The University of Waterloo found that hyperactive parents may be able to prevent ADHD by modifying their parenting style. The study indicated that eager kids may struggle with self-control and executive functions. Stricter parents can assist their kids control their urges and prevent ADHD worsening.
According to a University of Waterloo study, parents of early children with energetic or irritable temperaments can dramatically reduce their child’s risk of ADHD by adjusting their parenting style. Developmental psychologists say temperament, parenting, and brain executive functions affect ADHD symptoms in children. The study, co-authored by Waterloo developmental psychology professor Dr. Heather Henderson, discovered distinct risk factors for ADHD. Starting targeted interventions early is crucial.
Dr. Henderson thinks kids with “exuberance.” temperaments may be more susceptible to develop ADHD. This includes being eager, curious, and sociable around new people and situations. Family concerns may contribute. The study suggests that parents can improve ADHD risk factors by becoming more involved in their children’s conduct. They can support their child in a new scenario by delivering verbal and physical hints.
Exuberant toddlers can be wonderful, but research suggests they may struggle to control their emotions and use their working memory and reasoning in new ways. From four months to fifteen years old, researchers tracked 291 kids. At three years, they examined the youngsters’ behavior and parent-child interactions. At age 4, they examined kids’ executive functioning. They examined parents’ ADHD reports six times between five and 15. The research found that temperament and upbringing affect a child’s executive function development.
Having an extroverted early temperament, low executive functions, and parents who aren’t involved and direct with their child in new settings tends to worsen ADHD symptoms in childhood. “ADHD symptoms usually stay the same from 5 to 9 years old and get better from 9 to 15 years old.” “However, that stabilization may not happen in cases that are expected, like very young children with hyperactive behavior and parents who are less strict,” added Henderson.
“More directive parenting, which is not controlling but guides the child with verbal and physical cues, can help develop the child’s self-regulatory skills and prevent their ADHD symptoms from increasing,” stated.
Conclusion
Researchers at the University of Waterloo believe that changing how parents parent their hyperactive children may prevent ADHD. Dr. Heather Henderson helped design the study, which indicated that youngsters with “exuberance” features including being eager, interested, and positive reactions to new settings and those from ADHD households may be more prone to acquire ADHD symptoms. Parental involvement and direction, such as verbal and physical cues, can modify ADHD pathways, according to the study. The study also indicated that ADHD symptoms worsen with age. This is especially true if the child has a high temperament at an early age, limited executive functions, and lax parents.
