9 Ways To Support Your Child With Adhd

Did you know that according to the CDC, 9.4% of kids were diagnosed with ADHD in 2016? If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, know that you are not alone and that right now - there are many ways to support them. 

If you think your child has ADHD, your first step is to talk to your pediatrician to get a diagnosis and work on developing a plan to support your child’s needs. Our experience has been hit or miss when it comes to Ryeson's treatment, but we have always made a point to ask as many questions as possible to make sure he is getting the right treatment for him. 

There are many different ways to help support a child with ADHD. One way is through behavior therapy. This type of therapy can help you and your child learn how to better manage their behaviors. Another way to help support your child with ADHD is through medication. Medication can help reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, which can make it easier for your child to focus and learn.

It is important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one child might not work for another. That is why it is so important to talk to your pediatrician and develop a plan that is tailored specifically for your child’s needs. 

Behavior therapy and medication are just two parts of Ryeson's life with ADHD. We have also learned many tips for supporting him, both at home and at school. 

This has been all-encompassing in our house, I am not going to lie. But was have learned a lot since Ryeson's diagnosis at age five so we wanted to pass along some of the tips we have learned.

If you're looking for ways to support your child with ADHD, here are a few ideas: 

1. Try behavior techniques. Behavior therapy can help teach kids new skills and strategies for managing their symptoms. AND - Parents learn skills, like how to pay positive attention to their children, and how to modify the techniques as necessary. A lot of times, children with ADHD struggle with impulsivity and hyperactivity. Behavior modification can help teach them how to better control their impulses and manage their energy levels. 

2. Get them involved in activities that require focus and concentration. Things like sports, art, music, or chess can be great for kids with ADHD. They can learn how to focus their energy on something positive and constructive.  Help them find activities that they enjoy and excel at so that they can build confidence in themselves. 

3. Praise them and give them rewards! Due to the hyperactivity of kids with ADHD, they are often reprimanded more than other children, negatively affecting self-esteem. Even if it's little things they do throughout the day, make sure to praise and reward good behavior and actions! Being understanding and patient is hard, but remember that it is not easy living with ADHD so try not to get frustrated with them when they have difficulty completing tasks or following directions. Be willing to listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions that will work for both of you.

4. Help them develop a strong support system. This could include family members, friends, teachers, coaches, or counselors. These people can offer guidance and understanding when your child is struggling. Making friends can be hard! Have open talks with your kids about friendships they have. And it’s REALLY important to connect with your children's school/after-school care so everyone can be on the same page. 

5. Set time aside each day (or week) to spend one-on-one time with them. Ryeson's doctors said this time doesn't have to be a long period of time. Just 5-minutes of one-on-one time can make them feel special, and is great for growing your relationship with them! So break out the board games. Our current favorite game to play as a family is Exploding Kittens. It is silly and strategic.

6. Encourage healthy habits. Proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition are crucial for kids with ADHD (okay, all kids!). Helping them develop these habits early on will set them up for success in the future. If your child takes medication for their ADHD, try to keep medication schedules around the same time daily and check-in to make sure they are getting adequate sleep, exercise, and eating healthy!

7. Provide them with a structured routine. This can help them feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Creating a daily schedule for them, complete with visual aids like pictures or charts, can be very helpful. This is especially important with screens like iPads and video games. Having a set schedule where they put the screen down at the last 30 minutes before bedtime is helpful to get their brains to calm down. Additionally, make sure to allow some time for flexible activities each day so that your child can blow off some steam. 

8. Talk to them directly and clearly. If you are trying to introduce a new chore or give directions for how to do something, be very direct and keep instructions as clear and brief as possible. If you’re introducing a new chore to your kids, identify the specific task instead of trying to explain every single thing they need to do.

9. Give yourself and your partner grace. It isn't easy to raise a child with ADHD (especially when one of their parents has it as well). Much of the support we have received was in the form of group-based, weekly Zoom sessions with a therapist. Parents receive guidance, support, and instruction. They come home with new strategies for solving problems at their child's school and in the community.

Remember that it is not easy living with ADHD and try not to get frustrated with them when they have difficulty completing tasks or following directions. Be willing to listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions that will work for all of you.

Written by Shana Bull and Olivia Abboud, the owner and CEO of MediaHer, a Digital Marketing Agency focused on empowering brands through social media.