Work to help your ADHD child



Parents, , teachers, and doctors should work together as members of a team. Together you can set goals for your child and find the right treatment to reach those goals. Some of the goals families can work toward include:

  • helping children feel better about themselves
  • helping children do better in school
  • helping children follow classroom and household rules
  • helping children make more friends
  • reducing the behaviors that cause problems.

Some children with also get tutoring or counseling at school. Let your doctor know about any services provided by the school.

“In therapy I work on ways to remember things better. One is called BHB. It stands for Backpack, Homework, Books. And I say to myself, “Have you got your BHB on?” My mom says it to me too. It helps me remember my school stuff.”

ADHD in teens and adults

Many people think of ADHD as a childhood illness, but it can continue through the and into adulthood.

The teen years can be especially hard. With ADHD, people act without thinking first. This can make it hard for teens to make careful choices about , drinking, smoking, or sex. In therapy, teens and parents work on rules, limits, and choices to help things go smoother at home and school.

ADHD also makes it hard to finish what you start. This can be a real problem for adults. Men and women may have trouble keeping up with the things they need to do at home and at work. Adults with ADHD may lose job after job because of their illness.

At any age, treatment can help.

for parents:

Try to learn as much as you can about ADHD. As a parent, trust your thoughts and feelings. You know your child better than anyone else. If you don't think your child is getting the services he or she needs, speak up. Tell your child's doctor or school what you think. And don't stop asking questions.

Remember ADHD can be treated. Keep working to help your child get better. To be your child's best helper, take good care of yourself and stay healthy