What is A.D.H.D?
“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school (Mayo Clinic).“ We refer to the ‘child’ in this context up to the age of 21.
Here are 13 principles that you may follow to support your child who has been diagnosed with A.D.H.D.:
1. Time
Spend quality time with your child. Set aside three to five days a week (at least an hour a time) to spend quality time together, away from electronic devices. Be patient, understanding, and accepting to protect and also build his/her self esteem.
2. Healthy Life
Establish healthy habits such as having healthy and nutritious food, a lot of physical activity, adequate water (about 2l per day) and getting enough sleep (8-10 hours per night).
3. Routine
Create routines for different things that happen throughout the day. The child should be involved in creating and planning the routine. There should be morning and bedtime routine. A daily planner does wonders to help them keep track of their homework/work responsibilities. These activities are their responsibilities and should be done in a place where there are very little distractions.
4. Tasks
Help them plan for complex and also long tasks. If it is complex, they can learn to take smaller steps to achieve the overall complex task. If the task is long, they should be encouraged to start early and also take breaks in between. For example if they have an assignment to do, encourage them to start planning immediately in relation to the due date (15 minute break for every 1 hour worked).
5. Organisation
Be organised and encourage them to get organised by themselves. No shouting or forcing them to get organised. The more you shout and pressurise to perform, the more discouraged they become.
6. Choice
Give them choices so they can select the best option for themselves with your guidance. Limit the choices by giving two or three options.
7. Conciseness
Be clear and specific when speaking to your child by using direct and brief discussions when they need to do something. You may ask your child to repeat instructions to ensure that they have understood it.
8. Listen
When they speak to you, listen and don’t be busy on your electronic device (which one is important to you?). You should test your listening skills by repeating what they have said to you. In this way you will let them know that you are attentive and take them seriously.
9. Discipline and love
These two principles go hand in hand. You cannot do the one without the other. You should discipline with warmth and purpose. Using logical and reasonable consequences for their actions. Always respect them when you discipline and never put a condition to the discipline (i.e if you do this, I will do that…).
10. Goal setting
They must set SMALL achievable goals with you guidance, encouraging them to take part in activities that they do well in.
11. Praise and rewards
When they complete tasks, do well or when they are being helpful, friendly or respectful, praise and reward them. Don’t overpraise, but comment on when they do something good.
12. Motivate
Using motivational phrases and words help them a lot. It is imperative that you encourage them to be selfmotivated. The more you motivate them and the self-motivate, the more empowered and self-confident they become.
13. Relationships
Encourage your child to build relationships with good people, enabling them to develop strong social skills and maintain those friendships. Set the example of the kind of behaviour you want them to display.
14. References
14.1.Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org)
14.2.National Health Service (www.nhs.uk)
14.3.International Society for Neuroregulation & Research (www.isnr.org)
14.4.Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
14.5.Discover your Amazing Brain (www.drcharlene.co.za)