| Parents of ADHD children are often under a | | | | a regular basis. Counselors have experience with |
| tremendous amount of stress. Being the go-to person | | | | many ADHD families and know what can, and what |
| in charge of their child's behavior, they are constantly | | | | doesn't work when dealing with the disorder. More |
| bombarded by pleas from teachers and others to do | | | | than likely there are also local support groups in your |
| more about their child's disruptive actions. Many | | | | area for parents with ADHD children. Meeting with |
| parents feel guilty, as if their child's ADHD is their fault. | | | | ADHD parents and children and seeing how other |
| Experts agree that ADHD symptoms are usually the | | | | families cope can renew one's own strength and |
| result of a problem with brain chemistry. Although | | | | resolve. Organizations like CHADD, (Children and |
| feelings of guilt are often experienced by parents, | | | | Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders) and ADDA, |
| ADHD symptoms are not normally the fault of the | | | | (National Attention Deficit Disorder Association), can |
| parent or the result of poor parenting skills. If you are | | | | also be of assistance. |
| struggling, know that there is help for parents of the | | | | It can seem like parenting leaves no time for other |
| ADHD child. | | | | activities. Taking a break and enjoying favorite |
| One of the most effective things a parent can do is | | | | pastimes will allow you relieve stress and be a more |
| learn as much about ADHD as possible. Learning | | | | effective parent. Make a date for dinner and a movie, |
| about the disorder can provide a ready arsenal of | | | | exercise, or a your favorite TV show. Give yourself |
| techniques to cope with the disorder as well as deal | | | | regular mini vacations rather than waiting until you let |
| with particular behaviors. Instead of getting angry when | | | | stress get the best of you. Take care of yourself and |
| a child forgets to bring a coat or lunch box home from | | | | you can better take care of your child. |
| school, a parent can suggest proven methods that can | | | | Parents of ADHD children should strive to keep a |
| help children be more focused and attentive to daily | | | | positive attitude, recent progress in medications and |
| activities. Knowledge and open discussion about | | | | alternative treatment options are making it easier to |
| ADHD with your child can be one of the most | | | | cope and find effective means to treat the disorder. |
| effective ways of dealing with symptomatic behaviors. | | | | Realize that many of the traits that ADHD children |
| It is easy for parents to feel like a one man, (or | | | | have, such as an abundance of energy and |
| woman), army when dealing with teachers, friends or | | | | enthusiasm, can be channeled in positive directions. |
| neighbors. Parents of ADHD children do not have to | | | | See your child as having many unique qualities, abilities |
| go it alone. Think about seeing a professional counselor | | | | and talents and not as just another child with |
| who can meet with you, your spouse and your child on | | | | symptoms of ADHD. |