What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder affecting approximately 3 to 5% of school children. Kids with ADHD often have problems with paying attention and tend to be over-active, impulse or a combination of both. Additionally, they have difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play, don’t listen when being spoken to, and they get easily distracted.
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to girls, but it’s never really understood why.
With proper treatment and care, taking care of your child with ADHD should be more successful and you’ll be able to manage their symptoms better.
As for the causes of ADHD, genetics seem to be the leading cause but ADHD is also caused by environmental factors, like exposure to cigarette smoke, drugs or lead during pregnancy. Artificial food colorings are also said to worsen symptoms of ADHD.
Be Honest About ADHD
Society will often point out the mistakes you make as a parent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prove them wrong. However, that’s not the case – your focus should be on your child, not how other perceive whether or not you’re a fit parent. ADHD is sometimes genetic, but often it’s simply just a brain disorder that developed, causing them to have trouble with concentration. Truth be told, most children, even healthy ones do.
Patricia O. Quinn, a developmental pediatrician who suffers from ADHD, and so do her three children says, “It’s really important to be honest and upfront. The child really needs to understand that is’ just part of who he or she is and it’s really something they can control”.
In one occasion, the son of Hal Meyer, who has ADHD told his father about another kid with ADHD “Don’t look at him as hyperactive. Look at him as being in a hurry to see the world”. (Source)
Let Them Be Independent
Children with ADHD are prone to develop low self-esteem and depression, so understand where your child is coming from. Children with ADHD don’t do what they do to anger you on purpose, they are simply wired that way. Understand that your child is unable to control his or her urges, and help them discover their won abilities. If there is something they’re good at, encourage them to keep doing what they love. And should they feel bored about it, ask them about other things they’d like to do so they can channel their energy at something that benefits their cognitive development.
Create a Safe Space
ADHD kids can be a little carefree and wild at times. While you may think it’s a bad idea to let them around without following their every move, you can always decorate your home to be free of any sharp edges that could leave them injured with cuts or bruises. Give them the freedom to unleash their creativity by giving them a little space to paint. You never know, you could be raising a genius painter in your own home!
