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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that begin in childhood. These behaviors commonly interfere with functioning or development. For families navigating this condition, creating a supportive home environment is a key component of management. Here’s how family support helps to manage ADHD symptoms more effectively:
Family and Patient Education
Educating both the family and the child about ADHD is a foundational step for managing this condition. This process involves learning how ADHD can manifest and that its effects vary from person to person. A central goal of this education is to foster self-efficacy, which is a key skill for independence and health management.
Definition of Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy refers to a person’s belief in their own ability to perceive challenges and their ability to overcome them. It is not about a person’s actual skill levels, but rather their ability to understand their skills and what they can do with them. In medical settings, this belief influences how people approach their health challenges and how active they are in their own care plan.
For a child, self-efficacy might mean learning about their own condition and working on goals like:
- Completing Homework
- Following Routines
- Organizing Key Areas (Like a Backpack)
Self-efficacy influences how children approach their daily lives, and family involvement has been shown to help children develop healthy strategies more easily. By staying informed and learning about your child’s specific condition, you can advocate for them and help them develop ways to manage daily tasks and responsibilities.
Building Self-Efficacy at Home
Families can take practical steps to help a child build self-efficacy. Breaking down large assignments into smaller, manageable steps may make tasks seem less overwhelming. Consistent daily routines for meals, homework, and bedtime provide predictability, and visual schedules may remind a child what to do next. Try to provide neutral, specific feedback focused on effort and strategy rather than just the final result. Celebrating the process of learning and trying new things helps to build a child’s confidence in their capabilities.
Parent Training Resources
A variety of resources are available to help parents learn strategies for supporting a child with ADHD. Evidence-informed parent training programs offer structured guidance on behavior management techniques. These programs often teach methods for establishing routines, using positive reinforcement, and navigating challenging behaviors with a problem-solving approach. Other sources of support may be available from school-based resources, reputable books written by qualified professionals, and community support groups. These resources provide parents with tools and a framework for creating a structured and encouraging home life.
Mental Health Support
Creating predictable schedules helps children know what to expect, and adjusting the home environment can reduce distractions. This is why daily management strategies are fundamental to supporting a child with ADHD. This could involve setting up a quiet homework space or organizing toys and supplies in labeled bins.
Providing clear, simple, one or two-step instructions may improve follow-through. Time management tools, such as timers or visual clocks, can also help children understand the passage of time and stay on task. Families may consult qualified mental health professionals for individualized guidance on implementing these and other management strategies.
Schedule an ADHD Appointment
When seeking a professional consultation, preparation can facilitate a productive discussion. Parents can gather specific observations of their child’s behavior in different settings, and they should collect any relevant reports or feedback from teachers. Compiling a list of questions in advance helps address your concerns during the appointment. Make an appointment today.
