How can we help a child with ADHD at home?

The three basic symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity . These three aspects can lead to behaviors that may be mistaken for misbehavior in children or adolescents, causing stress and frustration for many parents until they receive a diagnosis.

When children have trouble paying attention , they may:

• Having difficulty remembering and following instructions.
• Being easily distracted by external stimuli.
• Having difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
• Forgetting everyday activities frequently.
• Losing items.
• Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort.
• Making mistakes in tasks due to distraction and carelessness.

Because they are hyperactive , children with ADHD may:

• Exhibit excessive motor activity.
• Having difficulty remaining seated.
• Running around or climbing in inappropriate situations.
• Doing things in a rush instead of taking your time.
• Talking excessively.
• Having internal restlessness, "nervousness": movements of feet and hands, difficulty performing activities calmly.

Because they are impulsive , children with ADHD may:

• Making mistakes in tasks due to haste or omission.
• Being impatient.
• Having difficulty waiting your turn.
• Interrupt frequently.
• Making socially inappropriate statements.

As a result of these symptoms, people with ADHD may have low self-esteem, difficulty relating to others, low frustration tolerance, frequent changes in behavior, and probably learning problems.

Mindfulness to improve the symptoms of children and adolescents with ADHD

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How can parents help?

The involvement of the family, and also the school, is essential for a child with ADHD to develop adaptively within their environment, minimizing their difficulties and maximizing their potential. It is important that the family understands ADHD and the challenges it entails from the beginning, so they can accept everything this disorder involves and avoid unjustified punishments and blame.

Some tips for mothers and fathers are:

• Confirm the ADHD diagnosis through healthcare professionals with experience and training in this disorder.
• Learn about the disorder through professionals or ADHD associations.
• Involve close family members in the treatment.
• Try to give it immediate and frequent positive reinforcement.
• Reinforce their achievements and virtues.
• Staying calm in times of crisis.
• Avoid constant criticism and do not fall into confrontation.
• Give him support and show him affection and understanding.
• Ignore their negative behaviors as much as possible.
• Establish clear limits and consequences.
• Always communicate using positive phrases, avoiding phrases with "no".
• Provide him with a structured environment, with order and routines.
• Use lasting and effective rewards. Use reward before punishment.
• Making thoughts and problem-solving tangible.
• Simplify the rules of the house or place where they are located.
• Help him do things step by step. Teach him to be organized.
• Make sure you understand the instructions.
• Boost their self-esteem and help them accept limitations.
• Encourage their skills and social relationships.
• To foster their autonomy and responsibility.
• Promote sports, artistic and musical activities.
• Educate him in tolerance for frustration.
• Collaborate with the educational center.