Looking after yourself

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the parents often forget about their own wellbeing. But it is vital for you to look after yourself properly, as this will not only help you manage, but also benefit your child and the rest of your family.

When you are ready, a helpful first step is for you to acknowledge the pressures that come with dealing with a child with ADHD. This will help you to discuss with your partner, extended family or close friends any concerns you have about the impact on you and your family.

First of all, remember that you are not alone. ADHD is more common than you think and there will be local parent groups that offer a great source of support – your healthcare professional will be able to provide further information. Joining parent groups may sound daunting but it can be a ‘lifeline’ – learning from the experience of others who are in a similar situation is an enormous help, and many people who do this have ended up with lifelong friends. Also, see the Resources section of this website for links to other websites offering support to parents and children dealing with ADHD.

You may also want to think about whether you need extra support with organisational strategies – e.g. to make sure your child sticks with their treatment schedule, daily school timetables and night-time routines. You can ask your healthcare professional about this at the next appointment. They may recommend parent training/education. This doesn’t imply bad parenting on your part. It’s simply a way of optimising your parenting skills to meet the above-average needs of your child – so grab the help when it is offered.