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Tips for Parenting Children with ADHD

tips on parenting children with adhd
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ADHD Direct

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Parenting children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can present unique challenges, requiring a thoughtful and informed approach. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a child’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate their energy levels. Navigating this journey requires patience, understanding, and strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs.

At ADHD Direct we have been supporting parents and families with children affected by ADHD for almost a decade. In addition to our ADHD assessment and treatment services we offer a unique ADHD parenting programme ‘Parens Inc’ ADHD parenting training (Parents In Control).

The course has been developed by ADHD Direct’s CEO Gordon Brown. Parents of children with ADHD often experience higher stress levels than parents of neurotypical children (Theule, J. et al.|2013). We will outline some tips that can help you better understand your child’s ADHD, improve your relationship with each other and reduce stress.

Learning about your child’s ADHD:

At the heart of our ADHD Parenting programme, ‘Parents Inc’, lies a fundamental philosophy: Neither your child nor your parenting is flawed. Rather than trying to change your parenting or your child, the emphasis is on gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s condition. This understanding empowers you to support your child and help them thrive within their environment.

Accessing professional support:

Contrary to the common misconception that individuals with ADHD struggle with focus, many possess the ability to hyperfocus on tasks that genuinely interest them. Hyperfocus can be an intense state of concentration, where individuals with ADHD become fully absorbed in a Strparticular activity, often for extended periods. This intense focus can lead to exceptional productivity, deep engagement, and the ability to accomplish complex tasks efficiently.

Joining ADHD support groups:

Joining ADHD & Parenting-related support groups offers a great opportunity to exchange experiences and get practical advice from parents who have been in similar situations to yours. Studies show that ADHD parenting support groups can also reduce stress and anxiety among parents and children (Sharma S et al.|2022).  

You can easily find communities such as our ‘ADHD Parenting Support’ group on social media platforms such as Facebook. 

Structuring daily activities:

Having a consistent structure throughout your child’s daily activities can have a positive impact on their well-being and development. Therefore, you can create schedules for them, planning homework, mealtime, playtime and other afternoon activities.

Keeping your child's environment informed about their ADHD:

Informing teachers, caregivers as well as parents of friends about your child’s ADHD can help them understand your child’s behavior and react better to them. Especially awareness of the teachers can help as they can provide school-based interventions, which can help your child’s academic development (Perry, R.C., Ford, T.J., O’Mahen, H. et al.|2021).

Encourage Physical Activity:

Encourage your child to sign up for regular afternoon activities that are physically demanding such as football, tennis, dancing or gymnastics. Studies have shown that children who participate in physical activities can better control their feelings and moods (Colleen Cornelius, Alicia L. Fedewa, & Soyeon Ahn, 2017).

Stress Management & Self-Care:

Stress management & self-care can help reduce stress and have a positive effect on your well-being. This can have a significant effect on your parenting and help prevent stressful situations. Stress Management can include but is not limited to mindfulness & meditation, physical exercise, eating healthy, taking time for yourself and many more. 

Sources:


    • Theule, J., Wiener, J., Tannock, R., & Jenkins, J. M. (2013). Parenting Stress in Families of Children With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 21(1), 3–17. View Research >>> 
    • Colleen Cornelius, Alicia L. Fedewa & Soyeon Ahn (2017) The Effect of Physical Activity on Children With ADHD: A Quantitative Review of the Literature, Journal of Applied School Psychology, 33:2, 136-170, DOI: 10.1080/15377903.2016.1265622 View Reasearch >>>
    • Sharma S, Govindan R, Kommu JVS. Effectiveness of Parent-to-Parent Support Group in Reduction of Anxiety and Stress Among Parents of Children With Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2022;44(6):575-579. doi:10.1177/02537176211072984 View Research >>>
    • Perry, R.C., Ford, T.J., O’Mahen, H. et al. Prioritising Targets for School-Based ADHD Interventions: A Delphi Survey. School Mental Health 13, 235–249 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-020-09408-4 View Research >>>

 

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ADHD Direct

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Our practitioners are registered with the following organisations and are fully accredited in their selected field. For more information on accreditation get in touch with us today.

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Prestige award winner ADHD Direct
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Prestige award winner ADHD Direct
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ADHD Serivce of the Year 2023/24

‘Revolutionising how individuals access vital services for ADHD and autism, ADHD Direct specialises in virtual and in-person ADHD assessments, consultations, and treatment plans from its Glasgow base. With a dedicated team of clinical experts boasting more than 30 years of combined experience, the company delivers a range of patient-centred services as a whole-of-life plan, including diagnosis, screenings, coaching and medicine prescriptions. The judges were impressed by the team’s first-class services, which are rooted in empowering individuals to unlock their true potential by sustaining future goal pathways. With ADHD now widely misdiagnosed and under-diagnosed, the team has become a lifeline, providing timely and comprehensive solutions for those who have previously faced inadequate support.’

ADHD Direct are a Disability Confident employer, ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential, and supporting their journey to realise their aspirations:

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As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:

// ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible // communicating and promoting vacancies // offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job // anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required // supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work // at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people
Find out more about Disability Confident at: www.gov.uk/disability-confident

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As a Disability Confident Employer we:

// have undertaken and successfully completed the Disability Confident self-assessment // are taking all of the core actions to be a Disability Confident employer // are offering at least one activity to get the right people for our business // and at least one activity to keep and develop our people.

