Teens with ADHD

With all the physical and emotional changes going on, as well as the social and academic pressures, being a teen can be tough. If your child is between the ages of 13 and 17 and has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might be looking for some suggestions to help your teen find success. Here are a few facts to help you get started on the right path. You can click on any link below to learn more about a particular area of interest to you.

A few facts up front about teens with ADHD

Talk with your teen about school

Academic pressure increases when a child enters his or her teen years. Teachers expect much more from students as they get older, and at the same time, your teen's academic performance will affect future options, like college and career choices. This is a perfect time to talk with your teen (again) about the importance of staying focused on assignments and expectations for maintaining a consistent ADHD treatment program. To learn how you can keep your teen focused on school performance, click here.

Build a relationship with your teen's teacher

One of the most important things you can do for your teen is to become involved in his or her education experience. And building a rapport with classroom teachers is at the top of the list. Teachers can help teens with ADHD work though some difficulties in school. Don't know how to approach the teacher or what questions to ask?

Talk with your teen about part-time employment

Be prepared to hear: "I want a part-time job!" It's admirable that your teen wants to focus on his or her independence, as well as broaden responsibilities and experiences. Naturally, with ADHD, there are some concerns about academics or other family responsibilities falling through the cracks. You can use these discussion points with your teen if the idea of part-time employment comes up. A lot of teenagers with ADHD do find a way to incorporate part-time work into a tough academic schedule, so be open to negotiating a plan that benefits both of you.

Help your teen strengthen relationships with peers

The teenage years are the years where social activity is blossoming, and friendships, social acceptance and self-esteem issues are extremely important. Understandably, having ADHD may just make your teenager feel more vulnerable. Believe it or not, parents can motivate their teens to build stronger relationships with peers.

"When can I start driving?"

It's natural for parents to be nervous about their teenager getting behind the wheel of a car. As a parent of a teenager with ADHD, you may be even more concerned about your child's ability to remain focused on the road. How can you teach a teen with ADHD to stay focused, responsible and safe?

Talking to your teen about ADHD

Right now, your teen is focused on fitting in and having friends and all the other social and emotional needs of being a teen. But it's likely that you are just as concerned with the ways ADHD affects your teen's academic life, family relationships, and the household in general. This is why your teen's ADHD and treatment plan should be discussed - honestly and often. Need some strategies to help you talk with your teen about ADHD?