Effective Communication with Your Teen Who Has ADHD

Your family and friends warned you about the teen years. There are a lot of changes that occur during this time. You thought the “Terrible Twos” were bad, but you didn’t think the teen years would be like this.

Your teen barely wants anything to do with you. It takes every ounce of your being to wake them up in the morning. They could sleep their entire day away. There’s a communication barrier you’re trying to break. It’s like they’re speaking an entirely different language at times. And to make matters worse, it’s a bit more of a challenge because your teenager is struggling with being a teen on top of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. This is how you can have effective communication with your teen who has ADHD.

Educate Yourself

One of the best ways to better communicate with your teen is to first take the time to learn more about ADHD. Having a better understanding of ADHD can help you and your teen communicate more effectively. You’ll be able to learn more about how ADHD is affecting your teen as well as tips and tricks to better manage their time and attention.

Talk to Your Teen About ADHD

Instead of acting like your teen doesn’t have ADHD or avoiding the conversation, make sure you talk to your teen about it. You don’t want to make your teen feel like having ADHD is a problem or a fault. Instead, work together on understanding ADHD and how it may affect their school work, relationships, and home life. Work with your teen on adapting and implementing skills and processes to better manage their time, attention, and energy.

Check Your Emotions

It’s important to know that your teen isn’t trying to be difficult on purpose. It can be easy to respond in a negative way when your teen isn’t listening to you or not completing homework or chores. Responding negatively can actually increase these unwanted behaviors instead of reducing them. Try to avoid blaming, lecturing, or scolding them. Instead, try to focus on the positives. Praise can encourage and promote the behaviors you want to see!

Create and Stick to a Schedule

Organization can become a problem with teens who have ADHD. This means that they may have a hard time keeping track of their personal items, schedules, or even their homework assignments. Instead of giving them a hard time about it, work with them on finding a routine that works for them. You may have to start off by doing a majority of the heavy lifting, but with time, your teen with pick up on these actions and start to do it on their own.

Encourage Being Social

ADHD can also impact your teen’s relationships. ADHD can cause your teen to completely take over a conversation by either talking too much or interrupting. These behaviors and actions can make them appear like they don’t listen or are too bossy. Encourage your teen to be social, but also work with them on improving these skills along the way.

Encourage Them to Seek Support

Different treatment options for ADHD typically involve things like support from the family, support from the school, teen therapy, or even medication. Work with your teen on making sure that they’re sticking to their treatment plan. Encourage them to seek additional support outside of you, their friends, or teachers to help them learn ways to better manage some of the signs and symptoms of ADHD.

Reach out today to set up an initial consultation.