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ADHDruns in families.
It’s critically important that the parentas well as the childbe diagnosed and treated.
Challenges When You and Your Child Have ADHD
Parenting is difficult.
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These can be harder to provide if you are also living with ADHD yourself.
Dealing with these challenges is often about finding a balance between your child’s needs and your own.
If a parent has ADHD, they may also have a challenging time being consistent with their child.
Parenting skills will be affected by the parent’s ADHD.
It is often difficult for those with ADHD to be flexible in their approaches to parenting.
ADHD, however, is a 24-hour-a-day condition.
ADHD causes impairments in school or work functioning, but it also significantly impacts families andsocial relationships.
There is even a high incidence of divorce in families in which a member has ADHD.
Identify Problem Areas
Make a list of your strengths and some of the areas where you struggle.
Once you know which areas are more challenging, you could find ways to deal with them more effectively.
Find Tools That Work for You
Every parent, child, and family has different needs.
A one-size-fits-all approach won’t solve your unique problems.
Instead, choose the tools and strategies that will work to address your needs.
Helpful tools includedaily planners, reward charts, appointment calendars, and meal-planning apps.
Create expectations and determine which behaviors are unacceptable.
Then clearly communicate these rules to your children.
A behavior chart can be a great way to stay consistent.
Reduce Distractions
Distractions can be difficult for both parents and children.
Regulating screen time can be helpful, but so can organizing and simplifying different areas of your life.
Caring for yourself is also critical.
Focus on getting rest, being active each day, and eating nutritious meals.
Learning your strengths as a parent and finding ways to address your weaknesses is a great place to start.
Struggles with time management, organization, discipline, and motivation introduce a number of difficulties in day-to-day life.
While there are difficulties, it is also essential to highlight your strengths and your child’s.
Assess your needs as a family and lean on these strengths while finding ways to manage your weaker areas.
2018;53(12):1391-1399. doi:10.1007/s00127-018-1585-z
