Attention Deficit Disorder: How to Help Your Kid With ADHD From a Teen Who Suffered by Sheryl Gould

For years I struggled with helping my daughter with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Today, she works with kids with ADHD and learning difficulties. Here's her personal, as well as professional, suggestions about what you can do to help your child:

• Find ways to boost self-esteem. ADHD and learning difficulties give self-esteem a big hit so it's vital that you find interests and activities that make them feel good about themselves.
• Don’t be scared of medications. Finding a medication that worked for me made all the difference in the world. I felt less anxious, more focused and equipped.
• Get support. Tutors helped me to get organized, develop systems and minimize conflict with my parents.
• Be a safe haven for your children. Be a smiling face at the end of the day.
• Buy snacks they like.
• Be patient and kind.
• Never give up.

I know it's difficult watching your child struggle and experiencing the conflict that comes along with it. Build a team up around you and your child so you don’t feel alone. ADHD is not a reflection of poor parenting or a bad child. Your child is never a hopeless case, it just requires some extra academic and social TLC and the ability to keep looking for solutions.