How Do I Help My Child with ADHD: Do’s & Don’ts for Parents

Are you a parent of a child with ADHD? If so, you know all too well how it can impact your daughter or son’s ability to function in school and social activities. Trying to figure out how best to help your child can be an overwhelming and challenging task, especially when the advice seems to contradict itself at times. Luckily, we’re here to offer insight into what works best for supporting children with ADHD. Keep reading!

Do’s for Coping with ADHD in Children

With the right approach, children facing ADHD are capable of achieving success in their education, relationships, and life overall. Here are some do’s for coping with ADHD in children.

Educate Yourself about ADHD

Once you have received a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to educate yourself about the condition. Learning about ADHD in children will help you to better understand your child’s symptoms and how to best manage them. There are many excellent resources available on the internet and from local support groups.

Create a Supportive Home Environment

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for children with ADHD. Having structure and routine in the home can help to minimize chaos and provide a sense of predictability. It is also important to create an environment that is conducive to focus and concentration, such as having a designated space for homework and limiting distractions during homework time.

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Children with ADHD often benefit from healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Exercise can help to improve focus and concentration, while a healthy diet can help to regulate energy levels and mood swings. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits can also help to prevent obesity, which is common in children with ADHD.

Encourage Positive Behaviour

It is important to encourage positive behaviour in children with ADHD. This can be done by providing praise and reinforcement when they display desired behaviours. It is also important to avoid punishment or criticism when children with ADHD make mistakes, as this can further undermine their self-esteem and sense of competency.

Get Professional Help

Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through can be invaluable during difficult times. This support can come from family, friends, support groups, or online forums. You can also talk to a child therapists in Hamilton. Search for individual counselling sessions for ADHD as well as group therapy sessions nearby such as the ones offered at Family Matters Centre (Temper Temper, Chill Out, and Mindfulness Magic).

Don’ts for Dealing with ADHD in Children

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that their child will eventually outgrow their ADHD or that it’s not a big deal. However, ignoring the problem can make it worse. Here are some don’ts when dealing with ADHD in children.

Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once

When you’re trying to manage ADHD in children, it’s important to take things one step at a time. Trying to do too many things at once can be overwhelming and will likely lead to frustration for both you and your child. Instead, focus on one task at a time and break it down into smaller steps that your child can easily follow.

Don’t Get Angry

It’s important to stay calm when dealing with ADHD in children, as getting angry will only make the situation worse. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that your child is not acting out intentionally, and getting angry will only make it more difficult to manage the situation.

Don’t Compare Your Child to Others

ADHD can be a difficult condition to deal with, but it’s important to remember that every child is different. Comparing your child to other children who don’t have ADHD will only make them feel worse about themselves. Instead, focus on your child’s individual strengths and accomplishments, and celebrate their successes no matter how small they may seem.

Don’t Neglect Your Own Needs

Caring for a child with ADHD can be demanding, and it’s important that you take care of yourself as well. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes to relax or read a book. Taking care of yourself will help you be better able to care for
your child.

Choose Family Matters Centre for Counselling for ADHD in Children

The journey of raising a child with ADHD can be a daunting one. As a parent, you want to provide your child with the best possible care and support. That’s where Family Matters Centre comes in. Our team of experienced psychotherapists in the Hamilton area specialize in working with children with ADHD and can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.

We offer evidence-based interventions that focus on teaching coping strategies, enhancing executive functioning skills, and developing social emotional awareness. By choosing Family Matters Centre, you can rest assured that your child will receive the highest quality treatment for
their ADHD, empowering them to reach their full potential.

If you are interested in learning more about our ADHD therapy for children in the Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.