Parenting a Child with ADHD
The Basics of ADHD
If you think your preschool child has problematic behavior, and you have observed the following (to name a few):
- Being inattentive at school and easily distracted
- Cannot sit still during meals or any other activity
- Always running around
- Do not listen or follow instructions
- Often loses things like pencils or toys
- Often forgetful about their assignments
Then it is time to see your pediatrician, developmentalist or psychiatrist. Physicians actually have specific criteria before they characterize your child as having ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The behaviour should be observed before 7 years of age, and at two different situations, where you can observe the same, like both at home and at school. The situation is very difficult for you as parents, and for everyone who facilitates your child’s learning as well.
What to do when your child has ADHD
Your child would have special need if he or she has ADHD. Oftentimes the approach would be a combination of pharmacotherapy (giving medicines) and psychotherapy to treat the child. However, you could always remember the following:
- Start with accepting your child’s condition. You should serve as the main support for your child.
- Evidences show that the non-pharmacologic approach is the best for preschoolers, especially parental training as an intervention.
- Only severe cases are given stimulants as the first-line for treatment.
This means that not only your child has to undergo behavioral modifications, but you too. Show your child how special they are, not because of their condition but because you love them.
Written and posted by George Kingery.
About George Kingery
I recently graduated from college with a degree in Psychology. Yes, I know psychology. But, it sounded like a great career path at the time. Now that I’m out and can’t find a job it doesn’t sound like such a good idea. However, I’ll continue to look for work and in the meantime will share my journey with you no matter where it might take me and no matter where I’ll end up. I’ll just talk about whatever is happening in my life and what all I need to do to get to the places I want to be. Come with me and see how I get along!