October is ADHD Awareness Month. This post focuses on awareness of – and discarding myths about – ADHD and parenting.
Parenting:
the toughest
job
you’ll ever love!
Parenting a child
with ADHD:
even a bit tougher.
Parenting if you have
ADHD:
poses its own challenges.
Before considering anything else about parenting and ADHD, let’s set the record straight on one thing:
ADHD is a neurobiological (biochemical) disorder recognized by the National Institute of Health, the US Department of Education, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychiatric Association.
Another important point:
You don’t have to do it all alone: Parents deserve support!
Here are some steps you can take to make life easier:
Step 1: Get a thorough assessment for your child/yourself, including medical, educational, and psychological evaluations if appropriate.
Step 2: Learn as much about ADHD and parenting kids with ADHD as you can.
Step 3: Follow treatment recommendations for medications, therapy, and/or coaching.
Step 4: Understand educational rights related to ADHD and work with your child’s school to assure optimal success.
Step 5: Use behavior management strategies and skill-building approaches to help your child as needed.
Step 6: Set up routines to help make daily home life as smooth as possible.
Step 7: Enjoy your child and emphasize his/her strengths!
Step 8: Seek out support and take good care of yourself.
To learn more:
CHADD (Children and Adults with AD/HD) offers Parent-to-Parent training classes that cover many of the steps above.
Other useful resources:
Moms With ADHD: A Self-Help Manual
When Moms and Kids Have AD/HD
ADHD at Varied Ages
Wondering how to put all this in place for yourself and your child? A coach can help!
Contact me for a free introductory consultation about AD/HD coaching: www.lizahmann.com
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