ADHD can be a struggle for a parent, and it's easy to get frustrated and potentially exasperate any issues. At Sacramento Valley Pediatric Medical Group, serving Sacramento, CA, and the nearby regions, we see many patients with this condition and have some wisdom to share. 

We also advise scheduling an appointment with Dr. Perla-Inez R. Maulino, Dr. Joan Villaflor, Dr. Maria Tan, Dr. Harrold Navea, or Dr. Lourdes Navea for any further assistance.

Use Positive Reinforcement 

Children will strive to do well when they know an incentive is in store. Therefore, at our Sacramento, CA, office, we recommend you compliment your child when you see them performing desirable behaviors. 

Remain Calm and Positive

It can be easy to lose your cool with a child with ADHD. However, you may only make matters worse. 

Instead, remain calm. You'll not only be more in charge of the situation and be able to rationalize with your child, but you're also sending them a positive message and setting a positive example. 

Know When to Walk Away 

It's normal to want to handle an issue the instant it arises. But think about other times in life when you just need a break due to frustration. You don't do yourself any favors by "pushing through." 

Sometimes, you need to know when your frustration levels are high and so are theirs so you need to walk away for a few minutes and return to the situation once you're calm.  

You're also setting a good example for your child because they know that it's okay to take a break and regroup to tackle a task. 

Be Consistent

The rules shouldn't change from one day to the next for any kid. This can be confusing and frustrating for a child, especially for one with ADHD. 

Therefore, whatever rules you set forth, make sure those are household rules always. 

Have a Schedule

This falls along the lines of being consistent. A child should know what to expect from day to day. For that reason, you should create a schedule and have every day follow a similar pattern. This alleviates your child lashing out over hunger when you give them a snack before they're hungry, and they know when to expect it. 

This is particularly important when it comes to their sleep schedule, so they don't become overly tired. 

These practical tips and coping strategies can help you have better days and your child as well. If you find this isn't enough, though, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Sacramento Valley Pediatric Medical Group, serving Sacramento, CA, and the general vicinity. 

Call 916-681-1130 for our Sacramento office or 916-714-9777 for our Elk Grove office.