Watch
SUPPORT THIS PODCAST. JOIN THE SMARTER PARENTING CLUB SILVER TIER.
Children with ADHD often deal with other issues, including anxiety. The combination of both ADHD and anxiety can make it doubly hard for them to effectively handle situations where they’re expected to behave a certain way.
Teaching them anxiety management strategies allows them to plan for and deal with situations in a way that reduces their anxiety. Anxiety management strategies don’t have to be complicated. The most successful calming strategies are those that your child can do no matter the situation.
Some calm down strategies include breathing techniques, visualizing feelings, and physical grounding.
When teaching them calming techniques, it’s essential to work with your child and model what you would like them to do. By modeling what they need to do, your child understands what is expected, removing confusion.
Using the ABC’s of Behavior, you can find ways to address situations before, during, and after. The more you can help your child address situations early using anxiety management techniques, the more successfully your child can handle their anxiety.
You can find the ABC’s of Behavior on the Smarter Parenting website.
If you need additional help dealing with your ADHD child’s anxiety, sign up for parenting coaching.