It can be extremely difficult for the entire family to raise
a child with ADHD. But learning specific parenting skills in
relation to ADHD is extremely important for the health of
the child as well as the relationship between child and
parent. One thing that would be really useful for parents is
to join a support group that is both educational and
socially supportive.  Here is where parents will learn how
to deal with their special children and become effective.

One very important thing a parent needs to do is set clear
goals for themselves and their children. After these goals
are set, it is crucial to be as consistent as possible.

Keep in mind that a parent's relationship with their child
is essential in any family, but it is doubly important with
ADHD children.  For a relationship to work, you need both
time and a willingness to listen. Spend at least fifteen
minutes to half an hour a day with your child.  Ask him or
her about their day.  Have a conversation or eat dinner with
them. Simple things like this are the most important in
keeping good connections with your child.

Even though it may seem like an ADHD child has more bad
behaviors than good, emphasize the good ones as much as
possible. The more you emphasize the good behaviors your
child does, the better their self-concept will be.

When your child has misbehaved, try to stay as calm as you
possibly can. The more out of control you act, the less
seriously discipline is taken. Make sure when rules are
broken that there are very clear consequences and that they
are delivered in an unemotional manner. Yelling at a child
with ADHD is extremely destructive.

Give your child choices for what they can do. Do not tell
them exactly what they will eat, wear and do.  The more
choices they have, the more independent they will be as time
goes on.

Make sure that the relationship behaviors modeled between
parents are good ones. Children watch what you do, and they
will imitate what they see later on in life. Make sure your
behaviors are positive ones.

It is important that parents have time for themselves, or it
is only natural that you will become stressed out. This is
especially true for mothers who always feel they need to
give 100% of themselves at all time. Even as a mother, you
are an individual and need to take care of yourself as well.

Remember to be strict but kind. It is good to be firm, but
being overly firm is not good either. Make sure your
children know the difference. It is not good to be overly
passive either.

i never thought of things to help her sleep - but I will.  She is the last one to bed and is forever (like for 2 hours) saying...mom this and mom that...she can't shut it off.  Also, I am a single mother of 3 and am exhausted and tired as well.  It is a constant uphill battle in raising an adhd child.  And you also have to think about the 2 that aren't and ensure they get the attention they deserve.  Some nights, i'm not even sleepy, but I go to my room and shut out the lights and shut the door and tell them i'm on strike..just because i am too tired to deal with 'it'....'it' being life....You always have to be one step ahead and believe me i've often fallen 5 steps behind.  My biggest fault is yelling when i get mad or upset.  How do you control your anger...

She is also famous for acting like nothing has happened.  One minute we are in a parent / child struggle and she hates me....then she gets all lovey...and expects you to be able to turn it off and on like she does...like she can't understand why i am mad...since she is not anymore!