Life comes with many challenges which is why it’s important for kids to have and develop their coping skills, especially when they are dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), anxiety and mood issues. This is because fostering coping skills for kids with ADHD, SPD, Anxiety and mood issues empowers kids to effectively manage their emotions, navigate difficulties, and enhance their overall well-being.
Children and teenagers with ADHD frequently experience challenges in tasks they find difficult or dislike due to their poor attention and heightened impulsivity. Their low frustration tolerance stems from a combination of these factors. They often lack the necessary coping mechanisms to effectively manage the discomfort and emotions that arise when faced with challenging situations or when things don't go as planned.
To address this, parents should prioritize teaching coping skills for kids with ADHD. These skills will enable them to navigate everyday obstacles more effectively. By mastering these coping strategies, children can develop the resilience and adaptability needed to confront daily difficulties, ultimately equipping them with valuable tools for adulthood.
This episode is the first part kicking off our three-part series on building coping skills for kids with ADHD and neurodivergent kids and those who have special needs or behavioral or mental health problems.
What are Coping Skills for Kids with ADHD, SPD, Anxiety and Mood Issues and why are they so important?
Coping skills are skills that help you manage stressful events. It all boils down to knowing how to manage and having resources when things get rough. Being able to tolerate stress and still getting the problem solved is something that an individual with amazing coping skills can do.
These skills are built over time; we’re not born with them. There's no magic wand for this. Moreover, establishing and maintaining a supportive circle of family and friends can provide emotional support during tough times.
Coping skills are what builds resilience, self regulation, and grit. All of these skills are essential in every aspect of our lives. Keep in mind that our goal is to create independent human beings and along with problem solving skills, we need coping skills.
Why do special needs kids need even more reinforcement?
It takes 34 times doing something for us to learn it at an innate level. For example, you had to cut tomatoes 34 times so that your brain can learn how to do it on autopilot. And when you have a learning and processing issue, at a minimum rate, it has to be done three times that amount.
Special needs kids are often faced with challenges in relation to their condition which significantly affects their learning abilities, social interactions, communication skills, and overall development. As such, it’s important to provide them with even more reinforcement to help address these challenges and ensure that they receive the support they need to thrive.
What you can do to foster coping skills for kids with ADHD.
In order to foster coping skills to your kids, you have to be a role model to them. You have to be the CEO of your kid’s mental health because positive change starts at home.
It’s vital for you to consistently reinforce the positive behaviors that you want in your kids. This is the key to fostering coping skills and further improving your kid’s mental health and frustration tolerance. It’s also important to note that these things are a lot easier when you have a regulated brain and body.
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For more information, you can read these blog posts on Anxiety Coping Skills for Teens and 10 Essential Coping Skills for Kids with ADHD
Links and Resources:
➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.
➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here.
➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz.
