Parenting a high-functioning child with ADHD presents unique challenges and opportunities. While these children often excel academically and socially, they will still greatly benefit from tailored support to manage their symptoms and thrive.
While high-functioning, your child may still benefit from professional interventions from a therapist who specializes in working with children. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help develop coping strategies, while ADHD coaching can improve time management and organizational skills.
Children with ADHD are intelligent and capable, but they may lack the executive functioning needed to remember what to do in a particular situation, how to stay focused on a particular task, or the consequences of their actions. Below are some tools to help you and your child:
Provide Concrete Reminders
Often, children with ADHD have all the information they need to make good decisions, but they struggle to apply the information at the proper time. Make lists for things your child will need to remember (whether a routine or expected behavior) and put them where they will see them when it is time to do the task. For example, you might put a short list of rules for dinner on the fridge.
Create Structure and Routine
Establish a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of predictability and security. This is especially helpful around essential tasks that require a lot of structure, such as homework times or morning routines. Use visual schedules or calendars to help your child anticipate and prepare for upcoming activities or transitions.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
If there are particular times when your child tends to struggle, it is helpful to think ahead for ways to head off problem situations. First, make a list of problem situations without your child. Then, think of potential ways you could head off the problem. For example, before going into the grocery store, you might take a minute with your child to review 1-3 rules you expect them to follow, as well as the rewards and consequences for her behavior.
Encourage Physical Activity
Regular exercise can help manage ADHD symptoms by improving focus and reducing restlessness. Incorporate physical activities into your child’s daily routine, whether it’s organized sports, dance, or simply playing outdoors. It can also be helpful to make sure your child is eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep at night.
Foster Open Communication
Make sure to praise your child for rules are followed; children with ADHD often expect and receive more criticism than other children. Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and challenges. Listen without judgment and work together to find solutions. This approach builds trust and helps your child develop self-advocacy skills.
These are just a handful of the strategies you can use to assist your child with managing their ADHD. Remember, every child is unique, so be prepared to adapt these strategies to best suit your child’s individual needs. Consider talking to your counselor and books such as Driven to Distraction to help you learn more principles and strategies for helping your child.
Chew On This:
Are there any ways in which your child believes they limited by their ADHD? What could you do to help them overcome their perceived limitations?
