Parenting a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can be both rewarding and challenging. The unique characteristics of children with ADHD, such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty with attention, can sometimes test a parent's patience.
If you find yourself frequently losing patience with your ADHD child, you're not alone, and some strategies can help.
Why parents lose patience with ADHD children
Children with ADHD often exhibit fidgeting, constant movement, impatience, or difficulty staying in control.
These behaviors can lead to low self-esteem in children, poor performance in school or play, and troubled relationships with family, friends, teachers, and parents
- Common triggers for parental impatience with ADHD
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Strategies for managing impatience with ADHD children
Parenting is as essential as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better — or worse.
Here are some strategies to help manage impatience with your ADHD child:
“Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better — or worse.”💡
Kids Health
Establish a daily routine
Children with ADHD often thrive on routine. A predictable daily schedule can help your child know what to expect and reduce anxiety and impulsive behavior.
Schedule breaks for everyone
Taking regular breaks can help you and your child recharge and reduce stress. These breaks could be as simple as a quiet time after school or a walk in the park.
Focus on communication
Clear and consistent communication can help your child understand expectations and reduce frustration. Remember to also listen to your child's feelings and concerns. The StoryBook App is specially created to improve the parent-child relationship, try it now!
Understand the limitations of ADHD
The ADHD child sleep problems are the consequence of their neurodevelopmental disorder, not a choice or the result of poor parenting. Understanding your child's challenges can help you approach their behavior with empathy and patience.
Prioritize sleep and relaxation
Adequate sleep and relaxation are essential for everyone, but they're especially crucial for children with ADHD and their parents. Prioritizing these can help reduce stress and improve patience.
Ways to help calm a child with ADHD
Now, we will see several techniques that can help calm a child with ADHD:
Deep breathing exercises
Deep breathing can help your child relax and manage stress. It's a simple technique that can be done anywhere and anytime.
Mindfulness techniques
Mindfulness can help your child focus on the present moment and reduce impulsivity. Activities like mindful coloring or yoga can help.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This can help your child relax and manage stress.
Soothing music
Soothing music can help calm your child and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Remember, patience is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to make mistakes and lose your temper occasionally. The key is to identify your triggers and plan for when you encounter those triggers.
If you feel overwhelmed, feel free to seek help from healthcare professionals or support groups. You're not alone in this journey.
Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
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