Divorce – ADHD and You

ADHD can be found in approximately one in twenty kids. That is over one child per class and it is probably an underestimate. These kids are hyper, distracted, impulsive, poorly organized, and irritating. They are often intelligent, but have difficulty learning due to their distracted state of mind. Their hyperactivity can be so intense that their parents feel like pulling out their hair because they can’t keep up. This is a true medical condition that can be treated.

When the diagnosis is missed, the chance of children with ADHD becoming involved with drugs and alcohol (as teenagers) is heightened due to their impulsivity and the degree to which they feel rejected by everyone around them.

Divorce can make ADHD worse. This is not a biochemical process, it is a social process. In the midst of a divorce, parents are more distracted and kids are more emotional. If Johnny lives in two homes and has to bring all of his books back and forth, they just not make it and he’ll be penalized when he gets to school.

ADHD kids often have parents with the same disorder. Without help, the actions of the distracted child can be magnified by their distracted parents.

So what can you do? A lot.

First you need to understand that ADHD is highly treatable. Medications can help a great deal – they can aid the frontal lobe in its organization. Psycho stimulants are the most common type of medication for a child with ADHD, but there are others to choose from as well.

In school, kids should sit in the front of the class. Being in the back reduces the presence of the teacher and the likelihood of impulsive activity by the child becomes greater. If they’re in the front, they are less likely to be distracted by those around them and more attentive to teacher in front of them.

When you’re an ADHD parent – if you had this as a kid, it may be worse for you. Get some help yourself. You’ll be surprised how good modern medicine can be in aiding your attentiveness, and more specifically, your parenting abilities.

In a nutshell, pay attention to paying attention.