12 Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, before retiring in 2021, served on the faculties of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Barkley has worked with children, adolescents, and families since the 1970s and is the author of numerous bestselling books for both professionals and the public, including Taking Charge of ADHD and Your Defiant Child. He has also published six assessment scales and more than 300 scientific articles and book chapters on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, executive functioning, and childhood defiance. A frequent conference presenter and speaker who is widely cited in the national media, Dr. Barkley is past president of the Section on Clinical Child Psychology (the former Division 12) of the American Psychological Association (APA), and of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. He is a recipient of awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the APA, among other honors. His website is www.russellbarkley.org.

"A 'must read.' Dr. Barkley's advice about managing a household with a child with ADHD has reduced stress in every aspect of our lives. He thoughtfully emphasizes the importance of self-care, which many parents underestimate. Dr. Barkley's insights gave us a much better understanding of our child, and are thoroughly life changing!"--Jennie R., Hoboken, New Jersey"With compassion and understanding, Dr. Barkley gives you realistic, concrete approaches for the challenging process of raising a child with ADHD. The book helps you understand how your child's brain works, why they struggle, and how to help them develop the skills to be successful in life. Highly recommended!"--Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, Clinical Director, Chesapeake Center for ADHD, Learning and Behavioral Health, Bethesda, Maryland"When my son got his diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed. There is so much ADHD information out there, and not all of it is helpful. I have struggled to really understand my son and how to help him--but this book has changed all that. We are finally rebuilding the connection that I thought was lost forever. Thank you, Dr. Barkley."--Krystle B., Gladstone, Australia"Dr. Barkley dives right into parents’ most pressing questions and offers practical, science-backed guidance. This book will be at the top of my list to recommend to parents."--Stephen P. Becker, PhD, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center-Russell Barkley is clearly at or among the top providers of professional, validated, accurate information on this disorder….All of Barkley's books represent validated, current, and important information for both parents and professionals dealing with the frustrations and joys of having a child with ADHD. Practitioners can, without hesitation, feel confident in recommending this book to parents.--Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 6/23/2021ƒƒClinical psychologist Barkley successfully distills the most practical material from his comprehensive parenting manual, Taking Charge of ADHD, into a concise and accessible guide….Parents in Barkley's target audience should find his guide to be a valuable and reassuring go-to.--Publishers Weekly, 9/21/2020

• - Introduction: Understanding ADHD- Principle 1. Use the Keys to Success- Principle 2. Remember That It’s a Disorder- Principle 3. Be a Shepherd, Not an Engineer- Principle 4. Get Your Priorities Straight- Principle 5. Mindful Parenting: Be There and Be Aware- Principle 6. Promote Your Child’s Self-Awareness and Accountability- Principle 7. Touch More, Reward More, and Talk Less- Principle 8. Make Time Real- Principle 9. Working Memory Isn’t Working: Offload It and Make It Physical!- Principle 10. Get Organized- Principle 11. Make Problem Solving Concrete- Principle 12. Be Proactive: Plan for Difficult Situations at Home and Away- Conclusion: Putting It All Together- Resources- Index