PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
Parenting Children with ADHD
Rebecca Preiss
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
DBMF 605: Parenting and Child Discipline Strategies: Raising Healthy Kids
Dr. P. John Brunstetter
July 6, 2021
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
Parenting Children with ADHD
Introduction
In parenting practices, nurture accounts for much of a child’s development in which early
family processes associate with family relationships and interactive influences. Critical parenting
often parallels parenting a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (Harold,
et al., 2013). This disorder is extremely complex in children and tends to be the most requested
appointment for professional help, as 6.4 million children or 11 percent, between the ages of 4
and 17, have been diagnosed with ADHD since 2011 (Henderson & Thompson, 2016). While
being overly reactive to their child’s behavior, parents feel the pressure of cultural and societal
norms, that significantly impact the positive impacts their nurture would have on their child.
Although this diagnosis may take years to solidify, often teens with ADHD suffer from anxiety,
behavior and mood disorders, substance abuse issues, and teen delinquency (Clinton & Clark,
2010). Frequently, a parent feels inappropriately labeled with guilt and shame, or as a failure in
their parenting. Subsequently, the parent distances themselves from gatherings with others and
feels alone in their community. As their child’s inattention at school, church, and social events
revolve around hyperactivity and impulsivity, these disruptions deteriorate a positive family
structure. Furthermore, in parenting a child with ADHD, a parent needs to stay current on
research successes in ADHD, attain professional wise counsel, gain actionable steps, attain
valuable resources, stand on biblical insights, and stay consistent in prayer.
Traditional Approaches
Factors in the development of ADHD have consistently been researched in biological
studies, twin studies, adoptive studies, and less-than-optimal parenting. While traditional
research focused on maternal psychopathologies and inconsistence with discipline and control,
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
unclear implications resulted in response to parental involvement (Demmer, et al., 2017). This
research occurred increasingly necessary through the externalizing disorder of ADHD due to
angry parenting.
Current Research
Develop Parenting Strategies through Practice. Children with ADHD require a
complete range of appropriate development strategies as their sensitivity levels are accelerated
(Li, 2018). Parental training treatments for ADHD can better help to understand the processing of
abilities of their child in finding a structure that works for their family, using mindfulness
techniques, and develop resources and education that will help when necessary (Siebelink, et al.,
2018).
The Positive Parenting Side of ADHD. Parents of children with ADHD learn
compassion, inventiveness, creativity, while also adjusting perspectives. Negotiating normalcy
within the family and places of education in relationship to the child creates meaning-making by
integrating proactive positiveness (Ringer, et al., 2020).
Practical Applications
Determine Rewards, Standards, and Strategies. All children have significantly
different personalities, especially those with ADHD. Parents of children with ADHD must think
differently, especially with discipline and structure offering rewards that can be measured
through small attainable goals that are varied, with standards that are graspable and realistic, and
strategies that must allow for creativity and involve incentives (Li, 2018).
Managing Expectations. Most parents would do anything to help their child, but often
become enablers. Parents must also prioritize their own needs while staying motivated and
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
mindful of time and demands. Healthcare providers highlight the benefits of connection to other
parents of children with ADHD (Ruuskanen, et al., 2019).
Medication. Before diagnosis occurs, ADHD tends to have parents concerned with the
common occurrence of prescriptive drugs like Ritalin. While medication may be part of the
prescriptive strengths for children, parents have a choice and often other benefits in healthy diet
and green time are prescribed (Mautone, et al., 2011).
Resources
Parenting. Plenty of literature is now available including a plethora of online platforms
that assist parents dealing with ADHD in healthy practices of strengthening relationships while
constructing proficiencies. While the research on parenting continues to advance, new advice is
continually posted online. Children with ADHD can benefit from multiple theories of
mindfulness to medication, which are provided online within articles, guides for the family, and
tips for parents (CDC, 2020). Often books on hand and lists can prompt quick, constructive, and
positive responses.
Training for Parents. Parents can learn about cognitive and behavior therapy for their
children with ADHD that can be used in combination with their counseling.
Community. Being a part of a local group of parents with similar parenting constructs
through organizations such as CHADD, or through advocacy in community organization, along
with having a church small group for parents gives strength and focus (DuPaul, et al. 2020).
Conclusion
As much work is being done in the effort to assist parenting, the work of the parent with
their child is always the burgeoning proof of its effectiveness. Much change has been made in
this feel to bring about optimizing and advancing parenting of children with ADHD. With the
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
help of parents, this work will continue to provide evidence-based practices that work, especially
in the area of positive parenting and family healthfulness. While parenting a child with ADHD
has it’s challenges, the Bible instructs parents to “Start a youth out on his way; even when he
grows old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, CSB). It is important to make the best out
of parenting, challenging or not, as the call to raise children gives them future success.
Future Research
Future research in ADHD in children and parenting children with ADHD are targeted at
treatment development and evaluation, plus implementation and dissemination of primary care
systems, family, school systems, and mental health systems. From changing the mechanics of
behavioral modification, cognitive strategies, training interventions and examining the treatments
and outcomes, the design interventions inform the life course of the support systems (DuPaul, et
al., 2020). Parents must work towards self-management and stress to ameliorate their functioning
and connection to their community.
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
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PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
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PARENTING CHILDREN WITH ADHD
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