We have two boys in our family with ADHD. Since one has classic ADHD with hyperactivity and one has limbic ADHD (which is characterized by a distinct lack of energy), they require very different parenting styles. Complicating this issue is the fact that we also have a daughter with ADHD and both my husband and I are living with ADHD as well.
While our family life is never, ever, ever boring, it can also be extremely challenging. So I’m always searching for great advice on how to raise boys with ADHD. Naturally, I was thrilled to get a copy of the book “Raising Boys with ADHD” from Prufrock Press!
As I read the book, I appreciated several of the suggestions and I’m sharing a few of them with you all today. š
*I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for this review. My opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.*
Image: nadezhda1906 / Dollar Photo Club
Tips for Raising Boys with ADHD
1.Ā Make it into a game.
What is “it”, you ask? Anything. Make any and everything into a game. Since boys with ADHD are often easily bored, which can lead to misbehavior, keeping their interest is critical to getting them to cooperate. So, if you need them to pick up their rooms, challenge them to see who can get their room clean faster: you or them? You’ll get them to clean up and work together at the same time!
2. Take a problem-solving approach.
One of the biggest struggles for young boys who have ADHD is feeling defeated. As parents, we can do a lot to help them build self-esteem by refusing to overreact to their difficulties. Raising Boys with ADHD suggests viewing every challenge as a puzzle that can be solved. If what we’re doing now is not helping, then we need to find another solution. But we want to always believe that there is a solution that can help. That optimistic viewpoint can do a lot to help our sons keep trying, even when they feel like giving up.
3. Emphasize respect in the home.
All siblingsĀ tend to argue and fight, so when you add ADHD into the mix, things can become evenĀ more volatile. Rather than creating a long list of do’s and don’ts, the book recommends establishing the family rule “Treat Others with Respect”. If we help our sons learn how to respect us and their siblings, they’ll have an easier time managing their emotions and considering how their actions affect others.
Do you have sons with ADHD? How do you handle the challenges of parenting them? Let us know in the comments!
I have a son with ADHD and a daughter with ADD, Dyslexia and Anxiety…. So I understand the challenges. I definitely agree that making everything a game is a great strategy. My husband and I often found ourselves reprimanding my son for “racing” even when no one else knew he was racing against them (teehee). All we knew was he’d say “I beat!”. Instead of going against the grain we decided to use what worked for him.
LOL! “I beat!” is super cute. š Thanks for stopping by!
I have 2 boys, 1 was diagnosed with ADHD in grade 2. I have a degree in Drama therapy and found that the way to help him learn was through song. We would sing words he didn’t understand and spelling words. This really worked and was a fun game to play. We also did a visual picture chart in sequence of morning routine. This really helped. This year he is at the end of grade 5 and has turned a huge corner. No longer requiring visuals and doing all his morning chores most days before the rest of the house is up. We did also have a massive change to our family diet which has helped everyone. It was an elimination diet called the plan. We cut out soooo much sugar. Most of the boys diet is fresh and limited sugar. No prosessed foods at all. It was hard in the beginning but the boys love it now. I also agree with teaching them respect. Respect oneself and others. Thanks for the read Selena