| ADHD doesn't just effect an individual child. Instead, | | | | or bad behavior. Hey, it happens to all of us even |
| ADHD effects an entire family or an entire close-knit | | | | when our kids are doing nothing wrong and we have |
| group. For this very reason, it is so critically important | | | | just had a bad day. |
| that parents set the tone and work with their children, | | | | In the case of a child with ADHD, this could likely |
| regardless of whether the child takes medication or is | | | | happen even more frequently. But what I am |
| seen by a therapist. | | | | suggesting is that you look at this opportunity as a |
| The following list reveals 7 very important, and | | | | chance to grow closer to your child. Think of your |
| perhaps overlooked, benefits that every child needs | | | | child's difficulties and struggles as a way to be just that |
| from her parents, particularly a child with ADHD. | | | | more involved in their lives. |
| 1. A positive role model | | | | While your child might not be thrilled by this suggestion, |
| With all the negativity out in the world, a parent has the | | | | it just might be the most important support system |
| unique responsibility, or role depending upon how you | | | | they can find. |
| look at it, to be their child's personal hero. While it is | | | | 5. Learn together |
| your job to discipline your child and to raise him right, | | | | Just as stated above, take this opportunity to learn |
| you should also know that no one else will ever be in | | | | together about ADHD. Find the resources your child |
| the direct position of influence that you have. | | | | needs, and work side-by-side with her to ensure she |
| Every child looks for a role model, and why shouldn't | | | | finds the success in life that she is capable of |
| that be you? | | | | dreaming, and that you dream of for her. |
| 2. Not doing it alone | | | | With all the information being circulated about ADHD, |
| When your child has ADHD, your responsibility and | | | | now is your chance to make sure that both you and |
| time as a parent increases dramatically. It's already | | | | your child learn together and learn what is needed to |
| hard enough to find time for yourself, but when a child | | | | overcome the challenges he will face. |
| struggles with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, | | | | 6. Be involved |
| or various other symptoms, it becomes even less | | | | This benefit is more in line with the previous two, but |
| frequent. | | | | again, it bares repeating. In fact, this particular benefit or |
| For this reason alone, it is so important that you find | | | | value embodies most of these features. Make sure |
| supports to help you come up with strategies to help | | | | you get involved with what is happening to your child |
| your child. | | | | and help them understand that what he or she is going |
| 3. Observation | | | | through is no reason to give up in life. |
| You are already likely aware that children mimic our | | | | Give your child a reason to fight. It's far too easy for |
| every move, every statement, and every action. In | | | | them to get the wrong message from their teachers, |
| fact, our children learn most from observing how we | | | | their peers, and from the media coverage that |
| interact. That's why the old saying, "actions speak | | | | portrays ADHD as a life sentence. |
| louder than words," is so valuable. | | | | 7. Get to know your child inside and out |
| In terms of your child with ADHD, you really need to | | | | The first question I ask anyone is, "what else might it |
| be aware of your actions and model the behaviors | | | | be?" There are far too many medical, psychological, |
| you think they need to be successful. | | | | and life stressors that can mimic symptoms of |
| 4. Grow closer | | | | attention deficit disorder. Not only that, but there are |
| When your child has ADHD, there might be a | | | | generally too many things that we overlook and often |
| tendency to become more frustrated by their actions | | | | attribute to something other than ADHD. |