| Raising teenagers is at times difficult. Raising | | | | with ADHD will not be easy. ADHD teens are more |
| adolescents suffering from ADHD is far more | | | | likely to experiment with illegal drugs, be involved with |
| complicated, as teens suffering from ADHD are less | | | | illegal activities and are prone to be more rebellious. |
| emotionally mature than their peers. They are still going | | | | They are also more likely to become addicted to any |
| through the mental, physical and emotional changes of | | | | of these activities because of their constant need for |
| adolescence, but are less equipped to deal with these | | | | high stimulation. |
| changes than other kids their age. In other words, | | | | Keep on the lookout for these behaviors, and try to |
| adolescence will be even harder for them to face. | | | | keep as positive a relationship as possible with your |
| Most of the rules of how to raise a teen will still apply | | | | child. Bear in mind that no teenager likes to be nagged |
| for your child, but some modifications will need to be | | | | constantly; and in any case, doing so will get you |
| made for their ADHD. | | | | nowhere. |
| It's extremely important to establish some rules, which | | | | Watch out for any signs that tell you your ADHD teen |
| both you and your teen are clear on. It's best to involve | | | | is in trouble. Because of the emotional instability that is |
| your teen in the process of setting these rules; this | | | | inherent in the disorder, be particularly vigilant during |
| way he/she will be more likely to obey them. You | | | | teen years. If situations or circumstances become |
| must also be as consistent as possible: if two parents | | | | negative, consider counseling as an option. A counselor |
| are raising the teenager, both must steadily enforce | | | | is someone your child can talk to that is not a part of |
| the same set of rules. Make sure to track of your child | | | | their daily life, and will most likely be regarded as |
| and his/her activities; keep in touch with their school, | | | | non-threatening to them. |
| know who their friends are, be knowledgeable about | | | | Counselors can even intervene in family problems if |
| any other contacts they may have. A rewards and | | | | needed. Group therapy may be a good option for your |
| consequences system will still work well, as when they | | | | child as well. You can look for a support group for |
| were younger; however modifications will need to be | | | | teenagers and adults with ADHD. Quite a few are out |
| made, taking into account the fact that they are | | | | there ready to help you. They may also give your child |
| becoming older. | | | | that feeling of belonging they are looking for. |
| Even with these parenting guidelines, raising a teenager | | | | |