What parents can do

As a parent, you can ensure that a medical professional who understands ADHD has adequately assessed your youth.

Keep the lines of communication open among you, your youth, the school, and the professionals working with you.

Ensure academic assessments have been done to determine if a learning disability is a factor in the situation and if accommodations need to be made and documented.

Maintain activities of success. Too often, adults eliminate the area of success for youth in attempts to make them successful in areas of weakness. This is not likely to work.

Negotiate the rules and expectations in the home. Plan a meeting when you and your youth have time. Turn off the TV. Brainstorm, listen; no idea is a bad idea. Discuss the options. Put the consensus in writing and make the date for review of the outcome. Positively acknowledge when your youth has been compliant. Try not to overreact when rules are broken.

Try very hard not to argue or become provoked in discussions with your youth. It is okay for them to have the last word.

Self esteem is very important in the success of every individual, regardless of limitations. Allow your youth to participate in decision making about care, school and activities.

Set realistic expectations for your youth and yourselves as parents. Many parents are concerned that their youth may be manipulating them. Positive reinforcement of the expected behaviour is the best route. Long-term consequences or grounding are not effective. Structure versus control works best for youth with ADHD.

Make use of the resources in your school and community, such as counselors, psychologists, sports leaders, religious groups and activity leaders.

Remember

Responsibility + compliance = freedom
Look for the POSITIVE!
Ignore negative behaviours, unless life threatening
Special activities or talents or part-time work = positive self esteem