ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a complex condition defined as a common neurodevelopmental disorder among children. It affects about 6 to 8% of them and is diagnosed in early childhood, later progressing into adulthood. Being a chronic condition, it involves an individual’s emotions and feelings.

Children suffering from ADHD struggle to pay attention, act impulsively or in the heat of the moment, and are pretty active. As a parent, it is hard to look after your kid as you never know what triggers them. However, some parenting strategies can aid in creating a balance in your child’s activity. But before we discuss that, the parents of these kids need to understand that kids diagnosed with ADHD tend to function differently. Consulting medical help will indeed do wonders, but it is essential that they put in some effort for their kids’ wellbeing as well.


In this article, we will look at signs, symptoms, and ways to how you as a parent can help your child suffering from ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

When it comes to the causes, all that can be stated is that doctors and scientists are still trying to discover better ways to reduce the chances of having this disease. However, it is believed that children tend to develop conditions such as ADHD because of a few risk factors such as any brain injury, the consumption of lethal substances, i.e. tobacco, smoking and alcohol, any environmental dangers, and more.

Though there is controversy about whether in-taking sugar can cause ADHD in children, this is not the case. Although factors like family chaos, in-taking sugar, social and environmental issues, and watching too much television can worsen the ADHD symptoms and signs, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that these factors cause ADHD in children.


Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD categorized: Inattentive type, Hyperactive-impulsive, and Combination type.

The first type of ADHD is the Inattentive type. In this type, it is complex for a person or child to stay focused on a single task for an extended time. They lack organizing skills and tend to get distracted or go off the path most of the time. Such types of people also tend to forget their daily routines.

The second type of ADHD is the Hyperactive type. The hyperactive type is where an individual has trouble staying on a specific task. These people tend to fidget and talk a lot. It is also difficult for these people or children to remain still while eating or speaking. Children specifically jump and run. Such people have problems with their impulsivity and feel restless. Since these people are impulsive, it is evident that they act out of the accord. Keeping that in mind, it is most likely that these people may hurt others.


The third type is the Combined type. This type involves the mix of type one and type two and are equally present in the individual.


Symptoms of ADHD

Stay assured that it is normal for kids not to focus or have trouble doing so at times. However, for a kid with ADHD, his symptoms don’t stop. Instead, they get more severe as time goes on. As a result, a child with the condition may daydream a lot, talk too much, make unnecessary mistakes, and would be unable to resist temptation.

Apart from those, kids with ADHD also find it difficult to get along with others. You may feel like these symptoms are bound to appear with kids without ADHD, and yes, they do. But, they fade along with their growing phase. Remember that with kids who have ADHD, these signs only seem to become stronger and more frequent.


Tips For Parents To Deal With ADHD

mother and son drawing together

Before you get down to go through all the tips and techniques mentioned in this article, you must maintain patience, steadfastness, and a positive outlook on the current position. It is not your fault, either the child’s fault. You’ll have to deal with this situation with much love and understanding.

Bear in mind that now that you have a particular child, you’ll have to make some unique rules and regulations for the household. The traditional raising method will have to alter a bit now. 

With that being said, let’s look at those ways stated below.

Make a Routine

For children with ADHD, you must have a daily routine that they stick to regularly. You must ensure that all the family members are mentally ready to follow through and know how the day will unfold. It is equally vital to create a structure of principles for your child. 

Establish proper rules and give a task to each of your children. Simple tasks such as making bed, folding clothes, and putting the dishes in place can form the basic structure.


Ensure to Organise

Create a safe, happy, and unique place for your child to study, read, and more. Everything in the house should have its place. Having a place for all the belongings plays a massive role in instilling that sense of calmness in their environment. 

Keeping the surroundings neat and clean will help in not triggering symptoms of ADHD. Try not to lash put on your child, and remember to take small pauses from time to time.


Cut off Distractions

At this point, you should be fully aware that distractions are like wildfire to the symptoms of ADHD. Not only do distractions disturb one’s focus, but kids with ADHD are quickly invited. It will help if you put limitations when it comes to using electronic gadgets too. Giving time to activities that pump energy and encourage kids to do their best will aid in toning down the severity of ADHD symptoms.


Encourage Breaks

You can’t be rooting for your kid 24/7. It is pretty understood that at some point, you’ll need me-time or breaks as much as your kid needs it. As a parent, planning a schedule matters too. If you happen to be dealing with one of your child’s temper tantrums or are feeling suffocated, it would be nice to take a stroll, hit the gym, or read your favorite book.


Conclusion

Parenting a child with ADHD is a difficult job. You’ll need to make sure that you don’t let the disorder or your child take control of the situation. Be patient and follow the techniques stated in the article. You’ll notice a difference soon, and nothing will make you happier. Hopefully, you found this article helpful.