Helpful Tips To Manage ADHD in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a disruptive behavioral condition that affects millions of children across the country. If you are the caretaker of someone with ADHD in Raleigh, NC, the staff at White Oak Pediatrics can provide the compassionate care that will set your child up for success.

How ADHD Affects Children

Children with ADHD present unique challenges that can leave caretakers overwhelmed and lost. It's difficult to identify and manage ADHD since it manifests differently from child to child. Inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity indicate your child may have ADHD. Children with ADHD might also:

• Forget or lose things
• Talk excessively
• Have trouble listening
• Appear restless (fidget and squirm)
• Daydream often
• Be disorganized
• Procrastinate

Most children will struggle with some of these symptoms at some point. But for children with ADHD, these symptoms may persist and interfere with daily activities.

Tips For Managing ADHD

Treatments for ADHD involve behavioral therapy and medication. However, there are things you can do at home to help your child cope with ADHD. Educate yourself. Not only about the condition but also notice how it affects your child specifically. It's helpful for you and your doctor to understand how to give your child the best possible support. 

Be involved in your child's treatment. You can learn how to best support their specific struggles by communicating with your child's doctor and teachers. Use positive reinforcement. Children with ADHD often act out. Establish which behaviors are tolerable and which are not. Be clear and consistent when enforcing rules and boundary violations. While it is necessary to punish bad behavior, offering praise and rewards for good behavior is an effective way to help your child understand acceptable conduct.

Be patient. Your child may not progress as quickly as you would like. Mistakes happen. Understand that your child is also struggling and requires more support than children without ADHD. Patience is key.

Acknowledge your child's individuality. It's not always easy to recognize the difference between the symptoms of ADHD and behaviors that may seem unusual but are actually quirks of personality. If the conduct isn't detrimental to your child's ability to function daily, try to be flexible and adaptive.

Create structure and healthy routines. Your child's environment and lifestyle significantly affect their behavior. Establishing consistent rituals, assigning manageable tasks, and limiting distractions will go a long way in modifying behavior. Additionally, promoting a healthy diet, exercise routine, and sleep habits can be helpful.

If you are in the Raleigh, NC, area and want to learn more about managing your child's ADHD, White Oak Pediatrics is here to help. Call (919) 787-0266 to speak with our knowledgeable staff today.