Strategies for Managing a Child with ADHD: Exploring Discipline Techniques and Daily Practices
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Living with a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can present unique challenges for parents and caregivers. However, understanding the nature of ADHD and implementing effective strategies can greatly improve family dynamics and support the child's development.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a behavioural problem or a product of bad parenting. It affects the executive functioning skills, such as time management, emotional control, and consistent discipline, in both children and potentially their parents [1][3].
To tackle these challenges, several strategies can be employed:
Parental self-care and management
Parents, especially those with ADHD, benefit from managing their own symptoms to better support their child’s development and maintain more consistent parenting [1].
Structured routines and visual aids
Externalising schedules with visual tools like checklists, color codes, and timers helps both parents and children maintain organisation and reduce chaos [3].
Parental training and behavioural therapies
Programs that teach parents techniques such as positive reinforcement and behaviour management enhance treatment effectiveness alongside medication and therapies for the child [2].
Emotional regulation techniques
Parents are encouraged to pause and regulate their own emotional responses before reacting to their child’s outbursts to prevent escalation and model calm behaviour [3].
Building a support system
Using partners, family, or friends to share caregiving responsibilities and stress relief opportunities helps prevent burnout [3].
Celebrating successes
Focusing on progress by acknowledging small wins builds confidence and motivation for both parent and child [3].
Seeking professional help when needed
ADHD assessments, counseling, and support groups provide tailored guidance and validation for parental struggles [4].
In the United States, federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) entitles children with ADHD to an individualized education plan and a 504 plan, which include special services and changes to the learning environment to accommodate the child's ADHD [1].
Examples of classroom accommodations and support that may help a child with ADHD include daily feedback from a teacher, rewards for appropriate classroom behavior, preferential seating, organisational materials, extra time for tests, the use of technology to support learning, frequent breaks, the freedom to move, classroom changes to reduce distraction, and training to teach children better time management and emotional regulation skills [1].
Impulse control issues in teenagers with ADHD can lead to potential risks, such as misuse of alcohol and drugs. Supervising a teenager's driving and providing lots of oversight can help reduce potential risks [1].
Girls may experience ADHD differently from boys, and it's important to continue pushing for accommodations at school for teenagers with ADHD [1].
Parents and caregivers of children with ADHD may experience increased stress due to advocating for their child at school, dealing with negative comments and unsolicited advice, finding and paying for treatment, managing behavioural issues, worrying about their child's future, and dealing with family conflict [1][2].
A 2011 study found that mothers of children with ADHD who experience higher parenting stress may adopt more arbitrary parenting styles [1]. A 2016 study found that parents who reported parenting stress were more likely to resort to less effective authoritarian and permissive parenting styles [1].
Techniques to help children with ADHD include teaching them better time management, giving one-step commands, helping them use planners and checklists, using a rewards chart and positive reinforcement, maintaining consistency, providing them with meaningful feedback, taking time to notice their success, not punishing typical ADHD behaviours, talking openly and proudly about their strengths, and finding ways to help them redirect their attention [3].
Encouraging the development of an organisation system that works for the teenager can support their academic life [1]. Support groups can offer help and feedback from other ADHD caregivers [4].
References:
[1] Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). ADHD in Children and Teens: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/adhd-in-children-and-teens-what-you-need-to-know/
[2] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinical Practice Guideline. Pediatrics, 128(5), e1007-e1018.
[3] Barkley, R. A. (2015). Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
[4] National Resource Centre on ADHD. (n.d.). Support Groups. Retrieved from https://help4adhd.org/support-groups/
- Caregivers, especially those with ADHD, can benefit from managing their own symptoms to better support their child's development, ensure consistent parenting, and lessen the impacts on family dynamics.
- To improve family organization, employing structured routines and visual aids, such as checklists, color codes, and timers, can help both parents and children manage day-to-day activities more efficiently.
- The inclusion of parental training and behavioral therapies in treatment plans can boost treatment effectiveness for children with ADHD by teaching positive reinforcement and behavior management techniques.
- Mental health support is crucial for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD, and seeking professional help, such as counseling or support groups, can provide valuable guidance and validation during challenging times.
