Parenting a Child with Attention

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

As the parent or caregiver, you might have concerns

about which type of care is right for your child.

Guidance for Uncertain Times: When Kids
Attend School From Home – Tips for Parents

Are you a parent now faced with supervising
while your child with ADHD attends schooling from home?

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Parenting a child with ADHDLet’s start with the facts
There are different treatment options for your child. To find the right one it is best to work closely with the people involved in your child’s life. They can be the child’s doctor, therapist, teachers, coaches, family members, or family friends. Each person can let you know if they see any changes with your child and can help with your child’s success.


Treatment options for ADHD can involve:

Behavior therapy

  • Parent training
  • Therapy with children
  • Support in the classroom

Medications

  • Stimulants
  • Nonstimulants
Medication

Medications

Medication can help children handle their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life. It can help them control the behaviors that cause issues with family, friends, and school. As the parent/caregiver it’s vital you share your concerns and questions with the child’s doctor so the best decision can be made.

Stimulants: This class of meds “stimulate” networks of nerve cells in the brain to work better with each other. It does this by raising dopamine, which plays a key role in thinking and attention. They are good at decreasing ADHD symptoms for most children.

Nonstimulants: Such meds are used if your child isn’t reacting well to stimulants. Or you as the parent opt for your child to use nonstimulants for other reasons. Each medication works differently, and its effects often take longer.

More Information:

Behavior therapy

Behavior therapy

ADHD does make it hard for the child to focus, but it can impact bonds with family and other children. This can show up as disruptive responses. Therapy can help find and reduce these actions. Behavior therapy can involve:
  • Parent training in behavior management
  • Behavior therapy with children
  • Behavioral Interventions in the classroom
More Info
Tips for Parents

Tips for Parents

As a parent or caregiver, you can help make a home that helps your child’s chance for success.

Learn about ADHD - Some helpful websites are listed on the right portion of this page. Also, as an HPSJ member you can call HealthReach 24/7 Advice Nurse Line 800.655.8294 to listen to ADHD: 1250. To learn more you can visit here.

Get a comprehensive assessment - You can get a medical, educational and psychological evaluation for your child. This helps to consider other common disorders and rule them out.

Don’t waste your emotional energy on self-blame - ADHD is a disorder in certain parts of the brain and is passed down in most cases. Bad parenting or a chaotic home does NOT cause ADHD. Focus on what is working so you have the strength to point out what isn’t.

Ask for help - If you find yourself feeling drained, short tempered, or unhappy seeking help can do good for you and your child. As an HPSJ member you can call our partner, Carelon Behavioral Health (previously known as Beacon Health Options) 1.888.581.7526. To learn more you can visit here.

Call your school district – Know HPSJ member rights - These can be found here
Understanding the ABCs of ADHD Medications with Max Wiznitzer, MD

ADHD document download

To download any of the following ADHD documents below, please click on the thumbnail now.

ADHD Medical Adherence FAQ

ADHD: Questions to ask your child’s doctor

ADHD Medication Holiday brochure

Let's talk ADHD

ADHD and Medication

ADHD Flyer

HPSJ is here to help

HPSJ’s Social Work Team is a group of supportive staff who can link you to services you may need.  Such as:

  • Support groups for parents/children with ADHD
  • Referrals
  • Behavioral health
  • Transit to health care appointments

HPSJ Social Work
209.942.6395

HPSJ Member Services
888.936.7526

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Parenting a child with ADHD
Make sure to visit your child’s doctor soon after they’ve been taking meds.

Posted on December 1st, 2020 and last modified on April 19th, 2023.

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