When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the parents often forget about their own wellbeing. But it is vital for you to look after yourself properly, as this will not only help you manage, but also benefit your child and the rest of your family.

When you are ready, a helpful first step is for you to acknowledge the pressures that come with dealing with a child with ADHD. This will help you to discuss with your partner, extended family or close friends any concerns you have about the impact on you and your family.

First of all, remember that you are not alone. ADHD is more common than you think and there will be local parent groups that offer a great source of support – your healthcare professional will be able to provide further information. Joining parent groups may sound daunting but it can be a ‘lifeline’ – learning from the experience of others who are in a similar situation is an enormous help, and many people who do this have ended up with lifelong friends. Also, see the Resources section of this website for links to other websites offering support to parents and children dealing with ADHD.

For this reason, it is recommended that you take as much time as you need to learn about ADHD and understand how it affects your child in everyday life. This will give you more confidence to discuss ADHD when the time is right. And don’t feel you have to say anything to anyone: it’s your choice to tell people as much or as little as you want.

There are many ADHD-specific resources to help you. Check out the Resources section of this website for a few that you may find useful, but there are lots more that you may find great: use the Internet and ask around to find out.