For the past two years, Jan Augustine has had to struggle with disappoint ments and challenges brought about by her daughter’s having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This single mom and social worker in Lawrence, Kansas, discovered that parents need to help teachers understand the behavior of children with ADHD. Parents and teachers must work as a team in the child’s best interests.

Augustine encourages parents whose children have ADHD to “advocate for your child in a non-threatening and productive manner.” She offers parents these tips for how:

• Communicate with your child’s teachers regularly to assure consistency.
• Have your child evaluated by a physician or psychiatrist who specializes in this area of diagnoses and treatment.
• If your child is on medication, combine it with a behavior modification plan. Behavior charts that include rewards for meeting goals can be very helpful.
• Have periodic check-ups with the doctor. Be sure that medication is the correct dosage and type.
• Take time to listen to your child. Let her know you care and want to understand how she feels.
• Plan activities for your child when he is well-rested. This will help avoid power struggles and other stressful exchanges.
• Join or start an ADHD support group for parents.
• Take frequent “time-outs” for yourself. This will help prevent you from becoming consumed by your active child.

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