1. Parenting a child with ADHD The ultimate challenge
This powerpoint has been created to help parents understand ADHD and give them tools to help their children
CLAUDIA CALONJE

2. Caring for a child with ADHD will be a lifetime challenge
Untreated or inadequately addressed ADHD often severely impairs learning, family life, work life, social interactions and driving safely
Yet, most of those with ADHD who receive love , empathy , compassion and adequate treatment function quite well.
Have the courage and love to take on this challenge

3. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Surround yourself with family , friends and professionals that are willing to listen empathetically and who are generous to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold yours or your child’s, a space where you or your child can find temporary refuge when needed. You and your team WILL make a positive difference to this child’s dreams , to his present and future life!!!

4. ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT
ADHD is NOT the result of poor parenting or poor schooling
There is a scientific biological explanation
Genetics and environmental factors pre-dispose to this condition
Genetic factors interacting with pre-natal, peri-natal and post-natal experiences together cause significant impairment in the brain

5. WORKING TOGETHER
Accept the challenge as an opportunity to give your best
IT IS NOT A CURSE DON’T LET IT BECOME A CURSE
Inform yourself and COMMUNICATE with everyone involved
Create and develop a network of support

6. EVERYONE NEEDS TLC
Accept you are doing the best you can as a parent, teacher, carer
Reflect on your attitudes and behaviours (KNOW THYSELF)
Share your thoughts, feelings and needs
Look after yourself and get support from others

7. HOW YOU CAN HELP THE CHILD
You are a partnership!!!
Help build self-esteem and confidence
Help them verbalise their feelings in an honest and open way
Help them help themselves and find their own solutions
Help them understand their own need and those of others

8. HOW??? Unconditional, non-judgemental love,and understanding
Listen actively
Acknowledge their feelings (paraphrase what they have said without criticism or sarcasm)
Try and understand how they are feeling and acknowledge these feelings

9. LISTENING AND COMMUNICATING
Sometimes there are hidden feelings that the child cannot express, help them find them
Mind your attitude when communicating displeasure children are very good at sensing what we are really feeling
Give descriptive praise (tell them exactly what they have done well or not done wrong)

10. Life has its upside down moments

11. KEEP GOING , HANG IN THERE
Stop taking bad behaviour personally (easier said than done, but it works!!)
Sarcasm, criticism and violence from you will come back to you as the child learns to use those same tools with vengeance
This retaliation destroys EVERYONE involved

12. CHILD NEEDS Positive attention Love and affection
Feel a sense of belonging to: family, group of friends, school, team
Security
Feel useful
Approval
Clear parameters

13. NEGOTIATIONS AND REWARDS
Negotiation works well as the child feels involved in his own behaviour management system
Set clear realistic non-negotiable rules that can be measured
Rewards should be more privileges rather than material benefits (staying up a bit later on a Friday, being trusted to work independently)

14. REWARDS
Be consistent with child’s duties, and responsibilities linked to rewards
DO NOT take away reward already won as punishment
Only reward good behaviour

15. YOUR NEEDS Appreciate what you do for your family and/or your learners
Ask for support , help and listening time
Remember to say NO softly but firmly
Take time out for yourself
Say what you really want and need
COMMUNICATE, NEGOTIATE, COMPROMISE

16. MEDICATION AND THERAPY
Medication offers relief IT IS NOT A CURE
Medication improves a variety of the executive functions impaired
Neither the medication nor the best behavioural treatment program is going to modify the brain impairments
Medication, a behaviour modification program and psychotherapy are the best combination

17. REALISTIC HOPE Medication alone is not the answer!!!
IT MUST BE A TEAM EFFORT
Support from your family
Support from your school
Support from your GP
Support from your Mental health professional
Support from your local ADHD support group

18. MAGIC FORMULA OR CURE? There is no magic formula or cure for ADHD
The only magic we have is ourselves
Making sure we are well informed, well supported and do everything in our power with love , understanding, empathy and compassion…