ADHD Parenting: Dealing With Social Immaturity
Next to school difficulty and ADHD parenting problems, moms and dads of kids with ADHD worry most about their children's peer relationships.
One of the most common concerns raised by parents is that their child can't seem to get along with classmates, or that he or she doesn't quite act their age.
After all, as kids grow physically, we expect them to grow socially and emotionally too.
Four-year-olds should know how to share their toys, and seven-year-old should wait their turn.
Ten-year-old kids should be more responsible with their personal belongings and know how to be good sports.
And when they reach high school, kids are expected to follow through their commitments and complete their work independently.
However, these are the very behaviors kids with ADHD struggle with.
The milestone behavioral changes which indicate a growing child do not come naturally to kids who are too impulsive or inattentive to learn.
Missing social cues, having problems with change, and zeroing in on small details can affect an ADHD child's relationships and social interactions.
Here are some ways you can help your child make friends and urge along a few social skills.
Welcome friends of all ages and sizes Due developmental delay caused by the disorder, kids with ADHD have an easier time making friends with those younger than they are.
Many parents are hesitant about these relationships, worrying that young peers might encourage more immature behavior.
However, young friends might be just what your child needs to learn social skills.
Among younger peers, your child can take on the role of a leader and share interests with a like-minded person.
This is a kind of relationship your child is unlikely to do experience peers his or her age.
At the same time, you might want to encourage your child to socialize with older relatives, neighbors, or family friends who appreciate his or her spontaneity and creativity.
This will boost your child's self-esteem, which will eventually lead to stronger peer relationships.
Provide opportunities to socialize Your child may have an easier time making friends with kids who share the same interests.
Consider enrolling your child in structured after-school activities like Scouts, sports, art classes, or music classes.
These will provide your child with opportunities to interact, which will help him or her learn social skills.
However, try not to force these activities if your child is not ready, or the problem might only get worse.
Role-playing Coach your child on how to deal with social situations through role-playing games.
Rehearse an everyday social interaction and teach your child the appropriate responses.
It also helps to serve as your child's role model by exhibit these desired behaviors yourself.
One of the most common concerns raised by parents is that their child can't seem to get along with classmates, or that he or she doesn't quite act their age.
After all, as kids grow physically, we expect them to grow socially and emotionally too.
Four-year-olds should know how to share their toys, and seven-year-old should wait their turn.
Ten-year-old kids should be more responsible with their personal belongings and know how to be good sports.
And when they reach high school, kids are expected to follow through their commitments and complete their work independently.
However, these are the very behaviors kids with ADHD struggle with.
The milestone behavioral changes which indicate a growing child do not come naturally to kids who are too impulsive or inattentive to learn.
Missing social cues, having problems with change, and zeroing in on small details can affect an ADHD child's relationships and social interactions.
Here are some ways you can help your child make friends and urge along a few social skills.
Welcome friends of all ages and sizes Due developmental delay caused by the disorder, kids with ADHD have an easier time making friends with those younger than they are.
Many parents are hesitant about these relationships, worrying that young peers might encourage more immature behavior.
However, young friends might be just what your child needs to learn social skills.
Among younger peers, your child can take on the role of a leader and share interests with a like-minded person.
This is a kind of relationship your child is unlikely to do experience peers his or her age.
At the same time, you might want to encourage your child to socialize with older relatives, neighbors, or family friends who appreciate his or her spontaneity and creativity.
This will boost your child's self-esteem, which will eventually lead to stronger peer relationships.
Provide opportunities to socialize Your child may have an easier time making friends with kids who share the same interests.
Consider enrolling your child in structured after-school activities like Scouts, sports, art classes, or music classes.
These will provide your child with opportunities to interact, which will help him or her learn social skills.
However, try not to force these activities if your child is not ready, or the problem might only get worse.
Role-playing Coach your child on how to deal with social situations through role-playing games.
Rehearse an everyday social interaction and teach your child the appropriate responses.
It also helps to serve as your child's role model by exhibit these desired behaviors yourself.
