What parents can do to help a child with ADHD

Educational Psychologist Jane Healy, PhD, shares advice for parents of a child with ADHD on how to help your child succeed and even reduce his or her need for medication
What Parents Can Do To Help Their Child With ADHD Succeed
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What parents can do to help a child with ADHD

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Whether or not a child is taking medication for ADHD, there are a lot of things that a parent can do at home to help. Sometimes it might even reduce the need for medication. A child who lives in a disorganized environment and who is, himself, disorganized, is at risk for some serious school problems. The first thing we need to think about is: How am I going to help my child get his life organized. For parents, because ADHD maybe inherited, this may be difficult because you, yourself, are disorganized. Perhaps a coach to help you plan your day and help your child stay organized and so that they can feel in control of their possessions and their own body. Children that are rushed and frazzled and stressed out are way more likely to show up with symptoms of ADHD. You can make sure that your child is getting enough sleep. All of this is, basically, under the rubric of behavioral methods of control. There are actually behavioral therapies in which we actually show the child how to manage his own behavior with his own brain, instead of relying on the medication. Whether or not a child is taking medication, behavioral therapy should be a part of the package because it will have long-term, lasting effects; whereas, the medication only has short term effects. If you stop at the behavior returns, unless you learn how to change it.

Educational Psychologist Jane Healy, PhD, shares advice for parents of a child with ADHD on how to help your child succeed and even reduce his or her need for medication

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Jane M. Healy, PhD

Educational Psychologist

Jane Healy is a teacher and educational psychologist who has worked with all ages from pre-school to graduate school.  Her major research interest has been in finding practical applications of current brain research for teachers and parents.  A graduate of Smith College, she holds a MA from John Carroll University, a PhD from Case Western Reserve University, and post-doctoral work in developmental neuropsychology.  She has served on the faculty of Cleveland State University. Her many years of experience include: parent, classroom teacher, reading/learning specialist, elementary administrator, and clinician.  She is recognized internationally as an author, lecturer, and consultant. She has received international media coverage, including Nightline, Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN and NPR, for her ideas about the impact of technology, media and culture on children's brain development and learning.

Although Jane has received many honors, including being twice named the "Educator of the Year" by Delta Kappa Gamma, she claims that she and her husband have learned most of what they know from the process of raising three sons (and now their six grandchildren).

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Transcription: 
Whether or not a child is taking medication for ADHD, there are a lot of things that a parent can do at home to help. Sometimes it might even reduce the need for medication. A child who lives in a disorganized environment and who is, himself, disorganized, is at risk for some serious school problems. The first thing we need to think about is: How am I going to help my child get his life organized. For parents, because ADHD maybe inherited, this may be difficult because you, yourself, are disorganized. Perhaps a coach to help you plan your day and help your child stay organized and so that they can feel in control of their possessions and their own body. Children that are rushed and frazzled and stressed out are way more likely to show up with symptoms of ADHD. You can make sure that your child is getting enough sleep. All of this is, basically, under the rubric of behavioral methods of control. There are actually behavioral therapies in which we actually show the child how to manage his own behavior with his own brain, instead of relying on the medication. Whether or not a child is taking medication, behavioral therapy should be a part of the package because it will have long-term, lasting effects; whereas, the medication only has short term effects. If you stop at the behavior returns, unless you learn how to change it.