Raising a child with ADHD
How you can cope with raising a child with ADHD
Taking care of a child with ADHD can be exhausting. Amidst getting the kids ready for school, cooking, and going to work, it’s easy to forget about taking care of you. At first, it may seem selfish but it’s not. Taking time to refresh your mind, body, and spirit on a regular basis is of utmost importance. Here’s why:
Parents of children with ADHD dedicate a lot of their time and energy towards their children.
They may often feel as if they have nothing left for anyone or anything else. Research shows that parents of young children with ADHD are more likely to experience higher levels of stress and depression than parents of children without ADHD. This is particularly true for parents of children with ADHD. Parents who are overly stressed may feel as if they are unable to cope. Many parents lose contact with their friends. Others have problems with their marriages. Some parents turn to inappropriate means of coping such as alcohol.
You are your child’s most important resource.
Your ability to cope with stress and meet your own needs will reflect on how well you are able to take care of your child with ADHD. It will also affect how well you relate to your spouse, the rest of your family and friends, as well as your coworkers.
You can’t avoid all stress in your life.
But, you can improve how you cope with stressful situations. Several resources are available that can help you improve how you manage your time and stress. Learning more about ADHD and parenting skills can also help you improve your coping skills. Check out your local library for books or seminars in your area.
Make sure you set aside some time everyday to relax and do something you enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Watch a movie
- Talk to a friend
- Read a book
- Exercise
- Take a bath
- Draw or write in a journal
- Listen to relaxing music
- Take a long weekend away
- Find a hobby or social activity
- Pray or meditate
- Go on a date with your spouse or partner
- Join an ADHD parenting support group
When you take time for yourself, you’ll feel less stressed. This will help you become a better parent and spouse. So, take time to stop and smell the roses. You deserve it!