ADHD Counseling Archives - The New Hope MHCS

ADHD Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Empowering Individuals with ADHD

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:36 +0000

Understanding, Supporting, and Empowering Individuals with ADHD

ADHD Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Empowering Individuals with ADHD

Every October, we observe ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness, dispelling myths, and providing support for those living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite being one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, ADHD is often misunderstood. The stigma and misconceptions surrounding it frequently prevent individuals and families from seeking the help they need.

At The New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we believe that awareness is the first step toward empowerment. By educating communities, supporting families, and providing effective treatment, we can ensure that individuals with ADHD not only manage their symptoms but also thrive in school, work, and life.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. ADHD is not caused by laziness, poor parenting, or lack of discipline—it is a legitimate medical condition with biological and genetic influences.

Common Symptoms Include:

Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Struggles with organization and time management
Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
Impulsivity, such as interrupting conversations or making quick decisions without thinking
Forgetfulness in daily activities
Emotional regulation challenges

Symptoms vary from person to person, and not everyone with ADHD experiences hyperactivity. For many, inattention is the primary concern, which can make ADHD harder to recognize—especially in adults or girls.

Realted – Importance of Understanding and Managing ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Breaking the Myths About ADHD

One of the key goals of ADHD Awareness Month is to challenge the misconceptions that contribute to stigma. Some common myths include:

Myth: ADHD only affects children.
Fact: While symptoms often appear in childhood, many individuals continue to experience ADHD into adulthood.

Myth: ADHD is simply a lack of willpower or discipline.
Fact: ADHD is linked to differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas that control attention, planning, and impulse regulation.

Myth: Medication is the only solution.
Fact: While medication can be an effective tool, ADHD management also includes therapy, skill-building strategies, and lifestyle adjustments.

By spreading accurate information, we can replace judgment with compassion and help more people seek appropriate care.

The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life

ADHD is more than a challenge with focus—it affects many areas of life:

1. Academic Challenges

Students with ADHD may struggle to complete assignments, follow instructions, or stay focused in class. Without support, these difficulties can lead to frustration, underachievement, or low self-esteem.

2. Workplace Struggles

Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to manage deadlines, maintain organization, or juggle multiple responsibilities. This can cause stress, affect career progression, and strain professional relationships.

3. Relationships and Family Dynamics

ADHD can affect communication and emotional regulation, leading to misunderstandings in romantic relationships, friendships, or family life. Loved ones may feel frustrated if they don’t fully understand the challenges of ADHD.

4. Emotional Health

People with ADHD are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and low self-confidence due to repeated challenges in school, work, and relationships. Addressing these co-occurring issues is essential for overall well-being.

Why ADHD Awareness Month Matters

ADHD Awareness Month is not just about recognition—it’s about action. By increasing understanding and acceptance, we create communities where individuals with ADHD feel supported rather than judged.

Awareness also ensures earlier identification and treatment. When parents, teachers, and employers understand the signs of ADHD, they can encourage timely evaluations and interventions. Early support helps individuals build coping strategies and reduces the risk of long-term struggles.

Strategies for Managing ADHD

Living with ADHD presents challenges, but with the right strategies and support, individuals can excel. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Professional Treatment

Medication: Helps regulate brain chemistry to improve focus and impulse control.
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other approaches teach coping skills and emotional regulation.

2. Structure and Organization

Using planners, calendars, and reminders can provide external systems to stay on track.
Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps reduces overwhelm.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent sleep routines can improve concentration and energy levels.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, help with self-regulation.

4. Support Systems

Family involvement, school accommodations, and workplace adjustments create environments where individuals with ADHD can thrive.
Support groups provide connection and encouragement from others facing similar challenges.

How The New Hope Mental Health Clinic Can Help

At The New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we understand that ADHD impacts every aspect of life. That’s why we provide comprehensive, personalized care for both children and adults. Our services include:

Diagnostic Assessments: Accurate evaluations to ensure proper diagnosis.
Individual Therapy: Evidence-based approaches to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Family Support: Education and guidance to strengthen relationships and foster understanding.
Skill-Building Strategies: Practical tools for organization, time management, and emotional regulation.
Group Therapy: Safe spaces to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Whether you are a parent seeking help for your child, an adult navigating ADHD in the workplace, or a family member looking for guidance, our team is here to support you.

