Support
Children diagnosed with ADHD and similar disorders often require extra support and extra energy from parents. Often as parents we underestimate the emotional energy that is required to just stay on top of everything. Because our children look normal, others often don't understand the energy required on a daily basis just to keep things running smoothly in the home for the child and their siblings.
I know from my own experience that at the end of the day I would be exhausted. I hated it when someone said "That's just normal boy behaviour" when I knew what I was dealing with was something more. They didn't have to live with difficult and challenging behaviour day in and day out. They only ever saw a snapshot of behaviour. I had other children and I understood the time and energy that it takes to be a Mum to any child. But I also know just how challenging it can be to stay on top of everything when your child's behaviour is not normal. It is only when others have to care for these kids that they can begin to understand what life is like.
Try to keep a sense of humour and to see the "funny side" of your child's behaviour. You may have to deal with situations and keep a straight face, but I know for myself, when I looked to find something positive, whenever I could see a lighter side, I coped much better on a day to day basis. Keeping our own thinking in order is so important. The study of neuroscience tells us that what we think about is what we become, so if we are always negative in our thinking we become negative people, and if we are positive,we become positive people with a healthy outlook on life. (I will Blog more about this later.). A positive outlook is better for everyone.
The other thing that has been important is the support of other parents. Other parents of children with ADHD understand what it is like. They understand the emotional energy that is required and they understand the emotional tiredness and challenges that goes with parenting these great kids. Our ADHD support group in Wollongong is helping to support other parents. Its great to understand the disorder, its great to learn more about how to work through challenges, and we offer education and information. But what most of our parents want is support. A place to be able to talk to others who understand about ADHD and whose children have similar challenges. A place to be able to let off their frustrations where they are not judged on parenting technique or on their child's behaviour. A place that is welcoming and where they can take a breather. If you want support, get involved with a support group.
And take time for yourself to recharge the emotional batteries. Ok, this may be difficult if you don't have others to look after your kids so you can take a couple of days out, and if you work, its not always easy to get time off either, but I encourage you to try to find time for yourself, even if its just a couple of hours each week to do something for you. You will find it easier when you are more relaxed and on top of things. In our busy schedules as parents we often forget about ourselves because we are too busy running kids to school, sport, music and social activities. Take some time for yourself. Make it a priority and you will be able to refresh and recharge, ready to take on the world again.
If you would like more information please email jill@citylife.org.au and I will be happy to help with whatever information you require.
I know from my own experience that at the end of the day I would be exhausted. I hated it when someone said "That's just normal boy behaviour" when I knew what I was dealing with was something more. They didn't have to live with difficult and challenging behaviour day in and day out. They only ever saw a snapshot of behaviour. I had other children and I understood the time and energy that it takes to be a Mum to any child. But I also know just how challenging it can be to stay on top of everything when your child's behaviour is not normal. It is only when others have to care for these kids that they can begin to understand what life is like.
Try to keep a sense of humour and to see the "funny side" of your child's behaviour. You may have to deal with situations and keep a straight face, but I know for myself, when I looked to find something positive, whenever I could see a lighter side, I coped much better on a day to day basis. Keeping our own thinking in order is so important. The study of neuroscience tells us that what we think about is what we become, so if we are always negative in our thinking we become negative people, and if we are positive,we become positive people with a healthy outlook on life. (I will Blog more about this later.). A positive outlook is better for everyone.
The other thing that has been important is the support of other parents. Other parents of children with ADHD understand what it is like. They understand the emotional energy that is required and they understand the emotional tiredness and challenges that goes with parenting these great kids. Our ADHD support group in Wollongong is helping to support other parents. Its great to understand the disorder, its great to learn more about how to work through challenges, and we offer education and information. But what most of our parents want is support. A place to be able to talk to others who understand about ADHD and whose children have similar challenges. A place to be able to let off their frustrations where they are not judged on parenting technique or on their child's behaviour. A place that is welcoming and where they can take a breather. If you want support, get involved with a support group.
And take time for yourself to recharge the emotional batteries. Ok, this may be difficult if you don't have others to look after your kids so you can take a couple of days out, and if you work, its not always easy to get time off either, but I encourage you to try to find time for yourself, even if its just a couple of hours each week to do something for you. You will find it easier when you are more relaxed and on top of things. In our busy schedules as parents we often forget about ourselves because we are too busy running kids to school, sport, music and social activities. Take some time for yourself. Make it a priority and you will be able to refresh and recharge, ready to take on the world again.
If you would like more information please email jill@citylife.org.au and I will be happy to help with whatever information you require.
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