By Fatima Malik
Teenaged boys (with or without ADHD) have several obstacles that they face in school.
First off, their verbal skills lag behind girls (with or without ADHD).
As such, they may fall behind on standardized test scores compared to girls in their class—leading to lower chances of getting into college.
This is especially true in the case of teenage boys with ADHD. This is because an ADHD brain lacks the executive control to regulate. So when teenage boys with ADHD are required to organize and effectively plan their college-related activities and studies, they cannot.
And while these boys have a greater need for academic help from parents or teachers, they are less likely to accept help due to their “I am independent now” motto during their teenage years.
Here are 4 tips on how to help your teenager with ADHD without letting them know that you’re helping.
- Play up his strength – boost morale – build self-confidence: Compliment and highlight their strengths more than anything. Kids with ADHD are extremely sensitive, so it is likely they are already aware of what they are doing wrong. So concentrate on the tasks they are good at and the skills they have this will help them battle imposter syndrome as they grow older.
- Connect them with good role models (other than yourself). People who have ADHD – Mentors – ADHD-friendly jobs (organizations): It is important for them to see how someone who is like them is navigating through life now that they are out of school and in the workforce. There are community programs that can be explored.
- Be patient with them and their progress. It is harder for kids with ADHD to manage the workload associated with high school and because they lack executive control the organization and prioritizing will take time and guidance.
- Let them make decisions: Unless they are putting their lives in danger, decisions surrounding their social life should be left up to the teenager. Why? Because we learn most from mistakes we make rather than a decision someone else made for us.
Having your teenager make mistakes under your watch will benefit them when they go to college and are truly independent.
Are you parenting a teenager with ADHD? Call us, at 1-866-503-7457
