I Think I Hate my Teenager

Guilt, anger, and grief are natural responses to raising a child with special needs. Take care of yourself -- and protect your relationship with your child -- by managing those feelings appropriately.

Parenting is not for the weak of heart. Even before your baby comes home from the hospital, you've already earned a merit badge for getting through pregnancy and labor (or years of waiting, if you've adopted).

Early milestones are exciting times, as well. You've probably got piles of photos and DVDs documenting your child's firsts. Like all parents, you've fretted over each stage of development: Will Johnny talk on schedule? Will he ever potty train? Will he do well in school, have friends, and be happy?

Worries for ADHD Parents

If you're the parent of a teen with ADHD, multiply your concerns by 10. You worry about driving, drugs, sex, alcohol, depression, peer influences, grades, and more. ADHD teens are more prone to these behaviors because they are more impulsive and immature. They don't recognize the consequences of their actions as do their non-ADHD counterparts.

At this stage, parents have to be proactive, more involved and vigilant, and must intervene quickly before their ADHD teen's behaviors spin out of control. Parents begin to get frustrated, exhausted, resentful, and ready to throw in the towel.

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To finish reading the full story, visit the ADDitude Magazine website: http://bit.ly/2cOpDj8.