Raising a Child with ADHD: Patience and Persistence

By Michael O’Neill

2023-08-158 min

ADHD

Raising a child with ADHD comes with its fair share of challenges, but also with moments of deep learning and growth for both the parent and the child. In our case, my son’s ADHD often manifested in impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and intense emotional reactions. One of the most helpful strategies we’ve found is creating clear routines and sticking to them as much as possible. Consistency provides him with a sense of stability, and over time, we’ve seen fewer outbursts and more positive interactions. Another essential aspect of managing ADHD has been collaborating with his teachers and healthcare providers. Finding the right medication and therapy took time, but once we hit upon the right balance, his ability to focus and manage emotions improved dramatically. It’s also been important to give him outlets for his energy, whether through sports or other physical activities, which help reduce restlessness. At home, we’ve tried to create a low-stress environment. Overstimulation can be overwhelming for him, so we’ve minimized distractions and learned how to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. It hasn’t always been easy, but the results have been worth it. In this blog, I share our journey in more detail, including tips on how to work with schools, the importance of patience, and specific strategies that helped our family manage ADHD effectively.