How Do I Deal with a Child Who Has ADHD?

A different approach to discipline is often necessary when you have a child with attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is common in children and occasionally when they appear to be misbehaving it can be due to factors outside of their control. This makes it difficult for parents to know how to appropriately discipline their child and a change in mindset of how to approach the situation can help immensely.

Rather than deciding to discipline a child with ADHD, the initial consideration for parents should be focused on other approaches to help them improve their child’s skills.

Trying to devise a strategy to help the child rather than punish them is at the foundation of appropriate ADHD management. Encouragement and positive thinking can go a long way and that doesn’t mean that you can’t try and correct your child’s behavior. If your child is struggling with a task, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller steps that they can tackle one step at a time. Provide them with effective and clear instructions and encourage them to ask questions if they are struggling. Give your child positive reinforcement when they accomplish these smaller steps.

Rewarding your child when they do accomplish a goal rather than punishing them when they fail to do so can make a positive difference in ADHD discipline. 

All children with ADHD are different and what calms one child down may not work for another, so it is important to openly communicate with your child and observe their reactions to see what works for them.

With the help of specialists at KidsHealth Pediatrics, you and your child can devise a plan to help manage their condition as well as possible. However, some approaches are generally helpful in calming a child with ADHD down.

Being consistent with your parenting approach can instill a sense of calm as your child will know what to and what not to expect. In a similar vein, setting out expectations in advance can be helpful, the unexpected is rarely calming for children with or without ADHD.

Breaking up homework or household chores with fun activities can be an excellent way to keep a child with ADHD from becoming overwhelmed. When your child is hyperactive, you can try and help them redirect their excess energy with a healthy activity such as going on a walk.

These are just a few of the many actionable items you will establish alongside the pediatricians at KidsHealth Pediatrics to help your child thrive.

A child with ADHD is susceptible to struggles sitting still, following directions, managing impulses, and completing tasks. It’s important to keep this in mind when interacting with a child with ADHD and refrain from accusatory language or being dismissive of their condition.

For instance, trivializing ADHD or treating it as something they will outgrow by saying everyone deals with distractions or asking them why they are unable to behave normally can be harmful.

Telling them that their ADHD is not an excuse for their behavior is another pitiful to avoid. Because although ADHD is not an excuse it often is an explanation for their difficulties. Emphasizing the positives and reinforcing good behavior are much better ways to help a child with ADHD than being critical. As such, critical language like calling their behavior lazy has a negative impact. 

The exact trigger responsible for ADHD in children remains unclear, however, there appears to be a genetic correlation. It is common for children with ADHD to have a relative with the condition. Children who are exposed to environmental toxins or born prematurely also tend to be more prone to the development of ADHD.

Parenting is not responsible for the development of ADHD. However, by working with KidsHealth Pediatrics you can do your best to help them manage their condition.

Is your child having difficulty staying focused? This could be a sign of ADHD. ADHD treatment for children is available at KidsHealth Pediatrics. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Scottsdale AZ, and Glendale AZ. We serve patients from Glendale AZ, Peoria AZ, Sun City AZ, Scottsdale AZ, North Scottsdale AZ, Grayhawk AZ, and surrounding areas of Phoenix AZ.