- Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often goes undiagnosed in adults — including parents — but it has a significant impact on family life.
- A parent with ADHD may struggle with time management and staying focused.
Understanding ADHD in adults
ADHD involves patterns of inattention (forgetfulness, being easily distracted), hyperactivity (fidgeting, restlessness) and impulsivity (interrupting conversations or speaking out of turn). ADHD is highly heritable, which mean parents with ADHD will often have a child with ADHD.
- An estimated eight per cent of children worldwide have ADHD, while only three per cent of adults meet criteria for ADHD.
- One reason for this difference may be that symptoms of ADHD become milder as individuals age, especially hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.
ADHD’s impact on parenting
- Research has found that ADHD symptoms in parents are associated with harsher parenting behaviours (like yelling at a child, overreactive and severe punishments) and more lax parenting practices (like inconsistent discipline or providing few or no boundaries).
- Together, these symptoms can make it more difficult for parents to remain calm and consistent when interacting with their child.
- However, research also indicates that parents’ ADHD symptoms do not appear to impact their ability to be warm, caring, and loving.
Practical strategies for parents with ADHD
- These strategies can be difficult to maintain for parents dealing with their own ADHD.
- Here are some practical strategies that may be helpful to parents who have ADHD, or believe they might have ADHD: 1.
- Seek professional support when needed for your own symptoms of ADHD If you suspect you have ADHD but have not been diagnosed, consult a health-care professional.
- Also, parenting is a hard job that’s made even harder when you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and/or when your child has ADHD.
- Research shows that, for individuals with high levels of ADHD symptoms, using these types of compensatory strategies was associated with fewer negative parenting practices.
- Consider how you think about your child Research suggests that parents with ADHD tend to attribute more blame to children (for instance: “my child spilled the milk on purpose”) compared to parents without ADHD.
- Remember your strengths Adults with ADHD are fully capable of being warm, loving and highly engaged parents.
- By implementing effective strategies for managing ADHD, and seeking out resources when needed, parents with ADHD can create a positive and fulfilling family life, and be a strong supportive source for their children who may be struggling with similar issues.
Sheri Madigan receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, an anonymous donor, and the Canada Research Chairs program. André Plamondon and Joanne Park do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.