ADHD Archives - The New Hope MHCS https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/tag/adhd/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:33:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-TNHMS-Logo-32x32.png ADHD Archives - The New Hope MHCS https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/tag/adhd/ 32 32 Children’s Mental Health Awareness – What Parent Should Know https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/childrens-mental-health-awareness-what-parent-should-know/ Fri, 29 May 2026 21:04:07 +0000 https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/?p=11858

Is Your Child Struggling in Silence? What Every Parent Should Know

Children are remarkably good at pretending everything is fine. They go to school, they laugh with friends, they sit at the dinner table – and all the while, something inside them is quietly, persistently hurting. They do not have the vocabulary to name it. They do not always know that what they are feeling is not normal. And in many cases, the adults around them do not know either.

If you are a parent or caregiver reading this, what follows may be one of the most important things you read this month.

The Scale of Children's Mental Health Challenges

The statistics around children’s mental health are both sobering and important to understand. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six children between the ages of two and eight has a diagnosed mental or behavioral disorder. Anxiety and depression in children rose from 5.4 percent to 8.4 percent over a single decade. There are an estimated 2.7 million children in the United States currently living with depression.

Perhaps most striking is this: 50 percent of all mental health conditions show their first signs by the age of 14. The seeds of adult mental health struggles are frequently planted in childhood – and yet, because children’s distress often looks different from adult distress, it frequently goes unrecognized until it has already taken root.

Only eight in ten children who are diagnosed with depression actually receive treatment. For conditions that go undiagnosed – which represents a significant portion of struggling children – that number drops further still.

Related – Parenting Guidance for Children with Behavioral Issues

Why Children's Mental Health Looks Different

One of the primary reasons children’s mental health struggles are missed is that they do not present the way adult struggles do. A depressed adult typically looks sad, withdrawn, and fatigued. A depressed child might look angry, defiant, hyperactive, or physically unwell.

A child experiencing anxiety may not say “I feel anxious.” They may say their stomach hurts every morning before school. They may refuse to go to birthday parties. They may become clingy, irritable, or have frequent meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the situation. These behaviors are easily explained away as phases, personality traits, or poor behavior – which is exactly why so many children’s mental health conditions go unaddressed for years.

Understanding what mental health conditions actually look like in children is the first step toward recognizing them.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Children

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition among children. It can present as separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized worry, specific phobias, or panic. Children with anxiety may avoid school, struggle to make friends, complain of physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches, and become extremely distressed when routines change. Early intervention for childhood anxiety has an excellent track record – and untreated anxiety in childhood is one of the strongest predictors of anxiety and depression in adulthood.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD affects approximately 9.8 percent of children in the United States, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood conditions. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. Children with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD often struggle academically and socially, develop low self-esteem from repeated experiences of failure or frustration, and are more likely to develop secondary conditions like anxiety and depression.

It is worth noting that ADHD looks different in girls than in boys. Girls are more likely to show the inattentive presentation – daydreaming, forgetfulness, disorganization – rather than the hyperactive presentation more commonly associated with the diagnosis. This means girls are significantly more likely to go undiagnosed.

Depression in Children

Childhood depression is real, and it is distinct from ordinary sadness. A child experiencing depression may show persistent irritability or anger rather than visible sadness. They may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed, withdraw from friends, experience changes in sleep or appetite, report feeling worthless or unloved, and in more serious cases, express thoughts of not wanting to be alive.

Depression in childhood is not a phase that children will simply grow out of. Left untreated, it can have serious consequences for academic achievement, social development, and long-term mental and physical health.

Behavioral and Conduct Disorders

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder are among the most misunderstood childhood mental health conditions because their symptoms – defiance, aggression, rule-breaking – are often interpreted as moral failures or poor parenting rather than clinical presentations that deserve treatment. Children with these conditions are frequently responding to underlying emotional dysregulation, trauma, or neurodevelopmental differences. Appropriate assessment and intervention can make an enormous difference.

