What Parents Can Do To Help Children With ADD
Once your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit
Disorder, you may feel a bombardment of emotions: guilt, for
feeling responsible; relief, for understanding the cause of your
child's behavior; or anger. As you sort through all of the
emotions, it is important to understand your child's position is
not a hopeless one. Many things can be done to help your child
reach their full potential and to deal with the disorder.
The first thing you should do to help your child is research
ADD; learn everything you can about the disorder. You will be
more help to your child if you fully understand what they are up
against, common treatments, and what to expect down the road.
You will also be more prepared to work with your child's doctor
in effective management of the disorder.
You should also decide, with the help of your doctor, if your
child should be medicated. This is a personal decision and can
be only be made by you. Some parents feel they are giving their
child the best opportunity they can by providing a means to a
normal life. Others feel as though medication is not an option.
Whatever your decision, you should be educated and certain of
your decision.
Regardless of if you use medication, you should implement
certain behavior therapy guidelines to help your child control
their behavior. These train your child to utilize lifelong
skills to be effective and productive. You should have set
behaviour guidelines, as well as consequences. Children with ADD
need clear expectations and consistent discipline.
You should be supportive of your child; you are their best
advocate. In school, be sure they are being treated in a manner
that will ensure their growth and development, as well as at
home. You should consider yourself, your child's teachers, and
doctors a part of a team whose goal is to help your child
succeed.
Help your child grow to be a confident and happy person.
Acknowledge their strengths and tell them how much you love
them. Children with ADD often suffer depression and low
self-esteem; if you know this is the case, take measures to help
avoid this fate for your child. Seek professional help if
necessary.
Consider joining a support group and seek out people that share
your situation. Often the best advice you can take is from
someone that has been in your shoes. Utilize life experience!