March 19th, 2013 at 7:00 PM - 

Life with a child with ADD/ADHD can be frustrating and overwhelming, but as a parent there is a lot you can do to help control and reduce the symptoms.

Before you can successfully parent a child with ADD/ADHD it is essential to understand the impact of your child's symptoms on the family as a whole. Children with ADD/ADHD exhibit a slew of behaviours:

• They often don`t hear parental instructions, so they don`t obey them.
• They`re disorganized and easily distracted, keeping family members waiting.
• They start projects and forget to finish them - let alone clean up after themselves.
• Children with impulsivity issues often interrupt conversations and demand attention at inappropriate times.
• They might speak before they think, saying tactless or embarassing things.
• It`s often difficult to get them to bed and to sleep.
• Hyperactive children may tear around the house or even do things that put them in physical danger.

As a parent, you need to set the stage for your child`s emotional and physical health.  You have control over many of the factors that can positively influence the symptoms of your child`s disorder.

Here are some things you can try:

• Keep a positive attitude and common sense.  When you are calm and focused you are more likely to be able to connect with your child, helping him or her to be calm and focused as well.       
• Establish a structure and stick to it.  Follow a routine, establish simple and predictable rituals for meal, homework, play and bed.  
• Use clocks and timers.  Simplify your child`s schedule.  Set clear expectations and rules.
• Dont forget praise and positive reinforcement.  Be on the lookout for good behaviour and praise it.
• Encourage movement and sleep.  Organized sports and other physical activities can help them get their energy out in healthy ways and focus their attention on specific movements and skills.
• Teach your child how to make friends.  They may struggle with reading social cues, talk too much, interrupt frequently, or come off as aggressive or too intense.  You can help your child become a better listener, learn to read people`s faces and body language and interact more smoothly in groups.  Role-play various social scenarios with your child.  Trade roles often and try to make it fun.  Be careful to select playmates for your child with similar language and physical skills.  Invite only one or two friends at a time at first.  Watch them closely while they play.

 HELPGUIDE.org

Authors: Melinda Smith, MA., and Jeanne Segal, PHD.