Tips to Help your ADHD Child through School

When you have a child with ADHD, you may find it trying to control his/her impulsive behavior and lack of attention in any activity for a long time. An ADHD child can find it difficult to concentrate in studies or sit in class for specific number of hours which may lead to loss of self-esteem. Children suffering from ADHD can have three types of disorders like inattentiveness, hyperactivity and a combination of both. Instead of raving against destiny, it is advisable to accept the situation and then look for professional advice to help your child through academics to help him/her live a normal life among peers.

a. Ensure effective treatment to your child

Take your child on a regular basis to the healthcare provider that is treating him/her with medication and check progress over a period of time. Research has shown that several factors like school support, medication, therapy and parental support have been effective in treating children with ADHD. Both children and adults with ADHD have trouble remembering information and recalling it at the appropriate hour. So you have to help your child improve their memory skills with visual and auditory exercises.

b. Be compassionate and understanding

The hyperactivity and mood swings that your ADHD child undergoes are sufficient to put you under severe stress. But the best way to deal with it is to control your anger and frustration and divert the child’s attention to doing activities in a more relaxed manner. An ADHD child’s working memory is poor and simple tasks like remembering assignments and tests are stress for him/her, so forcing them to try harder will simply not work. Instead of punishing your ADHD child with more homework, locking him/her up without recess or yelling, which will irritate you and scare the child, get engaged in their daily activities which he/she may try to avoid. Spend as much time as possible to help your child get through homework and stay focused.

c. Draw up an organized plan with rules

Help your child make a structured plan to complete his/her tasks without distraction by breaking down assignments into batches that can be done with small gaps. Teach them to remember homework and do it on regular basis by setting up an assignment folder. Due to the chaotic structure of their brain, your ADHD child may not understand the importance of regulations, so set up rules to carry out daily activities.

Combine praise with rewards

Verbal praise with small indulgences like taking your child out to movies, picnics, long drives and buying favorite books can go a long way in helping the child to accept that you understand your child's challenges. The child needs to trust you to accept your rules as the best way of overcoming problems in daily life like managing schoolwork and regular tasks at home.

Always remember that an ADHD child needs to be understood and accepted to help them understand inherent qualities and manage challenges in life. Most children with ADHD issues can study with normal children, but if they have teacher who understands their problem then they can manage them better.

Our providers and Physicians at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic treat and provide care for kids with ADHD. We help the children as well their parents to understand ADHD better, which will help the kid with ADHD to lead a normal, better life.

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