Supporting Your Child with ADHD Through Promoting Self-Esteem and Capability
Supporting your child in effectively managing their symptoms of ADHD, while celebrating them and accepting them for all that they are, will aid long term success and elevated self-esteem. This will promote self-confidence, self-acceptance, and assurance that can handle all that life throws their way.
Recommendations for supporting your child
1. Give praise.
Research has proven that positive reinforcement is drastically more effective than negative feedback. Children with ADHD often receive a lot of criticism for behaviors which can really hurt their self-esteem and ultimately not change unwanted behaviors.
2. Establish structure.
Children, with or without ADHD, thrive under structure. Establishing a predictable routine is advantageous and promotes independence. It may be better to overschedule rather than under-schedule; making sure to prepare for plenty of preparation time.
3. Give clear directions, breaking desired steps down incrementally.
Make directions simple and focused on what is most important. Refrain from providing too many directions at one time. Remember to celebrate your child’s completion of tasks, rather than those that are forgotten. You may want to utilize a visual for desired behaviors; a list that can be checked off is even better. Make sure to break down large tasks into smaller tasks. For example, when asking for laundry completion you may want to break it down: 1. Wash light laundry. 2. Wash dark laundry. 3. Wash towels. 4. Wash sheets. -rather than simply “wash laundry.”
4. Create a homework hour.
To reduce reinforcement that completing homework quickly is adequate, set aside an entire hour for work. If homework is completed, or not assigned that day, then utilize the hour for study or reading. Work to maintain that hour around the same time each day, catering to the established structure. Utilizing a timer may be helpful to remind you and your child to check-in (maybe two-four times within an hour) to see if time is being utilized effectively.
5. Limit distractions.
Keeping their area tidy is important. Their phone may need to be silenced and the television off when completing homework.
I really value the impression books can have on children. There are several books with main characters who navigate symptoms of ADHD, while also acknowledging their strengths. Here are a few:
1. “My Busy, Busy Brain: The ABCDs of ADHD, a Resource and Children’s Book about ADHD” by Nicole Russell
2. “ADHD Is My Super Power and It Comes with Great Strength” by Alana Moore
3. “Mrs. Gorski I think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets: An ADHD and ADD Book for Kids with Tips and Tricks to Help Them Stay Focused” by Barbara Esham
4. “Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book about Living with ADHD” by Jeanne Kraus and Whitney Martin
5. “A Walk in the Rain with a Brain” by Edward Hallowell
I hope that this blog helps you feel supported. If you need additional, more personalized assistance in addressing your children’s symptoms of ADHD a therapist can be a helpful resource in doing so.
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Disclaimer
Please know that the books and resources on this page are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Of course, there’s no additional fee for you if you choose to make a purchase from one of these links. All of these books have been added to this list because they have been read and recommended by at least one of our Maryland-based therapists. Any commission received will be added to a fund to go towards our staff members’ training.
Written by: Caroline Masucci, LMSW
Caroline is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) at LifeSpring Counseling Services in Maryland, and she specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication skills. She works closely with children, teens, and adults.
