What's Up With Your ADHD Teen's Behavior?

Remember, ADHD is a medical condition. Don't blame your kid for the symptoms, like forgetfulness. That's like punishing your kid with allergies for sneezing.

Instead, help your teen with problem solving. Would organizing their schoolwork in brightly colored folders help? How about posting reminders near the door? Try different approaches until you find one that works.

 

Studies show the opposite. Kids who take stimulants to decrease their ADHD symptoms seem to have a lower chance of trying alcohol and other substances. Stimulants may help focus kids and make their behavior less risky.

However, untreated ADHD can lead to dangerous behavior. People with untreated ADHD are six times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol as adults.

 

Teens with ADHD do best when rules -- and  consequences -- are clear and consistent. But when you come up with them, try including your teen.

You still have final say. You're the parent, after all. But your teen will like having some input. They may be more likely to stick to the guidelines, and not argue with you, if they helped set them.

Teens with ADHD are more likely to take risks. Those can have serious consequences once they’re driving. Teens are also three times as likely to get speeding tickets.

As a parent, set rules about driving safety. Teens with ADHD may need extra practice driving with an adult. They may also need to take short-acting medication before driving -- especially at night.
 

Teens with ADHD don't want star charts or storybooks like a kid might. But rewards can still motivate them. Keep your teen accountable by posting household responsibilities, leaving boxes for them to check off what they have done. If they do what's expected, offer extra video game time or a trip to the movies. Try out different rewards and see what works best.

Not getting enough sleep can make ADHD symptoms worse. Unfortunately, fewer than 15% of all teens -- even those without ADHD -- get enough.

Most teens need about 8 to 10 hours a night. Help your teen make sleep a priority. Start a calming routine about an hour before bed. Have them turn off their cell phone and computer. Have them stick to reading or other quiet activities.
 

ADHD runs in families. If a teen has ADHD, there's a 25% to 50% chance that both their parents have it, too.

Good discipline takes consistency, and that’s hard if you have ADHD yourself. You may need treatment. You may also want to work with a therapist to set household rules. Come up with policies that are clear and easy to follow -- both for you and your teen.

Studies show that 60% of kids with ADHD still have symptoms as adults. For many, ADHD is a lifelong condition. The good news? Setting limits and teaching self-discipline now -- when your kids are teens -- will help cut back troubling behavior. Limits will also help them deal with ADHD symptoms later in life.