There needs to be a shift in parenting.
Fresh research suggests that adjusting parenting approaches during a child’s early years could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
According to Canadian researchers, when a preschooler demonstrates an “excitable or exuberant” temperament, shifting from a “controlling” parenting style to a more “directive” approach may lead to milder ADHD symptoms as the child grows older.
Dr. Heather Henderson, a developmental psychology professor at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, clarified that “directive” parenting involves guiding the child through verbal and physical cues rather than exerting control. This approach aids in the development of the child’s self-regulatory skills, potentially preventing an escalation of ADHD symptoms over time.
The study underscores the longstanding understanding among psychologists regarding the interaction between a child’s temperament and parental parenting style in shaping ADHD outcomes. Both factors impact the child’s executive function, a crucial aspect of brain development.
Specifically, the research identifies an exuberant temperament, characterized by high excitement, curiosity, and positive responses to new stimuli, as a potential precursor to ADHD onset. While exuberance possesses positive attributes, it is also associated with challenges in self-regulation, working memory, and flexible thinking.
The study, tracking 291 children from infancy to adolescence, reveals that the interplay between temperament and parenting styles significantly influences ADHD symptoms related to memory and cognition. Children with less directive parenting tended to exhibit increased ADHD symptoms over time.
The findings, published in the journal Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, suggest that symptoms of ADHD may persist in cases involving very young children with exuberant temperaments and less directive parenting, highlighting the importance of early intervention and parenting strategies in managing ADHD trajectories.
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