Final Thoughts

ADHD Awareness Month reminds us that while ADHD poses unique challenges, it does not define an individual’s potential. With greater awareness, compassionate support, and the right therapy, people with ADHD can harness their strengths and thrive in every area of life.

At The New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we are committed to providing the care and resources needed to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. If you or a loved one may be struggling with ADHD, don’t wait—reach out today. Together, we can build a path toward understanding, empowerment, and well-being.

Early Childhood Interventions for ADHD: Why Starting Young Matters

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:56:52 +0000

Early Childhood Interventions for ADHD: Why Starting Young Matters

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 6 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD — and the numbers continue to rise.

For parents, receiving an ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You may wonder: “Is my child too young for therapy? Should I wait and see if things improve?” The truth is, the earlier interventions begin, the greater the chances of helping children develop the skills they need to thrive.

At New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we believe early childhood interventions are critical for children with ADHD. By identifying challenges early and starting appropriate therapy, we can set children up for long-term success at home, in school, and in their relationships.

Understanding ADHD in Early Childhood

ADHD typically appears before age 12, but signs often emerge much earlier. In preschoolers and young children, ADHD may look different than it does in older kids.

Common early signs of ADHD include:

Constant fidgeting, restlessness, or trouble sitting still
Difficulty following instructions
Short attention span for structured activities
Frequent impulsive behaviors (grabbing, interrupting, blurting out answers)
Trouble playing quietly or waiting for their turn
Emotional outbursts or frustration over small things

While every child has moments of high energy or distractibility, persistent patterns that interfere with learning, play, or family life may indicate ADHD.

Realted – Parenting Guidance for Children with Behavioral Issues

Why Early Intervention Matters

Brain Development is Rapid in Early Childhood
The first years of life are critical for brain development. Early intervention during this period can help children with ADHD build neural pathways that support focus, emotional regulation, and self-control.

Preventing Academic Struggles
Without early support, children with ADHD may fall behind in school. Difficulty paying attention, staying organized, or following instructions can impact learning and self-esteem. Intervening early gives them the tools they need to succeed academically.

Supporting Healthy Social Skills
ADHD can affect friendships. A child who struggles with impulse control may have difficulty sharing, waiting, or respecting boundaries. Early therapy can teach social and communication skills, reducing feelings of rejection or isolation later.
Reducing Family Stress
Parents of children with ADHD often feel overwhelmed by daily challenges. Early intervention not only helps the child but also provides parents with strategies to manage behavior positively, easing household stress.
Building Long-Term Confidence
Children who receive help early are less likely to internalize labels such as “difficult” or “lazy.” Instead, they learn self-advocacy and coping skills that foster confidence and resilience.

Types of Early Childhood Interventions for ADHD

There is no single “cure” for ADHD, but therapy and interventions can dramatically improve outcomes. At New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we tailor treatment to each child’s needs.

1. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is often the first line of treatment for young children with ADHD. It focuses on teaching positive behaviors and reducing disruptive ones. Strategies include:

Reward systems for completing tasks
Clear rules and consistent consequences
Breaking down tasks into smaller steps
Using visual aids and routines

Parents are often included in sessions so they can reinforce these strategies at home.

2. Parent Training Programs

One of the most effective interventions is teaching parents how to support their child’s development. Parent training programs provide tools for:

Managing challenging behavior without harsh discipline
Creating structured routines at home
Communicating effectively with teachers and caregivers
Encouraging positive self-esteem in their child

When parents feel equipped, the entire family benefits.

3. Play Therapy

Play therapy allows children to express themselves in a natural way while learning emotional regulation and problem-solving skills. For children with ADHD, play therapy can:

Improve focus through structured play
Teach patience and turn-taking
Help children understand emotions and practice calming techniques

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Kids

Modified CBT approaches can be highly effective for older preschool and school-aged children. It teaches them to:

Recognize unhelpful thought patterns
Practice coping strategies when frustrated
Build organizational and time management skills

5. School-Based Interventions

Early intervention often extends into the classroom. Teachers and school staff may collaborate with therapists to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, ensuring the child receives accommodations such as:

Extra time for assignments
Preferential seating
Movement breaks
Simplified instructions

This collaborative approach prevents children from falling behind academically.

