Parenting an ADHD/ODD Child

Throughout the struggle of dealing with A.D.H.D. with my 5 year old, he has also gained O.D.D. (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). While the ADHD is manageable with medications and extra attention, the ODD has no treatment. Here are some suggestions that may help, if you are faced with the same situation:

1. Talk to your child. They need to understand their ADHD/ODD doesn’t make them stupid, it just means they need extra help.
2. One on one time. This is especially important because it not only gives you time to bond with your chils, but also to help them learn better.
3. Counseling. This is helpful in so many ways. It’s an opportunity to seek professional help and learn to handle those outbursts.
4. Medication. This is completely up to you, and it is not intended to act as a cure. It is simply a treatment method to help your child focus better.
5. Stay in touch with their teacher. This is important so you know what’s going on at school, when you’re not there.

Preventing Outbursts

1. Stay calm. You know your child is upset. (Remember how it feels to be upset? That’s what they’re going through). 
2. Ask what’s wrong. Even if your child seems unwilling to talk about it, let them know they can talk to you about anything, and only when they’re ready. You don’t want to force them.
3. Get eye-level. This shows the child you are really listening and that you WANT to listen.
4. Step out of the room. It’s impossible to talk to your child in a room full of people. Especially if the child doesn’t want an audience. Talk quietly in a corner, or in a seperate room, to resolve the issue.