks, such as getting up on time, can seem daunting. The persistent questions we face about their journey—such as whether they will reach college or find success in life—can be overwhelming.

But what if I told you that the power to shape their future lies within you? Yes, you heard it right. We often seek miracles through treatments and various other methods. However, we sometimes overlook the incredible impact our parenting approach can have. And here is the proof. According to a study, directive parenting provides guidance through verbal and physical cues. This approach does not rely on strict control. It can help develop a child’s self-regulatory skills. It can also prevent the worsening of their ADHD symptoms.

Moreover, another study suggests that a lack of parental attention can increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in children, which are underlying causes of hyperactivity and may increase the risk of ADHD.

Isn’t it reassuring to know that you have the power to make a positive impact on your child’s ADHD symptoms? If you are unsure of how to proceed, here are some practical tips to point you in the right direction:

Table of Contents

Strategies for Parenting Children with ADHD

Setting Clear Boundaries and Expectations

With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), setting clear boundaries is crucial. It is not just about stating expectations; it is about defining clear goals and rewards. Based on what I have observed, punishments often yield limited results.

For example, instead of immediately taking away screen time as a punishment, try this approach: “If you exhibit behavior XYZ, you won’t have access to your favorite TV show. But if you meet these goals, you can earn back screen time each day.” Specify the behaviors you are addressing. Children with ADHD find it difficult to read in between the lines. So, establish clear boundaries, consequences, and goals, together to avoid confusion.

An even more powerful approach is to help children with ADHD set their own terms. They can do this by distinguishing between “I want,” “I must,” and “I need.” By teaching children to self-regulate through this framework, they can learn to set conditions for themselves. They link desired activities to essential tasks. For example, they might say, “I want to go out, but I must take out the trash first.”
This way, they understand that completing necessary tasks can quickly lead to achieving what they want. This method not only encourages independence and responsibility but also supports self-discipline in a natural, empowering way.

You can explore Maggie’s next book for more information about this approach and others like it. To get a free copy before it’s even published, feel free to register using the form below.

Choose your battles wisely.

Prioritize your interactions thoughtfully. Instead of concentrating on changing their behavior, simplify routines. Choose carefully which issues to address. For example, if your child wants to wear mismatched socks, consider allowing it rather than turning it into a conflict.

Channel Their Energy

Research shows that physical activity sparks real, positive changes in the brain that increase attention and improve mood. What’s more, exercise is an inexpensive, self-prescribed, and accessible supplemental treatment option for adults and children with ADHD.
Dr. John Ratey

If your child has excess energy, try to channel it creatively:

Physical Activities: Enroll them in martial arts or ADHD-friendly sports like swimming, gymnastics, or soccer. These activities help them use their energy constructively and build discipline. Encourage them to stick with these activities for long-term benefits.
Outdoor Play: Encourage regular outdoor play, such as biking, hiking, or playing in the park. Nature-based activities can be particularly calming and beneficial.
Creative Outlets: Engage them in creative activities like dance, music, or art classes.
Household Chores: Assign age-appropriate chores that involve physical activity, like gardening, vacuuming, or walking the dog. This helps them burn energy while contributing to the household.
Structured Playdates: Arrange playdates with peers where physical activity is the focus. Activities can include playing tag, jumping on a trampoline, or participating in organized sports.

Introduce fidget or sensory toys. They provide a way to keep their hands busy. These toys help manage energy levels during more sedentary tasks like homework or reading. Encourage physical activity. Offer various outlets for their energy. This will help them expend excess energy. It will also improve their ability to concentrate when needed.

Build routines.

Consistency in routines is key for children with ADHD as it provides a structured framework that supports their daily activities. Keeping these routines simple and achievable is crucial.

For example, set up a morning routine for your child. They can begin the day with a nutritious breakfast. Encourage them to engage in a short mindfulness exercise. Let them organize their school materials. These steps can set a positive tone for their day.

Genuine positive reinforcements

Yelling at your kids, whether they have ADHD or not, often results in them tuning out or ignoring you. It’s important to discipline them, but it’s just as important to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

When your child, who usually struggles with getting ready for school, manages to dress without a reminder, praise them immediately. ADHD kids benefit from immediate feedback, which helps them connect their behavior to positive outcomes. Remember to vary your expressions of appreciation. Repeating the same phrase, like “well done,” can make it lose its significance. Instead, use different expressions to keep the praise meaningful.

Break it up for them.

One effective strategy that works for us is giving clear, step-by-step instructions. For example, rather than telling your child, “Clean your room,” guide them with specific, step-by-step tasks. You can start with, “Pick up all the dirty clothes and place them in the laundry basket.” Then continue with, “Arrange your books neatly on the shelf,” and finish with, “Tidy up your bed.” This approach makes the task manageable and helps them stay focused.

Diet

As a parent, you know how much diet can affect your child’s mood and behavior. Research shows that what we feed our children can significantly impact their emotional health.

