Advice On Parenting Add Teens

Back to articles list

It is important that the family of the ADD teens sets up simple and clear rules with immediate consequences to breaking them. And, even more important is assuring that the child understands the rules and the consequences to breaking them.

When needed, disciplinary actions taken tend to have a better effect if they are positive, immediate and of short duration rather than negative, delayed and extensive punishments, that the ADD teens will not be able to pay attention to and comprehend.

As the child becomes more and more responsible, he should be awarded privileges, in order for him to be able to learn independence and decide for him self what actions are right, moreover to understand the consequences of his decisions. Also, along with privileges the ADD teens need to complete chores, that have proven to be a great way for developing a child's self esteem and sense of responsibility. You should establish a daily routine and follow it as consistently as possible.

Whenever asking the ADD teens to do something, the instructions should be given in a brief and simple matter. Eye contact and physical contact are advisable in order to keep the child's attention during the conversation. Also, follow up reminders of the request are good ways of ensuring he will not ignore or forget about it in a couple of hours. For example, by setting up a "to do" list he can check off the things he has accomplished. When dealing with younger ADD children instead of ADD teens, pictures can replace words.

Sometimes, the siblings of ADD teens feel neglected because parents pay more attention to the suffering child, and that may cause anger and frustration that will project on the suffering child. It is important that the parents explain to them why the ADD teens are being treated differently and teach them how to cope with the situation rather than manifest their anger towards the suffering sibling.

If the child's behavior becomes impulsive and out-of-control, a good way to calm him is soothing music or the more daring therapy using brainwave entrainment. Right now there are many alternative types of therapy so studying them is the best way of weighting your options when facing different states of your ADD teens' disorder. You also shouldn't allow yourself to be pressured into giving your child drugs unless you are aware comfortable with the side effects they may have.

And, in the end, make sure that all the adults that have an influence over the ADD teens' education, such as teachers, babysitters, grandparents, etc. are aware of his problem and fully understand the implications of their actions that involve him. Also they should have at least a minimum knowledge about the illness, its effects and ways of coping with it.