6. Social Skills Training

Therapists may run group sessions where children learn how to:

Share, cooperate, and wait their turn
Resolve conflicts peacefully
Read social cues
Build and maintain friendships

These early lessons reduce the risk of peer rejection, which can be common in children with ADHD.

The Role of Parents in Early Intervention

Parents are central to successful ADHD interventions. Beyond therapy sessions, daily consistency and support at home reinforce progress. Here are some tips for parents:

Stick to Routines: Structure helps children with ADHD know what to expect.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise small successes to encourage positive behavior.
Break Tasks Into Steps: This reduces overwhelm and builds confidence.
Set Clear Rules: Be consistent with expectations and consequences.
Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: Rest and balanced meals play a big role in focus and mood.
Model Calm Behavior: Children often mirror how adults manage stress.

At New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we partner with parents to ensure they feel empowered and supported throughout the process.

Why Starting Young Matters for the Future

Early childhood interventions don’t just address today’s challenges — they shape a child’s future. Children who receive timely support are more likely to:

Excel academically
Form healthy friendships
Develop strong self-esteem
Avoid secondary issues such as anxiety, depression, or conduct problems

By investing in early therapy, you give your child the tools to navigate not only school but also life with resilience and confidence.

How New Hope Mental Health Clinic Can Help

At New Hope Mental Health Clinic, our specialists in child therapy understand the unique needs of children with ADHD. We offer:

Comprehensive assessments to identify ADHD early
Personalized therapy plans for children and families
Parent coaching and support groups
Collaboration with schools and teachers
Flexible options including in-person and telehealth sessions

Our mission is to help children with ADHD build the skills they need to succeed — while giving families the tools to support them every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Start the Journey

If your child shows signs of ADHD, early intervention is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Starting therapy at a young age helps prevent academic, social, and emotional challenges from growing into lifelong struggles.

At New Hope Mental Health Clinic, we believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. With the right support, ADHD does not have to define your child’s future.

Contact Us Today to learn more about our ADHD therapy programs for children and families.

Parenting Guidance for Children with Behavioral Issues

admin — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:14:20 +0000

Parenting Guidance for Children with Behavioral Issues

Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding journey, and it can become even more complex when raising a child with behavioral issues. At our mental health clinic, we understand that children with behavioral challenges require unique approaches to discipline, communication, and emotional support. Behavioral issues can manifest in various ways, including defiance, aggression, anxiety, hyperactivity, or difficulty managing emotions. These challenges can often lead to frustration, stress, and confusion for parents.

This guide provides practical strategies and insights to help parents better understand and manage behavioral issues in children. Whether you’re dealing with oppositional behavior, ADHD, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation, these techniques can help foster a more positive, structured, and nurturing environment for your child.

Understanding Behavioral Issues in Children

Behavioral issues in children can stem from a range of factors, including developmental delays, emotional trauma, mental health conditions, family dynamics, and environmental influences. Identifying the underlying causes of your child’s behavior is crucial to addressing the issue effectively.

Common Behavioral Challenges:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Characterized by defiant, hostile, and disobedient behavior toward authority figures.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Marked by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, which can affect a child’s ability to focus and follow rules.
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can cause children to act out due to overwhelming emotions or fear of certain situations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD may struggle with communication, social interactions, and emotional regulation.
Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions can lead to aggressive outbursts, tantrums, or mood swings.

Understanding the root cause of your child’s behavioral issues can help guide your approach to parenting and allow you to tailor your responses to their specific needs.

1. Establish Clear and Consistent Boundaries

Importance of Boundaries

Children thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistent. Setting boundaries helps children understand what is acceptable and what is not, providing a sense of security and predictability.

