Why Parent Training is the Best Approach for Kids with ADHD
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might be expecting therapy sessions that involve your child sitting with a therapist or engaging in play-based activities. However, for children under 12—especially younger children—the most effective approach is behavioral parent training.
What is Parent Training for ADHD?
Parent training focuses on teaching parents techniques to help manage their child’s ADHD symptoms. Instead of working directly with the child, therapists work with parents to equip them with tools they can use at home, school, and in daily life. These strategies focus on positive reinforcement, structure, and consistent discipline to help improve a child’s behavior, self-control, and emotional regulation.
Why Doesn’t Traditional Therapy or Play Therapy Work for ADHD?
While traditional and play therapy can be helpful for some emotional or trauma-related concerns, research has not shown it to be effective for treating ADHD. ADHD is best managed through parent training in behavior management, as parents have the greatest influence on their young child’s behavior.
Only therapy that focuses on training parents is recommended for young children with ADHD because they rely on their parents to help guide and manage their behavior and are not mature enough to change their behavior on their own. Parent training ensures that the adults who spend the most time with the child—the parents—are prepared with skills to guide them effectively.
What Can You Expect from Parent Training?
Parent training typically involves 8 or more sessions, where parents meet with a therapist either individually or in a small group setting. The therapist provides tools, coaching, and feedback to ensure parents feel confident applying strategies at home. Parents also practice techniques between sessions and work with the therapist to adjust approaches as needed.
During parent training, you’ll work with a therapist to:
Learn strategies that encourage positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors.
Understand ADHD and child development to set realistic expectations.
Implement structured routines and consistent discipline techniques.
Practice techniques at home between sessions to reinforce progress.
Monitor your child’s progress and adjust strategies as needed.
The goal is to give you, the parent, the tools you need to help your child succeed at home, at school, and in relationships.
Why Is Parent Training the First Step?
Studies show that behavioral parent training is the recommended first-line treatment for children under 6 and remains highly effective for older children as well. It can help reduce problem behaviors, improve attention, and enhance family dynamics.
For children over 6, parent training in behavior therapy remains the main treatment approach, often in combination with medication. A trained therapist works closely with parents, teaching and refining strategies that can be used at home, in school, and in social settings.
Parent Training in Tampa
Learning and implementing behavior therapy through parent training takes time, consistency, and effort, but the long-term benefits for children are well worth it. With patience and practice, these strategies can lead to meaningful improvements in behavior, emotional regulation, and overall daily functioning. At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, our team of licensed child psychologists and therapists specialize in this evidence-based approach, which gives parents the tools to support their child’s success in managing ADHD-related challenges.
If you have questions about how this approach can help your child, contact us when you’re ready, we are here to help.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/, https://chadd.org/