ADHD Teenagers- 3 Parenting Tips

ADHD teenagers are faced with all sorts of problems. It is bad enough being a normal teenager but ADHD does present extra challenges. ADHD teenagers have a much higher percentage of traffic accidents, missing school and getting on the wrong side of the law. About a third of them will either be expelled from school and /or have to repeat a school year. If the ADHD teenager is left to his to her own devices and not treated or helped, then those numbers rocket.

First Parenting Tip

Everyone in the family is signed up to the behavior rules including curfew times, chores, homework and all the other things. Explaining the rules, why they are set and the consequences if they are not adhered to, needs to be made clear. Learn to separate the behavior from the teenager and that means giving them love and affection even in difficult moments. Then explain why the behavior sucks .

Second Parenting Tip

How do you manage anger in a violent argument ? This is usually a problem with ADHD teens who have the hyperactive ADHD type or the combined type. Shouting, cursing and violent behavior needs to be handled calmly. The parent sometimes has to have time-out themselves - it works just as well for both parties. Speaking with a low voice forces the teenager to calm down and shout less, otherwise he or she will not hear you! In calmer moments, you could point out that it is all a matter of self-control and the guy who shouts and curses usually is the loser in any sort of argument. The parent can also pick his or battles and this is a good way of leaving some trivial things go. Think of ways to divert their anger and help them to let off steam and that means in many cases, accompanying them to do sports if you can. Apart from being a great bonding activity, it is also good for everybody physically and mentally. The more contact parents have with ADHD teens, the more they are likely to be able to connect with them.

Third Parenting Tip

Make sure you know who your teen is hanging out with and that you or a trusted fellow parent knows what is going on. I would extend this to knowing what goes on at school and it is always useful to have lots of contact with the teachers. Focus on the positive traits and good talents he has and praise them when appropriate. Supervision also means following school progress and homework.

ADHD medication is not going to teach any of the above parenting skills and there is no known parenting medicine ! But ADHD drugs for ADHD teenagers are full of unknowns. Why risk your child's health? At times ADHD teenagers need a helping hand to focus and concentrate or reduce restlessness. ADHD natural remedies have no side effects. We also now know that behavior modification is by far the best solution in the long term for ADHD teens.