Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD is a behavioral condition that makes focusing on everyday requests and routines challenging, according to the American Physcological Association. The cause is still unknown but often speculated that neurobiological factors play a role, genetics, the environment (lead exposure), food/diet, difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, low birth weight, or postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain. 

My oldest son was diagnosed with ADD when he was in 2nd grade, but he started showing symptoms at a much earlier age. In preschool, his teacher noticed that he frequently “day dreamed” and became “easily distracted”, but I didn’t think much of it because he was so young. Once the distractions started to affect his academic performance, I met with his teachers to discuss the topic in detail.

Children with ADD not only struggle with paying attention, but can also struggle with staying organized, completing tasks, being forgetful in normal daily activities, listening when spoken to, following instructions, and misplacing and losing necessary items. Here are few parenting tips that will hopefully make your life and your child’s life a little easier:

Educate Yourself: Research ADD so you have a better understanding about the topic. There is plenty of information available online, and many books have been written about ADD as well. The better understanding you have of the disorder, the better you will be able to sucessfully parent your child.

Explore Your Options: There are various ways you can try to tackle ADD. Some parents choose to medicate their child and will experiment with various medications before finding the one that works best. There is also the natural/homeopathic route such as taking supplements and vitamins, acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy. Others believe a healthy diet without sugar and more omega 3’s is the answer. Talk with your child’s pediatrician and other parents who have a child with A.D.D., to gain insight, and then decide what works best for your child.

Establish Structure: Children with ADD often struggle with time management, following instructions, and maintaining a schedule. Every child needs structure, but those with ADD need it so much more. Routines and schedules make the life of your child, and your family, much easier. Use clocks in the morning for your child to wake up, and timers when your child is doing homework or “free time” such as computer/video game play. Try to simplify your child’s daily schedule as well. Too many extra curricular activities can cause a mental “overload”, so stick with just a handful of activities. Lastly, your rules/expectations of your child should be clear, concise, and brief.

Enlist the Support of Others: It’s not always easy managing a child with ADD so be sure to enlist the support of your friends, family, church, school counselors, pediatrician, therapist, etc. when needed. Plus, research support groups in your area. Meetup.com is a good place to start.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Children with ADD. often behave in a way that is not intentional, so as a parent, you need to exercise patience and understanding. If your child does not complete the last chore on his/her list, at least be thankful and show positive reinforcement for the ones they did finish. I often have to write down my son’s chores/expectations on a sticky note, so he sees exactly what is required of him. And remember, too many verbal instructions and lengthy lists could be overwhelming for your child to process.

:: Do you know someone who struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder? ::