The holidays may have already passed but in order for parents to be able to look forward to this year’s holidays, here are some tips that can help you with your ADHD teen when this year’s holiday season comes around.
These tips are inspired by Celebrate! ADHD Founder Kirk Martin.
Martin says, “Most families self-destruct and miss out on the spirit of the season. We think parents can make this the most special holiday season ever by working with their child’s nature, instead of against it.”

He says that you can make the most of your child’s personality by keeping these tips in mind in order to keep the holiday season flowing smoothly.

• Give more of yourself to your teen than things. Instead of just offering your adolescent presents, it’s a better idea to tend to them yourselves. Give your ADHD teen some one-on-one time. Give your teen warm memories of togetherness as gifts rather than just material presents.

• Focus on your teen’s self-image. Another special gift you can give your ADHD teen is helping him cultivate his own inner gifts. By nurturing your teen’s confidence and positive self-image, you are helping him make the most of his own natural gifts and talents. Think of presents which can cultivate these talents like more music books to enjoy and study for a musician or a new art set for a painter.

• Praise is the perfect present. Positive reinforcement is always important for teenagers going through adolescence. There are already a lot of struggles which teens have to face during this time of transition but with your positive reinforcement they can keep seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty. When you give praise to their good efforts and actions, this makes them feel good and encourages them to repeat these good actions. Simple praise can help keep your teen on the right track.

• Focus on giving more than receiving.  This is an important tip that is not only good for ADHD teens but for all. By making giving a family tradition during the holidays, you are setting a good example that your teen may not only enjoy but want to pass on to others.

• Try and make the holidays a holiday off from stress. If the atmosphere in your household is normally stressful due to your teen’s behavior, try and change the aura of your home by taking a vacation yourself from handling your ADHD teen with negativity. Reward him even when reaching small goals.