07.10.2008
News Release: Giving ADHD positive attention
Giving ADHD positive attention
Tips on how parents can manage their child’s ADHD positively
Having a child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can make family life very difficult, frustrating and stressful. It is little wonder that parents of the 365,000 children in Britain diagnosed with ADHD often feel despair, isolation and guilt.
The recent guidelines issued by NICE* into the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD recommended that parents should be supported and given practical training and help in caring for their child’s ADHD. “At last it has been recognised that the prescription of drugs, such as Ritalin, should not be the first-line treatment for ADHD. I am encouraged that the importance of parental training and support has been recognised,” says parent coach and author, Sue Atkins of Positive Parents Confident Kids.
“By being taught strategies to influence and channel their child’s behaviour, parents can learn how to manage their child’s ADHD and the impact it has on the family, without relying on medication.” The needs of a child with ADHD can overwhelm families and make home life chaotic – but it doesn’t have to. Sue Atkins has some tips on how parents can help manage their child’s ADHD:
- Communicate - be clear and concise when communicating with your child. Give instructions one step at a time and make requests one at a time.
- Be consistent - what you expect one day should be what you expect every day. Don’t give in just because you’re tired or the child is nagging. Be firm, be fair and be consistent.
- Set a good example - show your child the behaviour you would like to see. Be organized and a model of patience, healthy habits and good manners. You are a role model in all you do, act and say, no matter how old your children are they take the lead and example from you.
- Anticipate and avoid problems - know your child’s triggers and what situations lead to problems. Become adept at heading off trouble before it starts.
- Praise good behaviour - praise is a powerful reinforcer, so make every effort to “catch your child being good”.
- Negotiate and consult with your child - try to avoid barking orders at your child. Start a dialogue and be open to what your child has to say. It creates respect and independence if you learn to listen attentively.
- Choose your battles - not every situation requires intervention. Keep the big picture in mind and let the little things slide. If you don’t, your home will be one of constant conflict and criticism.
“The most important attributes that a parent of a child with ADHD can possess are common sense and a positive attitude. Common sense will tell them which behaviours to work on the most, when to negotiate and when to stand firm, and how to head off problems before they start. A positive attitude will help them see the small, praiseworthy successes that can add up to permanent improvement in their child’s behaviour”, says Sue Atkins.
A child’s ADHD is not all that they are - with the right attitude, support, nurturing, routines, boundaries and diet, who knows what these children can go on to achieve.
* 24th September 2008: NICE guidelines are set to improve care and management of children, young people and adults with ADHD - The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health have published a guideline on the diagnosis and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, young people and adults.
ENDS
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