On the other side of the fence from teachers lie the parents of children with ADD. Dealing with a child who has the disorder can be frustrating for parents if they are unsure of how to handle its symptoms. Parents may be frustrated by the lack of resources in the crowded school system and unsure of what to do if their child is sent home with a recommendation to see a doctor. They may be unaware that their child’s poor grades or inability to focus is actually the result of a real learning disability.

Parents should not assume teachers who suggest ADD as a possibility are simply trying to pass their children into the prescription drug system without reason. In fact, some children will not need medication. Whether it is best for the child to remain on medication or not, parents are responsible for helping to structure their children’s lives in such a way as to make dealing with the disorder a daily part of life.

Parents who recognize their children are simply gifted may have a difficult time dealing with the school system and challenging their children enough to keep them interested in school. On the other hand, parents of children with ADD face an even greater set of challenges. Their child may excel in one area of study but fail another. How can an overworked set of teachers deal with this kind of learning disability? How can parents adjust their home life to provide structure and guidance to their children?

In all likelihood, parents will at some point blame themselves for their child’s behavior. They will question the structure of their home environment or their capacity as parents. One key consideration parents should make is learning the basics behind ADD. Parents should know the underlying causes of the disorder and the general theory of how it works. Knowing that home environment is not a factor in the development of the disorder can provide a great relief of guilt and burden to the child’s parents.

Parents can then consult their child’s doctor to determine the best course of action in treating the disorder. Whether or not the child needs medication, the doctor can offer several suggestions as to who to contact or what to do in order to make both the parents’ and child’s lives easier.