Not all those affected by ADHD manifest all of these behavioural categories. This can lead to difficulty in academic, emotional and social functioning, and may also be associated with other neurological, significant behavioural and/or developmental or learning disabilities. The core symptoms of ADHD make it very difficult for the learner to cope with the increased demands of schooling. This article and those to follow, should there be a demand, is intended to assist teachers, parents and other stakeholders in education to understand and manage children with ADHD at home, in school and in general.  We will attempt to review the important rules parents and teachers need to follow in order to ‘keep sane’ when they have an inattentive and hyperactive youngster in their midst.  A well-established structure, routine, consistency, and predictability as well as a positive behaviour management programme in place, goes a long way to restore parental mental health. This is also applicable to effective classroom management.  We find the use of a Daily Report Card, which links target behaviours in the classroom to a system of privileges earned at home, very effective. This requires a strong link between home and the school, but the pay offs are wonderful. General rules for parents:
- Be organised in all daily activities
- Be one step ahead. Never be at a loss.
- Don’t spring surprises on the child, but don’t give warnings too far in advance
- Parents need to make time for themselves and spouses, together and alone. Don’t neglect communication with your spouse.
- Create communication opportunities for each member of the family. Don’t side-line or ignore your hyperactive child. They should feel safe and secure within the home environment.
- Don’t neglect the other children in the family.
- Be strict about time allocation, but be flexible within this time.
- Remember you are not the teacher but the parent.
- Be reasonable in your expectations.
- Get your child involved in extra-mural activities that they enjoy (if possible).
Remember it is of vital importance to understand ADHD and apply basic principles consistently.
* Wynandus Bezuidenhout is the principal of Protea School and will be contributing articles to our schools pages on a monthly basis. These will revolve around the challenges faced by the children, parents and teachers dealing with ADHD and other educational matters. If you have any questions for him regarding this subject, or if there is a particular issue regarding learning difficulties which you would like him to address, you can send your comments, questions and queries to him via Samantha Keogh at the Springs Advertiser on samk@caxton.co.za.
