How To Parent ADHD Teenagers

Teens are already difficult to deal with, with constant fluctuations in their ideologies, thought processes, and actions. But when these fluctuations get too strong, you know it is ADHD. To be precise, hyperactivity and being impulsive is not the only sign of ADHD. For example, when they launch course on their mobile phones, they might want to skip the lesson and continue doing something else on their laptops. It could be because of ADHD or because they are simply getting distracted.

These signs can help you identify whether your teen has ADHD and whether they need professional help;

They cannot sit still for longer durations, even in a calm environment.
They have to keep physically moving, even when they sit still some part of their hand or feet is in constant motion.
Fidgeting with things around them, unintentionally.
Talking too much, out of what is necessary to speak. They often interrupt conversations.
Act on impulses, often without putting enough thought behind their action.
This is difficult in organizing activities throughout the day, and constantly keep skipping from one task to another.
They cannot concentrate on one task at a time, and often forget or lose things.
Sticking to a routine does not help them progress they cannot follow classroom instructions.
A very short attention span for academic and non-academic matters.
Jump into risky activities without having a sense of danger or fear.

If you observe your child is showing early symptoms of ADHD, you might want to get professional help. For institutions, if you sell online courses from your own website, you might want to add an extra professional help feature for struggling students with not only ADHD but also other mental disorders such as anxiety issues, depression, etc.

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Parenting strategies

Parents can support their teens to navigate through life with ADHD. If you have a plan to exercise, it will be easier to not get frustrated and do what is feasible for your teen. Here are a few strategies that can help you support your teen;

Make rules

Your teens will hate rules, especially if they have had ADHD for a long time. However, structuring their everyday activities is the only way to make them behave. Communicate with them and understand which rules they are comfortable abiding by to help with their ADHD, yet allow them enough free time to ensure they don’t feel trapped.

Another trick to make them follow rules is to create a to-do list where instead of completing one task in a particular span, they focus on clearing the To Do List by ticking off every activity. They can also have time slots for completing tasks. Instead of feeling burdened, they feel accomplished and capable.

Social interaction

Teenagers are supposed to be busy- they have academic and other commitments. Spending time with their friends and socializing is an integral part of their life. Research shows teenagers with ADHD often have low self-esteem, low confidence levels, and difficulty participating in social activities. Social interaction can help them with their ADHD.

As a responsible parent, you can encourage teens to socialize with family members to get them comfortable and encourage similar meet and greet activities with friends. Allow them to meet other students, and take them to social events, sports, and club activities.

ADHD-friendly learning environment

Students with ADHD need to be engaged when studying. The best way to encourage a positive learning environment is to ensure that their willingness to remain involved in a task constantly is directed towards something positive. Technology has made this possible with engaging screens, video lessons, and classes that grab the attention of a student and need them to remain focused.

When they fidget while studying, they concentrate only on the meaningless visiting activity. If they are taught to keep their hands busy in one place and minds in another, they can focus better. You can also rely on a private tutor to keep them engaged and monitor them constantly. Professional help is always a great choice!

Most educators and parents fail to realize how teens with ADHD are aware of their shortcomings. The difference is that they are incapable of helping themselves without the guidance of their institution and parents. With proper rule setting and ADHD-friendly exercises or activities, they can continue their life like every other teen.