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Parenting is always very stressful even if your child doesn't suffer from ADHD. Children who suffer from ADHD are much more difficult to handle as they have a much shorter attention span and can get frustrated much quicker. Parenting through these difficulties will help raise a happy, healthy child. Here are 9 ADHD parenting tips to help you cope with and support your ADHD child. 1. Start by laying down the rules which are consistent and easy to follow. It is best for both parents to agree on and follow the rules so as not to confuse the ADHD child. 2. Establish set routines. All children enjoy following a routine, this is especially true for children suffering from ADHD. You should lay down the rules and tell them when they need to do certain things. Your child may have a short attention span, and so you have to be aware of this. Put a limit on the amount of time your child can play games, listen to music or watch television. By sticking to these rules your children get some extra time to think by themselves. 3. Assign weekly or daily chores. Use a chart to keep track of progress. Children love to get a gold star when they complete a task. For ADHD children, this can be a great ego boost. Be sure to explain exactly how to complete the task and even demonstrate it to them yourself. 4. Choose your battles wisely. Decide early on what things are most important and make sure that these things are the ones that get done. If the child wavers on an unimportant item let it go. What strikes the child one way one day may change the next. Be sure that your core values and beliefs are being honored. 5. Time management - Many children with ADHD struggle to manage their time. You should teach them how to do this. For older children, you may want to consider using electronic organizers or planners. 6. Break large tasks into smaller pieces. ADHD children may struggle to stay focused on one large specific task. By breaking it down into smaller ones, you can make the task less frustrating for you and your child. 7. Be patient. Parents need lots of patience to raise ADHD children. Don't get too upset if certain tasks don't get done. Give more time for completing and following up tasks. You must allow some extra time for mistakes, if your child does anything well then make sure you reward them. 8. Communication is an important life skill. Make sure you teach him how to communicate with you and others. Let him know that you are available to advise and listen to his problems. This will help to prepare him well for adult life. 9. Be a good role model to your child. This is one of the biggest factors that will determine the outcome of your child as an adult. Although it may not seem like it, your child watches you and strives to be like you.
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Parents play an important role in providing the necessary support for their children with ADHD. Although medications are commonly used to manage ADHD symptoms, they come with side effects. If you are looking for alternative ADHD treatments, check out the Natural Treatments for ADHD website.
