Some parents of children with ADHD might have discovered that parenting methods that work for most kids might not be as effective with theirs. What they may not know is that there are specialized parenting strategies that can keep them to raise their children to be happy, creative, successful, and full of energy. However, there is a reason that we often refer to kids with ADHD as challenging, and what worked with other children in the family may not be working with a particular child. Setting limits, transitioning from one activity to another, being timely, following directions, and staying focused are all difficult tasks for kids with ADHD, and they require a different style of parenting. It’s tough enough that there isn’t basic training for parenting typical kids, and parents of kids with ADHD need advanced training! Fortunately, there are some fantastic, easy-to-follow training manuals, and I want to share with you the five best new books for parenting kids with ADHD.
First, a few hints! Don’t expect perfection from your kids, and more importantly, from yourself. When it comes to parenting, most of us take our lead from our own parents. While you probably turned out OK, I bet you don’t want to parent in exactly the same way your parents did. While this is often the case, we often slip into using some of our childhood experiences, and your parents probably didn’t even know about ADHD. So I‘d suggest that you learn a few parenting skills from experts who understand kids with ADHD and can show you what works best with these kids. Maybe you won’t be able to achieve perfect parenting, but you could help your children to be themselves and assist yourself in being level-headed in your approach.
Here are the five best new books for parenting kids with ADHD, most of them written by friends and colleagues who have shared their expertise with me:
Parenting ADHD NOW – Easy Intervention Strategies to Empower Kids with ADHD
“Drawing on personal experience — as parents of kids with ADHD and their work as ADHD educators and coaches — Diane and Elaine offer immediate, actionable strategies you can use to guide and support your ADHD child compassionately and effectively. With the help of this book, you will be better able to set limits, try new tactics, find acceptance, change your habits, laugh instead of cry, understand instead of yell–thrive instead of just survive.”
Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 LEssons that Medicine Cannot Teach
“Over the past 30 years, Dr. Monastra has treated more than 15,000 clients who have ADHD. In this indispensable book he shares the knowledge he has gained. Engaging and straightforward, the book is directed at parents of children who have, or might have, ADHD. In a conversational style, Monastra offers a series of sequential lessons, beginning with the causes of ADHD and the most common medical treatments. He discusses all the relevant issues for parents, including psychological treatment, diet, educational laws, and practical coping strategies for both parents and children.”
Mindful Parenting for ADHD
“Bertin addresses the various symptoms of ADHD using non-technical language and a user-friendly format. In addition, he offers guidelines to help you assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses, create plans for building skills and managing specific challenges, lower stress levels for both yourself and your child, communicate effectively, and cultivate balance and harmony at home and at school. If you are a parent, caregiver, or mental health professional, this book provides a valuable guide.”
Smart but Scattered
“There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your bright, talented son or daughter struggle with everyday tasks. Your “smart but scattered” child might also have trouble coping with disappointment or managing anger. Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have great news: there’s a lot you can do to help. The latest research in child development shows that many kids who have the brain and heart to succeed lack or lag behind in crucial “executive skills”–the fundamental habits of mind required for getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions. Learn easy-to-follow steps to identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses, use activities and techniques proven to boost specific skills, and problem-solve daily routines. Small changes can add up to big improvements–this empowering book shows how.”
The ADHD Book of Lists: A Practical Guide for Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorders
“The ADHD Book of Lists is a comprehensive guide to ADHD/ADD, providing the answers parents, teachers, and other caregivers seek in a convenient list format. This new second edition has been updated with the latest research findings and resources, including the most up to date tools and strategies for helping these children succeed. Each aspect of ADHD/ADD is fully explained, from diagnosis to intervention, providing readers with the insight they need to make the best choices for the affected child. The ADHD Book of Lists is the complete easy-to-reference guide to practical ADHD management and will be a go-to resource for parents, teachers, clinicians, and others involved in the care and education of students with ADHD.“
