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Parenting a child with ADHD can be tough. You may feel confused, frustrated, or unsure of how to help. In my ADHD Parent Support Group on Facebook, I see many parents struggling. They feel ashamed, worried about medication, or lost about what to do next. Questions like “What is ADHD?”, “Does my child need medication?”, or “What treatments work?” are common. These answers aren’t always easy to find.
The best ADHD treatment uses a mix of tools. These can include parental training, therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Today, I want to talk about a step that gets overlooked, even by doctors. Parental Training should be the foundation of ADHD treatment in children. It’s the first thing you should do if you think your child might have ADHD.
What Is Parent Training?
Parent training doesn’t “fix” your child or make them “normal.” ADHD is part of how your child’s brain works. They need understanding, not judgment. Parent training helps you learn skills to:
Spot signs of ADHD in your child.
Use tools like positive reinforcement, routines, and clear rules.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels supported.
Parent training also teaches parents how to handle tough behaviors, model calm emotions, and set up healthy habits. These habits can include getting better sleep or cutting back on screen time. Parent training often happens in workshops or with ADHD coaches. It helps you lower stress while giving your child the tools they need.
Why Start Early?
Even if your child hasn’t been officially diagnosed, parent training can help. You might notice signs of ADHD—like big emotions or hyperactivity—as early as age 4. You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to start learning.
When you start early, you can:
Manage behaviors before they grow worse.
Avoid feeling overwhelmed or burned out.
Keep track of your child’s patterns to share with their doctor later.
These skills work for all kids, not just kids with ADHD. Things like creating routines or using positive reinforcement are helpful for any family. Early action gives your child a strong start for long-term success. Another resource that you can use is CHADD's Parent-to-Parent ADHD Training Course which is less expensive than guided coaching.
How the Home Environment Helps
A calm, supportive home is key to managing ADHD. You can make changes even before getting a diagnosis:
Set a Routine: Make mornings, meals, chores, and bedtimes predictable.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, outdoor play, and less screen time help your child focus.
Stay Calm: Managing your emotions helps your child feel safe when they’re upset.
These steps reduce stress for both you and your child. They also prepare your family for success at home, in therapy, and at school.
Why Therapy Matters
Therapy is another important part of ADHD treatment. It helps kids learn how to control their emotions, handle stress, and get along with others. Therapy also helps parents. You’ll have a space to talk about your worries and learn ways to stay calm under pressure.
Therapy isn’t just for your child. Parenting a child with ADHD is hard. It can be exhausting. Therapy gives you tools to cope so you don’t reach a breaking point. Waiting until you’re burned out will make it harder to help your child. When therapists work with both parents and kids, families grow stronger. This teamwork builds a calm, steady home for everyone.
Where Does Medication Fit In?
Medication is one tool in a larger plan. Some doctors skip parent training and therapy, which leaves parents confused about medication. ADHD medications help the brain work more smoothly. They help kids use the tools they’ve learned at home and in therapy. About 80% of people with ADHD respond well to medication, and research shows it’s safe—even for long-term use.
Medication isn’t about making a child obedient; It helps them focus and manage emotions. When combined with therapy, routines, and parent training, medication can be a great tool for success.
The Best Approach to Managing ADHD
The best ADHD treatment combines parent training, therapy, medication (if needed), and healthy habits. Exercise, outdoor play, and a good diet are helpful, as is limiting screen time to avoid overstimulation. Parents need support too. Therapy helps you stay balanced and calm. When parents feel strong, they create a home where kids can grow and thrive.
ADHD treatment isn’t about making kids “normal.” It’s about helping them succeed as their true selves. With the right tools and support, kids with ADHD can feel confident, capable, and safe.
Our kids think differently—and that’s okay. Let’s work together to help them shine. Join us ADHD Parent Support Group on Facebook to be part of a group that’s here to help.
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