ADHD manifests itself with symptoms in the areas of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity (acting without thinking, abruptly). It can significantly affect children’s academic success, school adjustment, social life, friend relations and family relations. If your child has ADHD, it may mean that you are experiencing more difficulties than expected for his age. So what can you do for this;
First of all, it is very important to acknowledge that the child has ADHD and to know what it means. Although children with ADHD can sometimes concentrate, they are not always able to do so as well as they should. They have trouble controlling their behavior and impulses. They may act excessively, have trouble listening to you, and have problems with planning and organization.
It should be known that most of the problems experienced are not done by the child knowingly and voluntarily. Thinking that the child deliberately exhibits these behaviors may cause anger in the family and may reflect negatively on the child. Remember that these difficulties are not in the hands of the child.
Children with ADHD are constantly faced with negative feedback. They repeatedly hear statements such as “Stop”, “Sit down”, “Don’t do it”, “It didn’t happen”, “You didn’t do your homework”. These negative discourses reduce the self-confidence of children over time and affect their motivation negatively.
It is therefore very important to avoid negative feedback and criticism. Seeing what the child can do not only what he can’t do, appreciating his effort, reinforcing his positive behaviors will increase his self-confidence and motivation.
In order to reduce the difficulties in planning and enable him to gain this skill, plan his day and week together and fill it with activities as much as possible.
In order to increase compliance with the rules, avoid excessive rules and make your rules clear and understandable. Be sure to listen when talking to your child, make eye contact, and avoid indirect and metaphorical expressions. Maintain a calm and determined attitude. In this way, you can establish a healthy and good communication.
Be aware that these problems may not improve in a short time, and maintain these attitudes with patience and determination.
Dr Mehmet Çolak
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist
