Learning as much as possible about ADHD can help you be a better parent to your child. Discover the five best books to help you care for kids with learning disabilities.
Raising children who have developmental disabilities is a difficult task. Any condition that affects a child’s executive function makes it harder for the child to learn and develop social skills.
The parents of children with these conditions naturally want to learn as much about them as possible. That’s especially the case for an ADHD child who’s constantly driven to distraction. Thankfully, many parenting books exist to help such parents.
This article dives into some of the best books for helping the parents of ADHD kids.
What is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Also known as attention deficit disorder, ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Typically diagnosed in childhood, it often continues into the child’s adult life.
ADHD makes it difficult for a child to pay attention to tasks. It also leads to impulsive behavior, which means the affected individual often acts without thinking. ADHD kids may also struggle with problem-solving and self-regulation, with more extreme versions of the condition affecting self-esteem.
These symptoms are typical in children, adolescents, and adults. If you suspect your child has ADHD, consult a relevant clinician, such as a pediatrician.
The best ADHD books for parents
You need a new approach if you’re struggling to take care of a child with ADHD. The great books in this list are all must reads if you want to learn more about this learning disability.
The Explosive Child – Ross Greene
While the title of this book may seem extreme, it perfectly reflects some of the challenges of raising an ADHD child. Crying, swearing, and screaming, are common problems, with some children also having more extreme outbursts.
Ross Greene’s book confronts these issues at source. Greene uses his experience of working with ADHD kids to help parents develop an approach to parenting that focuses on flexibility, problem-solving, and tolerating frustration.
The book incorporates Greene’s framework for raising ADHD kids. It focuses on ways to reward, rather than punish, making it a valuable parent resource.
Taking Charge of ADHD – The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents – Russel A. Barkley
Now in its third edition, Taking Charge of ADHD is such a valuable resource because of its step-by-step action plan. Barkley introduces an eight-step method designed for children aged 6-to-18. He also shares tips and practical guidance to help parents.
The book advises readers on how to get an accurate diagnosis for their child. It also covers useful parenting techniques and shows you how taking a reward-based approach often yields better results than punishment.
The latest edition includes information from new books and resources, making this one of the most up-to-date resources available.
Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive – Dr. Mark Bertin
Calmness can seem like an impossible state when you’re raising an ADHD child. Bertin’s book confronts this fact by introducing techniques parents can use to help a child with ADHD stay calm during challenging moments.
The book explains the symptoms of ADHD in simple terms. It also helps parents to figure out what their children’s strengths and weaknesses are, allowing them to create better parenting strategies.
At 256 pages, it’s a lengthy read. But the lessons it contains about mindfulness may help you to create a more harmonious home.
8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD (8 Keys to Mental Health) – Cindy Goldrich
Practical tools and techniques are often hard to come by when parenting a child with ADHD. Cindy Goldrich aims to solve that problem by using this book to share action plans and useful parenting tools.
The book covers eight core concepts. Goldrich expands on each of these concepts with non-technical language, explaining what they mean and the challenges they create.
As a supporter of the idea to “parent the child you have”, Goldrich also provides ways for parents to tailor what they learn to their child.
Beyond helping parents find ways to calm their children, the book helps them to nurture a child’s strengths. It contains tips for building creativity and helping children stay focused on subjects that motivate them.
The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder – Carol Stock Kranowitz
Kranowitz’s book takes a more general approach to learning disabilities that affect executive function. In addition to ADHD, she covers conditions like autism and hearing disorders. The book even contains sections advising parents on what to do if they’re raising picky eaters.
Many parents use this book because it outlines a drug-free approach to raising their children. It also helps them develop a clear understanding of sensory processing issues.
However, this may not be the best book to read if you’re looking for a checklist on how to handle an ADHD child. It’s more of a general resource that covers a host of conditions and their symptoms.
Speechify
Speechify is a text to speech software that transforms any text into speech.
Speechify also has several useful features that may help you learn faster. You can speed up the reader to four times the normal human speaking speed. Plus, it’s available in over 14 languages and offers you a choice of narrators.
Speechify is the perfect tool for helping parents while they’re dealing with the chaos of modern life. Try a free trial today to find out more about what the software can do for you.
FAQ
How should a parent treat a child with ADHD?
Creating structure, breaking down tasks, and developing calm environments are important techniques for treating children with ADHD.
Does parenting style affect ADHD?
Yes, your parenting style can affect a child with ADHD. For example, most modern books discuss how reward-based systems are better than punishments.
How can I be a better parent with ADHD?
Learning as much as you can about the condition can help you be a better parent to an ADHD child.
Does ADHD affect sleep?
ADHD can affect sleeping patterns, especially if your child has a lot of things to distract them in their bedroom.
