The pressures and responsibilities of parenting a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be stressful. This is especially true for single parents, who dont have the spousal support that partners are able to give to each other.

In a July 29 article on about.com, ADHD expert Keath Low offered the following advice for single parents of children with ADHD:

• Spend some time thinking about the specific stressors in your life. Try to identify the source of each stressor.


• Identify avenues of support including family members, friends, local support groups, online support forums and regular babysitters.


• Try to set aside regular down time in the day for just you. Many single parents often find themselves neglecting this essential component of self care. It is so important that you have time alone to do things you enjoy.


• Get routines in place and stick to them in order to provide both you and your children with more predictability from day to day. Children with ADHD do best in settings with clear, consistent expectations.


• ADHD does tend to run in families. If you have any concerns, you may have ADHD and it is impairing your parenting and other areas in your life, talk to your doctor right away.

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Being a single parent is difficult in and of itself. The difficulties can be compounded if a child has ADHD. But there are ways for single parents to retain their sanity while helping their children grow to be successful, healthy adults.

"Schedule 'together time.' The shared time should be child-oriented and involve high-quality interaction between the two of you. Reading together, playing a board game or cards, watching a DVD or video, riding bicycles, or making a favorite meal will do nicely. Sibling rivalry, often a concern in families with ADHD, will decrease considerably if you schedule regular together time."

Your family can also benefit from having the kids help out at mealtime, getting them involved in extracurricular activities at school, and agreeing on responsibilities around the house. Source: ADDitude Magazine

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A recent study in Canada found that Ritalin use among children of divorced parents is double that of children whose parents stay married. The study offers more questions than answers though, as the reason for the increase is uncertain.

"'It could be that divorce is a really stressful event, the tipping point where some kids develop ADHD and are appropriately prescribed Ritalin,' Ms. Strohschein said... Ms. Strohschein said her study may also support the argument that ADHD is a genetic problem that can be passed down from parent to child."

Lisa Strohschein and her team from the University of Alberta intend to do further study on both the possible genetic and environmental factors of ADHD. Read more at Canada.com.

Residential schools for children with non-verbal learning disorders offer help in ways that public schools can't. Cedars Academy is a private Aspergers school in Delaware.

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Sherry Young's son struggled with school, even in kindergarten. It was hard for him to pay attention, and he was disruptive. He was diagnosed with ADHD and began a combination of medication and counseling to help him learn to control his emotions. Young did her best to help her son, but her own battles with depression and anxiety were limiting her effectiveness.

"Her brother, Eddie Young, a former marine, became a positive role model and provided the discipline Alexander needed. His wife, Regina Sitton-Young, a speech pathologist, was able to help with homework."

Their willingness to help gave Sherry's son the structure he needed, and Sherry the time she needed to become healthy as well.

Read her story at GreenvilleOnline.com.

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