First, it can be a challenge to raise a high energy child. And, this is true when their needs are different from your other children. Now, your child may even have an ADHD or ADD diagnosis that is making school and peer relationships difficult. And, they receive extended time on tests. Also, your child loves to be active! On a side note, your child may say embarrassing things in conversations, and really need social learning skills.
In between sessions, parenting your high energy child can be fun and easier! From an ADHD specialist in Niantic, Connecticut
First, compliment your child by focusing on and highlighting positives. Instead of the negative reprimands try, “I love how you are sitting with your feet flat on the ground. I like the way you have already started your worksheet. Great job following directions. I love how you brushed your teeth before I did. Nice use of your new vocabulary word.”
Recommendations from an alternative, holistic ADHD specialist in Niantic, Connecticut
Now, use a reassuring, soothing tone of voice. A frustrated child already feels insecure, lost, different, and left behind.
Next, reassure your child that you will always be able to give another explanation. So, give anther example if he or she doesn’t understand the first one. And, share that there is plenty of time to complete the task.
Be empathetic. A great way to approach a frustrated child is to let them know you also share many of their feelings.
When appropriate, to build trust, empathy, and authority in a fun way, share a short story from your life when you were their age. This shows your child that you believe in them and were once a child too.
As an ADHD specialist in Niantic, Connecticut, I recommend that you get great self-care as a parent
Now, stay positive and healthy yourself. Also, as a parent, it is important to schedule non-negotiable self-care such as a yoga class, morning run, a workout, book club, or even a relaxing bath. So, look at your week or your day and plan, so you don’t become exhausted and burnt out. And, communicate with your partner or a friend to coordinate child care, so you can can dedicate self-care time and return refreshed to parenting.
Lastly, write your child a note of compliments.
Words of affirmations can be powerful. When you give your child your note, go over all the things that are positive, valuable, and unique about your child with him or her.
- Compromise. Let go of perfectionism, unless it is a big topic. If you child tries to bargain about a chore, see if you can team up together to plan a way to get it done. Come up with a special team name to beat the chore villains.
- Create routine and rituals. Depending on the age of your child, together develop a schedule and be predictable with rituals for meals, homework, playtime, and bed. For instance, after completing an assignment, schedule in movement time.
- Create a safe space. Children often feel safe in cave-like areas such as small closets and ceilings as well as hammock time, so it could be a reward to make a tent of bed sheets or “happy hammock time.” As a before bed ritual, make sure lunch is in a special place, ready to go.
Written by Katie Ziskind, LMFT, RYT500. At Wisdom Within Counseling, in Niantic, CT I help challenged children develop social skills and teens heal from trauma. My mission is to help boost self-confidence for life-long wellness. I integrate evidenced-based experiential therapies for a highly effective mixed methods approach integrating art, yoga, music, and animal therapy groups- so children and teens can build positive skills and live a life they LOVE!
