PARENTS OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD

To raise and educate an ADHD child can be a stressing duty since he/she requires more supervision and control than other children.

He/she can be demanding, challenging, impolite, selfish or even aggressive. It is expected for parents to suffer of high levels of burden, depression, and guilt; which can bring social consequences since relatives, friends, and neighbors avoid direct contact with the child´s family.

Although it might be difficult at times, it is very important to remember that a child with ADHD cannot control his/her behavioral patterns.

People diagnosed with ADHD are not able to control their impulses, which also means they are not able to think about the consequences of their actions.

When it seems like something is not quite right with your child you might not know what to do to help, or where to seek help. You will probably look for other people’s advice and you may be in a state of denial. It is difficult for parents to accept the fact that there could be something to be concerned about, especially when noticing that their child stands out from other children due to his/her misbehavior.

If you are in charge of a child with ADHD, you may need professional guidance.

Effective treatment often includes several approaches, which may include medication, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation that you can implement as a parent.

Within these approaches, our proposal is to use chess as one of the best tools available in the treatment of ADHD with an original, alternative and complementary approach.

Chess is a game forever and it is very effective and beneficial in the education of children and adults.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH ADHD

  • Seek professional help. Talk to your child’s doctor, therapist, and teachers to get the best advice. Connect with others by joining organized support groups to express your feelings, share, and listen to similar experiences.

  • Set limits and have clear consequences.Be precise with your child about the benefits of having positive behavior and the loss of privileges when demonstrating negative behavior. Don’t ask, tell. Give clear instructions but don’t repeat the request again and again. Insist with direct eye contact and tell your child to look at you when giving a briefing. Discuss the behavior and make sure your child understands why it was wrong. Ask what he/she could have done instead.

    Make sure you understand the difference between discipline and punishment.

  • Immediate rewards and positive reinforcement.Token economy. This is a behavior change system in which children earn ‘tokens’ for accomplishing a specific list of duties. (Shortlist with 4 to 6 expected behaviors). The tokens can be traded for your child’s favorite activity, item or candy. It is recommended to trade-up the tokens at the end of the week.
  • Do not punish your child for behaviors that he/she is not able to control. For example, if you asked your child to do their bed but they got distracted and entertained playing or doing something else, this does not mean they are being defiant. Be patient and try reminding them what you want them to do.
  • Share valuable and quality time with your child. Find a fun or relaxing activity every week to share time together. This reinforces family time and your child’s self-esteem. The closer you are, the easier your child demonstrate positive behavior.

    We propose the chess activity for parents and children. We have the experience that this game unites everyone and it is a game of tranquility, respect for the turn and the rules, which promotes self-esteem and has multiple benefits on the cognitive abilities of those who play it.

  • Build a schedule and establish structure. Setting the same routine every day makes your child feel safe and gives him security and a feeling of identity. Make sure that waking up, shower or eating time, homework and playtime are done consistently each day of the week. Use clocks and timers.
  • Organize everyday items. Keep their clothes, school material, and toys organized. This will help him/her follow the same pattern and encourage him to be organized.
  • Encourage waiting time.
  • Cooperate with your child´s school and try to identify problems early. Keep constant communication with the teachers and be sure your child´s individual learning plan (curricula adjustments) is being implemented and followed correctly.
  • Believe in your child. Trust that he/she can learn, change bad attitudes, improve in school, and succeed in the future. Your child has the same possibilities as other children and the more they have your love and support the better they´ll feel to endure transition situations. Protect your child´s self-confidence by being patient, understanding, and being positive and loving.

Training Plans for ADHD

We have at your disposal different chess exercises specifically designed for the complementary treatment of ADHD.

These exercises are grouped into three different Cognitive Training Plans

know our training plans
ADHD chess train your mind

WHY CHESS ?

  • Chess helps develop memory and encourages the development of thinking skills, analysis, logical thinking, scientific thinking, problem solving and visual thinking or “visualization”.
  • Chess helps develop imagination and creativity and helps to increase foresight and visualization.
  • Chess helps build character and self-esteem! … Healthy self-esteem comes from knowing that you can do hard things, because you really have done them.
  • Chess fosters independence, reinforces personal responsibility and teaches the acceptance of consequences … no “luck” in chess … no “hidden moves” … no teammates helping you play.
Choose the right Training Plan for you