Self-Care: Advice to Parents of Children With ADHD
As much as ADHD is hereditary, every task can turn into a battle. Handling this each day can’t be easy, and any human being, whether blood-related or not, can easily get overwhelmed. Unfortunately, ADHD presents itself differently in individuals, and while there are online ADHD treatments, there is no one particular solution that works for everyone. Therefore, every parent has to learn the behavior patterns of their child and manage them as they are.
We understand that the whole burden of care may be overwhelming for you and, once in a while, you may find yourself lashing out at your child unconsciously, which is not good. Let’s look at things you can do to practice self-care:
-
Seek Professional Help
If you’re clueless about managing a child with ADHD, it would be ideal to join a parenting program that will help you know the do’s and don’t of it. A few of the things that a licensed therapist will help you do is:
- Link you up to a good support group
- Get diagnosed and get treatment for you to be calm enough to take care of your child
- Come up with a structured routine
- Know how to relate with your child
- Learn how to teach your child the rights and wrongs
- Set up a reward for good deeds and punishment for wrong deeds
- Explore treatment options, including ADHD medication, to help manage your child’s symptoms. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to discuss whether medication may be a suitable part of your child’s care plan.
-
Try to Stay Calm
Anger only makes matters worse in a situation where your child is out of control. Your child looks up to you as their role model. Therefore, whenever you have difficulty keeping them in line, remember that your children expect you to control your emotions. If you need to vent later, do so with a trusted friend or therapist who understands your feelings. They also could help you calm down and know how to handle your emotions, especially in episodes.
-
Reflect on the Positives
When you feel like making an outburst or during frustrations, always try and reflect on the things you love about them. The whole process of seeing them become better is not going to be easy, and each day, you will need to reflect on their best qualities so that you don’t get tired of making them better. Also, set realistic expectations for them. That way, you will notice the baby steps they make, and you’ll know how far they can go.
-
Have “Me Time”
As a parent taking care of an ADHD child, you automatically have many responsibilities, and you may easily forget yourself or your spouse. Therefore, you must chip in some time to do the things that will keep your mind relaxed. They can be as simple as going on a date with a spouse, exercising, watching your favorite animation, listening to your favorite music, or soaking yourself in your bathtub for some time.
Sure, taking care of a unique child can be challenging, but taking care of yourself should always be important as well. Take pride in what you’ve achieved so far, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
About the Author
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!