This is the 4730th article of Da Yi Xiao Nursing
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three behaviors: difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Parents will find that children are easily bored when they can't concentrate when learning Xi, often forget things, lose things, etc., keep moving their hands and feet, have no sense of stability, like to make noise and move around, have poor patience, such as interjecting regardless of the occasion, and are prone to conflict with others. Raising a child with ADHD can be stressful for parents.
Here are some methods you can use to help parents improve their coping skills and better promote the development of their ADHD child.
1. Set reasonable goals and praise them in a timely manner when they are achieved
Parents need to have a realistic understanding of their child's abilities and set reasonable expectations that challenge their children and are within their capabilities. The specific measures are as follows:
(1) "Turning the big into the small"
Breaking down large tasks into a series of smaller steps, marking each step you complete, can help your child feel like he's making progress and getting a sense of accomplishment.
(2) The instructions are clear
When giving children tasks or requirements, use clear and concise language to tell them what needs to be done and make sure they understand the expected outcome that should be achieved at each step. For example, when crossing the street, you should tell your child to wait until the signal turns green and then walk on the zebra crossing, instead of telling him to cross the road safely.
(3) Take regular breaks
Arrange short breaks during tasks to prevent your child from getting tired or distracted.
Whenever your child achieves a goal or sustains an effort, give praise or rewards to maintain motivation. For example, after your child actively brushes his teeth at night, put a sticker on him. When the number of stickers reaches 10, reward the child with "go somewhere to play on the weekend", etc. Immediate rewards are more effective than promised rewards, and can often change the form of the reward.
2. Establish a regular schedule for daily life and Xi
Children with ADHD are better at tasks that have a fixed pattern, such as setting a fixed space and time, and they are more likely to complete the task. Plan a clear daily routine for your child with ADHD, including daily routines and regular homework times. In addition, the rules and behaviors should be as clear and consistent as possible to avoid frequent changes. There are also some visual aids that can be used:
timer
Using a timer can help improve your child's ability to manage their time and control it, especially when it comes to homework.
Notepad
Used to write down schedules, house rules, and to-do lists, it helps your child remember important information and tasks.
Calendar or schedule
Use a calendar or planner to mark important event schedules.
3. Establish clear rules and limits for movement
Make things you want them to follow and what they are not allowed to do, preferably by agreeing with your child and putting those rules down on paper. If the child complies with the rules, recognize and praise them in a timely manner. At this time, parents and family members need to be consistent in their attitudes and ways.
4. Put reminders on key matters
If you nagging and reminding too much about big and small things, it may lead to children not knowing what behaviors are the most strictly forbidden by parents. For example, don't remind too much about daily matters such as not learning Xi and tidying up, but focus on serious things such as bad words and deeds to family members, dangerous behaviors, and breaking promises and rules.
5. Support for Xi
Provide a distraction-free, quiet Xi environment away from noise and activity areas in your home as much as possible. Remove unnecessary items and keep only the items necessary for the current task. Reduce distractions around your child, such as wall decorations or paintings. Communicate regularly with the school's teachers to understand your child's performance in school and provide necessary Xi support. Share strategies that work at home with teachers to see if they can be implemented in a school setting.
6. Social communication skills training
Parents can help their children develop their interpersonal skills in the following ways:
(1) Role-playing
Simulate different social scenarios to help children understand and practice Xi correct social behaviors, such as how to start a conversation, take turns to speak, and listen;
(2) Group activities
Encourage your child to participate in interest groups or social activities, such as interest classes or clubs;
(3) Step-by-step guidance
If your child is uncomfortable in a large social setting, start with a small or familiar gathering;
(4) Video parody
Use situations from videos or books for your child to observe and imitate.
Finally, parents are reminded that if you notice that your child may have the characteristics and symptoms of ADHD, please go to a regular medical institution in time, and comprehensive interventions such as educational guidance and medication can effectively help you and your child.
Author: Shanghai Mental Health Center
Department of Pediatric Psychiatry, He Linyao, nurse
School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Li Conghong, Lecturer, Department of Clinical Nursing
Graphic Design: Tang Yi, Bachelor of Nursing
所有人名和地名均为化名，如有雷同，纯属巧合。