Parents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Raising Children With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a hereditary condition, meaning that if a child has ADHD, it is likely that one or both parents also have it. This can present unique challenges for both the parent and the child.

Parenting Challenges of ADHD

• Difficulty with Impulsivity, Disorganization and Low Motivation: Parents with ADHD may have problems with impulsivity, disorganization and low motivation, which can make parenting more difficult.
• Lower Effectiveness of Interventions: Studies have shown that ADHD interventions for children are often less effective when parents also have ADHD due to adherence issues and difficulty remembering to administer medication.
• Sibling Conflicts and Lack of Support: The combination of a child with ADHD and siblings without ADHD can lead to conflicts, resentment, and overwhelm for parents. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD in parents can exacerbate challenges, such as following through with treatment recommendations for the child.
• Limited Parenting Skills: Parents with ADHD may have difficulty with parenting skills, such as providing consistent supervision, keeping track of children, and administering discipline.

Impact of Undiagnosed ADHD

• Increased Stress: Untreated ADHD in parents can intensify the stress of parenting a child with the condition.
• Relationship Strain: Lack of consistency, difficulty coping with frustration, and other untreated ADHD symptoms can strain relationships within the family.
• High Divorce Rate: The high incidence of divorce in families where a member has ADHD highlights the need for supportive interventions.

Identifying and Treating ADHD

• Comprehensive Evaluation: ADHD is a 24-hour-a-day condition that affects not only school or work functioning but also family and social relationships. Diagnosing ADHD in children should prompt screening for the condition in other family members.
• Treatment Options: Treatment for ADHD involves medication, psychotherapy, skills training, and self-help strategies, leading to improved family life.

Coping Strategies

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strengths and weaknesses and find effective ways to manage challenging areas.
• Share Responsibilities: Share tasks with a partner, if applicable, to leverage individual strengths.
• Organization Tools: Use tools like daily planners, reward charts, and appointment reminders to support time management and organization.
• Behavior Management Skills: Learn behavior management skills, such as providing rewards for good behavior and consequences for undesirable behavior.
• Create Rules and Behavior Charts: Create a family rules chart and use behavior charts to encourage positive behavior and discourage undesirable actions.
• Establish Routines and Rituals: Establish routines and rituals for critical daily activities to provide structure and ensure essential duties are accomplished.
• Minimize Distractions: Minimize distractions by organizing and simplifying different areas of life, such as designated spaces for items like books and keys.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Prioritize self-care, including rest, regular exercise, and healthy meals, to maintain physical and mental well-being.
• Embrace Strengths: Recognize strengths associated with ADHD, such as high energy levels, curiosity, creativity, resilience, and spontaneity, and use them as positive attributes for both the parent and the child.

By finding effective coping strategies, addressing weaknesses, and utilizing strengths, parents with ADHD can raise children with ADHD in a supportive and nurturing environment.