Children affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should be handled with care. Here are a few support guidelines that can be followed while dealing with children affected by this condition.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common disorder that affects many children. It is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, short attention span, inability to follow instructions, etc. This disorder can also persist into adolescence or adulthood. There is no cure for ADHD. However, parents and teachers can certainly help these children learn appropriate social behavior. Here are some support guidelines for children affected by ADHD.
Praise the Child
Teach him what should be done rather than what he should not do. Praise him for every little good thing he does. Look only at the efforts and not at the outcomes. This will surely boost the child’s confidence, and will encourage him/her to strive to perform better.
Schedule Activities at Home
Maintain a schedule for everything that the child needs to do, right from waking up in the morning, performing the chores, eating, studying, playing, etc. Ensure that the child follows the schedule strictly. Children who are affected by ADHD have a hard time following instructions. Encouraging him to adhere to a routine might help him understand and perform the tasks better.
Whenever you guide the child, maintain a calm demeanor. Harsh behavior towards the child could further suppress the child. When assigning him any work, be sure that you split the job. This way, the child will not lose interest, and will be able to finish the tasks assigned to him. Dividing the tasks will also reduce the pressure on the child.
Help with Academics
Always assist the child in all his/her activities related to school. Assist the child when he/she is doing the assignments. Make sure that the child doesn’t consider the homework to be a burden. Help the child inculcate interest in going to the school, and performing activities related to the school. Directing the teachers to pay special attention to the child will also help.
Help with Extra-curricular Activities
Parents and teachers need to have a better understanding of the child’s interests. Support the child by encouraging him/her to do what he/she is interested in. This will help him gain the confidence to join others who share the same interests. Help in every way you can, to make him discover something that he really enjoys doing, and you will see how beautifully he does it.
Helping a child cope with ADHD is only as difficult as the parents think it is. So, if you follow the guidelines suggested by the therapist, the task of managing the symptoms of ADHD wouldn’t seem to be that difficult, and you can help your child progress and achieve his potential.