Talking to your child about ADHD
One of the many challenges of having a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is learning how to talk about it with him or her. If your child's symptoms are being treated with medication, there may be a temptation to think that there is no real need for anything else.
However, it's important to remember that medication is only part of a comprehensive treatment program that has several components. One of the components of that program is on-going communication with your child as he or she continues to grow and face different challenges regarding ADHD.
That's not to say that it's easy. Sometimes talking things over with your child may be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to help make communication with your child more successful:
- Tell your child that ADHD isn't something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Reinforce that it's a medical condition that needs to be treated, like bad eyesight or allergies.
- Whenever discussing the subject of ADHD, remember to balance the topic with things that are positive about your child's personality or talents. Remind your child about the progress he or she has made, or events they can look forward to.
- Make it clear to your child that he or she can come to you with any problems or difficulties that may be happening at school, at home, or with friends.
- Try to find a mentor with whom your child can work. This could be a teacher, coach, or relative that your child admires. Sometimes a non-parent is easier to talk to and may provide inspiration and guidance when a parent can't.
- While continuing positive reinforcement, be sure that rules, schedules and boundaries are made clear. Writing rules down (in a visible place, if necessary) is a way to provide structure for a child with ADHD.
- Try not to only point out when your child has done something wrong. Acknowledging and rewarding good behaviour can often go further than constantly correcting the bad.
- If talking with your child continues to be a problem, consider finding a family counsellor or child psychologist to help smooth out communication problems. It's not unusual for families dealing with ADHD to experience relationship challenges. Often, it's just a matter of learning a few techniques, and applying a little bit of practice, and most families are on their way.
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