Explaining what ADHD is, and what it is like can be difficult. But it can be even more difficult for children who have it since they likely do not know exactly how to describe it. Also, some children who have it are too young to tell others how they are feeling and what they are going through.
Also, parents are not the only people in a child's life that should know about their ADHD diagnosis. It's important for other family members to know about it as well. This means that the moms and dads of children who have this disorder must take it upon themselves to explain what ADHD is to their family members. But, explaining this disorder to older members of the family might not be easy. Fortunately, here are some tips on how to do that.
Talk To Them Alone
Telling family members about this condition can be tough, especially when it comes to older members of the family, such as the child's grandparents. But according to WebMD, parents might be able to make it easier for grandparents to understand if they talk to them about it alone, instead of discussing it with them in front of a bunch of other people.
If parents choose to do this, the people they are talking to might find that they are more comfortable asking questions about the diagnosis than they would be if additional people were present. It's also a good idea to begin the conversation by discussing how important their presence in the child's life is.
Give Them Plenty Of Information
Sometimes older people have a really hard time understanding what ADHD is. That's why it is important for parents of a child with ADHD to provide a lot of details about the condition when they are talking about it with them. According to 2badadhd, one of the things that parents should mention during a conversation like this is the symptoms that often lead to an ADHD diagnosis.
Also, if a grandparent spends a lot of time around a grandchild that has ADHD, it's important that they know that having a routine is ideal for the child. Parents should also discuss the child's medication with them, as well as what foods may or may not need to be avoided. Furthermore, it's a great idea to talk to them about what might be a trigger for the little one, communication issues that they might have, and ways to help them focus, among other things.
Tell Them To Plan Ahead
There are a lot of important things one should know about ADHD, such as the fact that over 6 million children are affected by it every year, according to Dr. Sheryl Ziegler. There are many other important facts one should know about it as well, and this is why it is important for parents to plan ahead when they are thinking about how to discuss this condition with older family members. Important information shouldn't be left out.
Sources: WebMD, 2badadhd, Dr. Sheryl Ziegler