Parenting a Child With ADD/ADHD: A Therapist's Guide to Support and Strategies in East Greenwich, RI

Parenting a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comes with both unique challenges and rewards. At Rising Tides Counseling Center in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, we understand these complexities and offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy to families navigating this journey. Our therapists are here to share strategies for parenting a child with ADHD and how support can unlock their potential, promote success, and enhance overall well-being. 

Create Predictable Routines

Children with ADHD thrive on structure. Establish consistent daily routines for waking up, eating meals, completing homework, and going to bed. Try visual schedules or checklists, which can reduce anxiety and promote independence. 

Give Clear Instructions

Break down tasks into small, manageable steps and use direct language when giving directions. Visual reminders or timers can be beneficial for maintaining focus. 

Use Praise

Acknowledge your child’s efforts with specific praise like, “I appreciate you finishing your homework before playing.” Small rewards or privileges can also reinforce positive behavior. 

Build Emotional Awareness

Children with ADHD often experience difficulties with emotional regulation, so it’s important to help your child name and understand their feelings. Modeling calm responses and teaching coping skills, such as deep breathing, can also support emotional regulation. 

Therapeutic Support for ADHD

If you’d like extra support, professional ADHD therapy can be an invaluable tool. ADHD therapists employ tailored, age-appropriate interventions, including play therapy, art-based techniques, and behavioral strategies, to help children express themselves, explore their emotions safely, and learn tools to manage frustration and engage in social interactions. 

Parenting therapy and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) can also provide practical strategies for managing challenges and building a stronger parent-child bond. Through these sessions, caregivers learn to offer effective praise and gain a deeper understanding of their child's emotional world, thereby fostering a more secure and connected relationship. 

Helping Your Child Thrive

ADHD therapy can significantly improve a child’s quality of life. The empathetic therapists at Rising Tides Counseling Center in East Greenwich, RI, can help your child thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.