by A.E.McGrath

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Parents of children with ADHD sometimes feel responsibility for their child's behavior. Others consider the diagnosis a childhood disease and believe it is a lack of discipline inside the home Symptoms like uncontrollable behaviors and inattention to certain tasks, are typically noticeable around age 3 to adulthood. Disorders that sometimes accompany ADHD include LD (Learning Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), Conduct Disorder, and Depression. The unaware determine unruly behavior and fidgeting as just childhood occurrences and they will grow out of it. If left untreated, ADHD in adulthood are often related to past school failures, job performances, and even depression like symptoms.

Responsibility for the school-aged child with ADHD is more than dispensing medication. There are medicinal and psychological approaches to treat children. The question remains if it is behavior or performance to be changed in children with ADHD? How can parents help their school-aged child with this diagnosis? Parents have the following options to use in the home: establishing a routine, helping with organization, enforcing rules with consistency, and education.

I. Routine. Everyone has a routine. Having a schedule where your child can see and touch is a way to prepare everyday. Include each aspect of the day into the routine, from breakfast up to bedtime. The schedule should be in a central location, like the kitchen or den, for everyone to see. If there is a change to the schedule, explain why.

II. Organize. Teach your child to have a place for everything, both at home and school. It is very important for a child with ADHD to be physically and mentally organized. Just as clothes need hangers and washing powder, provide the school tools for organization like highlighters, notebooks, agenda books, pens/pencils. Also, teach your student to color-code certain classes, as it will aid in further keeping things in order.

III. Consistency. Many children with ADHD want structure, rules they can understand, and a clear explanation of consequences. Students with ADHD are often criticized and seldom rewarded. The 21st century classroom usually has three expectations before a consequence is given. Parents have expectations at home as well. The home can give teachers an indicator of upcoming behaviors a student may display; school can provide the same information for parents. Both arenas should keep the lines of communication open by rewarding good behaviors and correcting inappropriate choices as a team.

IV. Education. Just like children, parents need to learn strategies to manage their child's behavior. There are support groups and skills training classes offered to learn techniques for behavior modification. Other classes include stress management and situation structuring as healthy ways in reacting to certain behaviors. Parents are also educators. Do not leave every aspect of your child's well-being to teachers and health care professionals. Remain active in your school-aged child's education.

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