Parenting corner – ADHD & Discipline

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Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, fidgeting and lack of concentration are some common signs of ADHD. The disorder affects children’s academic and social life as they are not able to pay attention to one topic. This causes them to lag behind other children as their work is
never completed or done properly.

Apart from this, children with ADHD also have discipline issues and find it hard to obey their parents and teachers as they don’t have enough self-control.

Here are some ideas that can help in parenting a child with ADHD.

Understand what ADHD implies in life of children. Parents need to understand the challenges or difficulties the children face due to the condition. Getting proper information can change the way parents deal with their children.
Create a routine or time table for the everyday tasks and activities and make sure that it is followed. This will help the children learn that they can do tasks in a controlled manner.
Ensure that children are getting adequate rest, sleep and good nutrition. Tired children become cranky and refuse to listen to their parents. Ensure that children are getting regular exercises and physical activity to help them relive the extra energy.
Set up some basic rules around the house that children need to follow such as talking politely, not throwing things, say please and thank you.
Teach the children by setting examples for good behavior. Be polite and stay calm when around children and they will learn by mimicking their elders.
Involve children in organizing their stuff like cupboards, books etc. this will encourage them to take care of their things. Divide the tasks into smaller segments for better performance.

Dr Chaula Badiani, Founder, Reach Therapy Center for Children, says parents must be aware of their child’s strengths.

There are three things I feel parents of children with ADHD should know as they are growing with their child- The strength of children with ADHD lies in lateral thinking. Secondly, children with ADHD seem to respond well to being given responsibility for their own actions as they grow. Lastly, guide your child to find their passion and not fit into a preconceived path. Dr Chaula Badiani, Founder Reach Therapy Center

Make sure that children are appreciated for the good behavior. Praise them for their efforts and positively motivate children to do better.
In case, children do not listen, choose appropriate punishment to help them understand consequences of their actions.
Build trust with the children and form a closer bond. Children should know that they are loved by their parents irrespective of their abilities.

Radha Tandon, Director, PRAANGAN Centre says every child can learn. “Some just need to be taught a little differently.

Keep the instructions and rules clear ad precise. Make lists and hang them where children can see them and follow.
Do not criticize the children as that may harm their self-esteem.