How do you deal with a teenage ADHD child
What kind of problems are you having? Any specific areas?
It may help having some details in order to offer answers :-)
Perhaps these links will help:
http://www.parentingteensblog.com/helping-teens-with-adhd/
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/parenting/...
I have a 15 year old son that was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old. We tried everything, diet, timers, therapy, and drugs. From all of these years of experience, all I can say for sure, is it is up to the child. Offer incentives, not bribes, take away favorite toys/activites when he doesn't do as he should. In other words, expect him to succeed, and never ever let him use his condition as an excuse or a crutch. What seems to have worked better with my child than anything was simply being honest with him about his condition, but at the same time making sure he understood that yes, it may be harder for him to concentrate than it is for other children, but other children have other sometimes more serious conditions, and they still succeed if the will to do so is there. Of course all children are different, and ADHD may be more severe for one child than another.
I have a child who is Asperger's! I go to the library and read up on all the books! I have a parent-to-parent support group to release stress and also learn how to undo tantrums! I know a friend that goes to psychiatrist with the child to resolve issues! Is your child on meds?
I have a 15 year old with ADHD and we have the homework thing down to a science. It took a while to get it that way, but we no longer have issues and haven't had them for years. The BIGGEST thing is to be consistant. It's really hard not to give in when they are driving you crazy, but you have to show them who's boss. The rules at my house are no TV, no playing, no phone, no snack, no drink, NOTHING, until ALL of your homework is done. He gets started on homework the moment he walks in the door because he wants to be able to do other things. It's best to have them do the homework as soon as they come in because they are still in school mode. If you wait until later, they don't want to go back to doing school work when they've had a break from it. This is just my experience with my child and I know every child is different but I hope my experience will help you. Good luck!!
You might try reading,
Transforming the Difficult Child The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser
I don't have experience dealing with an ADHD teen, but I have been doing a lot of research into psych meds for my own anxiety, and have discovered AMINO ACID THERAPY. It is done by neurotransmitter balancing, taking supplements to even out the brain's serotonin, dopamine etc. From what I read, ADHD has great success with this. I have just begun this program. What a blessing if your child could avoid taking those harsh stimulant medications! Here is the link -
Find a good therapist, doctor, counsellor who is dedicated to this problem. You can try the mental health dept.
There are many programs available therough schools also.
There are many ways of dealing with AdHd besides meds.
There are combinations of behavior and meds and counciling.
Being consistant with the behavior modifications and a routine med system will help. Children need consistancy with
the therapist and most of all the parents.
This is no east step, fustration on both parties will always
be there. One step at a time. If the therapist, or councelor does not work, seek additional help,DO NOT GIVE UP THIS IS YOUR CHILD.
Look into the Clear Minded Children's Program and Brian Sheen of the Quantum Healing Center. He has done some great work with ADHD children and teenagers.
Make sure you are feeding them foods that do not include artificial dyes. There are plenty of good tasting alternatives. An example is replacing Gatorade with Vitamin Waters. Also, replace simple carbs, that includes sugar, with complete carb foods. Better an apple than apple juice or roasted peanuts than M&MS. Make sure protein is served with carbs. Try to move toward spelt pasta and away from white pasta. Breaded products are not your teenager's friends. Neither are french fries. Try baked sweet potato sticks. Check out the www.BetterFoodChoices.com website for more information. Teenagers often eat away from the home. That is out of your territory. Your domaine is your home. Do your best in filling it with the foods that will make a positive difference. In the long run, this will be worth your effort!
E.
