Understanding ADHD: A Simple Guide for Parents

As a parent, you may have heard the term ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), but you might not be entirely sure what it means or how it affects your child. ADHD is a condition that impacts how a person thinks, behaves, and learns. It’s something that many children experience, and although it can feel overwhelming, there are plenty of ways to help your child thrive. One key treatment option that can be really effective is psychotherapy. Let's break it all down in simple terms.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that makes it harder for children (and adults) to pay attention, control impulses, and sometimes even sit still. There are three main types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive Type – Children might have trouble focusing, forget things easily, and be easily distracted.

   
   

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Children might feel like they’re always on the go, struggle to stay seated, or act without thinking.

   
   

3. Combined Type – This is when children show signs of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

   
   

It’s important to remember that ADHD doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart or capable. In fact, many kids with ADHD are highly creative, energetic, and have unique problem-solving skills. They just need extra help learning how to focus their energy and attention in healthy ways.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

One of the most effective ways to help your child manage ADHD is through psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. While medication can help with the biological symptoms of ADHD, psychotherapy works by addressing the emotional and behavioural challenges that come with the condition. Here’s how it helps:

1. Learning to Manage Emotions: Children with ADHD often have difficulty regulating their emotions. They might feel frustrated easily, have outbursts, or struggle with anxiety or low self-esteem. In therapy, kids can learn how to recognise their emotions and find healthier ways to cope with them. Therapists can teach skills like deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to help your child stay calm when they feel overwhelmed.

   
   

2. Improving Social Skills: Many children with ADHD have trouble with social interactions because they may interrupt others, have trouble following conversations, or struggle with waiting their turn. Psychotherapy can help kids understand social cues and practice positive communication. Role-playing, for example, is a fun way to help your child learn how to behave in social situations.

   
   

3. Building Organisational Skills: Staying organised can be a major challenge for kids with ADHD, whether it’s keeping track of schoolwork, remembering to do chores, or getting out the door on time. In therapy, children can learn strategies like making checklists, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using visual reminders. These strategies help them feel more in control and less stressed.

   
   

4. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): One of the most common forms of psychotherapy for ADHD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT. CBT helps children and adults identify and challenge negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive, realistic thoughts. For example, if your child believes they’re "bad" because they forget things, CBT can help them reframe that thought into something more supportive, like "I sometimes forget things, but I can get better with practice."

   
   

5. Building Self-Esteem: ADHD can sometimes make children feel like they’re always getting things wrong. This can lead to frustration, feelings of failure, or even low self-esteem. Psychotherapy helps children focus on their strengths, celebrate small victories, and understand that everyone has challenges. It’s all about developing a positive mindset and resilience, which can go a long way in helping your child feel good about themselves.

   
   

How Can You Support Your Child at Home?

While therapy is incredibly helpful, there are also things you can do as a parent to support your child at home:

• Create a Routine: Kids with ADHD often do better when they have a predictable schedule. Set up a daily routine for homework, meals, and bedtime to help your child feel more structured.

  
  

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child for small successes. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep trying and builds confidence.

  
  

• Break Tasks Into Small Steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming for children with ADHD. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way.

  
  

• Minimise Distractions: Try to create a calm, quiet environment at home, especially when your child needs to focus on homework or chores.

  
  

In Conclusion

ADHD can present unique challenges for children and families, but with the right tools and support, children can thrive. Psychotherapy is a powerful tool that helps children with ADHD manage their emotions, develop better social skills, and improve their organisational abilities. With the right treatment and a bit of patience, your child can learn to navigate the world in their own amazing way. If you're unsure about the best approach for your child, talk to a mental health professional who can guide you through the process and help your child succeed.

You don’t have to go through this journey alone—there are many resources and professionals who can support your family every step of the way.

Learn more about ADHD and how we can help – Book an appointment today!