At school, 8-year-old Aarav tries hard to pay attention. Math problems blur into a mess of numbers for him. By the time he understood the instructions, the class had moved on. Aarav finds it difficult to sit quietly. He is always fidgeting with something. He is unable to channel the overwhelming energy that is inside him.
People around him often call him “naughty,” “lazy,” and “space cadet.”
But Aarav isn’t a “bad kid.” He is a child with ADHD, a brain wired to think differently.
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a chronic brain condition. A child with ADHD is unable to control his/her behaviour. They frequently struggle to get along with siblings and other children at school. It has also been observed that people who have difficulty paying attention are more likely to struggle with learning as well. Their impulsive nature may put them in physical danger at times.
Effective treatment for ADHD is available. As a parentof an ADHD child, you play an extremely important role in this treatment.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms are divided into two categories: Inattentive Behaviours and Hyperactive/Impulsive Behaviours.
- Inattentive symptoms of ADHD:
- Makes careless mistakes.
- Gets easily distracted.
- May not be listening when spoken to directly.
- Struggles with following instructions and organising.
- Avoids or dislikes prolonged effort.
- Forgetful, constantly losing things.
ADHD symptoms include hyperactivity or impulsivity.
- Difficulty staying in one spot
- Waiting for a turn
- Constant running and climbing.
- Trouble playing quietly.
- Excessive talking, interrupting, and blurting out answers
Some children exhibit only the first group of ADHD symptoms, while others only exhibit the latter. However, the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD have a combination of both.
If your child has been exhibiting symptoms of ADHD regularly for more than 6 months, consult with your paediatrician.
Recognise that it is normal for all children to experience ADHD symptomsfrom time to time. Your child may be reacting to stress at school or home, be bored, or simply be going through a difficult time in life. This does not imply he or she has ADHD.
Sometimes, a teacher is the first person to notice inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. And brings it to a parent’s attention.
Challenges Faced by Children with ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children around the world. It impacts every aspect of a child’s life, from school to social relationships and emotional well-being.
Understanding these challenges is the first step toward helping them thrive.
● Struggles in School:
Children with ADHD often find it hard to focus in class. It is difficult for them to follow instructions. They often find it difficult to complete tasks given by the teacher.
● Messy or Incomplete Work:
They may rush through assignments or miss important details like dates.
● Forgetfulness:
They often forget to complete their homework. Forgetting where they placed things is common in children with ADHD.
● Interrupting Conversations:
They often struggle to hold back thoughts, unintentionally interrupting others.
● Restlessness:
Sitting still for long periods is challenging for them. They may fidget, squirm, or leave their seat frequently.
● Excessive Talking:
They may talk nonstop, even when it’s not appropriate.
● Difficulty Engaging in Quiet Activities:
Calming down to read or play quietly can be difficult for children with ADHD.
● Mood Swings:
They often experience sudden emotional outbursts or meltdowns.
● Trouble Making Friends:
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can make it hard to make new friends or maintain friendships.
● Conflict with Siblings:
Their impulsive behaviour can cause frequent arguments at home with siblings or cousins.
● Underperformance Despite Intelligence:
Many children with ADHD are bright but underachieve due to attention difficulties.
● Difficulty Falling Asleep:
Their racing thoughts or excess energy often make bedtime challenging.
With early intervention, understanding, and consistent support, children with ADHD can overcome many of these challenges.
Practical Tips for Parents
Here are some practical ADHD parenting tips we’ve gathered for you.
1. Be Actively Involved in your child’s journey
Parents of children with ADHD should make themselves aware and learn as much as they can about ADHD. Make sure you follow the treatment plan recommended by your paediatrician. Attending therapy sessions regularly becomes a non-negotiable. If your child is put on ADHD medication, always consult the doctor before making any changes. Even a small change in the dosage without a doctor’s advice can cause problems.
2. Educate yourself
Parents need to understand that every child experiences ADHD differently. Connect with your child on a deeper level. Try to understand the challenges faced by your child. Is it about trouble with paying attention, listening, slowing down, or following instructions?
3. One Thing at a Time
Trying to fix everything at once is a bad idea while dealing with ADHD. It can backfire oftentimes. It is advised to focus on just one thing at a time. Pick one behaviour to focus on and work consistently on improving it. This approach will benefit your child immensely. It’s also important to praise your child’s efforts and not just the results.
4. Collaborate with Your Child’s Teachers
Meet your child’s teacher often. Communicate with them clearly and regularly. You will start seeing results when you work with them as a team. Keep a track of what’s working and what’s not.
5. Seek Support and Build Awareness
Join ADHD support groups, such asMeetup or ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)which is for adults with ADHD. These platforms help you to connect with other parents and stay informed about treatment options. Exchange ADHD parenting tips and ADHD child support strategies with other parents.
6. Check for ADHD in the Family
ADHD often runs in families. Parents or relatives may unknowingly have ADHD, too.
7. Talk Openly About ADHD
Don’t avoid the conversation about ADHD with your child. Help them understand what ADHD is. Reassure them that having ADHD is not their fault. Let them know they can learn skills to manage it better over time.
Children with ADHD believe they are constantly failing to meet the expectations of others, particularly their parents. They come to believe that they are always doing something wrong. As a parent, you can change the narrative.
Let them know you believe in them and appreciate everything they contribute to the world. A positive and loving relationship can make a huge difference.
