- Image via Wikipedia
Being a parent to a child who has ADD is frustrating, but it’s a fairly common condition affecting up to 5 out of every 100 children. Here are some tips that you can use when helping your child.
Patience
One thing that’s difficult to understand about children who have ADD is that many times they aren’t able to process what you’ve said the first time you say it. Whether you’re explaining how to do a chore, showing them how to do a homework problem, or teaching them how to play a game, you may need to repeat yourself a few times before they understand. Try to be patient with them during this time. When people are short with those that have ADD, it can make them feel stupid. They realize that they don’t comprehend information as easily as others, and it’s already frustrating for them. Being impatient with them will reinforce what they’re feeling — that they’re stupid. So instead, try to be patient and work with them at their own pace. If you feel your child is unable to concentrate at that time, put off teaching him or her. Mornings are usually better for brain-intensive projects, so if necessary wait till you have a morning with him or her.
Communicate with Teachers
For your child to feel successful in school, you’ll want to communicate with his or her teacher constantly. Often children with ADD will forget to turn in homework, even if it’s done and in their backpacks. They’ll also forget what assignments need to be done and when they’re due. By communicating with the teacher in the class, you’ll be able to keep track of what assignments are due and make sure that your child is turning in all assignments. This way you can head off any problems before they’re too huge. One method for keeping track is for the teacher to write all assignments in a notebook. Your child will have to show you the notebook each day. You’ll initial it when the assignment is completed. This way the teacher knows the child finished the assignment.
