If your child was recently diagnosed with ADHD, you may be experiencing a flurry of emotions. Some parents feel a sense of relief to finally put a name to what has been causing their child’s problems. To them, the ADHD diagnosis brings clarity and answers. Others, however, may experience initial feelings of denial or even anger about the diagnosis. Still others feel worry about how their child may be “labeled” in negative ways throughout life.
It is also normal for parents to feel sadness over the extra challenges their child will face. This sadness may even take the form of grief over the loss of normalcy that we long for our children to feel. Some parents may even feel a sense of guilt over the diagnosis, wondering if they caused or could have prevented the ADHD in some way. Learning more about the biological basis of ADHD can help relieve this burden.
Know that it is natural to feel all these emotions and more as you come to terms with what the ADHD diagnosis means. Take the time to acknowledge and process how you feel. Once you are able to do this you, your child and your family will be better able to move forward with a treatment plan to manage the ADHD symptoms and make life more successful and joyful.
Spend time educating yourself and your loved ones all about ADHD. Know that a very important role you have as a parent of a child with ADHD is the role of advocate. Discuss treatment options with your child’s doctor. Gain an understanding about the ways you can modify your child’s environment to make him or her more successful. Teach these techniques to other adults who care for your child at home, at school, and in after-school activities.
Seek support and understand that it is okay to reach out for help from others.
Take deep breath. Give yourself and your child a break when you both need it. Nurture your child's strengths and interests, help him or her develop strategies to address weaknesses, and provide unconditional love and support.
Read More About:
Explaining ADHD to Your Child
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