If you are a parent with ADHD, you may find yourself surrounded by other parents who share the same challenges. You may have been struggling and finally realized that you’re not alone. Most ADHD adults hit a wall by the time they’re in their 30s. As responsibilities increase and life gets busier, ADHD can become overwhelming and frustrating for parents. Here are some tips for parents of children with ADHD to cope with this.
One study found that children of mothers with ADHD were more likely to report more conflict and less family cohesion than siblings of children without ADHD. It was based on parent reports. Likewise, children of mothers with ADHD were more likely to report greater hostility from their mothers. Further, children of mothers with ADHD said their mother was less likely to communicate well with their father. It suggests that parental ADHD may contribute to the difficulties a child faces.
Children of parents with ADHD may also have trouble initiating tasks. They may be distracted by things like children or unpaid bills. Consequently, it may be difficult for them to take care of their siblings. Children with ADHD can witness both good and negative consequences. They may see their parents arguing and miscommunicating. These negative experiences may not be visible, but they are a standard part of their lives. Regardless of the cause, parents with ADHD may be more likely to have more irritable children, leading to increased anxiety.
If one parent has ADHD, the chances that their child will be diagnosed with ADHD are more significant than for children of normal parents. In addition, both parents may be at risk for the development of ADHD in their children. Whether or not a parent has the condition, it is vital to determine what causes the child’s behaviour. Having a parent with ADHD can also help parents cope with the challenges of being a parent with ADHD.
In addition to parents, those with ADHD may experience some of the same issues. Some parents may even discover that they are struggling with the same problems as their children. In Driven to Distraction, Edward Hallowell, co-founder of the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center in Seattle, has shared his experiences with parents of children with ADHD. His book can be helpful for both parents and children, regardless of gender. However, further research is needed to confirm the connection between persistent parental ADHD and the presence of symptoms in children.
In addition to assessing whether a parent has ADHD, a team at Dr Anderson’s office works with parents of children with ADHD and determines whether their parenting skills are up to the task. Because parents with ADHD often have significant behaviours, responding to child behaviours is often difficult. The best way to handle these challenges is through intervention, which will maximize parents’ mental health. This research aims to solve the difficulties associated with ADHD in parents.
