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Empowering ADHDers and their Families to Live Life to the Fullest

UnlockingADHD

Empowering ADHDers and their Families to Live Life to the Fullest

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Adults, Self care

Self-Care for Parents of ADHD Kids

Adults, Self care
July 17, 2021

Unlocking ADHD writer Constance Thum explores the importance of self care for parents of ADHD children, and how to prevent burnout.

Why Self Care is Important

Source: Olga Strelnikova on ShutterStock

Being a parent is a difficult task with no official handbook, and handling children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) may add more stress to parenting due to the complexity of the condition. Besides juggling work and other commitments, parents also have to manage their ADHD children’s general welfare and education. Parenthood is a lifelong commitment that is both time and energy consuming. Thus, parents may have periods of feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically overwhelmed. Self-care for parents is hence important for both themselves and their ADHD children.

There are multiple benefits from self-care that parents may enjoy including lower stress and fatigue levels, improved moods and relationships, better sleep quality and general wellness and health. The Child Mind Institute notes that depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a slew of other problems are common for parents facing the chronic stress of raising ADHD children with intense and varied behaviour needs.

An important reminder for parents is that they should not feel guilty about taking time away from their ADHD children to engage in self-care since the wellbeing of parents matters too.

Additionally, parental self-care is beneficial to the child and to the parent-child relationship. Parents who take care of their own wellbeing are better able to care for their ADHD children in a sustainable manner, and are in a more patient, uplifted mood when engaging with their children, which helps reduce conflict between the parent and child.

Self-Care Ideas

Some strategies to prevent mental and physical health burnout from childcare may include:

  • Physical exercise and movement (e.g., sports, hikes, yoga)
  • Art (e.g., painting, instruments, dancing, pottery)
  • Hobbies (e.g., cooking, reading, writing, films)
  • Meditation
  • A healthy diet
  • Journaling to record daily feelings and thoughts
  • Personal grooming (e.g., spas, DIY face masks)
  • Adequate sleep (seven to eight hours for adults)

Taking time alone and being away from children may give parents time for introspection and reflection. Couples should also delegate some romantic or communication time for themselves to avoid neglecting their partners which may cause marital issues in the long-term (more information).

Isolation and loneliness from parenting an ADHD child may be minimised by reaching out to friends, other family members, and partners to discuss personal challenges. Parents should remember that investing in their happiness and wellbeing, other than that of their child’s, is also a priority!

Source: Syda Productions on Dreamstime

There are also other avenues for finding support as a parent with an ADHD child, including ADHD informational magazines, therapy, and support groups (more information). In particular, parent self-help groups may be extremely useful for mental wellness discussions and sharing parenting tips.

In a 2015 health research report, it was found that mutual aid groups where parents with ADHD children can interact with one another helped parents to construct a shared narrative of absolving parental blame and preserving a positive view of themselves as “good parents”.

If you liked this article and found it helpful, please share it with others.

If you are looking for community support, join our ADHD support group or Discord chat!

If you like this article and find it helpful, do consider donating to support us in our mission to empower ADHDers and their families to live life to the fullest.

*DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Should you suspect that you have ADHD, consider seeking the advice of a trained healthcare professional with any questions you may have about your condition.

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Andrea is a constantly curious person attracted to all things colourful. On weekends, you will probably find her churning out fun activities to keep her son occupied or engrossed in a new game/book/drama series. She enjoys every moment of volunteering with Unlocking ADHD and hopes to build a more inclusive and empathetic society that embraces neurodiversity.

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AMKFSC Community Services has a Psychological Services Unit (PSU) which has a team of clinical and counselling psychologists for children/youth and their parents. Core services include psychoeducational assessments (5 to 16 years old) for ADHD and other learning disabilities. They also offer group and individual psychotherapy. They only provide services to residents in their constituency.

Fees are $70 per one hour session. Psychoeducational testing ranges between $750 to $1,120 depending on the tests required.

Email: [email protected].

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