Featured · Health · Parenthood
Ways to support your Child with ADHD and Anxiety
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions affecting our children today. The two conditions can interact in complex ways, and when they occur together, they can present a unique set of challenges for a child and their families. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, here are some of the best ways that you can support them.
- Educate yourself: Understanding your child’s conditions is the first step in providing effective support. Educate yourself on the symptoms, triggers, and challenges of ADHD and anxiety will enable you to better understand your child’s behavior. It will also help you to be more patient and empathetic.
- Work with the professionals: Work together with your child’s healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, therapists, or psychiatrists, to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the ADHD and anxiety specifically designed for your child. No one child is the same thus no treatment plan should be the same. You can also explore alternative therapies like mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Create structured routines: Children with ADHD and anxiety thrive better with structure and a clear routine. Establish a repeatable schedule for your child, which should include regular meal times, bedtimes, and homework times. This can help them feel more secure and less anxious.
- Use positive reinforcement: Children with ADHD and anxiety often struggle with self-esteem issues. Use positive reinforcement to help build their self-confidence as often as possible. Praise your child for their efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Even when they struggle through something, praise them for their efforts. Encourage them to try new things and support their interests.
- Encourage physical activity: Physical exercise is a great way to help reduce anxiety and improve focus in children with ADHD. Encourage your child to engage in regular physical activities like sports, going for hikes, or yoga. Get involved with them also! My son wants to run a 5k run with me, so you better believe it’s going to happen.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help your child manage their anxiety and improve their ability to focus. Try this activity with them at first until they feel confident enough to do it effectively themselves.
- Foster social connections: Social connections are important for everyone, and children with ADHD and anxiety are certainly no exception. Encourage your child to participate in social activities, such as playdates, social clubs, or sports teams, where they can make friends and build on their social skills. I can speak first hand to this as I’ve noticed how such social connections have positively impacted him.
- Be patient and supportive: Above all, be patient and supportive. Your child may struggle at times, but with your help, they can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive. Remember to take care of yourself as well, and don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals when you need it.
In conclusion, supporting a child with ADHD and anxiety can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. By working with your child’s healthcare providers, creating structured routines, using positive reinforcement, encouraging physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, fostering social connections, and being patient and supportive, you can help your child overcome their challenges and thrive no matter what life throws at them.
