“It takes a village to raise the child”: Supporting parents of children with ADHD

This is a well-known African proverb in which an entire community of people need to interact for children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Although communities may differ over time, this adage has never been truer than today with the stresses and strains placed on families in supporting their children on the journey into adulthood through school and society. For some families with children who may have traits of Dyslexia, ASD or ADHD this is likely to require additional support to help to navigate the specific learning, behavioural and socialisation differences of the child.

These days the villagers offering support go beyond family and friends. Included are the child’s teachers who may themselves require additional training and resources to maximise the potential of children and young persons with learning and behavioural differences.

One teacher recently stated when describing a child with ADHD “he is like a computer without the printer attached” I know he has the answers in his head but he can’t give me the hard copy on paper”.

Seen from a teacher perspective some children, particularly those with traits of ADHD may take up a disproportionate amount of time. Please spare a thought for the parents as children actually spend approximately 18% of the year at school and 82% of their time at home (some of that time hopefully is sleeping).

In response to the daily requests I receive from parents and carers for advice and support I have produced a booklet with 100 top tips for parenting and supporting children with ADHD in a number of key categories.

These tips are not exhaustive but cover the major issues raised by the many questions that I receive regularly from parents and also from teachers on behalf of parents.

The areas covered include Diagnosis, Impulsivity, Organisation, Defiance (ODD), Friendships and with peer relationships, Homework, Managing, Transition to Secondary School, Computers and Managing Yourself.

In each section I have provided 10 key tips which will provide information, direction and confidence in understanding and supporting children with ADHD.

Although this booklet is aimed at parents and carers I believe it will also be of interest to teachers as it is vital that schools and parents work in partnership on behalf children with ADHD and associated traits.

100 Top Tips for parenting and supporting children with ADHD and young persons with ADHD can be found at www.fintanoregan.com