Being an ADHD caregiver
How to support a family member living with ADHD
If your child, partner or someone else you care about has been diagnosed with ADHD, here’s what you can do to help them:
- Learn as much as you can about ADHD and how it impacts a person’s life. This can help you better understand and empathize with some of their behaviours, and better support them in finding treatments that can help.
- Make adjustments in your family routine. Certain tasks are harder for a person with ADHD, such as getting out the door in the morning. Sometimes, small adjustments can make everything go much more smoothly, like waking up earlier or allowing more time to get ready.
- Involve the person with ADHD in family decisions. Children with ADHD often get told what to do (or what not to do). Involving them in choices and decisions can go a long way toward giving them a sense of efficacy, empowerment and control over their lives.
Take care of yourself
As a parent, it’s important to take care of your own needs to avoid burnout:
- Take time to get enough sleep, eat right and exercise. Caring for yourself will help you provide the best care for your child.
- Find a support network. Many parents find it helpful to communicate—either in person or online—with other parents who are experiencing the same things.
- Know that it’s okay for your family to be unique. Find what works for you and your family, and let go of other people’s expectations of what your family should be.