There is nothing more stressful than having to care for a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, especially when you’ve been diagnosed with the same as an adult. Times are clearly hard these days but unfortunately the children do not have a fully understanding on why mom or dad is having a difficult time. So as the parents stress believe it or not so do the children. In fact, one of the causes of ADHD like behaviors is a sudden life change such as divorce, a death in the family, or moving.
Now there is more to add to the plate, having to give medication to child who has difficulty taking it. “Kicking and screaming would be putting it lightly“, states Angie, a single parent from Hollywood, FL, who’s son is nine and has ADHD. “It’s a horrible feeling having to make him take it, and the side effects are even worse.”
Behavioral Therapy for ADHD involves adjusting the environment to promote more successful social interactions. Such adjustments include creating more structure and encouraging routines. Hopefully these steps will help your child and encourage parents. It may be a long road for you, but with help and consistency these steps may be what you and your child need to cope better during episodes. Remember, when both parent and child has ADHD it is quite difficult organizing both of your lives at the same time. The first thing that can be done is creating a schedule for both you and you’re child and make sure you follow it strictly and daily. For example, for your child it can be waking up on time in the morning, brushing their teeth, putting on your clothes and shoes, eating on time, and completing their homework. For the parent, it is being consistent with your child, making sure they are on task, and awarding them when they’ve completed the tasks you’ve asked them to do. Keep in mind to make their goals reachable and make rules that can be easily followed. Adult ADHD may be treated with one or more of the following: behavioral therapy to boost up self esteem, relaxing and stress management to reduce anxiety, or family education and therapy.
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