Parenting can be stressful at times for everyone. Parents of
children with ADHD may experience greater stress because of the additional
challenges they face. Children with ADHD are known to disregard parental
requests, commands and rules. They fight with their siblings, disturb neighbors
and have frequent negative encounters with school authority. These challenges
can often make parents feel less competent. It can also increase marital
discord. Research has indicated that parents of children with ADHD are almost
twice as likely to divorce by the time their child is eight years old.
Parents of children
with ADHD
Parents of children with ADHD face higher divorce rates,
stress level and feel less competent as a parent. With state budget cuts that
have decreased services for children needing additional school resources this
has increased the stress levels for the child, parents and school staff. During
the school year these stressors increase as parents are faced with the
challenge of getting homework completed, turned in on time and maintaining
their other responsibilities in the home on a daily basis.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Psychology
states parents of children with ADHD are especially sensitive to the behaviors
of their child which takes a personal emotional toll on their own well-being.
Candice Odgers a study researcher and psychologist at the University of
California said, “If you think about what it’s like to parent a child with
ADHD, it requires a constant vigilance, and a high level of energy. This is
important because we know that stress and the burden of caregiving in general
are associated with a whole host of problems, mental health and physical
problems.”
Family environment
Up to 5% of children and adults in the United States have
ADHD, a behavioral disorder marked by impulsiveness, hyperactivity and
inattention. Children with untreated ADHD are a risk for injury, substance
abuse, poor school performance and emotional or social problems. Parents that
have to be in a hyper vigilant state to keep their children safe feel the
stress affecting the family environment.
Our children need us. They depend on us to take care of
them, teach them, support them and love them. No child with or without a
diagnosis can succeed to their full potential if their parents are so drained
they are unable to be there for them. By not taking care of yourself, your
child could be at a higher risk for more problems. Create a lifestyle for yourself and
your family that prioritizes self-care with exercise, appropriate nutrition,
and 8 hours of sleep. Always seek
professional advice if your stress affects the quality of life you desire.
