Mother Knows Best: 10 Tips from Moms on the Ongoing Challenges of ADHD

You didn't cause your child's ADHD, so don't waste time blaming yourself. ADHD is a brain disorder. It's not caused by your parenting or your housekeeping. 

There are things you can do that will help your child cope with ADHD, however, so try to learn as much as you can. 

ADHD is often inherited. Many parents find out they also have ADHD when their child is diagnosed. If you do have ADHD, learning to manage it effectively will help you help your child. Oftentimes, parents with ADHD have the same struggles as their children, so implementing routines can be challenging. Try to be patient with yourself as well as with them. 

Two federal education laws are especially applicable to children with ADHD: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Your child may be entitled to accommodations that can help them succeed in school. You can learn more at your state's Parent Information and Training Center. 

Healthy habits are important for your child to function at their best. Make sure you've got the basics covered: i.e., that they're eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise and sleep. If your child is on medication that's interfering with their sleep, talk to their doctor about what you can do. 

Help your child set up effective routines. Work with them to create a checklist with everything that needs to be done in the morning, after they get home from school, and before bed. Make sure they have a planner or some method of keeping track of school assignments, too. 

Connecting with other parents in the same situation can be tremendously helpful. You'll get support from people who've been there and get the chance to exchange information and ideas. A local group will be able to help you identify resources close to home. If you can't make it to an in-person meeting, look for an online option. 

Children with ADHD receive a lot of criticism. Over time, this can have a negative effect on their self-esteem. Try to praise your child's good behavior five times as often as you point out their bad behavior. Eventually, you'll start noticing more and more good behavior. 

All children are different, and ADHD will look different for each one. Notice the specific issues your child is dealing with so that you can help them formulate a plan to overcome them. Prioritize the list so you'll know which issues are impacting their functioning the most. 

No matter how many issues your child is having, only focus on one thing at a time. Trying to correct everything at once will be overwhelming for you and your child. Pick one area, develop a plan, and praise your child's efforts. When your child has a handle on that, you can move on to the next thing. 

Make sure all of the adults involved in your child's care agree on how to handle their behavior issues. You may be working with several health experts and education professionals as well. Keep everyone up-to-date and informed about your child's treatment plan and any changes in medication or therapy.