Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that is most often characterised by impulsive behaviour, problems regulating emotions, as well difficulty focusing. As a result of these symptoms, children with ADHD often face uphill struggles keeping up with their peers, which can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression. If ADHD is not managed effectively, these issues can become serious psychiatric disorders later in life.
As with other neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD symptoms can occur on a spectrum, with some children experiencing severe symptoms while others show more subtle manifestations. Also, every child responds differently to different treatments and approaches, further complicating matters. Thus, parents or caregivers of children with ADHD can find it challenging to find effective strategies for helping their child manage their emotions.
In Singapore, ADHD has been historically underdiagnosed, partly due to cultural and social pressures. However, in recent years, there is a growing awareness of the disorder in children, with many Singaporean parents and noted mental health experts now talking more frankly about the subject. This more permissive atmosphere has allowed more parents of affected children to access valuable resources, including strategies for encouraging emotional regulation.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most commonly used emotion management strategies recommended by mental health experts for children with ADHD. But before you try implementing these strategies, please seek advice from a qualified mental health clinician to find the best ADHD treatment Singapore has to offer.
Create a Consistent Routine
It’s possible for most children with ADHD to gradually build up their ability to focus. However, to give them the best possible chances of doing so, most need external guidance in the form of routines. Children with ADHD tend to thrive with structure and consistency, as this creates predictability and helps remove the stresses associated with planning and improvisation. Creating a consistent routine at home can thus help affected children be less stressed and anxious, making it easier for them to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
Teach Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are beneficial for most people, but they can be especially helpful for children with ADHD. Structured breathing exercises, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help affected children reduce the amount of mental noise they’re perceiving, helping them hone in on just a few feelings and emotions. With time, these techniques can help children better manage their emotional responses, allowing them to be more deliberate with their actions.
Encourage Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can help children with ADHD release pent-up energy, and it may also help them develop their ability to focus. If children are engaged in team sports, these may also provide them with an avenue for healthy socialisation and self-expression.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Traditional punitive forms of discipline are ineffective on most children and are especially ineffective on those with ADHD. Punishing children for undesirable behaviour may get parents or teachers some temporary results, but it will almost certainly have negative long-term consequences to a child’s mental health.
Instead of punishment, caretakers should use positive reinforcement as a primary tool for encouraging prosocial and desirable behaviours. Using praise and consistent encouragement will not only build desired behaviours more sustainably, but it can also help affected children with ADHD gain the confidence they need to keep up with their peers.
Model Appropriate Behaviour
All children learn from watching those around them. Parents of children with ADHD should be more mindful of this, as their behaviour is likely to have a major influence on how their child acts towards others.
For instance, parents that fail to show empathy towards others may unwittingly teach their children that this behaviour is OK. Because children with ADHD may already interrupt others or unknowingly invade other people’s personal space, a failure to model empathy can result in even more difficulties in dealing with others. With this in mind, parents and other authority figures have to be especially consistent in setting good examples for children with ADHD.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills
Children with ADHD can easily go off on different tangents when they’re presented with a problem. Teaching them how to break down large problems into multiple smaller ones will not only help them focus better, but it may also help them avoid frustration and mitigate the anxiety that’s often associated with ADHD. As they develop into adults, their problem-solving skills may eventually give them the confidence they need to manage various personal, academic, and professional challenges.
Provide a Safe Space
Children with ADHD may already feel helpless because of their condition. Punishing them for mistakes caused by their disorder helps no one and leads to fear and anxiety, preventing positive emotional regulation. This makes it important for parents to do their best to provide younger affected children with an environment that permits them to make honest mistakes and encourages learning.
Be Patient and Understanding
It can take years for children with ADHD to develop the ability to effectively manage their emotions. While it may be difficult, parents and educators have to try their best to be patient and understanding. If needed, they must also be proactive with their own mental health as this affects how well they can cope with the challenges of raising a child with ADHD.
Children with ADHD often struggle to keep up with their peers. If their ADHD is not addressed early on, they may later develop other serious mental health conditions as a result, severely impairing their ability to function within mainstream society. Fortunately, ADHD is a well-studied condition, and several strategies could be used to help affected children manage their emotions, ultimately mitigating the disorder’s effects on them. By following the strategies above, caretakers are more likely to succeed in producing the best outcomes for affected children.
