Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood psychiatric disorder. Inattention and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors are symptoms of ADHD in children. These children have self-regulation difficulties, which cause inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These issues may be addressed through self-regulation interventions. ADHD’s emotional component is nearly as significant as it is underappreciated.
Children with ADHD have the same feelings as other children; however, their emotions are more intense, frequent, and last longer. Because ADHD affects the underlying brain mechanisms that help manage emotions, it results in delayed regulation development. They react faster and overwhelm them more efficiently, resulting in excessive, exaggerated reactions. Furthermore, children with ADHD have difficulty self-calming; they require time to sooth themselves and let go of grudges.
Emotional Regulation in Terms of Occupational Theory
Performance issues emphasize dynamic interactions between the environment, individuals, and tasks. The use of metacognition approaches, involving teaching of self-evaluation and self-monitoring of thoughts in diverse situations, is a big part of it.
- Recognize their thinking that may be causing problems and learn how to re-evaluate realistically.
- Gain a better understanding of other people’s motivations and behaviors.
- Teach problem-solving skills to children to help them deal with challenging situations.
- Develop a stronger belief in their abilities.
Assisting Children in Understanding How They Are Feeling
The emotional brain always triumphs over the cognitive brain when your child is upset. Emotion takes over all thinking and influences what happens next in any situation for kids who have ADHD, whose emotions are more intense and automatic compared to others. They frequently lash out or withdraw completely. The most effective strategies for emotion regulation are positive and proactive. This is particularly vital for children with ADHD as they put in so much effort to succeed and control themselves.
Assisting Children to Name Their Emotions
Children require a safe and peaceful environment in which to express their feelings. Try to listen more than you ask questions. Also, try to imagine yourself in their shoes. Your child still feels emotions that make no sense to you.
- Discuss the emotions that characters in books, TV shows, or movies may feel.
- Ask your child to read inspirational books.
- Demonstrate to your child how you recognize your emotions and assist them in recognizing their own.
- Assist your child in determining how their body feels when experiencing an emotion.
- Teach your child techniques for dealing with strong emotions, such as counting to ten or taking five deep breaths.
- Allow your child to express their emotions through different activities.
Recognizing Emotions in Others
Help your child through counseling to recognize the emotions of the people surrounding them. Teach your child a wide range of emotions that they need to know. This guidance will help your child to understand and make friendly, positive relationships with the people around them.
Strategies for Teachers and Parents to Implement
Parenting strategies
- Maintain a positive outlook on your child.
- Keep things in context.
- Allow your child to become an expert in an area of interest to them.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff; be prepared to make some concessions.
- Trust your child.
Teaching strategies
- Teach children to be compassionate to themselves.
- Teach them about how their brain functions
- Include mindfulness exercises.
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