Define Clear Rules: Clearly communicate household rules and expectations. For example, “We speak kindly to each other” or “Homework needs to be done before screen time.”
Consistency is Key: Consistently enforce rules and consequences to reinforce expectations. Inconsistent discipline can confuse children and exacerbate behavioral issues.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward positive behaviors to encourage repetition. Positive reinforcement can be more effective than punishment in promoting good behavior.

Effective Consequences

Ensure that consequences for breaking rules are logical, fair, and immediate. For instance, if a child refuses to do their chores, the consequence might be losing a privilege until the task is completed.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement and Behavior Charts

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their recurrence. This technique is particularly effective for children with behavioral issues, as it focuses on building positive habits rather than punishing negative ones.

Praise Specific Behaviors: Be specific when praising your child. Instead of saying, “Good job,” say, “I really appreciate how you put your toys away without being asked.”
Rewards Systems: Implement rewards systems like sticker charts or points that lead to privileges. For instance, a child earns a star for each day they complete their homework without complaint, and after earning five stars, they get a special treat.
Behavior Charts

Behavior charts visually track progress and help children see the connection between their actions and rewards. They can be customized to target specific behaviors, such as staying calm during stressful situations or completing daily routines without reminders.

3. Practice Effective Communication

Open and Honest Communication

Children with behavioral issues often struggle with expressing their emotions, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Developing effective communication skills can help parents connect with their children and better understand their needs.

Active Listening: Pay attention to your child’s words, body language, and emotions. Validate their feelings by saying things like, “I see you’re upset, and I’m here to help.”
Simple and Direct Language: Use clear, concise language when giving instructions or discussing behavior. Avoid long explanations that may overwhelm or confuse your child.
Non-Verbal Cues: Be mindful of your tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. Calm, open body language can help de-escalate tense situations.

Teaching Emotional Expression

Encourage your child to express their feelings using words instead of acting out. Techniques like “I feel” statements can help children articulate emotions constructively. For example, “I feel sad when…” instead of yelling or hitting.

4. Implement Structured Routines

Benefits of Routines

Structured routines provide stability, predictability, and a sense of control for children with behavioral issues. Consistent schedules help children know what to expect, reducing anxiety and behavioral outbursts.

Create Daily Schedules: Develop a daily routine that includes set times for waking up, meals, school, homework, playtime, and bedtime. Visual schedules can be particularly helpful for younger children or those with developmental delays.
Transition Warnings: Prepare your child for transitions by giving them advance warnings. For example, “We have five more minutes of playtime before we start our bedtime routine.”
Consistency Across Environments: Try to maintain similar routines across home, school, and other environments to provide a cohesive experience for your child.

Handling Routine Changes

While routines are essential, it’s also important to teach flexibility. Use visual cues or social stories to prepare your child for changes, such as a doctor’s appointment or a family trip.

5. Teach Problem-Solving and Coping Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Children with behavioral issues often react impulsively because they lack problem-solving skills. Teaching your child to approach challenges calmly and logically can reduce emotional outbursts.

Model Problem-Solving: Demonstrate how to break down problems into manageable steps. For example, “We’re out of your favorite cereal. What could we have instead?”
Encourage Decision-Making: Allow your child to make choices when appropriate, which can boost their confidence and reduce power struggles.

Coping Strategies

Teach your child coping skills to manage emotions, such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a stress ball. Practice these strategies together during calm moments so your child is prepared to use them when upset.

6. Manage Your Own Stress and Reactions

Parent Self-Care

Parenting a child with behavioral issues can be exhausting and emotionally draining. It’s crucial for parents to take care of their own mental health so they can respond calmly and effectively to their child’s behavior.

Take Breaks: When feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away and breathe. Even a short break can help you reset and approach your child with patience.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional counseling. Joining a support group for parents of children with behavioral issues can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Modeling Emotional Regulation

Children learn from observing their parents. By modeling calm, composed reactions to stress, you teach your child how to handle their own emotions effectively.

7. Collaborate with Professionals

Seeking Professional Help

If your child’s behavioral issues persist or significantly impact their daily functioning, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and pediatricians can offer tailored strategies and support.

Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help children understand and change their behavior patterns.
Parent Training Programs: Programs such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) equip parents with specific skills to manage their child’s behavior more effectively.
School Collaboration: Work closely with your child’s school to ensure consistent strategies are used in the classroom and at home. School counselors, psychologists, and special education services can provide additional support.

