Your Teenager with ADHD
 Teenagers
mature at different rates. Some children seem to be born as
adults, while others don’t act like adults until they
are in their thirties. Teenagers with ADHD may mature more
slowly than their peers, so the parents of ADHD teens need
to be patient and encouraging as their teenager gradually
learns basic life skills.
Is your ADHD
child about to become a teenager? As with anything you do
alongside a person with attention difficulties, make sure
to concentrate on one life skill at a time as you help your
child make this important transition. In addition, be prepared
for stumbling blocks and mistakes while your ADHD teen overcomes
social skills deficits
ADHD may cause and masters the following tasks of adulthood:
Spending
money: Many ADHD children live by the old phrase,
“Money burns a hole through his pocket.” As your
ADHD child grows into adulthood, he or she must learn about
saving money for bills instead of spending money for instant
gratification. Teach your ADHD teenager about the dangers
of credit card debt, as well as the importance of keeping
a savings account, balanced budget, and accurate checkbook.
If you need help, find a financial planner or bank employee
who can tutor your teen about money management.
Taking
care of yourself: Almost all teenagers have trouble
finding balance in sleeping, nutrition, and personal hygiene.
Remind your ADHD teen about how lack of sleep or poor nutrition
can greatly enhance the symptoms of ADHD. Give your teenager
an alarm clock so he or she can get used to waking up without
your help. Encourage your teen to develop personal routines.
Time
management: Everyone can benefit from time management
training, but for the ADHD teen, it’s essential. You
may have noticed some time management issues as your child
learned how to cope with ADHD
and homework. People with ADHD may have a poor sense of
time and deadlines. Enroll your ADHD teen in time management
classes and seminars. Most community colleges offer them.
All in all,
prepare yourself for ups and downs as you coax your ADHD teen
into an adult life. As you go along, encourage independence
in every task so that your ADHD teen develops the self-assurance
needed for successful adulthood.
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