Warning Signs Parents and Caregivers Should Know

While children express distress differently based on age, temperament, and the specific condition involved, there are some general warning signs that warrant closer attention and, in many cases, professional evaluation:

  • Persistent changes in mood, behavior, or personality that last more than two weeks
  • Frequent, intense emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate to the trigger
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities that previously brought enjoyment
  • Declining academic performance or a sudden loss of interest in school
  • Recurring physical complaints – stomachaches, headaches – with no identified medical cause
  • Significant changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, or energy levels
  • Expressed feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or not wanting to be alive
  • Increased fearfulness, clinginess, or avoidance of specific situations or places
  • Regression to behaviors typical of a younger child – bedwetting, thumb-sucking – particularly after a period of stress
Warning Signs Parents and Caregivers Should Know

Trust your instincts as a parent or caregiver. If something feels different or wrong, that feeling deserves to be taken seriously.

What to Do If You Are Concerned

The most important thing any parent or caregiver can do when they are concerned about a child’s mental health is to start a conversation – and then seek professional guidance. Here is how to begin:

  • Open the conversation gently: Rather than asking “what is wrong with you,” try “I have noticed you seem to be having a hard time lately. I am here, and I want to understand.” Children need to feel safe before they can be honest.
  • Talk to your child’s pediatrician: Primary care providers are an important first point of contact for children’s mental health concerns. They can conduct initial screenings and provide referrals to mental health specialists.
  • Contact a mental health professional who specializes in children: A child-focused therapist can conduct a thorough assessment, provide a diagnosis if appropriate, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s age, temperament, and specific needs.
  • Involve the school: Teachers and school counselors spend significant time with children and can be valuable partners in both identifying concerns and supporting a child’s mental health journey.
  • Take care of yourself too: Parenting a child with mental health challenges is emotionally demanding. Seeking your own support – through therapy, support groups, or trusted relationships – is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Early Intervention Changes Everything

The research on early mental health intervention in children is unambiguous: the earlier a condition is identified and treated, the better the outcomes. Children’s brains are still developing, which means they are also more responsive to therapeutic intervention than adult brains. Skills learned in childhood – emotional regulation, distress tolerance, flexible thinking, social problem-solving – build a foundation that serves a person for life.

Waiting to see if a child “grows out of it” is one of the most common and costly mistakes in children’s mental health. Not because parents do not care, but because they do not always know that what they are seeing is a condition that can be treated, not just a phase to be endured.

Support Is Available

At The New Hope Mental Health Counseling Services, we understand that a child’s mental health is a family matter. Our licensed mental health counselors in New York provide compassionate, age-appropriate care for children experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, behavioral difficulties, and emotional dysregulation. We work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to ensure that support extends beyond the therapy room and into the environments where children spend their lives.

Whether you are searching for a mental health counselor in New York for your child, looking for a mental health clinic in New York that welcomes young patients, or simply trying to understand what your child might be going through, we are here to help. Take the step that could change your child’s trajectory. Visit www.thenewhopemhcs.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.

A Final Word

Every child deserves to be seen – not just the parts that are easy and joyful, but the parts that are struggling and scared. You do not have to figure this out alone. And neither does your child.

Take the first step toward better mental health!

Fill the Below Form and Schedule a Clinical Consultation with us today→

]]> Early Childhood Interventions for ADHD: Why Starting Young Matters https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/early-childhood-interventions-for-adhd-why-starting-young-matters/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:56:52 +0000 https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/?p=11004

Early Childhood Interventions for ADHD: Why Starting Young Matters

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

]]> Navigating Adult ADHD in New York: Finding the Right Doctor to Assess Your Symptoms https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/navigating-adult-adhd-in-new-york-finding-the-right-doctor-to-assess-your-symptoms/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 01:00:35 +0000 https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/?p=4713

Navigating Adult ADHD in New York: Finding the Right Doctor to Assess Your Symptoms.

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If you’re an adult living in New York who suspects you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. It’s not easy to find the right doctor to assess your symptoms, and navigating the many options available can feel daunting. Fortunately, the resources available in New York can help you find a qualified specialist who can help you understand what you’re going through and develop a plan of action. With the right doctor and the right treatment plan, you can get the help you need to manage your ADHD and live a more productive life.