How Our Mental Health Clinic Can Help

At our mental health clinic, we offer comprehensive mental health counseling services for children with behavioral issues and their families. Our experienced therapists work closely with parents to develop personalized strategies that address your child’s unique needs, helping to create a more harmonious home environment.

8. Set Realistic Expectations and Celebrate Progress

Setting Manageable Goals

Behavioral change takes time, and progress may be slow. Set realistic expectations for your child’s development and celebrate small victories along the way.

Focus on One Behavior at a Time: Trying to address multiple issues at once can be overwhelming. Focus on one behavior at a time to make the process manageable for both you and your child.
Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages further progress.

Patience and Persistence

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be setbacks. Maintaining a positive, patient approach will help both you and your child navigate the ups and downs of behavioral improvement.

Conclusion

Parenting a child with behavioral issues is challenging, but with the right guidance and support, it’s possible to create a nurturing, structured environment that fosters positive change. By implementing clear boundaries, practicing effective communication, and seeking professional help when needed, parents can help their children develop the skills they need to manage their behavior. At our mental health clinic, we are dedicated to supporting families through mental health counseling and tailored strategies that address the unique needs of each child. If you’re struggling with your child’s behavior, reach out to our clinic today to learn how we can help you and your family thrive.

How to Use Behavioral Treatments for Kids with ADHD and Better Parenting Strategies

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:31:00 +0000

How to Use Behavioral Treatments for Kids with ADHD and Better Parenting Strategies?

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When people think about treatment for kids with ADHD, they tend to think about stimulant medications as the only viable option. That’s not the case. There are a variety of evidence-based behavioral interventions that have shown positive outcomes in helping kids with ADHD succeed in school and other environments. These strategies can also have a positive impact on family life because parents often provide essential support for their child with ADHD. It is important that parents be a part of their child’s treatment for ADHD. It is impossible to regulate a child without regulating the parents. Having a child with attention ADHD can put stress on the parent-child relationship. Parents may feel frustrated and unsure how to help their child with homework or other tasks that require sustained attention and self-control. Parents often feel powerless and like they are failing as they struggle to redirect their child’s attention. Fortunately, there are ways that parents can make things much easier on themselves while providing more support to their child. The following are some effective strategies for supporting your child with ADHD without sacrificing your own sanity:

Have a predictable schedule and ritual

If you have a child with ADHD, one of the best things you can do is create a predictable routine around their schedule. This can involve creating a daily schedule for homework, meals, and other tasks as well as finding ways to incorporate rituals into daily life. For example, eating at the same time each day can help a child with ADHD manage their blood sugar levels and ward off food allergies. Creating a daily schedule can help your child with ADHD stay on track and remember what’s coming next. Time is an abstract concept that requires higher level functioning to cope. Children do not master time management until later in life. You can also use a reward system to reinforce good behavior and provide incentives for reaching goals in the time you deem acceptable. This can be particularly helpful if your child is being treated with medication and needs additional encouragement to respond in a timely manner.

Provide advance notice about changes in schedule

Kids with ADHD have a hard time anticipating what’s coming up next. They also tend to be reactive rather than proactive, often responding to situations and people in the moment instead of thinking ahead. They can be impulsive as they struggle with deferring gratification. By anticipating changes in their schedule, you minimize the anxiety your child experiences when they must respond without fair notice. Responding to instruction requires a higher level of information processing that takes more time for children than adults. This includes giving advance notice about the end of a school day or the transition from one activity to another or about plans to travel.

Set ground rules for behavior

Kids with ADHD often struggle to regulate their own behavior that are mostly impulsive. They also struggle with focusing on task completion since they are easily distracted. This can make it very difficult for them to follow classroom rules or complete homework assignments or common chores around the house. The best way to create order in any environment is for your child to grow learning established reinforceable rules for appropriate and acceptable behavior. To make these rules most effective, you should follow the ABC approach:

– A – Anticipate what problems might occur.

– B – Brainstorm solutions with your child.