Find out more about Disability Confident at: www.gov.uk/disability-confident

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ADHD Direct is an Living Wage Employer

At ADHD Direct, we’ve committed to being a Living Wage accredited employer, ensuring that all our employed staff aged 18 and over receive at least the real Living Wage (£12 per hour). We’re dedicated to fair compensation, extending this commitment to contracted workers as well.

Learn more about Living Wage: https://www.livingwage.org.uk/

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Patient Reviews

Don't Just Take Our Word For It
“As a parent, I wasn’t prepared to wait 2 years to get my child the help they needed, so I started looking for alternative assessment routes. ADHD Direct exceeded all expectations. From the first appointment, the service was professional and child-friendly and ultimately they provided us with life-changing answers and support.”
AnonymousADHD Assessment
“As a parent, I wasn’t prepared to wait 2 years to get my child the help they needed, so I started looking for alternative assessment routes. ADHD Direct exceeded all expectations. From the first appointment, the service was professional and child-friendly and ultimately they provided us with life-changing answers and support.”
AnonymousADHD Assessment
“As a parent, I wasn’t prepared to wait 2 years to get my child the help they needed, so I started looking for alternative assessment routes. ADHD Direct exceeded all expectations. From the first appointment, the service was professional and child-friendly and ultimately they provided us with life-changing answers and support.”
AnonymousADHD Assessment
“There is a group of special people who work here. When I first approached ADHD Direct I already had a diagnosis from another clinic. I even had concerns about something for a phone call etc to reassure me. ADHD Direct, your guys have made my journey so easy. Thank you”
AlistairADHD Assessment
"I never thought of myself as having ADHD because I wasn't one of those kids who was constantly running around. I just assumed I was lazy and unfocused, and that I didn't try hard enough to concentrate on the important things." ADHD Direct led me to realise that not only was there an explanation for why I "worked" differently from others, but also that there were better options than just trying to scold myself into being neurotypical. I'm still "me", but now for eight hours a day I get to be the version of me that prioritises and accomplishes the stuff that needs done without it feeling like a huge chore. ADHD Direct are professional, understanding, experienced and friendly, and I have recommended them to more than one person I know.
AlanADHD Assessment
"When I reached out to ADHD Direct my life was at a low. Decades of feeling trapped on an adrenaline-fuelled roller coaster had left me burnt out; held hostage by a catalogue of erratic and impulsive behaviours with little consistency or stability, impacting my health, relationships and work life negatively. ADHD Direct provided professional support, guidance and a thorough screening process leading to a formal ADHD diagnosis. Recognising these behaviours weren't character flaws but very real symptoms of a medical condition that could be effectively managed was life-changing. With the ongoing support of the fantastic team and a bespoke treatment plan, my life has improved beyond anything I could have dared dream since diagnosis. My huge thanks to the team for their care, sensitivity and support."
Anonymous PatientADHD Assessment
"The clinician was very thorough with explaining everything in detail about the assessment. Very understanding and clear in her treatment plan. Due to lack of services and scrutiny within the NHS, there was no judgement, no waiting long periods of time, just excellent patient focus and making families feel welcomed and finally having the answers. Highly recommend ADHD direct."
Anonymous patientADHD Assessment
"I would like you to know that I think you are the most professional, thorough, and caring team and Gordon’s knowledge of ADHD is second to none. I know how vigorously you tested my child and I 100% would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone and indeed have done in the past. Since you diagnosed my child almost two years ago now with ADHD his life has improved immeasurably, and I cannot thank Gordon enough for this. We will be forever grateful."
AmandaADHD Assessment
"My experience with you over the last year has been excellent and I feel that you have handled my case with exceptional professionalism. The diagnostic process was extremely thorough from beginning to end and your approach to treatment, prescribing medication and reviewing my progress has been consistently cautious and responsible."
BenADHD Assessment
"I was diagnosed with you just over a year ago. I just wanted to email and say thank you. Thank you for changing my life for the better. During my time as a patient at ADHD Direct, I felt fully supported (definitely more than I currently do under NHS care).  The staff have always been so friendly and supportive. The team at ADHD Direct change lives and I don't know how I would have managed without your support."
Kelsey ADHD Assessment
"I just want to thank you and all of the team at ADHD Direct for all of your support and input over this past year. It has honestly been life-changing for my child and we are eternally grateful for your help and advice."
FionaADHD Assessment
"I have very much appreciated your help and support during this process. I think I have already told you, but the diagnosis and benefits of the medication have been life-changing for me and my family. This would not have been possible without your expert knowledge of ADHD and associated behaviours."
AnonymousADHD Assessment
"I was struck by your compassionate and empathetic approach for which I am very grateful."
AlastairADHD Assessment
"The support your organisation has provided me has been life-changing."
AnonymousADHD Assessment
"I highly recommend this service to anyone concerned about ADHD. It's made such a difference to my life already to have this diagnosis confirmed. If my appointment had concluded with the answer that I haven't been living with ADHD then I would feel fully comfortable accepting that as the knowledge and competence of the team and the thorough process throughout would make it clear that every factor had been considered. It an outstanding service that I am grateful for. Thanks again :)"
Anonymous Patient
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