The Challenges of Raising an ADHD Child

How to Overcome The Challenges of Raising an ADHD Child

By Sue Perkins

Has your child been diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder? Are you worried about what you should do to help you, your child and your family in taking care of your child? And how hard is it really raising an ADHD child?

Some parents take an ADHD diagnosis in their stride, whereas for other parents the process of raising a child with ADHD becomes fraught with challenges and tension. The relationship between parent and child becomes a battle of wills with arguments and irritation being the overwhelming emotions. However, although raising an ADHD child needs a lot of patience, it doesn’t have to be this way.

One of the first things most parents complain about when their child is been diagnosed with ADHD is that they never stay in their seat. One of the most common symptoms of ADHD is always being on the move or on the go. They never get tired of running around or exploring, whether the behavior is appropriate or not. So, if you're taking care of a child with ADHD, you need to be fast and observant enough so as to keep the child from doing harm to himself or to others.

Another symptom of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is that a child can act dangerously without thinking of the consequences, either for themselves or others. This impulsiveness can lead them very quickly into trouble. Studies have shown that ADHD kids are more likely to be influenced by peer pressure and to get involved with illegal or risk taking behaviors like drinking and drug taking. They are also more inclined to get involved in fights.

As a parent, it is important to always be prepared for everything or for the worst case scenario. You don't need to scare yourself, but it is important to be well prepared.

A child with ADHD can also get upset over small things and will often have rage outbursts. When this happens it is best to remove yourself or your child from the room and ensure they are somewhere that they can’t harm themselves or others. Reacting to these outbursts with one of your own is counter-productive. It’s important to lead by example and show that this kind of behavior is unacceptable.

One of the hardest parts of parenting an ADHD child is remembering to give them praise. Most ADHD kids are constantly being chided or told off for actions they haven’t taken. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy where they mistakenly think ‘I’m always told I’m bad, therefore I must be’.
In order to increase self-esteem it’s important to find actions that you can be complimentary about. If you notice a behavior that you’d like to see more of, like putting their toys away, make sure you take the time to thank them for it. By providing encouragement for good behaviors and not reacting to bad ones, over time should lead to a smoother, calmer home life.

There are a number of different treatment options available, which are aimed at reducing ADHD behaviors. Not all of them will be suitable for every child. It’s best to discuss with your doctor the various options, but don’t just accept you have to medicate your child.

Ask about behavioral therapies and nutritional treatments too. Often the best approach is a combined one that integrates a combination of treatments. Perhaps the most important skills needed in raising an ADHD child is be patient and to give your child the love, attention and understanding he or she needs.