Specific foods can significantly benefit kids with ADHD, including protein-rich foods, whole grains, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

On the other hand, refined sugars, starches, artificial trans fats, high-carb foods, dairy, and food dyes can all have negative impacts on their health and behavior.

Transitioning to these dietary changes can initially appear challenging. Some parents find success by eliminating these foods all at once and reintroducing them slowly. Others prefer to remove them one by one to identify specific triggers.

Changing a child’s diet can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. Offer healthy snacking alternatives to make the transition smoother. Focus on the positive—highlight the nutritious foods you are incorporating rather than focusing on what is being eliminated.

Screen Time

Excessive screen time, such as prolonged hours playing video games or scrolling through social media, can make it harder for children with ADHD to focus on tasks like homework or chores.

For instance, a child might find it challenging to switch from a fast-paced game back to quieter activities, leading to increased restlessness or difficulty concentrating. Parents can help their child manage ADHD symptoms more effectively. They can limit screen time and encourage activities like playing outside or reading. This promotes a healthier balance in daily routines.

Sleep

Inadequate sleep can worsen attention and concentration issues, making it challenging for children with ADHD to stay focused on tasks like schoolwork or chores. It can also heighten impulsivity and hyperactivity, affecting their ability to manage their behavior effectively.

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key. Setting aside time each evening for your child to engage in a calming activity like drawing, taking a warm bath with their favorite bubble bath, and then, listening to soothing bedtime stories can help them unwind before sleep.

Meditate

Introducing mindfulness into your routine can benefit both you and your child. Just 10 minutes or more of focused meditation for 40 days can improve focus and brain function. This shared practice can significantly benefit both of you. If your child is not interested in conventional sitting meditation, try a sensory-focused nature walk. Encourage them to actively listen to the environment, observe nature’s vibrant colors and shapes, and take deep, slow breaths.

In addition to the parenting strategies mentioned above, parents must understand how to seek support for their children in school. Since children spend a significant amount of time in school and parents cannot always be there to assist, ensuring they receive the necessary help in this environment is essential for making their experience easier and more positive.

Navigating the School Environment with ADHD

The school environment poses unique challenges for children with ADHD, requiring them to sit still, pay attention, and follow instructions consistently. This can be particularly distressing for these children as their own ADHD brains may struggle to keep pace with their non-ADHD peers.

Despite the best intentions of schools and teachers to support your child, your active involvement is key. Here is what you can do:

Understand Legal Rights and Protections

Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your country that secure support for children with ADHD in school. These guidelines aim to offer accommodations and services tailored to each child’s unique learning requirements, ensuring equitable access to education.

Work closely with healthcare providers and education experts. Create a detailed plan identifying the accommodations your child might benefit from. These accommodations could include extended test times, classroom breaks, or personalized seating arrangements.

Communicate Effectively with the School

Initiate a meeting with school administrators, the special education coordinator, and your child’s teachers early in the school year. Present documentation of your child’s ADHD diagnosis and clearly articulate their needs. Share insights about accommodations that have proven effective and discuss strategies for implementing them consistently.

Advocate for Learning Style-Based Accommodations

Collaborate with school staff to customize accommodations that suit your child’s preferred way of learning. Consider aspects like where they sit in class and the conditions during tests, as these can affect their academic performance and how comfortable they feel.

Build a Support Network

Identify key individuals within the school community who play pivotal roles in your child’s education, such as the special education teacher, school counselor, and classroom instructor. Foster open lines of communication with these stakeholders to ensure ongoing support and collaboration.

Seek out parent support groups—both local and online—that cater to families of children with ADHD. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, gaining valuable insights, and receiving emotional support throughout your journey.

Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed

Establish a structured system for monitoring your child’s academic and behavioral progress. Maintain regular communication with school personnel to track your child’s development, address any concerns promptly, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented accommodations.

Remain flexible and prepared to adjust accommodations as your child’s needs evolve. Maintain a proactive and collaborative approach with the school. This will help create an environment that maximizes your child’s potential. It also supports their overall well-being.

Most importantly, affirm to your child that ADHD is a natural aspect of their identity, not a weakness. Support them in celebrating their individuality and empower them by helping them understand their ADHD. As they grow, guide them in developing self-advocacy skills to navigate their journey confidently.

Your bond with your child is priceless.

Parenting a child with ADHD can be a tough journey. It is important to realize that your child faces these challenges every day too. They deal with the realities of their condition amidst societal expectations, often hearing comments and feeling stares when they struggle to fit in.

As a parent, you must foster an environment where your child feels accepted and understood. This nurturing atmosphere empowers them to thrive and develop at their own pace, free from external pressures. Uphold their self-esteem and provide unwavering support through patience, love, care, understanding, and acceptance—these are the greatest gifts you can offer.

Dive deeper into the nuances of raising different types of children through our comprehensive series. Each article explores practical strategies and insights tailored to specific child temperaments. Enhance your parenting toolkit by subscribing to our series. You will receive updates and notifications for new articles. This ensures you never miss out on valuable guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

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Tips for Parenting kids with ADHD