Living with ADHD

Living with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is difficult regardless of if you are the one suffering from this order or are living with someone that suffers from this disorder. ADHD is a childhood disorder that will continue to plague your life through adolescence and adulthood. It is important to inculcate coping skills from the moment of diagnosis in order to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

When raising a child with ADHD, rule number one is to remember that your child is not deliberately being disruptive. He cannot control his impulses. He acts without stopping to think about the situation or consider the consequences of his actions. Yelling will not be of any help. To modify behavior and control his impulses, you need to reorganize his and your life to offer more structure. Only then will you find relief from the stress and exhaustion. Only then will you be able to control the situation.

Here are five steps that make living with ADHD easier:

Add structure to your daily routine

Adding structure to your day to day activities is the first step to a less stressful life. Create a set routine for him to follow – get up, brush teeth, eat breakfast, complete chores and such. A daily routine, wherein, he knows exactly what is required of him adds structure to his life. It also reduces the number of opportunities to act on his impulses.

Don’t be Vague when Offering Instructions

Interpretation of instructions creates opportunity for chaos. When he does not know precisely what needs to be done, giving into impulses is easy. If you want him to complete a certain task, for example, clean his room, do not just ask him to make sure his room is clean. Offer specific instructions on what compromises of a clean room. Tell him to pick up his toys, put away his books, pick up the towels on the floor, and make his bed. This transforms the activity from a vague instruction into a goal oriented activity. It also creates opportunity to admire good behavior and reinforce good behavior.

Set Boundaries and Appreciate Good Behavior

Set clear boundaries. Explain what is good and bad behavior. Explain what type of punishment and reward each behavior brings. Enforce these rules consistently. This will add structure to his life.

When he has completed a task well, do not just say well done or good job. Be specific about why you are pleased. This will help reinforce good behavior. For example, you did a good job arranging the books on the shelf.

Pay Attention and Intervene

Impulse driven actions occur when your child becomes frustrated or over simulated. Be on a look out these for warning signs and intervene by distracting him or removing him from the situation. This will give him a chance to calm down.

Eating and Exercise

Food and exercise plays an important role creating structure. Keep an eye out for food that makes him hyperactive. This will help you create a list of foods to avoid. Also, get him involved in some form of sporting activity. Also avoid activities that will over-stimulate his sense just before bed time. This will help him use up excess energy and ensure better sleep quality.

By employing these life strategies, you will be able to add a little structure to your chaotic life, which will make your everyday activities less stressful. If you are looking for more in-depth coping techniques, contact our Providers and Physicians at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic who treat and provide care for kids with ADHD.

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