MHM Magazine

14 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issue 2 | 2022 MHM In speaking to parents of children with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) it’s not uncommon to hear phrases like “our home is chaotic”, “nobody understands” and “I just don’t know what to do anymore.” Parents often feel isolated and overwhelmed and may experience judgements from those around them who feel their parenting is insufficient or that they are told that they’re “just not trying hard enough”. Parenting in general can be challenging and exhausting, these everyday struggles are amplified when a child has ADHD. These demands are even further magnified if a parent or caretaker also has ADHD. An estimated 40 to 55% of children with ADHD, have at least one parent with ADHD. As a medical professional it’s important to recognise the difficulties of parenting a child with ADHD, the impact of parental ADHD on the dynamics at home, and how home-based strategies such as implementing structure and routine can assist in reducing chaos and enhancing parental efficacy and enjoyment. “It feels like I’m living in a Tawni Voges, MA Psychology Operation manager at Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation (NPO/PBO) Cape Town WHAT TO DO IF A PARENT HAS ADHD AND THE ROLE OF STRUCTURE PARENTING A CHILD WITH ADHD