ADHD, a challenging neurodevelopmental condition, can affect your performance in several contexts, including the workplace, classrooms, and even your home.
While ADHD can impact day-to-day functioning, kids and adults may exhibit a variety of symptoms that are not always easy to identify.
Even if you are aware that your teen’s ADHD contributes to these behaviors, you might still experience feelings of annoyance, embarrassment or perceived disrespect when they occur. Parenting children with ADHD presents its own set of difficulties, requiring heightened levels of patience. Adolescents with attention deficit disorder try to gradually seek more independence, yet they still rely on the guidance, assistance, and support of their parents.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers
As children with ADHD mature, they may encounter a shifting array of symptoms. While some adolescent symptoms stemming from childhood may diminish in severity in certain cases, new symptoms might emerge as a result of the increasing responsibilities associated with aging.
Signs and symptoms in teenagers include:
- Having trouble focusing on assignments at work or school
- Making mistakes constantly while working
- Difficulty performing tasks, especially regarding schoolwork or housework
- Challenges with task organization and time management
- Continually losing or forgetting personal items
- Avoiding intellectually challenging chores a lot
- Having a greater emotional and frustration sensitivity
- Navigating challenging social situations
- More arguments with parents
What can Parents do?
Educate Yourself on ADHD
Recall your previous understanding about attention deficit disorder and strive to expand your understanding. This effort can lead to a deeper comprehension of your teenager’s behaviors, potentially reducing your frustration. Keep in mind that adolescents with ADHD are not “being harsh” on purpose.
Teenagers with ADHD have the potential to improve their focus and vitality. However, they may still require support and guidance to make progress. They benefit greatly from the assistance and encouragement provided by their parents, teachers, and therapists.
Recognize the signs in your adolescent
ADHD affect every individual in a different way. Reflect on the most challenging issues that your teen’s ADHD presents. Then, consider the skills your child should develop to minimize these challenges. Consider the following:
- Hyperactive teenagers might take more time, so patience is the key. They may need to learn how to unwind and channel excess energy effectively.
- Teens with impulsive behavior may need to work on interrupting less, waiting patiently, or waiting before acting in a way that would be risky or unsafe. They might need to develop emotional self-control.
- Teenagers with attention issues may need to develop their planning, learning, and focus management skills. Specific abilities, such as organizing their belongings, completing tasks efficiently, minimizing distractions, and being punctual, may be necessary for them to master.
Discuss Your Shared Goals and ADHD Together
Educate your teen about ADHD and assist them in understanding it. Teens greatly benefit from discussing how ADHD impacts them at home, school, and with their friends. Show empathy and knowledge.
Ensure your teen knows that having ADHD is not a flaw. Be specific about the tasks you want your teen to complete. Help teenagers understand that controlling their focus, energy, actions, and emotions is their responsibility and that you’ll support them. Set definite, attainable goals. Begin by focusing on one aspect at a time.
Provide Assistance when Needed
Can’t your teen find their shoes or clothes in their disorganized room? It doesn’t help to scold or say, “Clean it up!” if your teen struggles with organizing things due to ADHD, teach them how to tidy up effectively.
Initially, you might need to work together and develop strategies for organizing and arranging items. Patiently work on it together and try to make it enjoyable. Recognize that more messes are likely to occur. Be prepared to repeat the process. Learning a new skill requires practice.
Develop Social Skills with your Teen
Teenagers might not be aware of how ADHD can impact their interpersonal interactions. Teens who interrupt too frequently, talk too much, don’t listen properly, or behave in ways that come across as dictatorial or invasive can annoy other people.
Assist your teen in recognizing how their actions can impact friendships without assigning blame. For instance, when they interrupt, remind them gently and help them practice new skills. Use a phrase that is clear and simple to recall. Give precise instructions on how and when to check it out, such as “wait to speak” or “listen long.”
Maintain your Teen’s Treatment Plan
Medication, therapy, parent counseling, and school support aid ADHD treatment. As your teen grows, their needs and treatment plan may evolve.Collaborate with their healthcare providers and educators to address new requirements and objectives. Find out if your teen’s therapist offers parent management training (PMT). This kind of coaching teaches parents precise strategies for supporting their ADHD teen.
Nurture a Positive Relationship With Your Teen
Teens with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism, and are likely to experience feelings of depression or rage. Focus on their strengths and what you admire about them to foster a warm and loving bond. Acknowledge their accomplishments, offer praise, and engage in activities you both enjoy. Ensure your teen feels accepted and loved despite their challenges.
Be Careful Not to Lecture, Nag, Accuse, or Scold
Negative reactions are more likely to impair undesirable habits. Instead, focus on highlighting your teen’s positive actions.
Encourage Teenagers to Recognize and Develop their Strengths
Teens with ADHD frequently feel as though they are failing others or that they are incapable of performing any tasks, but they possess unique strengths such as quick thinking, creativity, and humor. Help them recognize and leverage these strengths in daily life to boost their self-esteem, resilience, and success.
Authored by Afifa Maryam for Fujn
