Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the school-aged child

If your child is diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may feel overwhelmed. Children attending school who are diagnosed with ADHD not only distract themselves as well as other students, but they find focusing on the task and impossible feat, and listening to or reading guided directions a waste of time. As a parent actively involved in your child's education, learning, and growth, you must realize important measures and cautious steps should be taken to encourage your child to stay on task in the classroom and at home.
Another acronym can be applied to ADHD, and this can help parents with problem solving and coping strategies to focus on their child's developmental and educational growth. Four our purposes ADHD will now apply to Awareness, Decision making, Healing, and Direction.
Awareness: The more you learn about what your child is facing when it comes to school and dealing with ADHD, the better prepared you are to have an open discussion with your child. Awareness between you and your child establishes a common ground which fosters open and proactive as well as productive communication.
Decision making: One you have established a safe environment between you and your child to discuss his/her challenges, you can then implement problem solving strategies that will benefit your child. Deciding and planning activities include, but are not limited to - keeping a journal, creating a task list and prioritizing, and communicating with educators and teachers.
Healing: This word encompasses to physical, social, and emotional support for your child as well as his/her treatment plan. Support and guidance must reach all levels of your child's developmental processes and home environment, in order to translate to effective application of the strategies acquired at home towards classroom scenarios.
Direction: The path your child takes depends on you. In order to steer clear of diversions and detours, your child must be able to use you as a foundation of initial preparation for life's challenges. You matter to your child and your child matters to you.
These are a few strategies that will help you guide your child and minimize his/her chance of failure. When we prepare our children, we prevent their distractions. Prevention is the best medicine, regardless of the diagnosis.