– C – Create rules based on the solutions you and your child come up with.

Use visual aids to support your child with ADHD

Kids with ADHD often process information better when it’s in a visual format. This can make a big difference in how well they retain information, how well they perform at school, and how they deal with stress. Visual aids can take many forms. You can use pictures, charts, graphs, and colour coding to help your child stay organized and keep track of assignments. You can also look for tools that can be helpful in this regard, like calendars with large boxes to represent each day. You can also create cues and reminders for your child to help them remember what they need to do. This can be as simple as writing something down so your child sees it or setting a timer to go off.

Using Behavioural Techniques for Kids with ADHD

Behavioral interventions for kids with ADHD are often based on the application of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Most of these strategies are designed to help your child develop self-regulation skills and become more self-aware. Remember, it is difficult to regulate a child without regulating a parent. Other strategies focus on reducing the distractions in your child’s environment and helping their brain function more easily.

Behavioral activation: This is a therapy designed to increase your child’s motivation and engagement. It can help kids with ADHD focus better and improve their work performance.

Cognitive restructuring: This is a type of therapy where you and your child examine and challenge the negative thoughts that may be holding them back. The child is encouraged to think about the possible negative consequences of the actions to the thoughts they are thinking about. Consequential thinking is a skill the children need to learn early if they are to make healthy choices later in life.

Cognitive Training: This is a form of brain training that’s designed to help your child with ADHD improve their attention span. Use of certain games and dialogues can facilitate this process.

Problem Solving: This is a helpful strategy for managing conflicts and avoiding power struggles between you and your child.

Reducing Distractions: There are a variety of environmental factors that can make it more difficult for a child with ADHD to focus. Because their brains are yet developing, children need to learn how to discriminate which among the many environmental stimuli they need to selectively focus on when interacting with others.

Strategies to Manage Frustration for Parents of Kids with ADHD

If you’re the parent of a child with ADHD, it’s understandable if you sometimes feel frustrated, powerless and as though you are failing as a parent. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that your frustration is likely to have a negative impact on your child. How you demonstrate your responsiveness to your child’s behavior could reinforce and perpetuate their problem behavior. There are some strategies you can use to keep your frustration to a minimum.

Try to be patient and compassionate. One of the best ways to be less frustrated is to be understanding. Remember that your child isn’t doing these things on purpose. Your child is not intentionally misbehaving to test your patience. Maybe they are testing your parenting skills, however, this is the opportunity to become better at parenting. Your child don’t know any better otherwise they would not be engaging in the type of behavior you are witnessing. They need your help.

Make a list of your child’s positive qualities. It’s important to remember that your child isn’t just their ADHD. ADHD is only a label clinicians use to objectively focus on helping you and your child. Your child is more than a label. Your child is your child that is struggling with behaviorally. Give yourself a break. Give your child a break. By focusing on your child’s strengths, you will be highlighting their growth and reinforce their self-esteem making it likely that they will repeat the behavior.

Don’t be ashamed. It can be tempting to feel like you should hide your frustrations or be ashamed of them especially when you are in the public. The truth is your feelings of shame or embarrassment is your impression of what you think the public is saying about you as a parent. However, impressions can be wrong since they originate and end in your head. If you think about it, only you are having this rapid discussion with yourself in your head at that moment. Consider not allowing yourself to feel shame, embarrassed, powerless or like a failure. You and your child are a team. You need to be able to talk about your frustrations. You and your child need to know that you aren’t ashamed of them. Focus your energy on solutions not on the problem. Try to identify what is triggering the behavior. Once you’ve identified what is triggering the behavior the how to resolve it becomes easy.

Conclusion

Your child’s ADHD doesn’t have to stand in the way of their success. A variety of evidence-based behavioral interventions can help your child with ADHD succeed in school and other environments and also improve family life by reducing friction between parents and their children. That’s not to say that living with a child who has ADHD is easy. It can be challenging and tiring for parents, and there will be times when it feels like it’s all too much. Learning how to handle these challenges and take advantage of the strategies that are available can make a world of difference, though. Seeking out help from a qualified therapist that is sensitive to your frustrations, culture and objective is critical helping your child.