The Importance of Praise in Parenting a Child with ADHD
Parenting a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can come along with great rewards and great challenges. Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity, which can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, poor performance in school, and emotional stress within families. One essential parenting tool that is often underestimated in its power is praise. Positive reinforcement through praise can significantly impact how a child with ADHD perceives themselves, their abilities, and their environment. In this post, we’ll explore why praise is so important and how parents can use it effectively to support their child’s development and well-being.
Many experts, including Dr. William Dodson, estimate that children with ADHD on average receive 20,000 more negative messages than other children. The importance of giving praise can’t be overestimated. Kids with ADHD need feedback that is motivating, inspiring, and loving. Think about praise as an underused condiment in the recipe of parenting. Take it off the shelf and pepper it into everything you do! Here are some examples of how to incorporate more specific, targeted praise for your child.
- Recognize the efforts/as well as the end result. “Wow. I can see how much work you are putting into studying for your Spanish test.”
- Make observations in the present. Instead of saying ‘good job’ or ‘well done,’ notice and observe a detail about your child in the moment. For instance, ‘the brush strokes you are painting in your art project really stand out.’
- Praise moments of social interaction as well as academic and sports achievements. “Your friends really enjoyed the games you chose today.”
- Take the time to highlight efforts to problem solve. “I noticed how you took a moment to breathe and think about how to react when you missed the goal.”
Don’t forget nonverbal praise. Giving your child a subtle wink, thumbs up, high five or smile when you see that they are trying can go a long way.
A parent’s relationship with their child is the foundation for the child’s development. By focusing on the positive and offering praise, parents help strengthen this bond. Children with ADHD, who often receive corrections and criticisms, especially need to feel secure in the love and approval of their parents. Praise reassures them that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.
Praise can help build self-esteem, reinforce positive behavior, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. By offering specific, timely, and effort-focused praise, parents can create a supportive environment where their child feels capable, understood, and motivated to keep growing. Parenting a child with ADHD may come with its challenges, but focusing on their strengths through praise can lead to tremendous personal growth for both the child and the family as a whole.