Plan One-on-one Time
Every child thrives on attention from his parents. Resolve in 2008 to spend time with your child regularly. For the ADHD child this may be a very active time. . . Consider bike riding, jogging, bowling, or some other active sport.
Plan Family Time
Work to make your family work. Everyone needs to pull together. Each person has strengths and weakness. Each has personal preferences. Getting along is a life skill.
Look for Their Strengths
Kids with ADHD often suffer from low self-esteem. Help your child find his strengths and talents. That will boost morale and will possibly be an area of future employment.
Tackle the Challenges
ADHD brings lots of challenges. Don’t shy away from creating a schedule that works or redirecting those impulsive tendencies. Parents are the adults, and parenting brings responsibility.
Work on Those IEP Goals
Parents and teachers write annual goals for children with special needs. Plan to spend 15-20 nightly on those goals. It is not necessary to work on everything each evening. In fact, that is not a wise plan. Choose one or two goals and work on those. When those are mastered, go on to something else.
Forget Those IEP Goals
IEP goals can be consuming of time and energy. Remember that they are goals to be met in small steps. Take time to work on them, and get then on with life. The goals will still be there when you work on them tomorrow.
Have Time for Their Friends
Friends are important to every child. This is even the case for the child with ADHD. Inviting friends to do things or to come over helps the child be in the loop.
Help Your Child Get Involved
Joining an organization or a sport can also build self-confidence. It is important to help your child choose one that suits his strengths and weaknesses. (For example, a tedious, indoor activity may not be the best choice.)
Take Time for Fun
Remember to enjoy your child for the person he is. Kids are accepting of those around them. Make sure your child understands that you accept him just as he is.
Be Sure to Listen
Kids want to talk to their parents. The talk may not be a serious sit down conversation, but the thoughts and feelings will come out given time and attention. Listening will provide the information to guide everything else.
Read more about ADHD.
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