Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, is characterized as having an inattentive and impulsive nature. Those who suffer from ADD or ADHD are extremely active, fidgety, talkative, and restless. They have difficulty paying attention, forget things easily, and interrupt others.
Interacting with an ADD Child
Children who do not have ADD may find it confusing when interacting with the ADD child. Why does he interrupt so much? Why does he say things without thinking them through first? Why does he barge into conversations when people are talking privately? Why does he talk so much, and why does he change the subject every five seconds?
Other children may find it hard to get to know someone who finds it hard to listen to others, who may not follow directions in the classroom, and who may not understand "normal" social cues. It can take effort on behalf of parents to bring children together so that they can realize that they are not very much different at all, on the inside.
How Parents Can Encourage Friendships in ADD Children
It can be hard for parents of ADD children watch their kids come home without friends and spend each day alone. It hurts when neighborhood children ostracize the ADD child or label him as "weird." Parents often do not know how to encourage friendships without being pushy or overbearing. However, there are many things parents can do to ameliorate the situation.
- Play-act with the child to practice appropriate responses to other students.
- Let the child know that teasing is not okay. It is not okay for other students to tease him, and it is not okay for him to tease them back.
- Teach him to count for ten seconds before he says something so that he does not say something he might regret.
- Teach him how to walk up to kids and introduce himself in a friendly way. Set up play-dates with kids who bring out the positive in your child.
- Allow the child to positively care for pets or younger siblings to foster his strengths at being responsible for someone else.
- Encourage the child to talk about his day and how certain scenarios made him feel. It can be difficult for him to properly sort his feelings, and he might need help to attach words to his thoughts.
- What does the child enjoy? Chances are that when he is doing something that makes him happy, he focuses more easily and engages more in his surroundings. Allow him to take part in at least one positive activity every day. Consider letting him join a sports team, or an art or chess club. Not only will these extra-curriculars allow him to have fun and release energy, but they also teach teamwork and discipline. Chances are he’ll make a few friends, too.
- Parents should consider becoming involved in an activity with their child. They can become a Scout leader or a sports coach. This way, parents can witness firsthand how their child is doing socially and encourage positive relationships.
Often, children with Attention Deficit Disorder just need positive encouragement and reinforcement that they are lovable, normal children. Parents can help give them the opportunity to expand their social horizons and to forge lasting friendships.
Related Articles:
Challenges of Parenting an ADD/ADHD Child
Getting ADD Kids Attention at Home and in School
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