Womanthismonth.com 102 August 2024 Does your child resemble a miniature hurricane – constantly on the move and leaving a trail of unfinished tasks? Perhaps you find yourself repeating instructions like a mantra, only to be met with blank stares or impulsive actions. These could be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions of children worldwide. While raising a child with ADHD can be a whirlwind itself, understanding the condition and implementing positive strategies can create a nurturing environment for your child to flourish. Imagine the brain as a complex orchestra. In a typical brain, different sections seamlessly work together to produce a harmonious melody. In children with ADHD, the communication between these sections can be disrupted, leading to difficulties with focus, organisation, and self-control. ADHD manifests in three main ways: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Children with this type have difficulty focusing, staying organised, and completing tasks. They may seem easily distracted and forgetful, often daydreaming or losing track of conversations. Schoolwork can be a particular struggle, as focusing on lectures or completing assignments can be overwhelming. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: These children exhibit excessive energy levels, fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty waiting their turn. They might seem like they’re constantly “on,” rushing from one activity to another without completing any. Impulsivity can manifest in blurting out answers before questions are finished, making reckless decisions, or having difficulty controlling their emotions. Combined Presentation: This is the most common type, and children display symptoms from both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. They may struggle to focus on tasks while also exhibiting excessive energy and impulsive behaviour. Living with a child who has ADHD can be frustrating for both parties. Imagine the constant struggle to focus on homework battles, the exasperation of unfinished chores, or the social difficulties that arise from impulsive behaviour. However, with the right approach, you can empower your child to manage their symptoms and thrive. Here are some points to consider, if you are raising a child with ADHD: Embrace Structure and Routines: Children with ADHD benefit from predictable routines. Create clear schedules for waking up, bedtime, meals, and homework time. Visual aids like charts and calendars can be helpful reminders. Break down overwhelming projects into smaller, more manageable steps with clear rewards for completion. This predictability helps children with ADHD feel secure and in control. Minimise Distractions: Create a quiet, clutter-free workspace to help your child focus. Limit screen time before homework sessions and turn off notifications on electronic devices. A calm environment reduces the barrage of stimuli that can overwhelm children with ADHD. Positive Reinforcement: Focus on praising desired behaviours rather than dwelling on mistakes. Celebrate even small successes to boost your child’s self-esteem. This positive reinforcement system encourages your child to continue building positive habits. Parenting a Child with ADHD LIFESTYLE| parenting ADHD – it’s a term we hear more often these days, but that doesn’t mean that we all understand the full scope of it. Parenting columnist, Ouiam El Hassani, walks us through how we can understand and support our delightful, whirlwind children with ADHD.
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