Overview of ADHD in Adults.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common brain disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood, but can continue into adulthood. It is characterized by difficulty paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. It can cause difficulty with school, work, and relationships and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Adults with ADHD may experience impulsivity, restlessness, difficulty organizing tasks, problems with relationships, and difficulty focusing on tasks.
It’s important to understand that ADHD is a neurological disorder, not a character flaw or a sign of laziness. It is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, and it is possible to manage the symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications. When looking for a doctor to assess your symptoms, it is important to find one who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with adult ADHD.

What to Look For in an ADHD Doctor?​

When looking for an ADHD doctor, you should look for one who is knowledgeable and experienced in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. It is important to find a doctor who is willing to listen to your concerns and take the time to understand your symptoms. You should also look for a doctor who is knowledgeable about the latest treatments and medications for adult ADHD.
The doctor should also be open to discussing lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress management, and diet, that can help you manage your symptoms. It is also important to find a doctor who is comfortable talking about emotions and mental health, as these can be closely linked to ADHD.

Finding the Right Specialist in New York.

Finding the right specialist in New York can be a challenge, but there are a few ways to start your search. The first is to ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Your primary care doctor may be able to recommend a specialist in your area who is knowledgeable about adult ADHD.
Another option is to search online for ADHD specialists in your area. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a website that lists certified ADHD specialists in the United States, including those in New York. You can also search for ADHD specialists on the websites of local hospitals and clinics.

Understanding Your Diagnosis and What it Means.

Once you’ve found the right specialist, it’s important to understand what your diagnosis means. Your doctor will explain the diagnosis and what it means for you in terms of symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle changes. It is important to understand the diagnosis so that you can make informed decisions about how to manage your symptoms.
Your doctor may also talk to you about how your family and lifestyle may be affecting your symptoms. It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about any lifestyle changes you may need to make in order to manage your symptoms.

Common Treatments for Adults with ADHD.

Once you understand your diagnosis, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Common treatments for adults with ADHD include medications, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and support groups.
Medications are often prescribed to help manage symptoms, such as stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, and they can help improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and improve attention. Non-stimulants can also be used to treat ADHD, and they work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain.
Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management, can also be helpful in managing your symptoms. In addition, psychotherapy can help you learn how to better manage your symptoms and develop coping strategies for difficult situations. Support groups can be a great resource for adults with ADHD, as they provide a safe space to discuss your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.

Common Medications for Adults with ADHD.

Common medications prescribed for adults with ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD and they work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain. Stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and improve attention. Common stimulants prescribed for adults with ADHD are Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta.

Non-stimulants are another type of medication used to treat ADHD, and they work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain. Non-stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and improve attention. Common non-stimulants prescribed for adults with ADHD are Strattera, Intuniv, and Kapvay.

Managing Your ADHD with Lifestyle Changes.

In addition to medications, making lifestyle changes can also help you manage your ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can all help to reduce symptoms. Exercise can help improve concentration and focus, while a healthy diet can help reduce impulsivity and improve attention. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
It can also be helpful to establish a regular routine. Creating a schedule and sticking to it can help you stay organized and on track. Additionally, getting enough sleep and avoiding distractions can help to improve concentration and focus.

Resources Available in New York for Adults with ADHD.

There are a number of resources available in New York for adults with ADHD. The New York State Department of Health has an online resource guide that provides information about ADHD and resources for adults with ADHD. Additionally, the ADHD Coalition of New York provides information, support, and resources for adults with ADHD.
Finally, there are a number of support groups for adults with ADHD in New York. These support groups provide a safe space to discuss your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.

Conclusion -

Navigating adult ADHD in New York can be challenging, but with the right resources and the right doctor, you can get the help you need to manage your symptoms and live a more productive life. Finding the right specialist is key, and it’s important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable and experienced in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can take control of your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

]]> How to Use Behavioral Treatments for Kids with ADHD and Better Parenting Strategies https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/how-to-use-behavioral-treatments-for-kids-with-adhd-and-better-parenting-strategies/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:31:00 +0000 https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/?p=3013

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

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ADHD

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.

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